What are people saying about Silion?
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Microcinefest 2000 Underground Film Festival
An Ed Wood "parody"? Not really. Ballentine accomplishes something amazing and unusual here; he seems to have almost CHANNELED Wood's work, rather than parodying it. That's SILION's strength, and in some ways its liability also. The washed-out lighting, stilted dialogue, bad acting, OVER-acting, flimsy sets, day-and-night shots within the same scene, clumsy editing and um, "special effects" are all done to perfection (if that's the right term). However, in some ways it recalls the truly unwatchable aspects of Wood's films. As a result, it seems much longer than its relatively brief 38 minutes. Of course, to some extent, that's an invalid criticism; that's like saying Ballentine and his crew did their jobs TOO well. SILION's approach leaves it almost hermetically sealed from any sort of serious analysis. And THAT's a rare accomplishment. If you're a Wood fan, or have even a passing familiarity with the man's work, you'll find plenty to enjoy in THEY CAME FOR THE SILION. (Scott Wallace Brown)
B-Side Hollywood
"This is a fun flick! SILION is an homage to the b-films of the 40's and 50's and damned if they got it right. SILION seems to suppose what would happen if Plan 9 from Outer Space, and Bride of the Monster were one movie and they pull it off very successfully. The sets, effects and performances seem lifted from the Ed Wood films and pasted here with love. Director Jeff Ballentine obviously loves these old cheezy flicks and it shows. He paid attention and tips the hat nicely. I find that the most clever B-movies are the ones that wear their budgets on their sleeves rather than trying to pretend it is a much more expensive movie. This is one of the good ones."
Veni Graphics - Letter from the Vice President: Thanks for the movie, They Came For the Silion. I watched it with my college age daughter last night and we both thought it was a hoot. I commend you on your creative tongue in cheek entertainment on a limited budget. You really have a talent...
Elemental Magazine - Issue #19
What's important to you?
J.C.B. - Having a good time in life. Pleasure and happiness are the meaning of life.
Is there a reason you didn't go to film school?
The deciding factor against the rat race of school was and is all the waiters out there looking to make it big, all the maxed out credit cards for low budget films that produce nothing but debt. It was a scary decision not to go but since I grew up with computers, thanks to my grandfather, I opted for the corporate route. It was a sure thing leaving my finances secure for both my everyday needs and my hobby.
Tell me about Feature from the Black Lagoon?
I produced a weekly summer show on public access channel 12 in '99 that accepted video submissions from around the world. It was nice but very time consuming so I've put it off for the moment.
Growing up in Valdosta, Ga. Small southern town. The whole 70s Southern Baptist thing running rampant. How has this effected your views on religion?
I was raised Methodist, then came College. Shortly after, I attended a non-denomination type of church for awhile. I don't attend church now but I do consider myself to be a God-fearing, southern man.
God-fearing? What do you think about Hate?
I think - I Hate the idea of losing your dream by trying too hard in the pursuit of it.
Are you proud of your achievements? 10 movies? Self-produced?
Hell yeah, but is it worth a boring job, Jeff? Maybe I have failed. Maybe I could have been...more. But I can say this, I have a good life and I enjoy it all the more everyday.
THEY CAME FOR THE SILION is an homage to the '40s-'50s/Ed Woods/Plan 9/super cheesy type of flick. You can view the trailer at http://www.blacklagoon.net/silion.
Stay up -- Me.
A.E. Rice Jr.