THE MADS VIRTUALLY RIFF “THE BRAIN EATERS”!
Mystery Science Theater 3000‘s Frank Conniff and Trace Beaulieu are “taking movie riffing back onstage” once again in a livestreamed event – this time 6:00 pm MT Tuesday, September 14.
The two, who starred as Dr. Clayton Forrester and TV’s Frank on MST3K, are riffing 1958’s The Brain Eaters! This show will mark their 15th time performing together virtually during the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic. A Q&A session with Special Guests Marcus Parks & Carolina Hidalgo (Last Podcast on the Left, Movie Sign with the Mads) follows the movie screening.
Past guests have included Lizz Winstead (The Daily Show co-creator), Mike Nelson (Mystery Science Theater 3000, RiffTrax), Victoria Price (daughter of horror legend Vincent Price), Jonah Ray (host of Mystery Science Theater 3000), Kevin Murphy (Mystery Science Theater 3000, RiffTrax), Bridget Nelson (Mystery Science Theater 3000, RiffTrax), Dana Gould (The Simpsons, Stan Against Evil), Andy Kindler (Maron, Bob’s Burgers), J. Elvis Weinstein (writer for Mystery Science Theater 3000), Bill Corbett (Mystery Science Theater 3000, Rifftrax) Mary Jo Pehl (writer and performer on Mystery Science Theater 3000) and Rich Koz (host of MeTV’s Svengooglie)
The Brain Eaters is a B&W science-fiction horror film, released in 1958, directed by Bruno VeSota and including a brief appearance by Star Trek‘s Leonard Nimoy. In Riverdale, IL, a man carrying a lighted, basketball-sized glass container bumps into a pedestrian. The container is broken, a fight ensues, and a hissing sound is heard. Glenn Cameron and his fiancée, Elaine Cameron are out driving when they are distracted by a bright light. They stop to investigate in nearby woods and find three dead animals, coming upon a large, cone-shaped, spiral metal structure resembling a rocket nose cone. Two days later in Washington, DC, a flying saucer investigation committee reviews classified army footage of the object. Sen. Walter K. Powers and his assistant Dan Walker arrive late. The metal object stands 50 feet high and has a base diameter of 50 feet. The nature and origin of the object is unknown.
A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Friends In Need Food Shelf in Minneapolis.
Viewers will be able to tune in from anywhere in the world. Anyone who purchases a ticket will gain access to re-watch the livestream and download it for personal viewing.
Tickets for the September 14 livestreamed event are $10.00 plus a service fee. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mads-the-brain-eaters-live-online-riffing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I watch this anywhere in the world?
A: Yes. As long as you have internet access you will be able to watch and/or download the show.
Q: What is the format of the show like? Will there be silhouettes like on MST3K?
A: While the film plays, only the voices of The Mads will be heard riffing. Trace & Frank will only be on screen during the very beginning for a quick intro and again at the end of the show for a Q&A.
Q: Where will the livestream be broadcast?
A: Most likely on YouTube, but we cannot guarantee this. Unfortunately, sometimes YouTube will flag content in the public domain without reason or warning. We run multiple tests to ensure the movies we select will livestream over YouTube without getting pulled due to their strict copyright restrictions. If this happens during one of our tests, we will find an alternate platform (most likely Twitch) and notify all ticket holders with enough time to prepare their setup.
Q: Is the show appropriate for children?
A: That depends on what kind of parent you are. Strong language is used, but that’s it. Think of it as being rated a “hard PG-13.”
Q: Where will the livestream be broadcast?
A: The show will broadcast via a private YouTube link which will be sent to ticket holders an hour prior to showtime.
Q: Can I watch the show on my TV?
A: Probably! If you have a smartphone and a streaming device (like Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, etc.) you should be able to “cast” from the YouTube app on your phone to the YouTube app on your streaming device. Availability of this feature depends on your own personal setup. Visit here for instructions.
Q: Can I still watch the event even if I can’t tune in live?
A: Yes! Anyone who purchases a ticket prior to showtime will receive a link to download the show within 24 hours of the broadcast ending. If you don’t receive an email with instructions on how to access your download after 24 hours, please email chris@dumb-industries.com.
Q: Where can I buy official Mads merchandise?
A: Tim Holly designs The Mads’ t-shirts and posters and can be purchased on his website.
Q: Can I gift a ticket to a friend?
A: Yes! If you are doing this, make sure to enter their name and email address on the attendee’s info at checkout. This way they’ll receive all the emails on how to access the livestream and download the show afterwards. If you forgot to enter their info, just email chris@dumb-industries.com to update it.
Q: I never got an email confirmation or instructions on how to access the livestream and/or download. Help!
A: Email chris@dumb-industries.com for any issues regarding not receiving emails.