EPISODE 1: The Pilot Project

HAMMER COMICS
PRESENTS:
Interview: Craig F. Watkins, Director of new comedy lm The Store. Letter: The Last Year from Zak McDonald, star of The Store.

5 Questions with:

Comedian Gavin Stephens Also Featuring: One-Pager Comic Strips A Real Man Recipe Ask the Dude AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
Printed with eco-friendly vegetable wax!

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MASTHEAD Mike Gagnon Mike Gagnon Publisher, Layouts, Collaborator Brandon Sobel Ad Sales, Distribution, Collaborator, P.I.C. Matt Warner Editor Contributors: Zak McDonald Manolis Zontanos Brandon Sobel Chef Raoul Mike Gagnon Mike crash landed on Earth after his parents launched him in a rocket. They never expected he would survive. He works as a writer, colorist and illustrator for comic book publishers of all sizes, from Marvel Comics to small press. He is currently promoting his creator owned, cowritten Avengers spoof comic, The Almighties, at www.thealmighties.com.

Brandon Sobel Hailing from the burbs before storming through the dirty, downtown core; amateur comedian, Brandon Sobel, has an impeccable duo of both boyish good looks and charm. A towering ve foot ve, Brandons fresh face includes, exceptional observational wit and a tremendous stage presence. Residing above the local bong emporium, The Guy Upstairs has a background in self taught screen writing, over a decade of freestyle rap experience, and a vast knowledge of useless lm and television facts. Brandon spends the days in extensive school for real estate or employed at his family owned bridal boutique. If you buy your house from me, the dress is FREE! - Brandon Sobel (some restirctions apply)

Thanks: Craig F. Watkins Gavin Stephens Feast your peepers on: hammercomics.com

CRAIG WATKINS TALKS ABOUT THE STORE with Mike Gagnon

I Recently had the pleasure of interviewing comedian Craig Watkins during the open mic comedy night at the Corktown Pub, located at 175 Young Street in Hamilton. Watkins is the Producer/Director of The Store, a new independent comedy starring Anthony Mlekuz and Zak McDonald as a pair of bumbling robbers who try to use crime as a tool to solve their problems in life. Q: Where did the idea for The Store come from? CW: Well, the story itself is based on real life. It takes place in a convenience store because its based on a time in my life when I worked at a convenience store and was rather unhappy about it. Anthonys character is loosely based on me in that time of my life. The rest of the events are ctional. In fact one of the funnest parts of making this lm was not knowing where the actors would go. I decided early on that I would put as little effort into writing it as possible. (laughs) I knew where the story would start and where it would end and allowed the cast members to make up the rest. I feel this story improvisation really brought a sense of energy and unpredictabilioty to the lm that approaching it in a formulaic manner wouldnt have achieved. I didnt know what would happen in the journey between these two guys, because no one did, and it made it really fun to shoot. Q: How did your actors respond to starring in a movie where they were making up

the story as it went along? Was it more of a challenge or was it creatively freeing? CW: I think it was both at different times, but we never lost that sense of fun and the idea of topping what we had already done. Not knowing where it would go next kept everyone on thier toes. I know both Anthony and Zak had a great time creating comedy on the spot while cameras were rolling and trying wildly different takes of the scenes to see what worked best. Q: Aside from the challenge of improvising on lm, were there any other unexpected challenges? CW: Well of course we had the usual expected challenges of sets, lighting, budget, timing like any other lm, but the unexpected challenge came from some of Hamiltons Finest arresting one of our supporting actors in the middle of shooting his scene. He was dressed as a Police ofcer and playing a cop that arrests the main characters in the lm. We were doing

multiple takes of him going in and out of the front door, busting in to tell our characters to freeze and they were under arrest. The next thing we knew we had a SWAT team surrounding the store with our actor being cuffed on the pavement for attempted robbery. They didnt seem interested in the entire lm crew or actor trying to explain that we were lming a movie. The crew and bystanders caught it on their phones. Its all over youtube. All because a guy was just doing his job and playing a part. Guess it got us some advance press though. The Store is independently distributed by the lms creators. The trailer can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=RDhwhvXohMc You can catch the world premiere of The Store at The Staircase Theatre 27 Dundurn Street North, Hamilton at on September 22nd.

THE LAST YEAR Zak McDonald

The last year of my life has been the best worst year ever. At the beginning of last summer, I started seriously getting into stand up comedy. At the time, I had stopped doing stand up comedy for a couple of months, due to frustration and feelings that I was not very good. My friend and fellow comedian Gavin Stephens, told me 99 percent of comedians think they are going to destroy that rst night on stage. Sadly, this was not the case for me. When I started, I knew I was going to be terrible. I did it because I loved it, and started off really bad. Really, really bad but thats how everyone starts out. The rst time I felt good, I did a show at a gay bar and destroyed it. I got free beer and nachos. It was the best day of my life! To me it felt like a continual struggle but other people told me I was doing, occasionally well. A few months later, I stopped doing stand up for a short time.Until Patrick Coppolino asked if I would like a spot on the Hamilton Yuk Yuks amateur night. I accepted because I rarely got asked to perform. Truthfully, I dont know if I would have ever done stand up again if it wasnt for that Facebook message. I opened my set with a rant on why I hated working at McDonalds. It wasnt a well written joke but I performed it well and was passionate. My friends liked it and I was proud. That was the day that changed my life; I knew I was never going to stop doing stand up. Over the summer, I worked hard developing new material and got better. I also developing bonds with my peers in the Hamilton comedy scene and started to earn respect from audiences, my peers and most importantly, myself. Ive always been a loner and in my own head. As a mature young man, I had already gone from living with my crack head mom to moving in with my dad with thirteen different schools in between. I nally felt important and that I t in!

In the fall, I forged new friendships with Manolis Zontanos and Patrick Coppolino, my best friends to date. I thought that these guys were two of the funniest guys I had ever seen do comedy. They had already earned respect from some of the greatest comedians from all over the world and now I had earned their respect. I remember telling Manolis about my past; living in a car, my mom,

everything. In a moment of clarity, Manolis was curious, why arent you doing that on stage? From that point on that quote became clear and will always stick out. I began new material on being a crack baby, being a virgin and disappointing my parents. Probably the hardest things for me to talk about. From that point I felt a shift. Over the next year, I did my rst booked show, rst

paid show and rst show on the road. I also starred in a movie and through Pat and Manolis, I have met some hugely talented comedians that I had always respected. I built two life long friendships that changed my life forever. Im not a superstar and I havent accomplished much but Ive accomplished more in stand up than I ever dreamed of. I am proud of who I am and am condent in what I can do. I do believe this is a time to constantly grow, reminding myself of what I have done and what I need to do. Bill Parcells said, Theres a big difference between routine and commitment. This is the time for me to dedicate myself to being the person I want to be and succeed at a

higher level. I see my enjoying having success around me and I want that too. I know its in my hands. By the way, I lost my virginity this year, too. War and Hate forever, Zak McDonald
Watch Zak star in the preimere of The Store @ The Staircase Theatre on Sept. 22nd. He will compete Sept 21 as a rising Star at Staircase theatre. Visit: zakmcdonald.tumblr.com

The New Generation Youth Centre is an inclusive, positive space where young people are supported to develop leadership, work together, and build community. NGEN recognizes that young peoples identities cannot be put into a box. Programs are open to all youth.
NGEN Youth Centre

We are unique. We strongly believe in the power of youth to do great things!

Through mentorship and teamwork, we work together to encourage empowerment and development. If you are a youth who has ideas or would like a place to be yourself, come and be a part of what were building!

When and where to nd us:

Tuesday WednesdayFriday 3:006:00 p.m. 3:009:00 p.m.

24 Main Street West (Beside the bus terminal on MacNab St) downtownyouthcentre@gmail.com

Programs @ NGEN:
Homework Help: Daily help with homework. Drop in, make friends, and improve your grades. Cooking Class: Share skills, culture and great food. Roots to Leaf: R2L is an arts-based alternative education program, focusing on the four elements of Hiphop: Beatmaking, Emceeing, Breaking and Grafti. Steel Express Beginner & Intermediate Breaking Lessons: Through mentorship & youth-led teaching, participants learn athleticism and fundamentals of breaking. Thursday 6:008:30 p.m. Drop-In: Our space is open for youth to drop-in, hang out, join various activities and feel at home. Youth Action Committee: Youth leaders interested in incorporating youth-led initiatives and ideas into this space and into the community. NGEN is a collaborative initiative of Boys & Girls Club of Hamilton, Empowerment Squared, Centenary United Church, and the youth of NGEN. Boys & Girls Clubs of Hamilton | 9

ASK THE DUDE!

(Questions submited from our readers)

Q: How do you get laid? (Mayce Galoni) A: Dont think about getting laid.

Q: Best date ever. (Josh SHUA Durand, Hamilton) A: When you get a blow job and you dont have to tap. Q: I have a boyfriend but I slept with his best friend. (Anonymous) A: Youre a C#NT!....... Thank you for all your questions, you can message me your questions @ManolisZontanos

142 James St. North, Hamilton

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www.hammercomics.com Your ad could have been For more details e-mail:

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or visit:

301 James St. N Hamilton, ON L8L 1H3 289-389-5647 Great food, affordable prices! Open Wed-Sun

STUFF TO WATCH Brandon Sobel

Workaholics In early April 2011 Comedy Central introduced the world to Blake, Adam and Anders; three slacker roommates who also share a cubical at a telemarketing company. Fresh out of college and continuing their national lampoon life style, the boys slowly transition into adulthood. Recently, Workaholics, concluded its third season and continues to be authentic, - written by its stars and based on real life friendships. For anyone who considers themselves odd and in refusal of conversion, this show is a must watch. The League Premiered in late October, 2009. The League is a semi improvised American sitcom based on the online sports obsession of Fantasy Sports. Exploring the lives of 30-somethings competing for championships in an online, fantasy football league while balancing their real lives as professionals. The league delivers crude, crass but ultimately amusing television. The series revolves around six friends, who will do anything to win, ultimately affecting their marriages, friendships and families. Life behind the fantasy! The Inbetweeners A multiple award winning British sitcom, The Inbetweeners aired from 2008 to 2010 on E4. Following the life of a suburban teenager and three of his friends, TIB is very adult in nature. The environment is skillfully crafted, involving almostcliched situations such as school bullying, broken homes and ridiculous sexual encounters. After three series the show ended with a movie release in the United States. For those of us that were not considered cool in high school,

but lucky enough to not be left at the bottom. For those of us who were considered, inbetweeners.

109 King St. East, Hamilton

105 King St. East 905-529-1164

MUSIC
Song of Semptember: My friend this is known as the EPIC tune. Dont Go by DJ Justin Martin, so awesome, enjoy the ensuring dance party - Martin Kocandrle LOCAL Martin Gerber writes and records music out of his home. Collaborations with different musicians are a vital part of the creative process, as the synergy between artists can raise projects to greater heights. The generes produced are varied and include inuences from rock, jazz, hip-hop and electronic music. You can catch Martin every other Thursday @ Weekly Comedy at Waxys Deli. www.soundcloud.com/martingerber

Martin Gerber at his day job as a physicist.

Weekend Riot Club

Weekend Riot Club is a band born out of passion. A passion which manifested in song before cascading into reality. When Melissa Marchese was introduced to Mike Chetcuti, they were both in the middle of souring marriages; relationships that mirrored their own unfullled dreams. The chemistry between Mike and Melissa was instantaneous, sparking an intense working relationship that inspired Mike to write songs about Melissa. At rst, the songs acted as secret love letters, which were kept a mystery to everyone but the author. Weeks passed before Melissa came to the realization that the songs were about her. At that moment of clarity, the two were forced to part. Their personal lives were crumbling around them, making it impossible for them to work together or to even see one another again. Luckily, the cosmos thought better, bringing Mike and Melissa together again to explore the undeniable, magnetic

energy between them. In 2010 they decided they were ready to make Weekend Riot Club a focal point in their lives and began work on what would be their rst album, Psychotropia. Psychotropia manages to bottle the relentless energy and procient technicality of the bands live show, while showcasing infectious melodies and hidden sonic depths. The songs evolved from the microcosm of their own lives, becoming a medium where they could explore larger themes. Human suffering, political turmoil and irtation with insanity are tackled through the lens of love and hope. Their message became as important as the music; one wouldnt exist without the other. Working with a producer as respected as Nick Blagona (Deep Purple, The Sheepdogs, Alexisonre) denitely enhanced every aspect of the recording. The production comes across in sterling high denition, these songs beg to be played loud! The thunderous work of drummer Paul Fontes rains down from the heavens, while Marchese and Chetcuti seem to be moulded out of the same being. In a world where attempts at buying chemistry are commonplace, the authenticity of Weekend Riot Club shines through. There are moments in most lives when one will be faced with a decision; stay with what we know, or potentially give up everything for the chance at something extraordinary. Psychotropia is an album that demonstrates a band giving up everything to reach new heights. Psychotropia is an aural snapshot of a group of people accepting the life they were meant for.

Restaurant Reviews
Brandon Sobel

Jack and Lois (301 James Street North) Gourmet food with a pub feel. Affordable and delicious! A lot of chronic vegitarian options. Owner Eric Bowden knows whats up. Not only can you eat like royalty but the atmosphere is awless. Glassless front windows create a modern day diner feel. Watch your food being cooked and, if you come at the right time, the backyard loaded with a bar and great entertainment. Not only are the food and venue unreal, but Erics team really stands out. The great staff understand the dedication in Chef Shanes kitchen. I have personally gone to Jack and Lois 5 of the last 7 days, and plan on continuing to defeat the menu. While you wait, bask in the glory of homemade patato chips. Each table is equiped with a scipt from your favorite movie collection.

Waxys Deli (202 King Street E.) Hamiltons authentic delicatessen. Mr and Mrs. Waxman bring Waxys famous smoked meat sandwiches to Hamiltons core. All delicious deli sandwichs available; roast beef, corned beef, salami, smoked meat, turkey, etc., homemade burgers, and an assortment of breakfest options. Waxy also has a dessert counter of mouth watering treats for any sweet tooth. I wish I was eating a corn beef sandwhich right now...

SHUA DURAND
Josh Shua Durand is a 22 year old man who, has struggled with addiction and alcoholism his whole adult life. Growing up in Brantford, Ontario, as an only child with sketchy friends, he was introducted to the dark world of the drug game. In 2010, Shua got clean and sober from all substances and realized that he had a gift for writing short poems based on life experiences. 2 years later, Shua Durand is making a name for himself in the Hamilton music scene. With his inspirational Hip-Hop music, he is trying to carry a message of hope and truth to any and all people in the world who struggle with addiction. Josh is currently working on his rst album, which will be released in the fall of 2012, called Been There, Done That. You can catch Shua every Sunday at Hush for comedy/freestyle open mics and every other week at Weekly Comedy at Waxys Deli... www.soundcloud.com/josh-shua-durand Shua recently won the Rise Up Talent Showcase on Aug. 25th, claiming a cash prize and free photo shoot!

5 Questions with Gavin Stephens

Mike: What made you decide to try stand-up comedy as a career? Gavin: I guess I was always funny in school and around my friends. There is something about just being funny. There was a point in my career where the process of creating and delivering a joke was what I was really into, I was very technical, very controlled. However doing comedy as long as I have, the more comfortable Ive gotten. Now its like Im just being funny with my friends every time Im on stage. Mike: Do people recognize you from your many television appearances on Just for Laughs, Comedy Inc. and Comedy Now? What is that like? Gavin: I do get noticed, and its always nice to have someone say your name.

What differences have you seen between the Toronto Comedy scene and the one here in Hamilton? There isnt much difference between the two. Maybe Toronto is more focused on the business of comedy, where as Hamilton is more about guring out the craft. Honestly, it really boils down to size, its hard to compare, really. What is Schrodingers Laugh? Its the new show at Homegrown Hamilton were putting on, on September 29th. Its a comedy, nerd-friendly-alt show with some Hamilton comedians, doing some different, smarter material. Im really looking forward to it. If you had to create your own elaborate lab experiment, what would it be? Ive always been partial to the Milgram experiment. Toying with peoples moralities and ideas of what we consider good and bad has always been something that intrigued me. I kind of like to think of my act as a bit of lab experiment in that way. -----Canadas most popular nerd comedian, he was born to mixed race parents in the suburbs of Toronto. Gavins comedy draws from the same Saturday-morning cartoons, sugary cereal, science-ction and living in our moms basements background that he shares with his audiences. These inuences are quite evident in a skillful style, which balances between playful irony, pop culture irreverence and morbid silliness. Gavin revels in hilarious nostalgia and the refusal to be a responsible adult.

Hammer COmics Presents:

SCHRODINGERS LAUGH!
A hilarious night of stand-up comedy featuring:

Pat Coppolino Mayce Galoni Anthony Mlekuz Headliner:

Gavin Stephens
Plus: A special guest!

Homegrown Hamilton 27 King William Street

Saturday Sept 29th . 8pm $15

www.curamgroup.com

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Hamilton Scenes After Midnight, Munchie Menu

MIDDLE EASTERN: Bastonis Shwarma and Grill 224 King Street West AMERICAN DINNER: Wimpys 405 Main Street West (24/7) BAR/PUB STYLE: Big Eds 132 Queen Street S (Delivery ((905-528-6907)) Monday Thursday: 5:30 pm to 3:00 am Friday, Saturday: 5:30 pm to 4:00 am Sunday: 5:30 pm 12 am PIZZA: Queens Pizza 178 Queen Street South (FREE Delivery ((907-577-0900)) POUTINE: Smokes Poutinerie 112 George Street (289 389 8779) Monday, Tuesday: 11:00 am 11:00 pm Wednesday, Thursday: 11:00 am 3:00 am Friday, Saturday: 11:00 am 4:00 am CHINESE: Pagoda Downtown 85 1/2 King Street East (Delivery upstairs of Pizza Pizza ((905 522 6766)). Monday - Wednesday: 11:30 am 1:00 am Thursday, Friday: 11:30 am 2:30 am Saturday: 2:00 pm 2:30 am Sundaya: 2:00 pm 12:00 am GREEK-ISH: Tally Ho Restaurant 1536 Main Street West Sunday -Thursday: 10:00 am 2:00 am Friday, Saturday: 10:00 am 3:00 am

REAL MAN CHILI Chef Raoul

Ideally Chili is found pre-assembled in a can. If there is no canned chili to be found in your cupboards, your girlfriend must have forgotten to get some the last time you sent her to do your food shopping. Make a mental note to have a talk with her about that later. In the meantime: dump 2 cans of beans into a large pot. (2 cans are necessary for a real man hunger.) Place the pot on one of the burners on top of the stove mechanism in your kitchen, where your woman usually does her cooking. Take a close look at all the dials and see if you can gure out how to turn it on. If not, call your mother or grandmother and follow her verbal instructions. Now, every man knows that chili isnt chili without lots of meat. Check your freezer for meat. Ideally, ground beef is best, but any meat, be it sausages or cold cuts will do. Stuff as much meat as you can in the pot containing the beans. Many a mans rst instinct is to make a chili without vegetables, however, the savvy man knows that vegetables are important not only as ller, but they also turn a meal of questionable nutrition into a healthy dietary choice. Go back to your cupboard and grab a can of vegetable soup, adding it to your pot. If there is no vegetable soup, write a note to your girlfriend reminding her of what is and isnt important in her food shopping duties. If you are one of those whose girlfriends cannot shop properly, check your fridge, there is probably a bag of pre-made salad in there for her to eat. Open that and dump it into the pot with the rest of your ingredients.

Cook at the highest possible heat for the shortest cooking time. Cook until it looks done. Save on future dirty dishes by eating directly out of the pot with a large spoon. If your girlfriend arrives while you are eating your man chili and asks what shes supposed to eat for supper, tell her to check the fridge for her bag of salad. When she returns telling you it is not there, tell her that it is not your responsibility to keep track of her eating habits. Remind her that maybe she should try to not eat her way through the groceries so quickly in the future.

Continue to enjoy your chili as she stares silently with a look of hurt and anguish on her face. Do not make eye contact and continue watching TV as if she is not there. The only time silence should be broken is if you discover that your beer is empty and need her to fetch another one for you from the fridge. Note: Chili is known for having the reputation of causing gaseous expulsions from your digestive tract. This is often an occurrence which girlfriends act disgusted by and complain about. Avoid these aggravated comments and judgmental stares by telling your girlfriend that these are not rude explosions of putrid gas as she believes, but they are in fact special kisses, just for her. Follow these tips and, if youre a real man, youll never suffer malnourishment and starvation in your own living room again. Youll be an ace with all the best ladies in town!

Mon.- Fri. 10am-8pm Sat. & Sun. 10am-6pm