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“Back Alley Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of Yule Log”: A Satirical Spin on Small-Town Scandal

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We’re thrilled to introduce Matt Barrett and Kyle Bishop, amazing screenwriters, who are making waves in the industry! Their latest project, “Back Alley Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of Yule Log” has earned them a spot as finalists for the Best Mockumentary Film Award at the Houston Comedy Film FestivalIn the satirical mockumentary Back Alley Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of Yule Log, Canadian directors Kyle Bishop and Matt Barrett take viewers on an eccentric journey through the twisted tale of Yule Log, a character as bizarre as the film’s title. Drawing inspiration from their own childhood memories and a play on words, the duo weaves a darkly comedic narrative that blurs the line between absurdity and reality.

The Origins of Yule Log
The concept behind Back Alley Hollywood is rooted in a peculiar figure from Kyle and Matt’s past. Yul Laug, a kindly yet deeply troubled groundskeeper at their junior high school, left a lasting impression on the two. Yul was a man of contrasts—dedicated to bringing joy to children, yet secretly harboring a darker side that ultimately led to his downfall. “We did a bit of a ‘play on words’ with his name,” Kyle explains, adding a layer of whimsy to an otherwise grim inspiration.

 

While the real Yul Laug’s story ended in tragedy, Kyle and Matt have transformed his legacy into a work of dark humor, parodying the true crime genre and poking fun at the very notion of heroism and villainy in today’s media landscape.

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Challenges and Existential Dread
The production of Back Alley Hollywood wasn’t without its hurdles. Kyle recalls the existential weight of human sentience as one of the most challenging aspects of making the film. “Having to look at ourselves in the mirror every day and ask if any of this is even worth it—it was tough,” he shares, blending humor with a touch of introspective darkness. 

 

More tangibly, the team faced some sound issues during the filming of the Tara Reid Cryodrac® scene—a minor but memorable obstacle in the making of the film. Matt, ever the comic, jokes about the discomfort of asking Professional Actors™ to participate in their outlandish project, noting that some won’t even return their calls now.

A Lifelong Collaboration
Kyle and Matt’s journey in filmmaking began long before Back Alley Hollywood. The two have been creating films together since they were children, making stop-motion animations and skits with a family camcorder. “As you can see, we’ve only marginally improved,” Kyle quips, reflecting on their long-standing partnership.

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While Back Alley Hollywood might mark the end of their careers—or, as Matt jokingly puts it, “a good run”—the duo isn’t ruling out future projects. There’s even talk of a second episode of Back Alley Hollywood, though the idea of disappearing into the frozen obscurity of the Canadian media landscape seems just as likely.

Looking Ahead
As for what’s next, Kyle and Matt have their sights set on real estate investment—though whether they’re serious or just having a bit of fun with the idea is anyone’s guess. They even take a moment to pitch their no-risk investment opportunity, underscoring the unpredictable and tongue-in-cheek nature of their creative process.

Get In Touch
For future projects, Matt can be reached through his website, Bad Thing Creative. Feel free to contact Matt and Kyle via email: ​​matt@badthingcreative.com, kylebish@gmail.com.

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Memberships and Affiliations
When it comes to affiliations, Kyle and Matt keep things light. Kyle half-jokingly claims membership in the Illuminati—an organization that might have slipped his mind was supposed to remain secret—while Matt proudly declares himself a Subway Rewards member, adding yet another layer of humor to their unconventional approach to filmmaking.

 

Final Thoughts
Back Alley Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of Yule Log is a film that defies easy categorization. It’s a satire, a mockumentary, and a comedy all rolled into one, driven by the unique vision of Kyle Bishop and Matt Barrett. Whether this marks the end of their creative journey or just another chapter in their ongoing partnership, one thing is certain: they’ve left an indelible mark on the world of indie filmmaking, and they’ve done it on their own terms.

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Kim and Kanye’s Daughter North West Faces Criticism Over Her Tattoos

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North West, the 12-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, is under the spotlight once again — this time for showing off a collection of tattoos that set social media on fire. In recent photos and videos circulating online, North was seen with several arm designs, including tributes to her parents and fashion-inspired symbols. While fans were quick to admire her bold style, not everyone was impressed.

Critics argue that the tattoos — even though they appear to be temporary — are another example of celebrity children being pushed into adult trends too early. Comments flooded social media platforms, with some users saying Kim allows North too much freedom, while others defended the reality star’s parenting approach, praising her for letting her daughter explore creativity and self-expression.

“Kids should be kids,” one commenter wrote, reflecting a broader sentiment among parents online. Meanwhile, supporters pointed out that North comes from one of the most fashion-forward families in the world and that experimenting with style is part of her upbringing.

Kim Kardashian has not directly addressed the controversy, but she has often spoken about encouraging her children to express themselves authentically. North, already known for her viral TikTok appearances and fashion collaborations, seems unfazed by the criticism.

At just 12, North West continues to blur the lines between youth culture and celebrity identity — reminding the public that in the Kardashian–West household, individuality isn’t just allowed, it’s celebrated.

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Jennifer Lopez’s Ex Fires Back: “You Are the Problem”

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Ojani Noa Accuses J.Lo of Cheating After “Never Been Loved” Comments

Jennifer Lopez is once again at the center of a media storm — but this time, it’s her first husband, Ojani Noa, turning up the heat. Following Lopez’s recent Howard Stern Show interview, in which she claimed she has “never been truly loved” by any of her exes, Noa has publicly accused the superstar of cheating and playing the victim.

In the viral Instagram post that has now spread across major outlets like TMZ and New York Post, Noa didn’t hold back.

“Stop putting us down. Stop putting me down with your victim card,” he wrote. “The problem is not us. Not me. The problem is you. You’re the one who couldn’t keep it in your pants.”

“You Chose Fame and Lies Over Love”

Noa and Lopez were married briefly from 1997 to 1998, before her rise to Hollywood superstardom. In his explosive statement, he accused her of being unfaithful during their marriage, claiming she prioritized fame over their relationship.

“You have been loved a few times. You’ve been married four times. And have had countless relationships in between,” Noa continued. “You decided to lie, to cheat on me. You begged me to keep the marriage intact to avoid bad press.”

Noa described himself as “faithful, honest, and loving,” saying he uprooted his life and career to support Lopez at the beginning of her entertainment journey. “I left my family, my friends, everything behind for you,” he wrote, “but once fame came calling, you left me behind.”​

Lopez Silent Amid Growing Backlash

As of now, Jennifer Lopez has not publicly responded to Noa’s allegations. During her Howard Stern interview, the singer and actress claimed her former partners “weren’t capable” of loving her, saying, “It’s not that I’m not lovable… it’s that they’re not capable.”

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Her remarks were widely interpreted as referencing all of her ex-husbands — including Marc Anthony, Cris Judd, and Ben Affleck — but it was Noa who reacted first and most forcefully. His comments have ignited widespread debate online, with many questioning whether Lopez’s honesty came at the expense of others’ reputations.

Public Response and Media Fallout

The online reaction has been intense, with social media users split between defending Lopez’s right to share her truth and blasting her for allegedly rewriting history. Meanwhile, entertainment analysts note that the controversy adds to an increasingly turbulent year for the singer, following canceled tours, underperforming films, and ongoing scrutiny over her marriage to Affleck.

This latest backlash has also reignited conversations about Lopez’s highly publicized romantic history. As tabloids and fans speculate whether more exes might respond, the situation underscores an old truth in celebrity culture — that every candid confession comes with consequences.

For now, Jennifer Lopez remains silent. But in the court of public opinion, the debate about who’s really at fault in her love story is only just beginning.

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Selling Your Soul in Hollywood: The Hidden Cost of Fame

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By all appearances, Hollywood is a dream factory — a place where charisma, talent, and luck collide to create stars. But behind the camera lights and red carpets lies a conversation few inside the industry speak openly about: the spiritual and moral price of ambition.

For actor Omar Gooding, the idea of “selling your soul” in Hollywood isn’t a metaphor — it’s a moral process that begins with tiny compromises. In an October 2025 interview, Gooding explained that no one in Hollywood makes a literal deal with the devil. Instead, it’s the quiet yeses, the moments when comfort overrides conviction, that mark the beginning of the trade. “They don’t say, ‘Take this or you’ll never make it,’” he said. “They just put it in front of you. You choose.”

Those choices, he argues, create a pattern. Once you show that you’ll accept something you once resisted, the industry notices. “Hollywood knows who it can get away with what,” Gooding said. “One thing always leads to another.” The phrase “selling your soul,” in this context, means losing your say — doing what you’re told rather than what you believe in.

That moral tension has long shadowed the arts. Comedians like Dave Chappelle, who famously walked away from millions to preserve his creative integrity, often serve as examples of where conviction and career collide. In resurfaced interviews, Chappelle hinted that he felt manipulated and silenced by powerful figures who sought control of his narrative, warning that “they’re trying to convince me I’m insane.”

This isn’t just about conspiracy — it’s about agency. Hollywood runs on perception. Performers are rewarded for being agreeable, moldable, entertaining. Those who question the machine or refuse the script risk exile, while those who conform are elevated — sometimes beyond what they can handle.

We see the ‘collections’ all the time,” Gooding explained. “When the bill comes due, you can tell. They made that deal long ago.”

But the story doesn’t end in darkness. Gooding also emphasizes that in today’s entertainment landscape, artists have more control than ever. With streaming, social media, and creator‑driven platforms, performers don’t have to “play the game” to be seen. Independent creators can build their own stages, speak their own truths, and reach millions without trading authenticity for access.

Still, the temptation remains — recognition, validation, quick success. And every generation of artists must answer the same question: What are you willing to do for fame?

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As Gooding put it, “You just make the best choices you can. Because once it’s gone — your name, your peace, your soul — there’s no buying it back.”

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