Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

FILM HISTORY 101: 'FRIDAY the 13th' (1980)

Posted Friday, May 9, 2014, at 3:29 PM

Photo credit: Paramount Pictures

Today in horror movie history: The Friday Legacy begins...

34 years ago today, the original "Friday the 13th" (1980) opened in movie theaters. Pamela Voorhees (Betsy Palmer) is desperate to keep Camp Crystal Lake closed after the death of her young son Jason (Ari Lehman). And the deranged Mrs. Voorhees murders anyone who stands in her way.

The film launched a franchise consisting of 10 sequels and a 2009 remake. But it wasn't until the second installment that hockey-masked maniac Jason Voorhees became the series' featured killer. And in "Friday the 13th Part 2" (1981), Jason wore a potato sack to conceal his identity and hide how hideous he was.

TRIVIA:

This is the 4th theatrical film starring A-List actor Kevin Bacon, and Bing Crosby's son Harry appears as the character of Bill in the movie. Jason was the killer in all the films except for the original and "Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning" (1985). And it wasn't until "Friday the 13th Part III" (1982) that Jason began sporting his trademark hockey mask.

Crew member Willie Adams was behind the camera for most of the original film, but he also played the counselor in the 1958 scene, which makes him the first murder victim in the "Friday the 13th" film franchise. Jason's first victim was Alice (Adrienne King) in the opening of "Friday the 13th Part 2."

Total body count for the first film is 11, if you count the snake killed by Bing's son.Sally Field auditioned for the part of Alice, and the film's budget was $550,000 and it made nearly $40 million.

A new "Friday the 13th" film is slated to open on March 13, 2015.