EZTV founding member (and director since 1994) Michael J. Masucci began a decade-long collaboration with dancer and choreographer ia Kamandalu (formerly Kim McKillip) in 1986 as part of his three-part video/performance piece BALLET LEMURIA. Under the name Vertical Blanking, the duo created early examples of what became known as “desktop video,” combining analog video with hot-rodded desktop computer equipment, experimental soundtracks, and live performance elements. The short videos in this program explore a wide range of themes, including feminism, Pan-Pacific mythology, UFO/UAP conspiracies, consumerism, and televangelism. The program even includes a parody of DEEP THROAT written by and starring comedian Beth Lapides.
Vertical Blanking NIGHTLIGHT (1992, 4 min, SD-video-to-DCP)
A video art and performance piece exploring conspiracy theories of alien abduction, featuring Tracey Fitzpatrick, Diane Holland, and a robot by Peter Greenwood and Mike Hood.
Vertical Blanking DEPOSITION (1991, 7 min, SD-video-to-DCP)
The result of extensive research into the multigenerational UFO abduction experiences of women, this desktop video premiered at the 1991 CyberArts International Conference, before going on to play at LA FreeWaves.
Vertical Blanking CLONE SHOPPING CLUB (1992, 5 min, SD-video-to-DCP)
This piece from Vertical Blanking’s final live multimedia performance parodies the style of the Home Shopping Club, where viewers call in and give “unsolicited and impromptu” endorsements of the products being sold, before taking an unexpectedly sexual and Messianic turn. Starring Dan Bell.
Michael J. Masucci & ia Kamandalu LEMURIA (1986, 20 min, SD-video-to-DCP)
An expressionistic evocation of archetypal feminine mystery. The fabled lost culture of Lemuria, believed to have been destroyed in a cataclysmic landmass eruption during Southern California’s pre-history, is imagined through dance, ritual, and haunting video imagery. EZTV’s most popular home video release.
Michael J. Masucci & Nina Barlow BAD TV (1986, 12 min, SD-video-to-DCP)
An experiment in “doing everything wrong,” BAD TV is an unedited, single continuous shot videotaped live performance that imagines (and attempts) every possible mistake in conventional broadcast television, including live changes of lens filters, dramatic adjustments in lighting, and crane shots achieved through climbing ladders. Shot in front of a live audience who would watch both the actual performance and the video monitor which seemingly showed a different performance. Performance Artist/Dancer: Nina Barlow.
Vertical Blanking THEATER OF DREAMS (I THOUGHT THIS IS WHAT YOU WANTED) (1989, 7 min, SD-video-to-DCP)
THEATER OF DREAMS begins as a tranquil and dreamlike piece, but transforms into a biting and angry assault on feminine stereotypes, identity, and the roles and expectations that misogyny seeks to demand.
Vertical Blanking DEEP THOUGHT (1992-2025, 20 min, SD-video-to-DCP)
Vertical Blanking’s most ambitious production was this satire of DEEP THROAT about “a woman whose clit is in her brain.” Written by and starring comedian Beth Lapides, it boasts supporting appearances from John Fleck, Talor Negron, and Rick Overton. Tragedy struck when the final master was eaten by the edit deck just days before the premiere, forcing Masucci and Kamandalu to scramble to create a new edit that was clearly incomplete. Masucci returned to the material in 2025, adding the foley effects and credits that were missing.
