Hello all, Lee here! I just wanted to say how incredible and gnarly it is to have come as far as I have on this site what with all of you having either stuck around or just recently hopped aboard in the past two years and three months that Film Combat Syndicate has existed. I initially didn’t think I would build an audience this high but the virility has certainly been good and does manage to lift my spirits from time to time.
I am thankful for each and every one of you who partake in, and maybe even enjoy what I scribble on about here on a regular basis. Other obligations do get in the way and sometimes I lag, but I always try to make up for it as I always do, by being as substantive and as original as possible while engaging in fandom and being as detailed and informative as possible (and maybe funny some days). But whether you laugh or not, I really do appreciate you all for being there, whether or not you use Facebook. Your readership and your genuine interest is what counts.
Moreover, I want to thank the handful of contributors who have helped and aided me in bringing some awesome content earlier this year, as well as allowing me to be a part of the creative process in a few instances. Those names include Scott Wiley, Danny Shamon from Dan’s Movie Report, actor and stuntman Eric Shamm Watson, Graeme Noble of Noble Brothers Productions, Keith Hayward for allowing me a platform over at Henshin Justice Unlimted earlier this year, film producer James Marshall, action director Vlad Rimburg(Hammergirl), actor and martial artist D.Y. Sao (Cambodian Killers) and Thousand Pounds Action Company’s own Darren Bailey and Chris Cowan, all of whom have contributed to the site in very huge and defining ways that have helped Film Combat Syndicate in its daily endeavors to become something special. They all have a passion for film in their own unique ways and have given something great to our readers in opening as many eyes as possible to the world of martial arts action cimema, both mainstream and independent and I certainly hope they all go even farther in their respective quests for greatness.
I also wanted to give a special shout out to some of the friendships and acquaintances I have made this year as well, with regard to some really great chemistry I have made with a few other fellow writers, filmmakers, actors and stunt professionals via online or in person, including (but not limited to) actor, martial artist J. Cheung – Cryptik Soul, stuntman Anthony Pho(From Paris With Love, Lucy), The Action Elite’s own Eoin Friel and his brother Edward, The After Movie Diner’s own Jon Cross, independent filmmakers and actors Jon Truei, Joey Min and Sunny Smith – all by way of Jabronie Pictures and Team FistyleZ respectively, stuntwoman Kimmy Suzuki(Ichiban, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), action star Tony Jaa and his manager Mike Selby, actors Akira Koieyama, Gaku Space and actor/filmmaker Joey Ansah – the face and voice of the movement in delivering Capcom’s Street Fighter serial feature film to full bloom; I still feel a little stupid trying to rationalize how awesome this all has been, but then I fail, my brain melts and suddenly everything makes sense. Yippie!
But more imporantly, and again, I want to thank you, the reader, for being why Film Combat Syndicate even lasted as long as I have. Make no mistake though, my obligations away from the keypad do pull me away from time to time and I will never always be able to cover everything. However, for as long as I live, I will continue to do my very best. I am proud to have you guys there knowing and acknowledging my voice among many others with larger readerships than mine. To all the fans, superfans, stunt professional and actors, filmmakers and even close friends who support Film Combat Syndicate, you fine people never go unnoticed. I applaud you.
But above all else, thank you, all of you for another year of allowing me to be a part of the reason why you love movies. Perhaps one day when I have the time and if the opportunity arises, this might be something I can get paid to do and I can finally take this to the next level. And when that day comes, I will welcome it with open arms, and maybe even some beers, and I’m alcohol-illiterate, so bear with me.
To all denominations this season, from the bottom of my heart, I look forward to another reflection like this next year. In the meantime, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
P.S. ..Let’s have more of this!!!
Sincerly, Lee B. Golden Founder and editor at Film Combat Syndicate Twitter: @FCSyndicate
