New Trailer For ‘Game Of Thrones’ Season 3

Check out the new trailer for season 3 ‘Game of Thrones’. The new season returns on March 31st at 9pm. The battle continues and new threats emerge.

“Berkshire County” Set To Begin Production April 2013

The Indie horror film “Berkshire County” has set April of this year as the day to begin principle photography. The horror flick is being helmed by Audrey Cummings and comes from Narrow Edge Productions. This will be Cummings feature film debut as director.

The story follows a self-loathing teen who reluctantly agrees to baby-sit at an isolated country home on Halloween night. But when a small boy in a pig mask appears at the door looking for candy, her night takes a horrifying turn for the worst. What ensues is a violent home invasion which forces our unlikely heroin to go beyond what she ever though capable in order to survive.

Psychotic Saturdays! Six Flicks That Accelerate Your Anxiety

It is Saturday! So time for six more films that celebrate the crazy. As we escape the craziness of the week and contemplate the craziness of the week to come-Hell why not just embrace the crazy and keep the theme going. Sit back and enjoy the craziness of family, friends and self as you enjoy the craziness that lives within these films. These six psycho flicks will truly accelerate your anxiety on this Psychotic Saturday!

1. Citadel (2012)



Tommy Cowley is a young father inflicted with chronic agoraphobia since his wife was brutally attacked by a gang of a twisted feral children. Trapped in the dilapidated suburbia of Edenstown, he finds himself terrorized by the same gang, who now seem intent on taking his baby daughter. Torn between the help of an understanding nurse and a vigilante priest, Tommy sets out to learn the nightmarish truth surrounding these hooded children. He also discovers that to be free of his fears, he must finally face the demons of his past and enter the one place that he fears the most - the abandoned tower block known as the Citadel. Directed by Cairan Foy and stars Aneurin Barnard, Wunmi Mosaku, Amy Shields, James Cosmo and Jake Wilson.

2. Restraint (2008)



Directed by David Denneen and starring Stephen Moyer, Travis Fimmel and Teresa Palmer. A small time criminal, Ron, has killed the boss of his girlfriend and they are escaping from the police. After killing a gas station attendant, Ron drives to an old manor in the middle of nowhere where Andrew, an agoraphobic, lives in order to exchange their car. When he notes that Andrew is a wealthy man, Ron decides to get money from Andrew to travel to Thailand. Andrew notices that Dale resembles his fiancée, Gabrielle, who left him six months ago. He proposes that Dale dye her hair and go to the bank with two checks of US$ 20,000.00 pretending that she is Gabrielle. But things do not go according to plan.


3. White Oleander (2002)



Astrid Magnussen is a 15 year old girl, living in California. Her mother, Ingrid, is a beautiful, free-spirited poet. Their life, though unusual, is satisfying until one day, a man named Barry Kolker (that her mother refers to at first as "The goat man") comes into their lives, and Ingrid falls madly in love with him, only to have her heart broken, and her life ruined. For revenge, Ingrid murders Barry with the deadly poison of her favorite flower: The White Oleander. She is sent to prison for life, and Astrid has to go through foster home after foster home. Throughout nearly a decade she experiences forbidden love, religion, near-death experiences, drugs, starvation, and how it feels to be loved. But throughout these years, she keeps in touch with her mother via letters to prison. And while Ingrid's gift is to give Astrid the power to survive, Astrid's gift is to teach her Mother about love. Directed by Peter Kosminsky and stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Renée Zellweger, Robin Wright and Allison Munn.

4. Copycat (1995)



Criminal profiler and psychologist Dr. Helen Hudson becomes entangled in the deadly mind game of a vicious copycat serial killer Peter Foley. Due to the horrific attack Helen suffered in her past as an agoraphobic she is confined to her apartment. The killer uses this against her in his murderous attempts to become a famous serial killer. Detectives M. J Monahan and Reuben Goetz they have the challenge of trying to capture the killer before he kills again and uses his chance to commit another atrocious murder. Directed by Jon Amiel and stars Sigourney Weaver, Holly Hunter, Dermot Mulroney, Harry Connick Jr. and William McNamara.

5. Naked Fear (2007)



The story revolves around a dancer who is lured to a strange town and thrown into a deadly game after being kidnapped by a serial killer. Stripped naked, she is forced to run for her life through the vast uninhabited regions of New Mexico while being pursued by a maniacal hunter. Directed by Thom E. Eberhardt and starring Danielle De Luca, Sonja Runar, Ronald Dunas and Arron Shiver.





6. Fear Of The Dark (2001)



Directed by Glen Baisley and starring Rosemary Gore, Vanessa Edwards, Mike Lane and Kirk Larsen. In 1981, 7 year old Alice Walker barely managed to escape the wrath of the Black Rose Killer during a city wide blackout. Now twenty years later, the murders have begun again and Alice fears he has come back for her. She can see him in her dreams and even when she is awake. Those around her believe that she is insane. One week before the anniversary of her parent's murder, Alice desperately searches for the truth before time runs out.

Trailer Released For “The Ghost Is A Lie”

The found footage film that promises some wicked twists titled “The Ghost Is A Lie” has released their first trailer. The film is directed by Jason Armstrong and stars Christina Aceto, Christina Schimmel, Lindsay Smith, Chris Carnel, Jake Raymond, Colin Price, Rich Piatkowski, Gene Abella, Rachel Sellan, and Alex Smith. Check out the trailer below.

Hoping to cash in on the final stages of the found-footage phenomenon, a shady LA producer hires a small crew of cult-icon, has-been and never-were filmmakers to 'whip up' a supernatural, first-person perspective ghost story on a pitifully low budget.

Along with a handful of amateur actors, the group heads into the woods and sets about rigging up 'scares' and planning the story with varying degrees of enthusiasm.

After filming the first gag, the actors return to base camp to find the crew has been brutally murdered. Now the actors are lost far from home and being hunted by a vicious killer with an eye for art-house cinema.

“The Devil’s Tree Wants Your Help Opening That Gateway

Well not literally! ‘Cause that would be bad…Awesome but bad! However the film does ask for horror fans help in seeing this project get made. The crew behind “The Devil’s Tree” has started their crowd funding campaign on Kickstarter with a pretty compelling sale’s pitch/plea. What is the Devil’s Tree? Only one of the great supernatural landmarks in North America, granted this continent has quite a few of those but still the Devil’s Tree holds its own against any other location as it sits there beckoning to the hordes of hell to pick that lock. Sorry I think I have an evil tendency. Anyway “The Devil’s Tree” is a film from a group of Hollywood professionals where are truly horror fans and have decided to set out on the Independent path to creating one Hell of a horror movie. Check out the K-start page for those deets!

“The Devil’s Tree” is about group of friends, whom after visiting a landmark tree rumored to be a gateway to hell,hold a small house party where, without explanation, they realize they mentally can't bring themselves to leave. Shortly after this revelation, torment and slaughter begins at the hands of a supernatural killer with a warped, sadistic sense of humor. It is being produced by Doug Tubach, Mike Saga, Howard J. Smith, Joshua Petrino, Mark Riccadonna, Pat Ryan and directed by Joshua Petrino.

Lost And Found By E. Michael Lewis

eBook  Worth Reading:

Check out E. Michael Lewis’ short story Lost And Found now available on eBook from Samhain Publishing.

Some things were never meant to be found.

When a family goes missing in the wilds of Washington State, veteran outdoorsman Ken Holbrook agrees one last time to lead a team of teenage search-and-rescue trainees—a joker, a brain, an Eagle Scout, a cute couple and a bully—deep into the forest to find them. But their compasses point them in wrong directions, their terrain doesn’t match their maps, and their radio—their only link to the outside world—spews only static. They will soon discover that the family they are looking for is not the only thing lost in those woods. Something truly terrible waits for them. Ken and his team of misfits will have to work together to battle a relentless, faceless evil if they hope to get out of the woods alive.
 


excerpt:
Copyright © 2012 E. Michael Lewis
All rights reserved — a Samhain Publishing, Ltd. publication
Kenneth Holbrook smiled. The river would be all his.
In the darkness, rain lashed Ken’s apartment building with frigid torrents. Rushing wind pressed into his kitchen window and rattled the blinds as he finished his coffee. Not for the first time, his lights flickered.
This was exactly the weather Ken wanted. A perfect Pacific Northwest morning. He could wade into the icy water and stand solitary, casting his fishing line upstream or down. He could smell the clean rain fall into the turbulent Green River and watch as the steady wind made the evergreens wave to him from the banks. The other fishermen would stay home.
With his tackle already stowed in his truck, Ken set the empty cup in the kitchen sink and reached for his backpack. He slung it over his shoulder and took one step toward the front door.
His telephone rang.
For a moment he just stared at it, willing the shrill noise to stop. Each ring brought him closer to memories of lying in bed in the dark, listening to his phone ringing, dread pooled in his stomach. He was wide awake now, but that same feeling returned to him. He didn’t want to answer it, but like all the other times the dread came to him, he did.
“Hello?”
“This is South County Search and Rescue calling for Kenneth Holbrook.”
Ken’s jaw tightened. He could barely acknowledge the operator with a grunt.
“I’m putting through a call from the field. Please stand by.”
“What?” This was not usually what happened when these people called. South County Search and Rescue had ruined more than one day of fishing or weekend of backpacking, but never had they patched in a call from off-site.
There was an audible click on the line, then the hiss of static.
Ken’s eyebrows knit together. “Hello?”
A voice answered him, as if from the bottom of a well. “Kenny? Kenny Holbrook, is that you?”
He cringed. He hated being called Kenny. But his annoyance became an undercurrent as he recognized the voice. “Bruce? Bruce Hayden, you old goat. Christ, you sound like you’re calling from Hell. Collect.”
“Yeah, well, you ain’t far from the truth.” There was an uncomfortable pause. “Listen Kenny, I’m up to my eyeballs in some serious shit and I was wondering…”
“No.”
“Oh, for crying out loud Kenny, will you at least let me finish?”
“No, Bruce, you don’t have to. I know how this one ends. ‘Kenny, I need you, blah blah blah, been lost forty-eight hours, you’re my only hope.’ I’ve listened to this crap since I was fourteen, Bruce. The answer is no.”
“Aw, come on, Kenny. We do need you. I need you.”
“Look, I’m sorry, it’s nothing personal, but I’ve seen enough, okay? Call somebody under twenty-one for a change.”
“Oh, so that’s what this is about? Did you take your name off the active list because you’re afraid you can’t hack it, or because you’re jealous of those teenagers who can pull their own weight when you can’t?”
Ken switched the phone from one ear to the other and threw his backpack on the floor. “Now you wait a Goddamn minute, mister. I was a searcher for over ten years. I can’t count the times going out on searches ruined my personal life. And for what, Bruce? To find some moldy, half-eaten body? To crawl on my knees through poison oak and blackberry bushes looking for finger bones and hair fragments? Jesus, Bruce, I’m pushing thirty. I want to go back to college, finish my forestry degree, get a job with the Parks Service. I want my life back. Can’t you see that?”
“Dammit, I know all that. Do you think I’d be calling you if I had a choice?” The static hissed like the swaying trees outside. “Kenny, I’m up shit creek here, and I don’t have a paddle or a boat.”
Ken sighed. “Where are you?”
“Blackchurch—sort of. We’ve got a missing family—Mom, Dad, twin girls—we found their car at a trailhead. They’re overdue from their day hike and something feels very wrong. These are tourists, Kenny. No outdoor experience. The father’s an accountant, for Chrissake.”
“So? You can’t tell me you’re short on live bodies.”
“No, but I am short on experienced ones. I’ve got a dozen teens standing around because I’ve got no one to lead them into the field.”
“There’s a first time for everything.”
“Oh, come on, I can’t just send these kids out there with a radio and say ‘have at it.’ It’s hunting season out here. Some of these kids aren’t even smart enough to wear safety orange.” The static overwhelmed the phone for a moment. “Look, I know you’ve seen a lot of bad shit. So have I. But do you remember that lumberjack who broke his leg? Do you remember how happy he was to see us? Christ, he nearly French kissed us both.”
Ken remembered. He felt the flush of pride rise within him. After a second he felt an awful twisting inside his chest and the warmth vanished. “That doesn’t make up for it, Bruce. Not for me.”
“Dammit Kenny, you’ve never turned down your duty before.”
“This is not my duty anymore.”
Ken was astonished to hear Bruce’s voice shake. “Kenny, please.”
Ken didn’t speak.
“I swear to you, on my mother’s grave, this is the last time.”
In the next few seconds, Ken’s entire Search and Rescue career tumbled through his mind. Heroic, grotesque, the images rushed through his brain like a painkiller, blotting out his pride and responding to the guilt.
Ken’s voice was barely audible. “When?”
“As soon as you can. I’ll have someone waiting at the old Rocket gas station in Blackchurch.”
“Fine.”
“Bring your big pack.”
“Fine.”
“And wear as much safety orange as you can find.”
“Fine.”
“And Kenny—thank you.”
“Fine.” Kenneth Holbrook hung up the phone and kicked his pack across the kitchen, clenching his fists.
“Goddammit!” he shouted.

“Eaters” Coming To America

Uwe Boll’s “Eaters” will be released in America on March 5th 2013. After the devastation of the Great Epidemic, the world is overrun by hordes of living dead. Two zombie hunters and a scientist set out to find the cause of the obliteration of the human race and a cure for the epidemic, all while trying to stay alive amidst the growing number of ferocious zombies, including neo-Nazis and the daughter of the feared plague-spreader. EATERS is presented by Uwe Boll (In The Name of the King, Bloodrayne) and features a soundtrack by Steve Sylvester, founder of black metal band Death SS.

Children Of No One By Nicole Cushing

Book Worth Reading:

Nicole Cushing’s novel Children Of No One comes out in March. It is on ‘to read’ list and definitely a book worth reading.
Sadism, nihilism, poverty, wealth, screams, whimpers, sanity and madness collide in Nowhere, Indiana.
For Thomas Krieg, Nowhere is a miles-long, pitch-black underground maze in which he’s imprisoned dozens of boys for the past ten years – all in the name of art.

For two brothers, Nowhere is the only place they clearly remember living. A world unto itself, in which they must stay alert to stay alive. A world from which the only escape is death.

But for an English occultist known only as Mr. No One, Nowhere is much more…and much less: the perfect place in which to perform a ritual to unleash the grandest of eldritch deities, the God of Nothingness, the Great Dark Mouth.

check it out here!

Cast Your Eyes On The Wicked Witch From “Oz The Great And Powerful”

Take your first spell casting glance at the wicked witch in Sam Raimi’s “Oz The Great And Powerful”. Mila Kunis plays the goddess of evil herself in this new fantastical journey that focuses on Oscar Diggs, who pulls one flim-flam too many and finds himself hurled into the fantastical Land of Oz. Check the stills below.

Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz. At first he thinks he's hit the jackpot-fame and fortune are his for the taking. That all changes, however, when he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz), and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone's been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity-and even a bit of wizardry-Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.


2017 update: Check out Wicked The Musical to stay up to date https://maineventspecials.com/wicked-the-musical-tour-tickets/

First Teaser From “Lazarus” Released

“Lazarus” comes from Indie company Church Hill Productions & Apothecary Entertainment. The film is directed by Thomas J. Churchill and stars Brooke Lewis, Natalie Victoria, Sarah French, Krista Grotte, Thomas J. Churchill, Richard Wajda, Alisha Olson, Mike Marino, Keven Eugene Franklin and Ray Capuana. Check out the first teaser for this seductive and yet terrifying horror/noir.

1957 Hollywood CA. A telegram arrives at the office of George Lazarus, an Insurance Investigator to investigate a suspicious claim that was just put in by Harvest International Tobacco Company. Lazarus begins to schedule routine interviews with the twelve employees that are named on this claim. He learns that they all had just gotten fired for being sick at the job. ...He never makes it back to the office. What seemed to be a normal Fraud Investigation case ... may have turned out to be the beginning of the end for the human race. His fiancée Bethany begins to worry as she realizes that he hasn't been back at the office since early that morning and he hasn't checked in either. Not the behavior from a man who lives by daily routine. She decides to follow his path in hopes to locate him. Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to witness in this eerily horrific pre-apocalyptic tale.

“The Manson Family” Gets Small Theatrical Run Along With Blu-ray Release

The underground cult film “The Manson Family” will have a small theatrical run in select theatres across the country as well as receive a Blu-ray release. Read the official press release and see if your city is listed for a theatrical viewing.

Press Release:
“Severin Films announces the May 7th Blu-ray debut of Jim VanBebber’s legendary, award-winning indie THE MANSON FAMILY on the 10th anniversary of its original release. US theatrical dates in 20 major cities are scheduled through March and April, and new poster artwork has been created by artist Stephen Romano for the occasion. VanBebber’s highly anticipated new short GATOR GREEN will accompany many of the screenings and will also be included in the extras-packed Special Edition Blu-ray release.
The theatrical run launches at Landmark Theatres locations in Denver and San Francisco on March 22nd and will continue through April, taking in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Boston and many more.
THE MANSON FAMILY delivers an uncompromising, brutal vision of the collapse of the “Love Generation.” On a ranch outside of LA the hippie dream is perverting into something evil. What was once an oasis of free love and acid trips has become ground zero for a madman’s paranoid visions. An average group of kids, the “Family,” become engulfed in a delusional world where torment and slaughter are considered the path to righteousness. The Manson Family is a dizzying, rapid-fire vision of the sex and violence that unifies the misguided group and, at the direction of their leader, ends in a brutal spree leaving seven people dead in 48 hours. Now re-mastered in stunning HD for the first time ever in America. Extras include an all-new director’s commentary, the brand new short GATOR GREEN, the uncut version of the previously censored feature-length documentary THE VANBEBBER FAMILY on the film’s near-mythic production, and much more.
Severin Films was formed in 2006 with offices in Los Angeles and London. The company produced the acclaimed 2012 horror anthology THE THEATRE BIZARRE, and their previous releases include Richard Stanley’s restored HARDWARE, the all-star war classic THE WILD GEESE, the unrated Director’s Cut of Just Jaeckin’s GWENDOLINE, Enzo Castellari’s original action classic INGLORIOUS BASTARDS, Oscar®-nominee Patrice Leconte’s THE HAIRDRESSER’S HUSBAND, the midnight movie sensation BIRDEMIC – SHOCK & TERROR, Eugenio Martin’s restored HORROR EXPRESS, and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s incomparable masterpiece SANTA SANGRE.”

• March 22 & 23 – Clay Theatre, San Francisco
• March 22 & 23 – Esquire Theatre, Denver
• March 27 – Boston Underground Film Festival – Brattle Theatre, Cambridge, MA
• March 29 & 30 – Landmark’s Sunshine Cinema, New York City
• March 29 & 30 – Alamo Drafthouse Vintage Park, Houston
• March 29 – Plaza Theatre, Atlanta
• April 3 – Granoff Center for the Arts, Providence, RI
• April 5 – Ritz Bourse, Philadelphia
• April 5 & 6 – Egyptian Theatre, Seattle
• April 12 – Logan Theatre, Chicago
• April 12 & 13 – Hi-Pointe Theatre, St. Louis
• April 13 – Cedar Lee Theatre, Cleveland
• April 19 & 20 – E Street Theatre, Washington, DC
• April 19 & 20 – Inwood Theatre, Dallas
• April 21 – Screenland Crossroads, Kansas City, MO
• April 23 – New Beverly Cinema, Los Angeles

New Clip From Chan-wook Park’s “Stoker”

A new clip has been released for Chan-wook Park’s “Stoker”. The film is a dark dramatic thriller that stars Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman and Matthew Goode. It is due out March 1st 2013.

“India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska) was not prepared to lose her father and best friend Richard (Dermot Mulroney) in a tragic auto accident. The solitude of her woodsy family estate, the peace of her tranquil town, and the unspoken somberness of her home life are suddenly upended by not only this mysterious accident, but by the sudden arrival of her Uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode), whom she never knew existed. When Charlie moves in with her and her emotionally unstable mother Evie (Nicole Kidman), India thinks the void left by her father’s death is finally being filled by his closet bloodline. Soon after his arrival, India comes to suspect that this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives. Yet instead of feeling outrage or horror, this friendless young woman becomes increasingly infatuated with him.

“Lucky Bastard” Proves There Are Still Areas For Found Footage To Explore

Tagline: “She was a fantasy. He was a nightmare. A very new and different kind of thriller!”

“Lucky Bastard” is a “found footage” thriller about a porn website run by Mike (Don McManus) that invites fans to have sex with porn stars. Jay Paulson plays Dave, an eager young fan given a chance to have sex with the fabulous Ashley Saint (Betsy Rue). But everyone gets more than they bargained in the seemingly mild-mannered Dave...to gruesome results. The film is captured by the “Lucky Bastard” porn cameras for a fresh take on the “found footage” genre. The film is directed by Robert Nathan with the cast including Don McManus, Jay Paulson, Betsy Rue, Chris Wylde, Catherine Annette, Lanny Joon and Lee Kholafai. Check out the trailer below. Reminder that this film is not yet rated.

“Lucky Bastard” is film of a graphic nature, sexual situations, violence and uncensored language place it firmly in the realm of American independent cinema, with an angle on life distinctly outside that of traditional Hollywood mainstream films. The film is set in a world ostensibly considered contemptible, but depicts it in ways that we don’t expect. For the characters of the movie, pornography is simply an industry like any other, with regular working people going to work every day and earning a living.

The story centers on Mike (McManus), who runs the Lucky Bastard website; Dave (Paulson), a young fan given a chance to have sex with a porn actress; and Ashley Saint (Betsy Rue), the porn star who reluctantly agrees to participate in the website’s “have sex with a porn star” contest. In the end, everyone gets more than they bargained for when the seemingly mild-mannered Dave is irrevocably transformed by his experience.

The movie is is a mix of themes that epitomize independent filmmaking. Going behind the scenes of one of our largest entertainment industries, the film offers a reflective take on the deepest currents in our society: its preoccupation with sexual desire, the commoditization of sexuality, and humiliation as a product of commerce.

Survival Horror Thriller “Black Rock” Gets Release Date

The survival horror film “Black Rock” has been given a release date. The intense thriller that left audiences feeling rather unaffected at film festivals will be released in theatres on May 17th 2013. Cool young cast and mixed reviews leave me oddly intrigued and wondering what the film is about. I haven’t seen it but so plan to. Directe by Katie Aselton it stars Kate Bosworth, Lake Bell, Katie Aselton, Will Bouvier, Jay Paulson and Anslem Richardson. Check out the trailer below.

Three childhood friends set aside their personal issues and reunite for a girls' weekend on a remote island off the coast of Maine. One wrong move turns their weekend getaway into a deadly fight for survival.

Trailer For “Lord Of Tears” Released

Check out the trailer for Scottish horror flick “Lord Of Tears”. The film has probably one of the coolest and creative creature designs I have seen in a long while. It is directed by Lawrie Brewster and is the dark tale of cursed land and the nightmares that breed within it’s clutches. A supernatural/ psychological thriller of sorts the film tells the story of James Findlay, a school teacher plagued by recurring nightmares of a mysterious and unsettling entity.  Suspecting that his visions are linked to a dark incident in his past, James returns to his childhood home, a notorious mansion in the Scottish Highlands, where he uncovers the disturbing truth behind his dreams, and must fight to survive the brutal consequences of his curiosity. The cast include David Shofield, Euan Doughlas, Lexy Hulme, Jamie Jack Gordon, Jock Ferguson and Alan Ireby.

Creating Horror To Laugh To: My Interview With D.I.Y Director Of “HogMaul” Nap Bishop

“HogMaul: The Legend Of Abrams County” is a complete Indie homegrown project that fascinates me. Not only does it celebrate the classic style of horror slashers and dark twisted legends of boogeymen that I grew up on but it is a project that has basically no real funding nor professional film making affiliations what so ever. The film’s cast and crew are a collection of horror fans within the Indie community who wanted to make a movie. Mostly learning as they go, having fun doing it but creating a real serious horror film that invites you to laugh. That is awesome on so many levels. The film is edging completion with only two more shooting days left as I write this and gearing up for a festival run. So for anyone who doesn't know about “HogMaul” here is your chance to find out more about this cool D.I.Y horror flick.

First, “HogMaul” tells the story of a murderous legend born in 1953 returns to a small rural Pennsylvania town. Whether it be a Killer? Cryptid? Myth? The film is completely from the mind of director Nap Bishop. Some one who loves horror and one day decided watching the movies was just not enough so he set out to make a movie. A 100% original creative story about a legend and the murderous mayhem filled with dark humor and some out right hilarity  It is a project that has me intrigued and eager to see the results of this true labor of love. I did have the opportunity to ask Bishop about the film and his love of horror.

ASouthernLife:  HogMaul is the first project from you and your company, completely  non funded. How has it been putting such a project together to see the  film come to life?
Nap Bishop: Well, pretty much all the clichés apply. It has been frustrating, time consuming, enlightening, and a tremendous amount of fun. The whole  process has been one big learning experience, and that was sort of our  goal. Hopefully what we've learned will show in future productions. We  had obstacles all the way, and I actually enjoyed the challenge. I  think the cast and crew feel the same way.

ASouthernLife: Was it hard to get everyone involved with the film to come together on the project, was it hard to get them to play along?
Nap Bishop: Generally, no. As with any project, people bring different levels of commitment and ability but it felt like everyone was on board from the start. Organizing was the hardest part and that task fell mainly to our Producer, Katie Jones. The film is pretty ambitious for a no  budget, first time indie piece, and we were working with a cast and crew of 30 plus people. Katie had to manage the tough part so the rest of us could do the fun stuff. Without her and Cinematographer, Brad Wanner, the movie would still be just an idea.

ASouthernLife: How did the concept and script for the HogMaul come about? And where did the Legend come from?
Nap Bishop: The legend itself came purely from my imagination. The concept came from the desire to pay tribute to the drive-in monster movies from the 1970's. I grew up watching and loving movies like Bigfoot, Grizzly and Creature from Black Lake, and was looking to pay some homage. Naturally you cannot have a monster movie without a monster, and our pig-man was inspired by a mask created by the incredible Anders Eriksen of Nightmare Gloves. As far as the script is concerned, it started in bits and pieces, a few lines from a scene here, a profile of a character there, and with inspiration from our Producer, I brought all those notes and scraps of paper together and tried to tell a story.

ASouthernLife:  Have you always wanted to make horror movies or be a director?
Nap Bishop: No. Hahaha! I am the worlds biggest horror fan but was content to watch. I guess I got tired of being a voyeur and wanted in on the action.

ASouthernLife:  When you told people about your idea for making this movie what was their reaction?
Nap Bishop: Everybody said "do it." I think the majority of people had no idea that we actually would. The most rewarding response came from people like Cori Coulter and Jennifer Wanner and many others who instantly backed the project with their time, talents, and in some cases cash and food!

ASouthernLife:  Which has been harder to do direct the cast during the dramatic scenes or getting the action/kill shots down?
Nap Bishop: I don't think there's that much of a difference. I'm a novice director, and I made dozens of mistakes no matter what we were filming.

ASouthernLife:  Who is Hogmaul and why does he kill?
Nap Bishop: HogMaul is a legendary pig-man who has an unquenchable desire to destroy human skulls with a sledgehammer. As far as his motivation, he likes to kill. I think he's really pissed that he has that weird man-pig chromosomal thing happening.

ASouthernLife: Who came up with the logo for the film ? It is pretty icon and eye  catching.
Nap Bishop: All of our art including the Hog and Hammer logo are created by Lucas Colton, and I agree, it is excellent work. Lucas has a great feel for the horror genre and the tone of the 70's films we are paying tribute to. All of the feedback we've gotten on his art has been exceptional.

ASouthernLife:  What all can fans expect to see in this film as far as the style of horror film it is?
Nap Bishop: We want people to know that it's okay to laugh, it's a monster comedy. Don't expect a tension filled bloodbath. We are giving love to the drive in super crap, creature films from the 1970's and the theme of the film is fun. Yes, bloody, head-hammering fun but fun nonetheless!

ASouthernLife: When can fans expect to see HogMaul? And do you see it as a franchise with sequels to come?
Nap Bishop: Spring 2013. This is the first thing we've ever done, and no matter what the result we feel the success is in the effort. I think for now we'll take it one movie at a time, but we certainly are planning to do more work.

Red Band Trailer For “Kiss Of The Damned” Released

Check out the intense red band trailer for “Kiss Of The Damned”. The film is a mature homage to classic horror. Directed by Xan Cassavetes and starring Joséphine de La Baume, Milo Ventimiglia, Roxane Mesquida and Riley Keough. It is due out May 3rd 2013.

Beautiful vampire Djuna (Josephine de La Baume) tries to resist the advances of the handsome, human screenwriter Paolo (Milo Ventimiglia), but eventually gives in to their passion. When her troublemaker sister Mimi (Roxane Mesquida) unexpectedly comes to visit, Djuna's love story is threatened, and the whole vampire community becomes endangered...

“Sorrow” Takes It’s Nightmare To The 90’s

“Sorrow” is a horror movie from Indie film company AmillzProductions. The film is based on true events and tells the story of a woman who is attacked by psychotic killers, manages to escape. Seeking revenge on her aggressors she refuses to surrender as police close in. The film is a grindhouse picture that blends elements of exploitation and psychological thriller stylizations. Directed by Millie Loredo and starring Eric Martinez, Vannessa Vasquez, Mary Etuk, Brenden Whitney “Sorrow” is a tribute film the horror style of the 1970’s. Check out the pitch for the project from the Kickstarter page.

Fieldhouse, Texas
October 12, 1992

Detective Salinas is involved in one of the worst discoveries ever in this small town. Police cars and ambulance surround the crime scene. Two corpses are found inside -- of accused American Spree Serial Killers.

THREE WEEKS AGO -- La Sal, Utah. A woman by the name of Mila Sweeney is kidnapped while on the way to her mother’s house. Serial Killers at large are eluding the state troopers. One has just escaped a psychiatric ward. Group finds refuge in the outskirts of La Sal a small town.
Days later, Mila’s Mother comes, knocking at this house. Mila is inside. In front of her eyes, serial killers kill her mother. Then take poor Mila to their hometown in Texas where they keep her days on torturing her. The woman survives and eventually escapees.

Sorrow is a story about revenge. When a young woman takes matters into her hands to exact revenge on her mother’s killers. She is confronted with the results of her actions, as local police are moving in closer.

The Art Of Horror Brings Flowers

Strange title combo I know, but that is just what director Phil Stevens is achieving with his latest horror film, creating art from a horror story in his film “Flowers”. The project is an abstract surreal film told absent dialogue and solely relying on visual stimulation to build upon emotion through a journey. As the director states, “ FLOWERS is a film that builds on the journey and not the destination.” It is a fascinating concept that I am eager to see. Lately I have been experiencing a lot of films that take a more artistic approach to story telling, mostly extreme experimental, anti-art but I love the avant-garde nuances of films of this nature.
Read the synopsis and find out more about this film on the movie’s website. Plus show some love on their Facebook Page.

Six dead women wake up in the crawl space below their killer's house only to discover that they are trapped in their own limbo and purgatory. The house itself contains many rooms revealing hints and clues to their past lives and how they've come to end up where they are. One by one and alone, each girl is forced to accept their fate or remain in place, between the walls of a rotting house.

First Clip From “Crawl” Released

Check out the first clip from Paul China’s “Crawl” The Aussie horror flick manages to create the same atmosphere of hopelessness and intensely dark horror edge that seems to come effortlessly to Australian directors. The film stars George Shevtsov, Paul Holmes and Georgina Haig. “Crawl” is du out on DVD and VOD February 26th.

Set in an unknown rural town, a seedy bar-owner hires a mysterious hitman to settle a score. The gun-toting killer crosses paths with an innocent waitress sparking a cat and mouse struggle of survival. As tension builds, everyone is driven to desperate measures causing a chain of events that build to a blood-curdling climax.

A Trashy And Tasteless Ki-Ki: My Interview With Trashology’s Douglas Conner

Douglas Conner lives in Louisville, Kentucky and is one half of the creative force behind reel EPIC Entertainment. He also stars in best friend and Indie filmmaking partner Brian Dorton’s “Trashology”. The anthology that celebrates everything Trash Cinema has given us, most notably the films of cult icon John Waters . It is hilarious, raunchy and witty. Conner who has recently finished school to become a therapist, he holds a degree in Occupational Therapy, plays one half of ‘Inglorious Bitches’ duo, a wild, vigilante gal pal team set out to rid the world of sex offenders. Douglas Conner is also a pretty well rounded guy as you will read in my recent interview with him. We dished about trash cinema, “Trashology”, murder, gay stuff and shit pies. Yeah that seems like a lot of trash to swallow but hey-man up and down that load!

There is a lot of cool things coming our way from not only Douglas Conner the actor, or for the many people he will set out to help with his new edjumacation (fingers crossed) but there is also some pretty great things coming from reel EPIC Entertainment as well. It is great to know that there is a pretty cool and growing community of gay film makers and fans in the Indie community which kind of makes me want to put my forty year old bearded ass in a purple & pink cheer ensemble, grab those bubble gum pink pom-poms and run out into the street long enough to yell –YEAH! But that is an issue for me and my personal therapist. The issue for you all is to read all the trashy and tasteless things that I learned about Douglas Conner in our little internet ki-ki ( not to be confused with kai-kai, because that is a whole ‘nother kinda article).

ASouthernLife: How did you get involved in "Trashology"?

Douglas Conner: Since Brian Dorton and I are best friends, and work on everything together, It was only natural that we would work together on our first feature film. We both love anthologies and thought it was a great idea.

ASouthernLife:  What was your first reaction when you read the script for "Trashology"?

Douglas Conner: Complete trashy chaos! I mean that in a good way of course! Brian and I worked on the script together some, but this was is baby and he ran with it. I can't imagine Trashology any other way. Our original idea for Trashology, was more like Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. The stories wouldn't have been separated, they would have all been ran and mixed together.

ASouthernLife: Did you ever question Brian's sanity-lol?

Douglas Conner: Everyday! Brian is a nut, but you gotta love him. He is my best friend, and he's a wonderful writer, actor, and director. He makes me laugh all the time, and whenever he tells me some crazy story, or dream, I know personally that it is bound to make it into a future script. This is what makes Brian, Brian.
ASouthernLife: How hard was it to get into character? where or who did you draw your inspiration from?

Douglas Conner: Sometimes it can be hard, yes to channel what I need to make Melissa, Melissa. Being more of a character actor, it sorta comes natural at times. Brian originally based the character of Melissa off a co-worker he used to work with. Then I just put my own spin on the character.

ASouthernLife: Which of the characters would you be more likely to kill whether in the heat of the moment or premeditated?

Douglas Conner: Definitely the sex offender Larry. I found that character to be completely disgusting. I would also kill off Ann. She was a total bit*h to Debbie!

ASouthernLife: Which of the characters in the film is your favorite and what was your favorite moment from the film?

Douglas Conner: I would have to say Ms. Green! Rodney did such a great job with this character, and I feel he really made it his own. Brian gave him an outline of the character, and what you seen on screen was all Rodney. Bravo to Brian and Rodney for creating my favorite character in Trashology.

ASouthernLife: How much fun was it working with the other cast members on this film?

Douglas Conner: It was a complete blast from beginning to end. We all had the passion to make a really great film, and I feel we did. Everyone gave 110% and I think it really shows! It's very important to Brian and I that we have fun on set, no matter what, but we also know we all have to work hard.

ASouthernLife: Do you have any fetishes and has anything gone wrong when trying to act out a fantasy?

Douglas Conner: No, I'm a perfect angel. I have zero fetishes or fantasies… NOT! haha of course I do, but I'll keep those private for now!

ASouthernLife: What was the first ever John Water's film you remember as a kid, and which of his film's is your favorite?


Douglas Conner: The first John Waters film I remember seeing was Serial Mom. That film is one of my all time favorites from Mr. Waters. Even thou it's after the Divine films, it still holds a special place in my heart. Next I saw, Hairspray, which was the first Divine film I ever saw. Then I wanted to see more… So I started from the beginning! I love Pink Flamingos and Female Trouble!! The only John Waters film I have yet to see, or own is PECKER. I plan to buy it in the near future!

ASouthernLife: What do you do when your not making trashy movies?


Douglas Conner: When we were filming Trashology, I was in the middle of college. I have recently graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy, as a therapist. I really love what I do, and helping people. I am working on a script titled, "I Love You, Michael." It is a gay themed horror, suspense thriller about a troubled man, with a horrible past. The story revolves around Michael, and his long time partner Darren. I am really proud of this script, and I really want to get the project off the ground within the year. Michael Partipilo who's an actor, living and working in Chicago is very interested in the project, and I hope to work with him. Brian and I are currently working on our remake to "Criminally Insane" titled "Crazy Fat Ethel." Brian's script is amazing and I feel horror fan's who love the original, will appreciate this new rendition. Alan Rowe Kelly has already been cast as "Aunt Joyce" and Amanda Jelks has been cast as "Ethel." I'm very excited about this project! We are hoping to finish up "The Horror Network" this year, which is an anthology. Brian had a great idea of incorporating other filmmakers from around the world, and having them submit a short film. We are currently holding on one more short. Then Brian and I will start production on the wrap around segment. I was just cast in "Brett & Kyle" which is a local gay themed film being shot here in Louisville, KY. I will be playing the character of Michael.


ASouthernLife: Have you had any chocolate pie lately?


Douglas Conner: Yes, we recently screened the film to some of the cast and crew that had not seen the finished product. Brian made sure after dinner, that we all had a piece of chocolate pie before we all watched Trashology.


ASouthernLife: If there where a "Trashology" II which characters would you like to see expanded upon?


Douglas Conner: Definitely Ms. Green if she was to return! Actually, I'd love to see a full length feature film called "Ms. Green." Seeing where she came from, and where she's going.


ASouthernLife: Of all the idiosyncrasies portrayed in "Trashology" which would you be most prone to or caught enacting?


Douglas Conner: Definitely shitting in a chocolate pie, and then serving it to any and all of my fellow enemies! LMAO!

DVD Cover Art Released For “Treasure Chest Of Horrors 2”

Check out the DVD cover artwork for the release of “Treasure Chest Of Horrors 2”. Also check out my review of the anthology here!

Press Release: TREASURE CHEST OF HORRORS 2 (DVD ARTWORK, RELEASE DATE, T-SHIRT)
Attached is the Official DVD COVER ART for TREASURE CHEST OF HORRORS II. The film was recently picked up for distribution by WILD EYE RELEASING for an April 23, 2013 DVD release date. The film is currently available for pre-order for just $9.99, link below.

From Executive Producer's James Cullen Bressack (My Pure Joy, HATE CRIME) and Jarret Cohen at Psykik Junky Pictures and directors Doug Waugh, Shawn C. Phillips, and Alex Powers comes the second installment in the TREASURE CHEST OF HORRORS ANTHOLOGY series starring Penthouse Pet Veronica Ricci (Bloody Mary 3D) Shawn C. Phillips (Don & Murph), James Cullen Bressack, Nick Clarck (Hate Crime) Joseph Frantz (CKY & VIVA LA BAM), and Miles Dougal (Detroit Rock City & Chillerama)

Official T-shirts for the film were also released! You can grab a T-Shirt with the Sexy/Beautiful Veronica Ricci on it at this link (who doesn't want to wear Veronica Ricci and Treasure Chest of Horrors T-shirts with pride?) :
http://www.fastcustomshirts.com/servlet/Detail?no=1502

Poster And Synopsis For Giallo Short “Deep Shock”

Check out the retro inspired poster to promote Italian director Davide Melini’s next short film “Deep Shock”. Along with the poster we also have the storyline. Read the official synopsis below and jump over to the film’s Facebook Page to show some love!

Sarah can’t completely overcome the deaths of her grandfather and her older sister. The trauma and lack of sleep cause her to embark on a strange journey of apparitions and murders, apparently caused by her mind...

"Her worst nightmare has become a reality."

An Expedition To ‘No Man’s Land’ In “Ragnarok”

Today Magnolia Pictures announced that it has acquired the rights to “Ragnarok” a film that has an archeological expedition encountering nightmarish realities. The film is directed by Norwegian director Mikkel Brænne Sandemose from a script written by John Kåre Raake and stars Pål Sverre Hagen (KON-TIKI) and directed by Mikkel Sandemose (COLD PREY – THE BEGINNING). Below is the description for the movie.

An archeologist is convinced the Oseberg Viking ship contains the answer to the mystery of Ragnarok, the end of days in Norse mythology. He mounts an expedition to “No Man’s Land” between Norway and Russia, which holds a secret more terrifying than he could possibly imagine.

Demons Unleash Hell In Canadian Horror “Hell’s Ridge”

“Hell’s Ridge” is an exciting project from Canadian based Sandcastle Pictures. Directed by Jay Lee the film brings back those undead things that are far scarier than zombies. Demons and not the fun loving kind who run bars and just want everyone to get along. We are talking old school horror monsters like “Night Of The Demon” and “Demons”. Yeah!!! I am doing a little happy dance. I love these kinds of movies. The film stars Laura Mitchell, Sean Poague, Alika Autran, Adam Slamang and Gabriele Carter. Check out the official trailer below.

When disturbing hallucinations draw a young woman and her friends to an asylum plagued by demons, she must uncover a gruesome family secret and fight to stay alive before the evil overtakes her and escapes into the world.

Ever since her father committed suicide, Jade has been drawn to the abandoned asylum outside town. Since its inception in 1892, the Well Ridge Institution ran smoothly for decades until a series of grisly murders forced the state to shut it down in 1968. Condemned and aptly monikered “Hell’s Ridge”, the building has laid dormant ever since - until now.

When Jade learns that Wellridge is to be demolished, her strange hallucinations grow increasingly powerful, compelling her to investigate the building for herself. She convinces four friends to join her for one night of harmless fun before the asylum is gone forever. Unbeknownst to them, an ancient evil lurks there and it’s anything but harmless.


After breaking into the asylum, a series of bizarre supernatural occurrences push the group to the edge of madness. They attempt to flee, but the demonic forces have sinister plans for Jade. The nightmare is just beginning.

Jade soon learns that the demons feed on human fear, which grants them the power to manifest themselves in the physical world and control living souls. One by one the evil takes dominion over Jade’s friends, evoking hideous physical transformations and an insatiable murderous rage.

Jade must uncover the mystery from her past and fight to stay alive in the vast labyrinth of Hell’s Ridge, never knowing what new evil lurks in the darkness or whose soul will be taken next.


Hell's Ridge - Official Trailer #1 from Sandcastle Pictures on Vimeo.