Indie Horror Icon Bill Oberst Jr. Attached To “Slay Utterly”

It has been awhile since I heard anything from this film but it seems that Stuart Wahlin’s indie film just received a huge surge of bloody awesomeness. Wahlin has announced that horror madman, and indie icon Bill Oberst Jr. has signed on to "Slay Utterly" both as an actor and producer.

The film, to be shot in 2014, is a modern adaptation inspired by the Villisca (Iowa) ax murders of 1912, which were also the subject of Wahlin’s 2013 documentary, The Ax Man Enigma, which built a compelling case pointing to a lone “Ax Man” being responsible for dozens of eerily-similar murders throughout the nation’s heartland during a two-year period.

Slay Utterly will be the writer-director’s second feature film. Wahlin’s first narrative feature, Hand of Glory (2012), earned the filmmaker “Best Director’ at the Prairie State Film Festival in Chicago last year, and “Best Actress” for Heather Dorff (Truth or Dare, What They Say).

Having earned over a hundred credits in a five-year period, Oberst is considered the hardest-working actor in horror, if not indie film as a whole. Among numerous awards and accolades, Oberst recently took home “Best Actor” from the Pollygrind Underground Film Festival in Las Vegas for his role in Coyote, which also won “Best Picture.”

“Bill is much more than just a horror actor,” Wahlin said of his film’s star. “He’s a tremendously-talented artist who’s going to win an Oscar someday. Though I think his fans will get what they expect from him, this is a film that gives Bill a little more depth to flex his acting prowess in a very conflicted, sympathetic role.”

Julian Richard’s “Darklands” Finally Gets DVD Release In UK

Julian Richards’ “Darklands” has finally been made available to UK horror fans. The film was released in North America last year and is the debut horror feature film of the iconic cult Director Richards. “Darklands” DVD cover art was also  released by Metrodome Distribution along with the official announcement. The film is a modern classic, cult-noir film that is filled with post-industrial, neo-primal visual concepts against western modernization. You can read my review of “Darklands” here. For the full details on the UK DVD release continue reading below.

“Darklands”, which has been sited by UK critics as laying the foundation of the 90's British horror revival follows a newspaper reporter who, after losing his job in London returns to his industrial Welsh hometown to investigate the mysterious death of a steelworker. When a local priest comes to him with a sinister story of animal sacrifices taking place in his church, the reporter finds himself embroiled in a pagan cult. As he delves deeper, he begins to suspect that there is a link between the two investigations, but those involved will stop at nothing to keep their existence a secret. 

Starring Craig Fairbrass (Cliffhanger), Jon Finch (Frenzy) and Rowena King (Wild Saragossa Sea) ”Darklands” is frequently compared to Robin Hardy’s 1970’s cult classic “The Wicker Man” but the writer/director also acknowledges a debt to Roman Polanski’s “Rosemary’s Baby”.

“Darklands” which won the Melies D’Argent for Best European Fantasy Film in 1997 launched the directing career of Julian Richards who went on to helm “Silent Cry”, “The Last Horror Movie”, “Summer Scars” and “Shiver”, whilst its producer Paul Brooks produced “Shadow Of The Vampire”, “White Noise” and “Haunting In Connecticut”.

"Darklands was the first British film to combine horror with social realism, a genre watershed which paved the way for the revival of UK horror in the 21st century” said MJ Simpson, author of Urban Gothic: The Modern British Horror Film. “Dark, gritty, contemporary and urban, Julian Richards' debut reinvented British horror movies. Without this film, there would be no 28 Days Later, no Shaun of the Dead, no Dog Soldiers."

New Images From Steve Du Melo’s “C.A.M.”

Steve Du Melo posted some new images from his viral nightmare “C.A.M.” on his blog site along with some cryptic but cool news that teases a possible place in the Guinness Book Of World Records. Not sure what that will entail but best wishes man! “C.A.M.” hits festivals next month.

 As many of you know, “C.A.M.” is alleged footage of an actual event encompassing Police and Military performing a training exercise. The footage was leaked to Du Melo by a unnamed Government official and what it shows is something all together different. “C.A.M.” is the disturbing documentation of a parasitic invader that infected the meat at meat processing plant.  IMDb lists both Steve Du Melo and Larry Downing as directors on this project. The “cast” includes Helen Ayres, Charlotte Curwood, Daniel Jeary, Tom Ware and Roger Wyatt. I am so conflicted on all the info stuff about “C.A.M.” but one this is for sure I am very excited to see this footage, of that there is no conflict.

Actual statement as it is written below the film’s trailer.

This film is believed to contain real footage of a training operation using military and police personnel.

But it wasn't training...

These ops happened all around the world and this film was made by one of the police camera crews. This footage was leaked out and the film shows what was to be a routine operation to evacuate the workers after a parasite has contaminated food at a local meat processing plant. But what has happened at this meat factory could have disastrous repercussions to all life on earth. For this parasite can lead to irrational violent behavior in humans and it's spreading.

(The images below contain some blurred faces due to legal reasons.The images are screen captures from the footage)

First Images From “Dead Snow: Red Vs. Dead”

Check out the first images for the return of Nazi zombies in one of the best undead franchises ever! “Dead Snow: Red Vs. Dead” will premiere in January at Sundance which runs from the 16th until the 26th. The sequel has Tommy Wirkola returning to bring to life the evil Nazi Zombies once more and the subgenre will be better for it! “Dead Snow 2” stars Vegar Hoel, Stig Frode Henriksen, Martin Starr, Ørjan Gamst, Ingrid Haas and Jocelyn DeBoer.

the sequel picks up from the instant the first movie left off. as Martin, the sole survivor of the mayhem makes his way back to civilization with the evil Nazi zombies right behind him. He will need an army of his own to battle this undead force.

Severin Films & Nucleus Films Announce “Video Nasties: The Definitive Guide” Release

 
Severin Films has announced a partnership with UK-based cult movie label Nucleus Films to release select titles of their popular line of horror and exploitation DVDs. The union will commence with the highly acclaimed VIDEO NASTIES – THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE, which boasts three discs of banned film newly re-mastered trailers, introductions by critics and experts, Jake West’s award-winning documentary MORAL PANIC, CENSORSHIP & VIDEOTAPE, and much more.

The video nasty era in the UK in the early 80's is now notorious among horror fans for branding movies like THE EVIL DEAD, DRILLER KILLER, CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, and ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS as likely to deprave and corrupt those who view them in British homes. Says David Gregory of Severin Films, “Nucleus’ collection was a smash hit in the UK both critically and commercially, and with more and more awareness recently in the US of the notorious ‘nasties’, from books on the subject, to festivals celebrating the condemned films, to ours and other labels’ releases proudly touting “Banned in Britain”, there’s no reason why the set shouldn’t resonate with US fans of horror and exploitation cinema.”

Severin Films have released titles from the official nasties list in the past, such as THE HOUSE ON STRAW HILL, BLOODY MOON, DEVIL HUNTER, and CANNIBAL TERROR, and have more lined up for 2014. Severin co-founder Carl Daft continues, “David and I have known Marc Morris of Nucleus since we were in high school. We used to trade illegal nasties at dodgy all-night horror shows at London’s legendary Scala Cinema. There couldn’t be a better collection to start our partnership of releasing their carefully selected compilation discs from the labyrinthine archive of Mr. Morris.”

Morris adds, “My partner, Jake West, and I are delighted to be in business with David and Carl as we obviously share similar sensibilities when it comes to our tastes in exploitation cinema — both of our labels debuted with Just Jaeckin’s GWENDOLINE on different sides of the pond back in 2006.”

Nucleus co-founder and filmmaker Jake West (DOGHOUSE, EVIL ALIENS, ABCs OF DEATH) concludes, “We’ve been talking for years with David and Carl about finding something to work on together, and now’s the time to do it.”

VIDEO NASTIES will be followed up by GRINDHOUSE TRAILER CLASSICS VOLUME 1, and more will be released throughout 2014.

Their Miracle Proves Not To Be A Blessing In “Devil’s Due” Trailer

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett show that not all miracles are blessings in the new official trailer for their supernatural horror film “Devil’s Due”. The film hits theatres on January 17th 2014 and stars Allison Miller, Zach Gilford, Steffie Grote, Sam Anderson, Robert Belushi and Catherine Kresge.

After a mysterious, lost night on their honeymoon, a newlywed couple finds themselves dealing with an earlier-than-planned pregnancy. While recording everything for posterity, the husband begins to notice odd behavior in his wife that they initially write off to nerves, but, as the months pass, it becomes evident that the dark changes to her body and mind have a much more sinister origin.

First Look At Adam Wingard’s “The Guest”

The first images have arrived for Adam Wingard’s “The Guest”. The film stars Dan Stevens, Joel David Moore, Lance Reddick, Maika Monroe, Leland Orser, Chase Williamson and  Brendan Meyer.  “The Guest” is currently in post-production.

A soldier on leave befriends the family of a fallen comrade. He soon becomes a threat to everyone around him when it's revealed he's not who he says he is.

Become Obsessed With “Nurse 3D” Trailer

“Nurse 3D” has gotten a great deal of attention since word of the erotic thriller was first spoken. Mostly because of the obvious play with fetish wear and “sexed=”up Vixen (as the ole’ timers would say) adorning the movie posters. However horror fans have a new treat to be obsessed over with “Nurse 3D”. The official trailer has arrived for Douglas Aarniokoski's film which stars Paz De La Huerta. Check out the trailer below.

“Nurse 3D” also stars Judd Nelson, Corbin Bleu, Katrina Bowden, Boris Kodjoe, Niecy Nash, and Melanie Scrofano. The film hits theatres and VOD on February 7th 2014. The story follows nurse Abby Russell (de la Huerta) who lovingly attends to the patients at All Saints Memorial Hospital; by night, Abby prowls nightclubs, luring unfaithful men into dangerous liaisons. After Danni, a young, sensitive nurse, joins the hospital staff, Abby pursues her friendship. But when the friendship turns to obsession, Danni spurns Abby, unleashing Abby's fury and a rampage of terror.

Release Date Set For Matt Thompson's “Bloodline” DVD

Osiris Entertainment has announced a release date for “Bloodline” on DVD along with the cover art. “Bloodline” is directed by Matt Thompson who also stars in the indie horror along side Jesse Kristofferson, Kimberly Alexander, Gina Comparetto, Christopher Frontiero  and Hell on Wheels'  Grainger Hines. The DVD will hit shelves on January 7th 2014. The film has been described as “Cabin In The Woods” meets “Evil Dead”.


Shot and filmed in the Eldorado National Forest of Sacramento, Bloodline uncovers the eerie past and life of Brett Ethos (Matt Thompson). 

Seminary student Brett Ethos falls away from the church and his faith only to find out that his bloodline is sought after by a real evil. On a trip with friends and an old flame, he goes to explore a cabin left to him by the will of his family. There he discovers his true heritage. Temptation or redemption becomes his ultimatum. His friend's lives and his own hang in the balance. -- ENDS

Check Out The Full Trailer For Werewolf Horror “Hunger Unholy”

The official trailer for indie werewolf horror “Hunger Unholy” has been released. The film will premiere at Another Hole In the Head Fest in San Francisco on  Wednesday December 11th. “Hunger Unholy” is written and directed by Nicholas Holland . The lycanthropic nightmare stars Laura Kriss, JT Taylor, Nate Burud, Jordan Kantola, Lillian Lamour and Nicholas Holland. Check out the trailer below.

After the funeral of her boyfriend Gabe's parents, Kelly heads up north to his family's cabin with him and a few of their friends as he and his brother prepare to sell it. After an encounter with an eccentric neighbor, though, things quickly begin to spiral out of control as one by one, members of the group begin to disappear with the rising of the full moon.

Official Trailer Lands For Indie Slasher Sequel “Midsummer Nightmares II: Summer’s End”

The official trailer has landed online for indie slasher sequel “Midsummer Nightmares II: Summer’s End”. The film is written and directed by Ryan Stacy. “Part II” picks up on the story three years after the brutal massacre from the original film and brings back the surviving characters with the original cast stepping back into their roles, save the lead character. Julie Sherwood was unable to return as the heroine so actress Christy Faulkner  will take on the role. So check out the trailer below.  Also if you didn’t see the first stills that were released back in October then check them out here!

New Trailer Released For “Pompeii”

Check out the new trailer for 2014’s “Pompeii”. The film stars ‘Game Of Thrones’ Kit Harrington along side Emily Browning, Jared Harris, Kiefer Sutherland, Carrie-Anne Moss, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and Jessica Lucas. “Pompeii” is directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and hits theatres February 21st.

Set in 79 A.D., POMPEII tells the epic story of Milo (Kit Harington), a slave turned invincible gladiator who finds himself in a race against time to save his true love Cassia (Emily Browning), the beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant who has been unwillingly betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts in a torrent of blazing lava, Milo must fight his way out of the arena in order to save his beloved as the once magnificent Pompeii crumbles around him.

Official Trailer No. 2 For Spectacular “300: Rise Of An Empire”

The official trailer no. 2 for “300: Rise Of An Empire” has landed in all it’s spectacular glory. Is it just me or does this film seem tons better than the first. I know the trailer is frickin’ epic and I am jonesin’ for this one!

 “300: Rise Of An Empire” is directed by Noam Murro from a screenplay co-written by Zack Snyder. He and Kurt Johnstad seem to have brought to life a pretty sweet saga that takes the battle to a new shore. After its victory over Leonidas' 300, the Persian Army under the command of Xerxes marches south towards the major Greek city-states. The Democratic city of Athens, first on the path of Xerxes' army, bases its strength on its fleet, led by admiral Themistocles. Themistocles is forced to an unwilling alliance with the traditional rival of Athens, oligarchic Sparta whose might lies with its superior infantry troops. But Xerxes still reigns supreme in numbers over sea and land.

The film is adapted from the graphic novel series ‘Xerxes’ by Frank Miller. “Rise Of An Empire” lands in theatres on March 7th 2014. It stars Sullivan Stapleton, Rodrigo Santoro, Eva Green, Jack O'Connell, Sullivan Stapleton, Scott Burn, David Wenham, Hans Matheson and Luke Roberts.

“House Of Bad” Sells Out On Amazon.com

LOS ANGELES, California (December 4, 2013) – “House of Bad “, the award-winning 2013 Independent horror film and fan-site darling, blistered anticipated sales yesterday, selling on the Amazon.com site registered out of stock, taking the internet giant by surprise.  After a month of being available as a pre-order, the title suddenly became unavailable on the day of its official release.

The turn of events represents a new twist to the typical story of the Independent film scene, where directors and filmmakers struggle to find distribution and access to robust sales outlets.  Without such avenues cinematic efforts can be lost in the shuffle, a reality for low-budget genre films and true gems like “House of Bad”.

  "It's awesome and frustrating at the same time" says executive producer Scott Frazelle, "our distributor, Osiris Entertainment, has worked hard to promote the film, and capitalize on all the positive fan-site reviews. We’re really hoping this Amazon response pushes WalMart, Redbox, and other retailers to get the film out sooner rather than later."

House of Bad is a 95-minute feature film about three sisters on the run with a suitcase full of stolen drugs, yearning to break free from their sordid pasts.  From small movie blogs to big sites like Ain’t It Cool News, reviewers are calling House of Bad “fresh, sexy and unsettling”, “a fine example of what the low budget indie scene has to offer”, and “a smarter version of a 70's grindhouse bad girl flick”. The film stars Heather L. Tyler (The Bridge), Sadie Katz (Chavez Cage of Glory, Scorned) and Cheryl Sands (Nip Tuck).

My Review Of “Another Kind”

You know when you see certain films and they just seem to stay with you well after you have watched them? “Another Kind” is one of those films. I really didn’t know what to expect when I set down to watch-alone, at 1 a.m. but man was I I pleasantly surprised.  More so than any other film I have watched that boasted claims such as the description to “Another Kind” declared. In the tradition of “Blair Witch Project” and “The X-Files”. A lot of films claim to be comparable to iconic films such as these but very few really deliver. So not the case with this little indie film. Before I get into the depth of how cool, and entertaining the film is I need to give some background info on “Another Kind”. The film’s directed by Jonathan Blitstein and stars little known actors Jamie Law, Nate Miller, Laura Ramadei and Patrick Woodall. The story follows the four on a winter snowshoeing/camping trip into the wilderness in the Catskills to gear up for a future adventure at Mt. Everest. The adventure turns tragic as a series of mishaps prove to be more than the amateur outbackers can handle. It is a nightmare that only hints at the bigger horror happening around them.

Now for my thoughts on this little gem of a thriller. “Another Kind” has one of those story elements that keeps you on the edge, guessing what really is going on from the moment the characters snowshoes get strapped on. The atmosphere of the film is one of solemn unease. You almost feel the tragedy from the beginning of the film even before anything significant happens. There is just a well conveyed sense of  apprehension that seemed to infect me as I watched the film. The actors do an above apt  job bringing these characters to life, it is impressive just how comfortable they seem in front of the camera. The performances are genuine and engaging. I felt invested in the characters wellbeing which intensified the chilling nature of the story. In all honesty “Another Kind” reminded me more of “Yellow Brick Road” with a surprise sci-fi twist ending. I bounced back and forth on whether the film was a nightmare flip out of psyches or if the things were really happening that I was seeing on screen.  The film gives good thrills.

The special effects are limited, but mostly because there are very few moments in the film that require anything extra, “Another Kind” works more on psychological horror and tension than physical gruesomeness. The sound track and nightmarish situations are what pull the punches with this film, punches are more often creepy and unsettling with almost no lull. The sounds and cinematography used in “Another Kind” is reminiscent of the classic age of horror films from the late 70’s and early 80’s. Not with gimmicks but with a natural style just seems timeless and recognizable. Oh and the ending on this film remains pretty elusive right up until the very end, and it is a cool ending that I was not expecting. I knew there was a certain sci-fi component because of the title and possible truth behind the events that unfold in the film, I just wasn’t expecting the ending that happens in “Another Kind” and it was rewarding. This film actually made me a bit uneasy after it was over, considering I live in the mountains, surrounded by forests that can be pretty frickin’ creepy at times. See this movie, it doesn’t disappoint.

Shoreline Acquires “Yokai” In First Latin American Film Pick Up

The distribution company Shoreline has picked up “Yokai” as their first ever pick up of a Latin American film. “Yokai” is directed by Cristobal Echevensko and is described “as a story of suspense with supernatural elements of terror, “Yokai” turns on Lydia, a 28-year-old employee of a jewelry store who tries to steal a valuable diamond from Yokai, the Japanese man owner of the jewellry, who is a serial killer in his spare time, living at home with all the ghosts of the victims of his murders.”


Produced by Echevensko at Santiago-based outfit CEB Productions, “Yokai” stars Francisca Sfeir, Diego Suazo and Ryotsu Orellana.

Shoreline director of acquisitions, Melody Djavadi, said; “With his first feature, Eschevensko surprisingly, strategically captures the gory essence of the best horror films while expertly interlacing suspense, fashioning a unique supernatural thriller. I’m excited to begin what is sure to be a long and prolific relationship with this talented filmmaker.”

“Carrie” Coming To Blu-ray/DVD In January

“Carrie 2013” is coming to Blu-ray/DVD on January 14th 2014. The film will also have a DigitalHD release on January 3rd prior to the hardcopy release.

From the Press Release

Fear her power! Unleash the telekinetic horror when CARRIE debuts on Digital HD January 3 and on Blu-ray and DVD January 14 from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. An exhilarating reimagining of Stephen King’s iconic best-seller from director Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don’t Cry, Stop-Loss), this tale of small town terror stars Chlo? Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass 2, Dark Shadows) and Julianne Moore (Don Jon, Game Change).

Carrie is a reimagining of the classic horror tale about Carrie White (Chlo? Grace Moretz), a shy girl outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother (Julianne Moore), who unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom.

Directed by Kimberly Peirce and produced by Kevin Misher, with a screenplay by Lawrence D. Cohen and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, the film is a production of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Screen Gems and was released in theatres on October 18, 2013.

Showcasing over an hour of heart-pounding exclusive special features, the CARRIE Blu-ray includes behind-the-scenes featurettes, commentary from director Peirce, deleted and extended scenes, the hit "Telekinetic Coffee Shop Surprise" viral video and an alternate ending that is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats!

Special Features
Feature Film with Alternate Ending (Blu-ray only)
Deleted/Extended Scenes with Commentary by Director Kimberly Peirce (Blu-ray only)
Commentary by Director Kimberly Peirce (Blu-ray only)
The Power of Telekinesis (Blu-ray only)
"Bringing Back Carrie" Featurette
Telekinetic Coffee Shop Surprise
Theatrical Trailer

“Rise Of The Fellowship” Now On DVD

December 3rd, 2013- Before you see The Hobbit : Desolation of Smaug, spend some time with the Fellowship. Phase 4 film’s highly-anticipated love letter to Tolkien, RISE OF THE FELLOWSHIP is now available on DVD at Walmart, Amazon and iTunes.  Directed by Ron Newcomb and stars Justin Moe, Emma Earnest, Jayme Bell, Alyssa Jacobsen, and Cole Matson. A group of LORD OF THE RINGS fans embark on an amazing and amusing journey in director Ron Newcomb’s fantastical and fun adventure.

RISE OF THE FELLOWSHIP, features LORD OF THE RINGS online.  This comedy was written in honor of online gamers and The Lord of the Rings. Full of Tolkien-references and good-hearted parody.

Randall Dooley is a geek. His three best friends are geeks too. He works in a game shop, he spends all his free time playing online games, his older brother bullies him unmercifully, his widowed mom doesn't understand him, and he's hopelessly in love with the prettiest cheerleader in high school. In short, he's a loser. All of that changes when he hears of the Lord of the Rings gaming competition in Orlando, Florida. Finally! Meaning in life! The Fellowship is a buddy-comedy written in honor of online gamers and The Lord of the Rings. Full of Tolkien-references and good-hearted parody, The FellowsHip will appeal to Tolkien-fans and gamers alike, as well as anyone who's never been part of the in-crowd.

“Werewolf Rises” Cast Bill Oberst Jr. And Melissa Carnell

Press Release:
Bill Oberst, Jr., has joined the cast of Ruthless Pictures’ Werewolf Rises. The film, written and directed by BC Furtney, tells the story of Emma, a small town girl who returns to her childhood home deep in the Arkansas mountains only to encounter a sinister underworld that most never knew existed, one populated by bloodthirsty werewolves.

Of his role in the film, Oberst says, “Since the days of Forrest J Ackerman’s Famous Monsters, I’ve longed to play classic monster roles like Chaney’s Wolf Man and Karloff’s Monster. With Werewolf Rises, Jesse Baget and BC Furtney are giving me a chance to check one of those off my list. This is my second project with Jesse Baget’s Ruthless Pictures, after The Black Water Vampire, and I can tell you that this guy is growing to be a formidable force in the horror genre. I’m a fan of this script and am grateful for this role.”

“During the scriptwriting process for Werewolf Rises,” Furtney recounts, “I was lucky to see an early cut of Ruthless Pictures’ Black Water Vampire, and without giving anything away, one actor in particular jumped off the screen in one of the most memorable turns I’ve seen. I must’ve had my head in the sand because I wasn’t familiar with him, didn’t know about the “King of Indie Horror” thing. It was Bill Oberst, Jr. Not long after that, Jesse Baget asked me, ‘Do you have anything for Bill?’ He didn’t need to ask twice.”

“Bill is without a doubt one of the most talented actors working today,” producer Jesse Baget says. “Both on and off screen he’s an absolute joy to work with. I can’t wait to see what he does in this role.”

Melissa Carnell (Boggy Creek, Humans Versus Zombies) also joins the cast. “As for Werewolf’s main character, Emma, I’d had a pretty specific visual in mind while writing,” Furtney says. “As we began bouncing around casting ideas, I just wasn’t seeing it – until Melissa Carnell’s name came up and a light bulb went off. The character of Emma is a unique balancing act, and Melissa’s the virtual embodiment of her. I can’t wait to get on set and watch her bring it to life.”

Prepare To Get Bitten With SyFy's New Series

SyFy has released a trailer and promo poster to launch their new series “Bitten”. The series stars Laura Vanderhoot (Smallville) along side Greyston Holt, Greg Bryk, Paul Greene,and Steve Lund. THe series is set for January 13th 2014 and will have a 13 episode run. “Bitten” will also air on sister network Space and is based on is based on Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld novels.

Bitten’ in an emotionally charged thriller that follows reluctant heroine Elena Michaels, the world’s only female werewolf, who is forced to take on life-threatening responsibilities, in a male dominated world. The werewolves are monitored by The Pack, a powerful, organized werewolf family based in the grand manor of Stonehaven, the place where Elena’s life as a werewolf began. When a dead girl is discovered in the woods outside the town of Bear Valley (the adopted home of The Pack), it’s the genesis of an all-out war against a rogue group of Mutts (non-Pack werewolves) whose aim is to destroy The Pack. Torn between the new life she’s created in Toronto and loyalty to her Pack family, Elena will fight her own battle between the woman, and the wolf within.

“Witching & Bitching” Coming To IFC Midnight

IFC Midnight has acquired the North American distribution rights to Alex de la Iglesia’s “Witching & Bitching”. The film will see a theatrical U.S release in 2014 and simultaneous bow on VOD platforms. The edgy and whimsical narrative is a lighthearted battle of the sexes. “Witching & Bitching” stars Javier Botet, Mario Casas, Santiago Segura, Hugo Silva and Carolina Bang.

Mario Casas and Hugo Silva as two ne’er-do-wells who pull a Madrid heist, then flee towards France, only to fall into the maws of local witches at Navarre’s Zugarramurdi, its millennium-old coven center of occult activities.

“Battle Of The Damned” Release Date Announced

Anchor Bay has announce a release date for “Battle Of The Damned”. The Dolph Lundgren starring sci-fi action film will hit Blu-ray/DVD on February 18th 2014. “Battle Of The Damned” is directed by Christopher Hatton and also stars David Field, Matt Doran, Melanie Zanetti, Jen Sung and Lydia Look.

In the near future on the outskirts of civilization a remote test facility lays in ruin following a catastrophic security breach. All that remains is a handful of survivors, their small armory of weapons and a fleet of the infected. The breach led to a viral outbreak that left thousands dead or mutated. Now the infected walk the land, stalking the few that still live. Led by private military operative Max Gatling (Lundgren), they fight the infected and soon learn there are band of malfunctioning prototype robots also on the march and they are armed and incredibly dangerous.

My Review Of “Creature 2013”

Before I talk about “Creature 2013” specifically I want to go on the record as saying that I love Indie cinema. And I have made it known that my sweet spot in the indie community is the experimental/avant garde subgenre-the arthouse films that step outside of what we normally consider as defining what a horror film is. Sometimes it works brilliantly and other times it is a complete fail. I myself have watched numerous directors whose vision was devouring by the high conceptual aspect, losing the story until it became lost. I have also seen films that married the horror story and the experimental styles beautifully, which often make me feel somehow elevated inside in an almost metaphysical way. The experimental love affair I have developed comes from many years of watching silent movies, crime/noir of the 40’s/50’s and the 60’s avant-garde cinema. Films most people will walk away from within the first 10 minutes. Anyway, now to “Creature 2013”. This film is total experimental arthouse and will not appeal to the average film fan. Now on to my review.

“Creature 2013” is directed by Ronny Carlsson and stars Daniela Melin in the lead role of a young woman desperate to seek answers to her past. traveling back to a place she recalls as secure, the memories come out of the darkness with the sole purpose of yet again destroying her life. “Creature 2013” is a 45 minute short film that is 100% experimental filmmaking. The story plays out in obscure imagery shot in video art style (VHS filmmaking), black & white shadowy scenes which together create an almost cinema verite feel blended with a complete noir atmosphere. I immediately though of the term verite-noir. The experimental use of almost rough shot, shaky camera work, the play of shadow against light, and the shear lack of any real dialog offer up an almost macabre, haunting display of emotional unease that permeates the film and the lead character’s presence. I was captivated. I do have to add that I stayed completely confused as to what was actually going on in the film based on the synopsis-almost right up until the final 3rd section of the film when the directors revealing conclusion came to light. I would have liked for the story to be pulled out of the strong conceptual design a bit more but it didn’t keep me from staying locked into Natalya’s plight.

The visual elements are so avante-garde and mesmerizing that I could see this playing against a gallery’s starch white wall as pure artistic brilliance, or some smokey back alley expressionist gathering at a coffee house. Like I said, I love experimental filmmaking and extremist cinematic concepts. There is almost no dialog, I think I counted 6 moments, maybe 7, where speaking was involved. The haunting, foreboding atmosphere and the high visual exploration movements of the character tell the story in this film. There is a deep philosophical element at work in “Creature 2013” and the gritty, dressed down underlying horror aspects are powerful arthouse moments. Plain and simple “Creature 2013” is an art film that works the new age “video art” style wonderfully. I personally enjoyed the film but I know that the vast majority of people will not like this film.  It is an exploration in emotion, sensory stimulation and expectational provocation.

Trailer Released For "Seal Patrol" Starring ‘True Blood’ Actress Kristina Anapau

Lionsgate has released the trailer for “Seal Patrol”, a new action-thriller starring True Blood's Kristina Anapau. The film is in the same vain as the Cinemax series ‘Strike Back’ and the trailer gives us every bit of that! Which is why I am posting this. That show has kind of gotten me hooked on these black-ops, special forces, action flicks once more. I loved them as a kid until you know who ruined them! Any way back to “Seal Patrol”. Read about the film and check out the trailer and stills below.

Anapau is part of an ensemble cast including Eric Roberts (The Expendables),  James C.Burns (Transformers), Tina Casciani (The Speak), Roark Critchlow (TVs Pretty Little Liars) and Josh Daugherty (John Carter).  The film is directed by Nicolas Aaron Mezzanatto (The Speak).

In an effort to capitalize on tactics learned in the elite special unit known as the Navy SEALs, Navy veteran Lewis Locke forms a private team of ex-military contractors hired to extract "high value assets" worldwide.  After losing contact with a clandestine energy research facility, a powerful venture capitalist contracts Locke and his team to retrieve a physicist who holds the key to an unprecedented alternate energy source. What follows is a mission these war veterans will never forget.

“Seal Patrol” invades  DVD (plus Digital UltraViolet), Digital HD and Video on Demand February 11^th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.
 

First Look At Daniel Radcliffe In “Frankenstein”

Check out the first images showing Daniel Radcliffe in the new version of the classic horror “Frankenstein”, the film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s cult novel in which he plays the role of Igor, Frankenstein’s assistant. James MacAvoy will play the part of Dr. Frankenstein in the new adaptation based on a script written by Max Landis, the son of John Landis (Michael Jackson’s Thriller and An American Werewolf In London). Adam Scott, Jessica Brown Findlay, and Bronson Webb join Radcliffe and MacAvoy in the tale. Paul McGuigan is directing the film which will focus the story more from the view of Dr. Frankenstein’s hunchbacked coadjutant. “Frankenstein” isn’t due out until January 16th 2015.

An Interview With “Another Kind” Producer Jay Schweid-Plus New Images From The Horror Thriller

"Another Kind", from Osiris Entertainment, is the latest producing effort from Jay Schweid. I had the opportunity to speak to the New Yorker about the spooky DVD and VOD release. I posted about “Another Kind” earlier after receiving a press release in my email and the film is quite interesting. I have a review coming up for the film but I am really glad that I have a moment to get in depth with one of the film’s talented team.





ASouthernLife: The promotional material describes the film is a mix of The X-Files and Blair Witch. Do you agree?
Jay Schweid: I was quite flattered when our distributor tagged the DVD case saying we were “In the Tradition of "The Blair Witch Project" and the "X Files”.  While I think that’s a bold statement, any filmmaker that makes a film like Another Kind is inspired by these films and certainly so where we.

ASouthernLife: What's something new "Another Kind" offers movie-goers that those comparable titles don't?
Jay Schweid: Aside from the tons of snow and subzero temperature we shot in? All kidding aside, I’m not one to compare anything we do to that of others.  "Blair Witch" and "X-Files" were phenomenal movies that set a certain bar for others to try and reach.  We never try to do that.  We look at all of our films as their own living breathing piece of work and hope that comes through to the audience.


ASouthernLife: How did financing come about with the film?
Jay Schweid: We put whatever we could scrape together ourselves and only spent money on absolute necessities.  I was able to get a few friends to jump in later to help cover some of the additional post costs and we put what we could in as needed.

ASouthernLife: Do you have a favorite moment in the film?
Jay Schweid: That’s a tough question.  When you make a film like this, everyone working together as a team, all freezing your butts off, it’s hard to see any moment on screen without thinking of what it took to get that shot.  There are so many shots that we got that we never expected to that are in the film.  I’m not one to think of things like this as luck as it comes from having talented people, working together to make the best film you can make regardless of the circumstances or environment you’re in.

ASouthernLife:  How important is the internet in marketing a film like "Another Kind"?
Jay Schweid: I think the internet is hugely important for any film, but even more so for ultra-low budget indie films like Another Kind.  Having a distributer like Osiris and working with Clint Morris (of October Coast) has been tremendously helpful and hopefully your readers will now want to check out our Facebook page and watch the film.

ASouthernLife: The film is being released on VOD. Do you believe cinema and traditional DVD are coming to an end, and everything will soon be watched on a computer?
Jay Schweid: Currently Another Kind is available on DVD and the VOD release will be coming soon, which is great.  I don’t think cinema or theatres are going to end as there’s something special about watching a film on a large screen with a bunch of people you don’t know and feeling a connection. They say DVD may be over soon and I can see that as being somewhat more likely, but then again books are making a comeback and there is something to be said for holding something in your hands, opening it and putting in a device to watch it – either on TV or computer.