By Mike Thomas
MoreHorror.com

In the beginning, there was Lon. As the disfigured antagonist in The PHANTOM of the OPERA, his half-masked face hid a horrible secret, only to be revealed at the climax of the film. The formula of the masked villain had been played out in countless films, with the hero unmasking the villain in the end. This worked well for suspense, and it an easy gimmick for an exciting reveal.

In the Golden Age of Horror, villains - monsters - had faces. Frankenstein.Dracula.the Wolfman.. With these characters, it was the creature that was important, not the actor. So anyone, from Bela Lugosi, to John Carradine, to -- Leslie Nielsen could portray the undead creature of the night. (Bar Bet: though Lugosi is most identified with Dracula, it was Count Dooku, Christopher Lee, who played the part more than any other actor). In the Universal Monsters era, there was a revolving door of actors, who played the Frankenstein monster, the Wolfman, the Invisible Man, and so on.

Then came Michael. A faceless entity, terrorizing young, stupid teenagers, impossibly capturing his fleeing prey, despite the fact that his victims ran at breakneck speed, and he lumbered on, only to surprise them from around a corner or a tree or even capturing them in front. His reverse Captain Kirk mask set the tone for the slasher film, even until today.

And before I get everyone in an uproar, even though it was made before HALLOWEEN, I don’t consider The TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE a true slasher film. Let me explain: the character Leatherface was not the soulless, evil killer as enacted by Freddie or Ghostface. The Sawyers were whackadoodles, and Leatherface was basically a child, in a huge, hulking frame, who was strong enough to carry a chainsaw, and who, in reality, IS the star of the film. Second, for a film featuring the aforementioned chainsaw, the violence were comparatively bloodless. Even the most shocking part, the meat hook scene, was edited so deftly, surprisingly little blood was shown in screen. Tobe Hooper left the gore to your imagination.

This formula worked well for the audience, actors, and the producers, who could make their boogeyman from any actor that was available. Anyone can put on the mask. No less than nine actors put on the hockey mask to be Jason Voorhees (actually it’s seven - Ari Lehman was the young Jason in the first FRIDAY the 13th, and Warrington Gillette wore a one-eyed sackcloth in PART II. It wasn’t until the 3D version that Richard Brooker first donned the iconic hockey mask.)

So why the change in the business model? The answer is simple - money. In the successive FRIDAY the 13th sequels, anyone DID put on the hockey mask. Nameless stuntmen were hired to slice and dice the teenagers. When the men behind the masks started to become famous, being identified with the character, as in the case of Kane Hodder, who played Jason more than any other actor, the producers decided to move on. Slap on the mask on another stuntman, and no one's the wiser.

There were a few exceptions. Robert Englund became such a strong presence in his NIGHTMARE on ELM STREET franchise, when he was replaced, even with as strong an actor as Jackie Earle Haley, audiences gave him a resounding “No Confidence.”

Today, the faceless slasher is almost a fond memory of a simpler time, when one crazed lunatic had no tragic backstory, as seen in the newer reboots of these franchises. The slasher appears, the promiscuous, drug-addled teenagers are given their comeuppance by a self-appointed Angel of Death, “those meddling kids” dispatch of the killer, and all’s hunky-dory - until the next sequel.

Who are YOUR favorite faceless psychopaths? We’d love for you to chime in on our Facebook page.

By Jonathan Weichsel
MoreHorror.com

I recently got to ask Filmmaker Reyna Young a few questions about her new film Forgotten Tales. You can read our conversation below.

JW- What made you decide to make a horror anthology film as opposed to a narrative feature?

RY- I've always had an anthology film in the back of my mind and wanted to make it a reality. I wrote my first comic issue of Forgotten Tales, Audition, years ago for Scattered Comics in Sacramento, and I will have a comic coming out based on the film and cannot wait for that. But I've always loved Creepshow and wanted to do my own anthology.

JW- In Forgotten Tales there is a ghost story, a home invasion story, and a stalker story. Do you like to watch all different kinds of horror? What are some of your favorite kinds of horror to watch? What were some of your cinematic influences when making Forgotten Tales?

RY- Well I'm very old school. I love Carpenter, Craven and Hitchcock. I do enjoy gore movies but I'm not too much into making them, as I love suspense more. Will I ever do gore? Probably, but for Forgotten Tales I was trying to go more for story and suspense as opposed to lots of blood and gore. When it comes to watching horror films, I watch everything and anything.

JW- The segment titled Audition dealt a lot with the entertainment industry. In fact, at first I thought the man holding the audition was perpetrating the famous giant woman/little man scam, although you brought the story in a different direction. How much did you pull from your own experiences in entertainment when crafting that story?

RY- I've been to some weird auditions and after experiencing those I started thinking of scenarios in my head wondering what if this Director were psycho and just auditioning girls to find out about them and prey on them. In the segment I receive multiple emails from the Director on why I haven't called or wrote him back about the part and that really happened to me. So I took things that I went through and made the character a stalker/ killer. I play the main actress in that segment because so many actresses said they couldn't do the part because it hit too close to home, which goes to show you how dangerous it is out there.

JW- The segment The Babysitter seems to have the most work put into it in terms of production. Could you tell me a bit about what went into shooting that segment?

RY- We shot the segment in two days, as I only had two days with the actors so the days were long but with teamwork and a great cast, everything came together perfectly.

JW- Kelsey Zukowski, who stars in The Babysitter, is the biggest Scream Queen in Forgotten Tales, and really gives one of the best performances in the movie. What was it like working with Zukowski?

RY- She's awesome, easy to work with, she takes direction well and loved the physical challenge of it. Wyzae Crankfield, who played opposite her, was the same way. They got along great and really threw themselves into the characters they were playing. I would love to work with then both again.

JW- What tone were you going for in Forgotten Tales? Scary? Suspenseful? Humorous? How do you hope audiences will react to it?

RY- I was going for suspense and I just hope the audience enjoys watching and is entertained. I will be doing a sequel. I have gotten good feedback on the film and feel I should keep going with it.

JW- Who is Forgotten Tales made for? Is it a movie for the niche horror crowd, or do you hope to reach a more mainstream audience?

RY- I just hope with any film I make that I reach as many people as I can. It was made in the vein of Creepshow and Tales from the Darkside. I just hope fans will enjoy it and want more.

JW- What are your plans for Forgotten Tales? Are you working on a festival run? Looking for distribution?

RY- I have some Fests coming up but cannot announce just yet and also four distributors looking at it right now, which is very exciting!!
JW- What projects do you have lined up for the future? Anything we should know about?
RY- My slasher film Doll Murder Spree is in post and I'm in Pre-Production of my next two films which I can't talk about but I've secured funding for them and very excited for my next ventures.

And that was my conversation with Reyna Young. You can watch the trailer for Forgotten Tales here:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tSNOwpf7990

by Seth Metoyer
MoreHorror.com

Some details concerning the upcoming black comedy thriller 120/80: Stressed to Kill have released.

The film directed by Mark Savage includes the acting talents of Armand Assante, Bill Oberst Jr. and co-star Marshal Hilton. Check out all the details below, as well as poster art and the trailer below the synopsis.

From The Press Release
Marshal Hilton Co-Stars with Armand Assante and Bill Oberst Jr. in Director Mark Savage’s darkly sardonic portrait of middle age crises in “120/80: Stressed to Kill”.

Co-Written with Executive Producer Tommy Parnell, Directed and helmed by Australian Genre filmmaker and Cinema d’Auteur Mark Savage, “120/80: Stressed to Kill” shines a humorous but dark light on the modern day stress of middle aged married life, unrelenting social noise, infidelity, financial pressures, and the unhealthy consequences of an over caffeinated narcissistic society filled with greedy wives, unrelenting bosses, and loud mouthed belligerent characters.

Synopsis
After experiencing a heart attack Bill Wilson (Bill Oberst Jr.) is ordered by his doctor to reduce the stress in is life or the Grimm Reaper will soon be knocking at his door; no more booze, no more butter, and a steady diet of greens and diet shakes are not cutting it. Bill and his best friend Stan Kilmer, (Marshal Hilton) himself with two ex-wives and currently in the midst of divorce number three, unwittingly discover and hatch a plan to rid themselves of any and all “Triggers” once and for all. In a twisted turn of events, with an overzealous psychotic Homicide Detective (Armand Assante) hot on their trail, Bill and Stan discover the depth of their friendship, the sweet smell of freedom, and an improved quality of life through a rather unconventional but effective comedy of errors.

“120/80: Stressed to Kill” Produced by DELIRIUM • http://www.120over80movie.com/

By Mike Thomas
MoreHorror.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The FANtastic Horror Film Festival chooses as their next Official Selections for the 2015 Season, Brett Hunt’s DOUBLE SHORTS SELECTION - Micah Delhauer’s Horror Short, BLACK ORCHID and Brett Hunt’s Horror Short, GOD SINS, from Maderfilm Productions and Raging Gopher Films.

SYNOPSES: BLACK ORCHID: Film Noir with the Femme Fatale. It’s the story of the rise of a young girl, killing her way to the top of the corporate ladder.

Trivia: This film has been accepted to the Monaco Charity Film Festival and is nominated for two awards - Best Short & Best Screenplay. Actors - Brett Hunt& Amber Nicole

SYNOPSES: GOD SINS: A serial killer, believing he is doing God’s work by maintaining the status quo.

Trivia: This film has been accepted to the Monaco Charity Film Festival and is nominated for a Best Actress Award. Actors: Brett Hunt& Estefania Rebellon

About the FANtastic Horror Film Festival
The FANtastic Horror Film Festival is dedicated to providing an outlet for Independent Horror Films with a focus on movie viewers and the filmmakers. For three days, San Diego will be the Horror Capital of the United States, and plans to own Halloween.

A couple dozen films and as many shorts will be presented to the fans of Horror in San Diego. Film Distributors are invited to review the best in Independent Horror, and more important, Horror Fans will have a Party!

FANtastic Horror Film Festival
5663 Balboa Ave., Suite 376
San Diego, CA 92111-2705
858-836-1226
Website
Facebook
Twitter: @fantastichorr

Actor/Producer Mem Ferda introduces Dan Pringle’s vigilante thriller K-SHOP to a global audience. A gritty Sweeney Todd - inspired thriller, K - SHOP is the story of a British kebab shop plagued by binge drinking culture.

After his father is killed in an altercation with drunken thugs, the film’s protagonist Salah (Ziad Abaza) finds himself struggling with the frenzied nightlife that descends upon the family kebab shop night after night. The situation reaches boiling point one night when a fight with an angry customer ends in grizzly circumstance. Salah is forced to dispose of the customer’s dead body and looks to the one place he knows best…the kebabs. As Salah watches his gullible customers devour the new flesh kebabs, he eyes the opportunity to seek revenge on the world. The dark descent into vigilantism begins as he sets about killing others he deems punishable.

Actor / Producer Mem Ferda comments "When my producing partner Adam J Merrifield approached me to co-produce with him on this Sweeney Todd inspired thriller, I was completely bowled over after reading the script penned by Dan Pringle. I can only describe it as an intoxicating, super -slaughter, sweeney todd-esque ride that cleverly has a stab at British binge drinking". Ferda went on to say, "Its high time a socially relevant film like this was made, highlighting the significant problems of drink culture that is prevalent amongst our ‘teen’ society today. Albeit intelligently embodied in a wonderfully entertaining horror thriller. Dan Pringle clearly has the stamp of greatness, he is one of the most exciting of new British directors I have come to know."

Starring: Ziad Abaza, Scot Williams, Darren Morfitt, Reece Noi, and Kristin Atherton.
Producers: Mem Ferda and Adam J Merrifield
Written & Directed by: Dan Pringle

K-SHOP Official Teaser Trailer : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9LUoVD6su8
Official website: http://www.kshopmovie.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kshopmovie

By Mike Thomas
MoreHorror.com

Today we have the honor to speak with a very versatile performer. Fearless, she is adept in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes. She’s done shocking films, like CIRCUS of the DEAD, as well as cerebral projects like her Award-Winning PHOENIX SONG. We are honored to talk to Kristin West.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us.

MH: You have such an innocent face. How did you get connected with horror?
Kristin: Many of my opportunities have been in horror and as my mother always says, “Walk through the open door.” As to having an “innocent face,” I’ve been told that before and it always makes me chuckle. I’ve been called angel-faced, baby-faced, and cherubic—but then some find my eyes a bit sinister. I like playing with that.

MH: What drew you to horror?
Kristin: I have always had a fascination with ghosts and vampires since I was little, so acting in horror genre films seems to bring up a sort of rediscovered childhood for me. I like doing the scaring, though. Even my earlier work had horror elements, like a music video I did for Spindrift, which was homage to Ed Woods.

MH: Do you prefer horror that’s more cerebral, or more in-your-face?
Kristin: I think all horrors start in the mind. I like to see the motivation and the unmet needs of the characters that lead to the carnage. Everyone has his or her story.

MH: What have you done that is non-horror?
Kristin: I was on the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” I do voice over work as well. I do many different voices from being a little 5 year-old kid to sounding completely ghoulish. I am often the comic relief! I have a fun, comic role in STRANGERS in a BOOK.

MH: You were in Billy Pon’s CIRCUS of the DEAD. Your character had one thing that distinguishes your character from the rest of the female cast?
Kristin: Papa Corn (Bill Oberst, Jr.) misses his chance to kill Investigator West.? I hope Investigator West and Papa Corn meet again.

MH: Your short PHOENIX SONG was not your typical horror film. What was the thought process behind the film?
Kristin: Although it wasn’t the typical horror film, PHOENIX SONG deals with death and reincarnation. PHOENIX SONG is closer to being a fantasy film with horror elements. PHOENIX SONG invites us to the explore the possibility that we have past lives and that we carry the good and bad of those past lives with us forward into the life we are living now. The director Kate Marzullo eschewed using heavy prosthetics to transition the characters through time. Many films that deal with reincarnation rely upon the prosthetics, but Kate conveys her ideas about reincarnation through movement and costume beautifully.

MH: SEEKING VALENTINA, aside from the suspense aspect, was unique in several ways. Could you elaborate on the casting decisions made for this film?
Kristin: Armin Nasseri, the director, cast largely against type. Most would consider me a character actor. I am not a size 0, so to play a lead in a film like this was a tremendous creative risk Armin took. The film is cast largely against type, which challenges the viewer to think. Armin was very passionate about casting with diversity in mind, especially because he is of Iranian-American heritage. Three of the four principal actors are Iranian-Americans and we are very proud of this because they’re not playing terrorists. They’re just a dysfunctional American family with a mysterious tenant.

MH: Was the film supposed to end that way from the beginning?
Kristin: I have often called the film an “ink blot test.” There were, of course, revisions, but we don’t neatly pin down the ending of SEEKING VALENTINA for the viewer. The ending that you choose to see is very much a reflection of you.

MH: I haven’t seen HELL’S KITTY yet. It looks pretty messy, from the still I’ve seen. What’s the plot?
Kristin: A possessed cat named Angel goes on a murder spree and some of her victims are your favorite horror genre stars. Not sure how much more I could or should disclose, but it’s a great project. Some of the earlier episodes are online. I am in the season finale, which will be released theatrically sometime this summer or fall.

MH: Which “hat” do you prefer? The actor or the producer?
Kristin: For me, it’s like using different parts of the brain, or yin and yang. I feel more balanced when I have a project that I am acting in and then something else I might be producing.

MH: Do you see yourself in the Director’s chair in the future?
Kristin: I’ve directed plays in the past. I think if I felt strongly about the vision of a project, I might assume the director’s chair, but I love working with directors that have a strong point of view. I would need to have a strong POV about the project I would choose to direct.

MH: Silly Question: Which film did you have the most fun? I actually have a fun part in MIRACLE MILE GIRLS, where I play a deranged priestess. You’ll see someone familiar in the scene with me, Armin Nasseri.
Kristin: It was fun bossing him around. A close second is EXECS in CHARGE, directed by Josh Raymond, where I play a yuppie wino. Another fave is The NAYORAN SAGA, where I played Naneth the Ether Ghoul, alongside Bill Oberst Jr. I am virtually unrecognizable, which I love! I love transforming.

MH: Which film was your toughest to date?
Kristin: Every film has challenges. I would say SEEKING VALENTINA was the most logistically challenging film I have taken on. We covered about 500 miles in about 6 days and our principal location at Big Bear Lake was over 7,000 feet above sea level.

MH: What is your favorite film?
Kristin: I love AMADEUS, because I think everyone who’s been in the arts has been Salieri and been Mozart. An artist knows what it feels like to compare themselves to others and come up short, like Salieri.

MH: Who is you favorite Actor? Actress?
Kristin: Mae West is a favorite and an inspiration, as is Anne Bancroft.

MH: If you could jump in the shoes of any actor in any film, what role would you love to tackle?
Kristin: I’d love to be Lady Macbeth. I’ve done a good deal of Shakespeare and never gotten an opportunity to play the Scottish queen. A chance to use that angelic face of mine and mess with you!

MH: Pitch me your Dream Project.
Kristin: I would love to do costume drama, whether it’s a goth vampire movie or historical drama, because I love playing dress-up.

MH: Since you’re comfortable with afterlife experiences, which actors would you cast, living or deceased?
Kristin: Yul Brenner, please! And, I think Mae West would be a great scene partner.

MH: What’s next for Kristin West?
Kristin: SEEKING VALENTINA has just sprinted into its festival run, so I am anticipating a lot of travel. After SEEKING VALENTINA, I had a strong supporting role in Pedram Navab’s STRANGERS in a BOOK, starring Vida Ghaffari, so you’ll see a more comedic Kristin. STRANGERS in a BOOK will also be in festivals soon, and it’s going to be a busy festival season for me because I acted and produced both films. HELL’S KITTY is coming out as well, which excites me greatly. I have a few projects in development and I am attached to several projects in various stages of production as a writer, actor and producer and can’t wait to discuss them with you as they near completion.

MH: Last question: if you could speak to the entire world, what would you say to them?
Kristin: I think people get trapped living in the past. Stop living in the past and live your life, not the life that someone else wanted for you.

THANK YOU, KRISTIN!

Kristin can be seen in her newest project, SEEKING VALENTINA, now doing the Festival circuit, where she’ll be featured as the title character.

Mem Ferda is widely known for his roles as villains and crooks (Gunned Down, Ill Manors and The Devil's Double) and as a producer of indie horror films (Truth Or Dare, MANIA, Desolation). Now Ferda is giving a go as a compassionate character in the upcoming British-American Rom-Com Miss You Already.

'Miss You Already', a British-American romantic comedy set for release later in the year, shows London based actor Mem Ferda’s soft side as he plays Ahmet, a friendly taxi driver. Starring Drew Barrymore, Toni Collette and Dominic Cooper, Ferda makes an appearance alongside some of Hollywood’s greatest actors and can be seen in the brand new trailer for the movie.

Directed by the woman behind the highly successful Twilight films, Catherine Hardwicke, Miss you Already portrays the relationship between Jess and Milly, two childhood best friends. Both happily married, their lives are transformed when one becomes pregnant and the other becomes seriously ill. Mem Ferda says, “I’m really looking forward for Miss You Already to be released in September and I’m excited for the film’s reception as it’s a fabulous story with a great cast. Working with two amazing actresses, Drew and Toni, was a dream come true and a remarkable experience. I think this film will touch a lot of people, and it was great to be involved in a classic romantic comedy. This is a fresh role for me, my fans are used to seeing me portray gangsters and baddies – so I hope they like watching Ahmed as much as I enjoyed playing him.”

At a height of 6 ft 2’, a brawler’s physique and ruggedly handsome looks, Mem Ferda has become notorious for playing roles of villains and crooks. The British hardman has featured in action-packed films such as Gunned Down, Ill Manors and The Devil's Double. For this new role, Ferda had to put down the guns and swap violence for compassion as the character of Ahmet, who comforts the leading ladies. Other stars gracing the screen in Miss You Already include Jacqueline Bisset and Paddy Considine, known for The World’s End and The Bourne Ultimatum. With a star-studded cast and a heartfelt screenplay by Morwenna Banks, Miss You Already is set to be the romantic comedy of the year.

2015 is an exciting time for London based actor Mem Ferda. In addition to soon-to-be Hollywood blockbuster Miss You Already, he has five other feature films due for release including A Punters Prayer, Dirty Money and Gunned Down featuring Craig Fairbrass. In Miss You Already audiences get to see a totally new side to Mem they haven’t had the chance to experience.

To watch the trailer for the anticipated movie, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJTneAQ6Axw&feature=youtu.be

To find out more about Mem Ferda, visit: http://www.memferda.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/memferda1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MemFerdaOfficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Fanzonemem

Reviewed by Kevin Scott, MoreHorror.com

Hell Comes to Frogtown (1987)
Written by: Donald G. Jackson, Randall Frakes
Directed by: Donald G. Jackson
Cast: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper (Sam Hell), Sandahl Bergman (Spangle), William Smith (Captain Devlin), Cec Verrell (Centinella), Kristi Somers (Arabella), Rory Calhoun (Looney Tunes), Cliff Bemis (Leroy).

I don’t really know what to make of the name “Hell Comes to Frogtown”. I think it has served a dual purpose in being clever, and keeping me from seeing this film. The play on words is the clever part. Our hero’s name is Sam Hell, and guess what-he’s headed to Frogtown. Then again, it would be quite logical to assume that this could be a low budget Jim Henson film wannabe, and I guess it is. However, after I watched it, I’ve come to realize that it’s way more subversive than that. The two lead actors are unlikely choices for a film like this, and possibly the main draw for genre fans to give it a chance.

Roddy Piper was a wrestling superstar at this point and was trying to become a bona fide film star way before Dwayne Johnson tried it. His most high profile project “John Carpenter’s They Live” came out just a few months after this in 1988. His street cred as a wrestler could have helped in a theatrical release, and after “They Live”, maybe this little film would get a boost in home video circulation. This was a New World film, and although not helmed by the legendary Roger Corman at this point, it was a machine that churned out home video solid gold in the mid to late 1980’s. The other draw was the female lead. Sandahl Bergman was already a sword and sandal icon from her performance in “Conan the Barbarian”, and the go to actress for the tough/sexy factor.

I must digress and say that I should have given this little movie a chance sooner and appreciated its craziness. I also must say that everyone that was in it was perfectly cast, and more than likely was in on the joke. If making your protagonist’s name Sam Hell wasn’t enough, making him have one of the highest sperm counts of all surviving human males after the nuclear apocalypse is deliciously shameless. That’s what we get, and the government wants to use him in their repopulation plan to rebuild society. A government rep named Spangle, and her muscle Centinella force him to reluctantly agree to a mission to Frogtown by confining his assets within a high tech chastity belt that’s controlled by earrings that are worn by Spangle. If he gets too far away from her or tries to remove the belt himself, it will self-destruct. There are nubile, fertile women in Frogtown to rescue, and he’s going to rescue and impregnate all of them or die trying. Frogtown is a pretty dangerous and lawless place. It’s populated by mutant half human/half frog creatures that have created a wild west type society where anything goes.

I’m going to sing the praises of “Hell Comes to Frogtown” because I spoke of it being subversive before. It has the feel of a crazy free love type film like “Barbarella” where sex in the future has transcended social mores. I also got a faint “Planet of the Apes” vibe as the frog creatures relished in being what they are, and treat Roddy Piper as the substandard life form. The supporting cast is equally good with the great Rory Calhoun of “Motel Hell” fame as Sam’s connection in Frogtown, Cec Verrell as the strong, but sexually ambiguous military chick along for firepower, and Kristi Somers as an amorous frog lady that wants to crossbreed with Sam. “Hell Comes to Frogtown” won’t change your life, but it will make you wonder if the imagination or the drugs were good behind its origins.

by Seth Metoyer
MoreHorror.com

Director Pearry Teo (Curse of Sleeping Beauty, Dracula: The Dark Prince, Necromentia) has finished directing the gothic horror feature Pale Horse and is getting ready to helm his next feature Amityville Nightmares.

Check out the the Pale Horse trailer below the official details about Amityville Nightmares (and teaser poster).

From The Press Release
Coming off the success of Pale Horse, producer Kim Durham, and production partners, Wayne and Maria Durham have acquired the rights to bestselling author Amy Miles new book 'Visitation: An Amityville Nightmare Novel, along with the rights to Award winning horror director, Pearry Teo's (Curse of Sleeping Beauty, Dracula) screenplay by the same title. Teo has been attached to direct the picture which is currently in pre-production.

The novel is inspired by the Amityville Horror series and will focus on theories and real life accounts of the original DeFeo murders.

“At this point, it is an honor to have a peak at Amy’s manuscript before it is published, so getting in early into the game proves to be a huge advantage for us” says Teo. “And it’s always a pleasure to work with the Durham team as we really founded a synergy together with Pale Horse".

Amy Miles added, "I have always been fascinated with paranormal activity, evil spirits crossing over into our realm and wondering what the reasons are for these unexplained events. After researching various tales I began to write VISITATION, an Amityville Nightmare novel, inspired by true events. This novel blends fear of reality with a very real fear of what could be. I’m thrilled to partner with Pearry Teo to bring the story to life.”

Teo talks about the pre-production period as he is working closely with producers to finalize the script and scouting for locations, "it’s tough to shoot in Amityville, NY. We would definitely like to work with people that we’ve had a great working relationship with so it’s going to be a tough decision where we eventually end up shooting. But the producers and I want to keep it intimate, because I believe that’s what horror is, an intimate relationship between the audience and their primal instinct of fear and the unknown.”

Casting for the movie is expected to begin in August.

Pale Horse Trailer

by Seth Metoyer
MoreHorror.com

Some new details have been unveiled from the team behind the gory horror film American Backwoods: Slew Hampshire, including a new poster (see below).

From The Press Release
In honor of cast member Dayo Okeniyi's appearance in the newest installment of the Terminator franchise, the team behind American Backwoods: Slew Hampshire has released a new poster AND three new exclusive teaser clips featuring their lead actor.

In addition to his role in Terminator: Genisys, Okeniyi has typically played supporting characters in Hollywood films like The Hunger Games and Runner Runner - but his work in American Backwoods: Slew Hampshire represents his first as a leading man. Despite being his only foray into the horror genre to date, his performance as "Bro" - the reluctant hero amidst an ensemble of creeps, cretins and creatures - has been widely lauded and even garnered him a nomination for "Best Actor" at the Shockfest Film Festival.

Since its release in June, American Backwoods: Slew Hampshire - which was awarded "Goriest Scene of the Year" by Rue Morgue Magazine - has been recognized as a stand-out amongst this year's crop of indie slashers and has been racking up recommendations by online horror critics. In addition to the newly released exclusive teaser clips, their official full-length trailer is linked below. Also, three previously released teaser clips are viewable on their youtube channel.

American Backwoods: Slew Hampshire is currently available through Amazon Instant, Itunes, Vudu, Hoopla and numerous other video-on-demand services throughout North America. The DVD (featuring 5.1 surround sound, gag reel and audio commentary) is also available through Amazon:

Exclusive Clip #4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2njCpNfQh9g
Exclusive Clip #5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Lten0_n60Q
Exclusive Clip #6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbANkhSPYAA

For additional information, updates and merchandise giveaways, connect with American Backwoods: Slew Hampshire on Facebook and Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/slewhampshire
https://twitter.com/SlewHampshire

Reviewed by Jesse Miller
MoreHorror.com

Synopsis:
Elise (Lin Shaye), the psychic from the earlier films, comes to the aid of Quinn (played by Stefanie Scott), a teenage girl that happens to be the sole focus of a particularly nasty demonic entity known as The Man Who Can't Breathe.

When Insidious: Chapter 3 was announced, I was somewhat perplexed. The Lambert Family story was over, where could the story possibly go? The answer is backwards, as the story featured here is a prequel set long before the Lambert family's horror.

The story stumbles a tad in setting up the new location and characters but it soon warms up and runs smoothly, offering plenty of jump scares and creepy moments as it chugs along.

Lin Shaye reprises her role as Elise, the psychic from the first two films. I guess you could say the series revolves around her story and this film cements that idea, fleshing her out further with her own little back-story and longer screen time. Shay, of course, is excellent in the role.

Stefanie Scott plays Quinn Brenner, and does an effective job selling the role. Her character arc isn't as focused or engaging as the Lambert's but Scott brings a vulnerability to the role that got me on board.

Leigh Whannell returns to write the story, this time also serving as the feature's director. He does a solid job, delivering fresh jump scares and unsettling moments and his control over the horror and emotional beats does not feel pedestrian or dull.

You'd think that this film, being the third in the series, runs the risk of being stale but that's not entirely the case. Whannell's film lacks the disquieting dread and magic that Wan captured in the original but with the new location and new demonic entity, there's a level of unpredictability here that's welcomed. More than that, the writing here shows surprising depth to the characters and their stories that I appreciated – I am sure fans will dig it too.

Insidious: Chapter 3 may not be as inventive as its predecessors and it lacks the magic of the first effort but there's a story here with enough emotional weight and there's enough scares here that kept me interested and invested. For a third entry in a series, that's somewhat of an achievement.

by Tom Wood
MoreHorror.com

I’ve always been a fan of Horror and one of the most famous Horror films, well to me anyway, is the Scream franchise. (A little known fact was Wes Craven originally had the intention of calling the film ‘Scary Movie’ due to the serial killer copying other horror films; Hence ‘The Wayans Brothers’ with their parody Scary Movie).

I also remember watching the first of the series a while back, and thinking that one of the reasons I liked Scream so much, was the characters knew they were in a horror film, which added a bit of humour to the film. Something most Horror films lack (a bit of a shame really, as to me, that could add a bit of depth to the film). My favourite character had always been Randy, played by Jaime Kennedy. Mostly as he’s a nerd like me, but, he always gave the rest of the cast inside information on how to survive a horror.

Which got me thinking; in everyday life, how do we know we’re in a Horror film or about to walk into one? After all, life is full of little surprises and you never know what’s around the corner (Apart from numerous clichés); So basically, my imagination decided to run wild as usual and prepare you, the reader, with a few tips on how to survive that horror film you unknowingly are about to step into.

Now usually, Horror films involve a group of people, however big or small. Monsters in Horror tend to take people out one by one. So you must always stick together. Unless you’re Arnold Schwarzenegger or Rambo, I don’t want any of this “I’ll Be Back” and going in all guns blazing trying to be the Hero. Just face it, you’re no Clint Eastwood.

Talking about guns, they are a waste of time. If you notice in all films like Scream, Halloween and other Slashers like A Nightmare on Elm Street, there’s always a sequel. So the villain cannot die from simple bullet wounds, regardless if that’s a shotgun or rocket launcher. Zombie films are an exception, but let’s face it, who actually uses guns against monsters that walk two miles per hour. Which ironically, I never understood in The Walking Dead, why Daryl turns up on a noisy Harley Davidson and begins using a crossbow to be silent. The zombies are going to know where he is from a mile off, regardless of what weapon he has.

Thirdly, if you do happen to find yourself alone in a house at night, shut all your doors, windows and curtains. That way if you do hear a creak, you know someone is in your house, so get that machete at the ready. And also, if there is an intruder, please do not shout “Is anyone there?” If there is, who’s going to reply “Oh yes it’s me, the serial killer. I’ve just got back from the shops, fancy a cuppa?”

Also, technology will always let you down. When finding yourself in a sticky situation, your mobile phone will always have no signal. That goes with all landlines as well. The phone will simply not work one way or another. And that goes with other electronic devices. If you find yourself investigating a Blair Witch, have some form of Paranormal Activity, or simply filming a sabotage of The Gallows, please do not film it on your camcorder. Be honest with yourself, what idiot would film themselves being chased by a monster instead of doing a runner? Just prepare yourself for a fight as running won’t help either. In all Horror films, the damsel in distress always trips over thin air, along with the monster that seems to walk faster than you can run.

That’s it for now. A few tips to get you on your way to staying alive. Remember, no guns; no splitting up; no electronic equipment, and always check under your bed and in the closet, for you never know what’s lurking in the shadows. Sweet dreams.

The teaser trailer for the critically acclaimed horror short HEIR has been released. We have the teaser for you to view below the details.

HEIR, the final entry in the "Box Cutter Trilogy" produced by Fatal Pictures in association with Red Sneakers Media will be hitting the festival circuit in the near future.

The final short in the trio of linked shorts each representing “different theories on the origin and operation of sociopaths” sports Practical FX, which should make horror fans cheer. Read our exclusive interview with HEIR Writer/Director Richard Powell and Producer Zach Green here.

Check out a larger version of the poster below as well as a couple movie stills and watch for a review on MoreHorror.com soon!

About HEIR
FATAL PICTURES in association with RED SNEAKERS MEDIA is proud to announce HEIR - A touching tale of father & son from the filmmakers that brought you WORM, FAMILIAR, REMOTE & THE LAST HALLOWEEN. This practical effects horror short is a monster movie unlike any other, it is a bleak and fantastical examination of one of societies darkest taboos that aims to stimulate the mind and wrench the gut with equal power.

Starring Bill Oberst Jr (RESOLUTION, CIRCUS OF THE DEAD, TAKE THIS LOLLIPOP) and Robert Nolan (FAMILIAR, BERKSHIRE COUNTRY, SILENT RETREAT), Written and Directed by Richard Powell (WORM, FAMILIAR), FATAL PICTURES’ Zach Green and Richard Powell produced (WORM, FAMILIAR) in association with Marc Roussel and Ron Basch from RED SNEAKERS MEDIA (REMOTE, THE LAST HALLOWEEN). Associate Produced by Seth Metoyer (CELL COUNT, DEADLY REVISIONS, BALLET OF BLOOD), with Cinematography by Michael Jari Davidson (SAVE YOURSELF, BERKSHIRE COUNTY & THE LAST HALLOWEEN), Special Make-Up Effects by The Butcher Shop (FAMILIAR, THE LAST HALLOWEEN), Editing by John Nicholls (SEX AFTER KIDS, THE SWEETEST HIPPOPOTAMUS, THE LAST HALLOWEEN) and Music by Christopher Guglick (REMOTE, HOME, THE LAST HALLOWEEN).

Synopsis
After connecting with a stranger of similar interests online, Gordon and his young son Paul, embark on an ill-fated road trip in which Gordon aims to indulge a secret passion. Before the day ends a horrible truth will be uncovered and a harsh lesson will be learned. Learn more about HEIR at its Facebook page.

By Jonathan Weichsel
MoreHorror.com

Kelsey Zukowski is a horror writer, actress, producer, and model who has been gathering a solid fan base over the last few years due to her passionate dedication to horror, her deep understanding of the horror genre, and her modeling work, which is some of the most unique, character-driven modeling being done in horror today. I sat down and had a lengthy chat with Kelsey about her short film Words like Knives and her feature Within These Walls, both of which were written by and star Zukowski, as well as her modeling and her feelings about her work.

So read on to get a look inside the mind of this passionate and driven artist. At the very end of the interview is a special treat for fans, the free online premier of Kelsey Zukowski's short film Words Like Knives.

JW- I really liked your twenty minute short film Words Like Knives. I am wondering what you were trying to accomplish with the film.

KZ- Words Like Knives started from the idea of a rumor spinning out of control. From there I thought, what would be the most vicious rumor someone could spread? I wanted the rumor to be something where, whether it was true or not, the person spreading it would have to be extremely cruel and a bit sick for either making it up or making light of a truly horrible thing.

JW- The film is a very raw and real portrayal of high school and the effect gossip can have on somebody.

KZ- Words Like Knives presents real life horrors in the way it portrays different forms of abuse and bullying, where people are subjected to pain and torment as part of their everyday lives. Bullying wears a person down and can lead to even bigger tragedies like people harming themselves, school shootings, or suicide. Words Like Knives shows how someone can be driven to something like that when they’re so completely victimized and at a certain point can’t deal with it any longer.

JW- Of course I loved your acting, and especially the writing, which I found had a lot of depth.

KZ- I think we were pretty successful at making Words Like Knives very psychological, surreal, and ominous. We shot a lot of things to leave different possibilities open: it could be that this was a made up rumor that became real in the main character’s mind, pushing her to insanity, or it could be that this was a repressed memory that she had to live in denial of or it would destroy her. It’s a film that asks a lot of “what ifs” and really explores all angles of if this were to happen, what might the different realities consist of. I think there’s a lot of different powerful and eye opening themes on hand.

JW- Tell me about Within These Walls.

KZ- Within These Walls was a mutual collaboration between James Tucker and I. We were both attracted to the idea of a more disturbing haunted house story than some more recent ghost movies, which seem to focus more on sudden jump scares without much depth or really bringing anything new to the table. We really clicked from the beginning on our vision for the story. I wrote the script and then we got Ryan Baker involved, who took on a much bigger role in the film. Everything that happened from then on was the three of us bringing this vision to life.

JW- Obviously Within These Walls is a bigger film because it is a feature where Words Like Knives is a short, but it is also a much more mature film that explores many more lofty themes.

KZ- One of the most haunting questions in the film is just how much the human mind, body, and spirit can take. Our main character is really pushed to the edge in every way possible, her control being ripped away as she is utterly dominated. How long can you try to fight when the thing that has trapped and is tormenting you endlessly is something you can’t even see? It’s enough to drive anyone insane or to simply beg for an end.

There’s an element of the unknown in the film that is really frightening. The character reaches out for help when she can, but she learns on her own that the strength she needs to fight the entity has to come from within the house where she is trapped and within herself.

I wanted to explore a lot of different compelling themes that are very inherent in horror; the basis of fear, and how your fear can own you if you let it. There are so many very real human emotions in the film: loss, suffering, trying to hold on to hope when hopelessness is threatening to fill you up, the past coming back to haunt you, the hunger for truth and survival, and finding one's strength when it seems every bit of strength has been sacrificed in the suffering. A lot of those are very real things we as humans experience outside of the horror realm, yet by putting it to the extreme, it puts it into perspective and makes it that much more hard to endure and resonates that much more.

JW- What is it about horror that attracts you to the genre?

KZ- I love so much about the genre. The dark exploration, the creativity and endless potential to really showcase something powerful, the amazing horror community and the passion they hold, and how it has become such an essential part of my identity and life. Horror understands me, it comforts me, it disturbs me, it challenges me, and it absolutely empowers me.

I think horror gets wrongly judged a lot. Horror is so much more diverse than people think. It’s more than the mostly mediocre sequels, remakes, and films lacking depth, and it’s more than just slashers and torture films. That’s not to say I don’t like some of those sub-genres, but they aren't what defines horror for me. They are simply parts of something much bigger.

There is so much creativity that needs to go into horror in order to make it great, and so much potential in examining the darkness in human nature and exposing injustices in human society. I see horror films as intense, visceral, eye opening metaphors.

Sometimes you have to look a little further in order to recognize certain emotions and to see how they relate to the struggles of everyday life and the complexities of the human condition. Sometimes horror movies are more literal, showcasing a truly horrendous fate of being utterly dehumanized and put through unimaginable amounts of pain and suffering no one should have to go through. I quote this all the time, but it’s one of my favorite quotes from a horror master, and one that really inspired me:

“Horror films don’t create fear, they release it.” – Wes Craven

I think that’s really true. Horror films can showcase us being utterly ripped from safety, but the audience is able to view them through a safe place. We can put ourselves in certain positions and experience the dread, desperation, and unrelenting hunger for survival and life through watching horror movies without truly having to wear the scars ourselves.

I tackle the subjects and scenarios in my films that terrify me the most, because they tantalize me with such satisfying areas of exploration. I can go places in storytelling that I can’t in real life, and probably would never want to. It can be extremely therapeutic, because what I find in the fictional world, I then take with me back to reality.

JW- Many horror actresses promote themselves as "scream queens." Do you consider yourself a scream queen?

KZ- I really don’t. "Scream queen" gets associated with the victim or ‘final girl’ role in one horror film after another, which is certainly some of my roles, but not all, as I have played plenty of vicious and villainous characters too.

JW- Well, the term has evolved to mean an actress who is deep into the horror genre regardless of the specific role, and is now used to describe an iconic actress in horror.

KZ- I think 'iconic' is the key word here. It is an honor to be referred to as a scream queen, so I have no issue being labeled as that. However, I will never be the one to call myself a scream queen. Not anytime soon, anyway. I firmly believe it’s a title you can’t just give to yourself, and within indie films the title has been abused by so many girls who get some kind of part in a horror film and then try to claim it for themselves for selfish reasons. That is much more common than someone deserving being given the title. In some ways the title scream queen has become a joke, since most of the time these actresses are misrepresenting themselves. I’m all for women showing their dedication to the genre, but I think it’s important to restore the title to its original meaning.

You didn’t see Jamie Lee Curtis bragging about being a scream queen in the 80s. She’s probably one of the first people who comes to mind when hearing the term scream queen. Curtis actually had many iconic horror film roles and deserves the title because of her reign of being terrorized and giving us strong female characters who face the unspeakable evil haunting them.

Maybe when I’m in my forties and have twenty years of blood, sweat, and tears worth of films to show for it, I will truly earn scream queen status. For now, I’m focused on continuing to do what I love more than anything; feeding my need to create compelling horror films. Call it what you will, it’s the act that matters more than the label.

JW- I know that you are very passionate about screenwriting. What drives you to write?

KZ- I’ve been fascinated by stories for as long as I can remember, and have always identified as a writer. I have a very active mind and writing is the best way for me to communicate my thoughts and express myself. When I was fourteen, I became heavily inspired by Roger Ebert’s film reviews. He’s really the one who got me to look at films as something more than just entertainment. He awakened me to the emotional experience and depth a good film can hold. His writing instilled in me a determination to always find just the right words to really allow the audience to feel the weight of what you’re saying or feeling, almost as if they were the ones experiencing it. Writing is putting puzzle pieces together, which can be a challenge, but when the right words are put together you feel a wonderful satisfaction.

Within the screenwriting context, it’s a way for me to create and tell stories. There’s a lot of different reasons why I write. I want to write films like the ones that really had an impact on me, that inspired, intrigued, disturbed, and exhilarated me in one way or another.

I write very thematic scripts. That's my focus and I build everything else around that. With each script, it’s the message or perspective that really fuels it. It can expose evils or bring out justice, a freedom you only have in the fictional world you create. There’s almost always some relevance to something in the world we live in whether it be something in society or inner demons within us all. My writing is also very psychologically charged and often surreal. I like to play with that line of fiction and reality, sanity vs. the feeling of insanity when you lose your grip on reality, or perhaps just what you perceived to be real. I really love being able to take any human struggle and bring to light how troubling it can be, or to give strength to it.

JW- Lately you have been producing your own films, which is the rout many horror actresses have been taking. What made you decide to do this?

KZ- I really only started producing out of necessity. When you have a script you really believe in and want to bring it to life, often times you just have to make it happen yourself. Luckily, I’ve been able to find the right people to collaborate with who share in my visions, determination, and passion to help me make those films happen.

JW- Was part of your decision to produce based on a frustration with the lack of good parts for women and good stories out there?

KZ- There is a lack of good roles and stories, not just for women, but both genders. Obviously I believe the roles and stories I create are strong. I try to write the types of characters and material I want to explore and dive in to, and to bring out the horrifying reality these characters have to endure and fight against. I definitely don’t have any ambitions of being a producer, the creative and content-based aspects of filmmaking are much more my thing.

JW- I really like your modeling work. It shows a lot of creativity, imagination, and expressiveness. I feel like your modeling work is unique to you, in that I haven't really seen anything quite like it.

KZ- Modeling as an artistic form of self-expression is the only type of modeling I am interested in. I look at modeling as a form of storytelling, developing a character, showcasing the emotions that character holds, and creating a snapshot of that character's world, which is no easy task. I approach modeling with an actor’s technique. Every look has to showcase so much more than in a film though, because each look potentially tells an entire story.

JW- I am wondering, what is your process in coming up with the concept for a shoot?

KZ- Sometimes the concepts are the photographer’s idea and I connect to it and bring my unique perception of that to the table. Sometimes the concepts are me paying homage to horror films and characters that really made an impact on me, where I feel there’s an element of that character’s spirit that I really want to showcase. I obviously gravitate to mostly dark material, either emotional avant-garde pieces, gothic beauty, or gritty horror concepts that explore the many themes that endlessly intrigue me. Some of this is born from brainstorming or from images that come to my mind.

JW- Where do you take it from there?

KZ- Once I or the photographer comes up with a concept, I find what element of the concept speaks to me the most. I then throw myself into the concept, and create a character that really lives and breathes.

I like to create characters whose emotional states are either tragic or fierce. Most of my shoots try to showcase one of those two extremes, either bringing to light extreme sadness, anger, and desperation from being tormented or misunderstood, or bringing out a strong, ferocious creature or women. I feel no shame in being either tragic or fierce, and try to utterly embrace both as I ask the audience to imagine the reality built around my characters. It’s really quite extraordinary to embrace a part of myself through these shoots, but then to take on this other character so outside of myself at the same time, to create something bigger than myself.

JW- What are some of your favorite shoots that you have done?

KZ- Over the past year or so I have had so many amazing shoots with Toxic Love Photography, which is the photographer I work with most often. The avant-garde String Theory set has a few of my favorite shots, the Twisted Circus, Dark Alice, and Bright, Bold, and Beautiful sets were fantastic as well. We really have the same taste and goals with the work we want to bring out: edgy, daring, dark, and beautiful.

Another favorite was the shoot I did was with Hannah Verbeuren Photography, which was inspired by Vampira and Wednesday Adams. These shots have unbelievable energy, and Hannah and I worked off one another perfectly. Both Hannah and I were totally going there and the shoot took on a life all of its own, resulting in so many outstanding images. The shoot focused on the creepy/ crazy tone that I do quite well.

My favorite shoot is probably the Bride of Frankenstein set I did. This is partially because I identify with that story so completely. The material deals with such alienation, abandonment, and heartfelt, emotion, pain of being an outcast, and unleashing the monster within me was a really incredible experience.

I identify with so many aspects of The Bride of Frankenstein and took on the character’s mentality completely. The set we used was absolutely perfect, and the group of photographers all helped capture so much. Already having a full story established, that shoot was more acting than the average photo shoot, but there was certainly a strong mix of acting and modeling. I could really relate to both the fragility and the primal fight of the character that was displayed, a fight I think is universal in a way. We all hurt, we bleed, we’re emotional creatures, we struggle, we can be taken advantage of, but there is another part of us, the monster within that protects and honors the humanity that it resides in. The monster is misunderstood, but it is our strength, not something to shame, but to show the utmost pride in.

JW- The finished product aside, what makes a successful shoot?

KZ- I think the most successful shoots are when you’re not in your head too much and not thinking “does this or that look right?” It’s when you really allow yourself to go there, when you’re daring yourself to go further and letting your body just move on its own and let your expressions showcase the character, all based on what you feel, that you come up with your best work. It’s almost not your conscious mind that's at work anymore.

Of course, those type of shoots also seem to happen when you are really collaborating well with a photographer. You know you are completely on the same page creatively so you aren’t questioning if they’re getting what they want. You’re totally in sync with every moment and every click of the camera.

Makeup artists and costume designers are a huge part in creating a character too, and letting you feel it yourself. Modeling is a real collaborative effort. When all these elements really come together those end up being the most impressive and personal images.

A big part of modeling is being comfortable, trying new things out, finding out what looks good and what doesn’t. To find that out you have to be a bit daring and not question yourself. Doing so many shoots, some with the same photographer again and again, I’ve been able to do that. I’m lucky in that almost all of the photographers I’ve worked with have a very similar creative energy as me so it just clicks. It has allowed me to have a natural flow in front of the camera and really become a stronger model. I have always enjoyed doing photo shoots, but lately it’s become an addiction. I do one amazing photo shoot and I’m always hungry for the next, and I have more and more ideas constantly coming.

You can be one of the first to watch Kelsey's short film Words like Knives for free here: https://vimeo.com/57167416

Keep an eye out for her feature Within These Walls. It is sure to play at film festivals across the country and around the world.

by Gerald Beanery
MoreHorror.com

You can expect another three films from Hollywood’s youngest auteur, Jared Masters. He’s already made 9 features and the fact that he’s making another three for next year is not surprising. Some have called him the Prince of Horror Erotica or the Woody Allen of Horror, but his nickname is unimportant, the fact that cult film goddess Bouvier is coming back to the silver screen in Blood Tulip is important! She’ll star as Starla, a beautiful artist and model that must save her twin sister, who got kidnapped and sold into the Holland sex trade. She’ll also have to recover her uncle’s stolen 17TH century painting.

It’s a picture bringing awareness to human trafficking and how horrible the holocaust was. The film also features Dawna Lee Heising and Anthony Usewicz. Plus, rumored to be featured are; Art Roberts, LeJon, Robert Evans, Kimberly Cohen, Rubi Garcia, Dallas Chandler, Sydney Raye, Jack E. Curenton, Vida Ghaffari, Vera Taylor, Walter Hochbrueckner and Geo Sargent. Story by Bouvier, written by Jared Masters and H. Raven Rose. Assistant director Jonathan Weichsel, art director Ryan Henneman. Shot on location in Amsterdam, where it could happen!

The next cinematic potato on the plate is the long-awaited and highly anticipated melodrama Gerald’s Mistress, starring Julia Faye West as Gerald’s Mistress, the most beautiful, intelligent and spectacular woman in the world. Gerald will have to find her and make her his own, despite being married and difficult.

Jared Masters penned the first draft when he was 16 years old and now it will no longer be a pound of paper sitting in a drawer, it will be on the big screen next autumn, for the curious world to view and mimic the star’s wardrobe, dialect and above all, on-screen charisma. Ms. West is the only actress in the known universe who could handle the complexity and physical attributes of the role. The rest of the cast is unconfirmed, but it will most likely be chock full of celebrities.

The final picture in this three course meal is the wonderfully curated adventure-horror film, Carny Girls, written and directed by Jared Masters, the film depicts two cute white trash sisters, who attend a small town carnival, only to be abducted by evil carnies, and forced to adapt to the brutal life on the midway (as human oddities in The World’s Weirdest Girlie Show). The cast is unconfirmed but it’s rumored to feature Bill Oberst, Jr. Associate producer Seth Metoyer. Coming 2016, from the only tent that sells tickets.

By Jonathan Weichsel
MoreHorror.com

Mad Sin Cinema and LostWitch Releasing are now accepting submissions for Snuff: The Anthology. From Shane Ryan, creator of the Amateur Porn Star Killer Trilogy, Snuff will bring to you the finest faux rape and murder scenes from around the globe. "The best part for the filmmakers," says Ryan, "is that we've worked out a deal so that even films not accepted into the anthology will get released on VHS and/or DVD through LostWitch Releasing (in talks with more VHS/DVD companies as well). It's win-win for everybody."

I sat down and asked Shane Ryan a few brief questions about the project.

JW: Hey Shane, I thought up a few questions that I would want answered if I were submitting to Snuff: The Anthology. Are you ready?

SR: Yes.

JW: To be honest, I'm a little confused by what you are looking for. What do you mean by Faux Snuff? Isn't that a contradiction in terms? Are you looking for films that try to pass themselves off as authentic snuff films, are you looking for narrative horror shorts with very realistic kills, or are you in fact looking for actual snuff films and you just put the "faux" in there to avoid liability?

SR: I guess "seeking fake real murder caught on camera" sounds pretty ridiculous, huh? Yes, please submit to me the real thing and make me famous on my way to jail! Ha, just kidding, no way. Yes, make sure that these are fake. In fact, no killing/harm shall be allowed to any species, not even insects. This is all make believe. I do, however, want the submissions to appear to be so real, that, in fact, maybe we do end up in jail (until proven fake). I'm all about realism, so you better know how to capture it before thinking about submitting.

What we need are fake movies which appear to be real murders caught on camera. It does not simply need to be just a violent murder scene, in fact I would prefer that there be a story and/or interesting characters or a psychology angle, just make sure it appears as if the story was simply "caught on camera," not scripted with a shot list. As if you were making a documentary and some crazy shit just happened to go down and you had the camera rolling. Or you're videotaping at a friend's birthday party and somebody gets raped and killed in the other room and you caught it on camera while looking for the restroom. Or you're a serial killer documenting his crimes. Or simply a robbery turned deadly and it's caught on the surveillance cameras. Since I, the producer, am going to exploit this to the world for entertainment purposes, your character does not need to be somebody who is aware that they are making a snuff film. I.e. snuff films are made for the purpose of profit and/or entertainment. But since I, the scumbag entertainment person, am going to exploit this "real murder," your character could simply be somebody who caught a real murder taking place and was not intentionally making a snuff film.

I just need to say it clearly; realism. We want realism. This needs to look like actual "found footage." It doesn't need to be bloody, it can be a bloodless kill (i.e. death by asphyxiation,) just make sure that it feels and looks legitimately real.

JW: How will submissions be judged? Will they be judged solely on the basis of the kill, or will you be judging the films as a whole? What kinds of movies would you like to see as part of the anthology?

SR: We have several judges, other than myself. We'll watch them after the deadline (Halloween) and decide as a group which are best for the anthology. Again, what we want is realism. If your film as a whole is amazing, but you made your cinematic version of David Fincher's Zodiac, then no, it's not getting in. While it may be the best short ever made, if it doesn't look like a snuff film, I'm sorry, you're out. If your death scene is bloody and real as hell, but your actors don't sell it, like at all, you're probably out. Get good actors. I find that the best ones to capture realism aren't usually actors but real people. Look at how real a Gus Van Sant film seems, Harmony Korine, Larry Clark, Ken Loach, John Cassavetes, Terrence Malick; they would use lots of real people, or friends who were dying to act but hadn't done anything yet, or just let their actors - sometimes Hollywood, like Malick - freely find their characters and follow them based off of loose outlines, etc., and they capture such beauty and realism. Now, these are far from snuff film directors, but if you follow their guide with a snuff synopsis, I'm sure you'll deliver something truly unique and real.

I'd love to see something that looks like it came from one of these directors if say they went on an underground filmmaking splurge. I want submissions by women, too. I'd kill to have half of these segments come from a women's perspective. I thought I knew of lots of women indie filmmakers I could contact but I guess I'm thinking of Hollywood indie directors, like Claire Denis, Kelly Reichardt, Debra Granik, Lynne Ramsay, Kimberly Pierce, Mary Harron, Kathryn Bigelow, Asia Argento, Mary Lambert, hell even Jen Soska and Sylvia Soska are mainstream indie now. I can't even think of anyone other than like three girls I've already asked. We also are dying for foreign submissions. We want the perspective of snuff to be from around the world. Get me Gaspar Noé, Takashi Miike, Xavier Gens, Pascal Laugier, Alexandre Aja, Srdjan Spasojevic, Tom Six. Bring us Hollywood gore hounds Eli Roth, Rob Zombie, Adam Wingard, Ti West, and genius weirdos like David Cronenberg, Lars von Trier, Vincent Gallo, Shane Carruth. I mean, do any of these directors ring a bell? Can you capture anything like the way that they would? Then do it. That's what we want.

JW: What do you hope filmmakers who submit get out of the experience? Is it just a chance to be a part of an anthology, or are you trying to challenge filmmakers to break boundaries with this concept? Or something else?

SR: Hollywood has cashed in on the mockumentary scene since The Blair Witch Project - though they didn't really get on the band wagon until Paranormal Activity - but it started with indie/underground filmmaking because it was a way that we could be seen, get our voice heard, without having to spend a shit ton of money which we don't have. And you can't get this kind of outlet on censored fucking youtube with these kinds of films (plus it doesn't feel like real distribution that way,) so where do you go? I want this to be a place where zero budget filmmakers can go, collaborate, push themselves, and be able to afford to do so. If you don't have the time to make a 90 minute movie, fine, make a 2 minute movie, get it into the anthology, and then it still gets released as a feature film. It still gets real distribution. Together we can make something and get it out there, get it seen.

For me, even after having made a ton of feature films for under 100 bucks and proving that I can get them into the mainstream stores, I can't even barely get a film made anymore, because everybody wants money upfront to work on my films and I don't have any money in my budgets, whatsoever. It seems that's there's no more real artists anymore who do it simply because they feel that they have to. You know, in my case, it's either make something with nothing or make nothing, and I sure as fuck don't want to make nothing! So, if anybody out there is going through the same fucking bullshit, then let's do it! And with this subject matter, this title, hell, as long as the submissions live up to the name, this could make waves.
That's my conversation with Shane Ryan. In order to learn how to submit, follow the link: http://www.madsincinema.com/snuff-the-anthology.html

From the press release:
Ryan got his start in the faux snuff film world in 2004, when he made a movie one random night with a friend and just forty-five bucks to his name. "This came after years of working on feature films with scripts, shot lists, moderate budgets (in the thousands; still low, but all I had in the bank), and nothing to show for," confesses Ryan. "Amateur Porn Star Killer was a fluke, but it worked." The movie was officially released theatrically in 2007 and then on DVD, where it took off. Ryan was instantly offered a release deal for a trilogy through Cinema Epoch and Koch Entertainment (now Entertainment One). Since then the film has been featured in numerous published books, re-released on DVD multiple times in various fashions, invited to festivals all around the world, and more. For awhile Ryan became ashamed of the films, he even dabbled with changing his name and/or putting alias' on his newer, more "arthouse" driven films. But in the past year he's decided to embrace the genre. "I think doing this anthology is my way of moving on from this world of faux snuff. It's become a huge part of who I am as an artist. I need to accept that to move on, not pretend like it doesn't exist. There are plenty of horror filmmakers dying to be a part of this world; why not pass it on instead?"

But not without first releasing the sister anthology to Snuff; Ted Bundy Had a Son. "Bundy will be the anthology answer to the APSK Trilogy," says Ryan. "Sort of a like an uncensored A&E documentary on the fictional character of Brandon (the serial killer in the series)." Submission guidelines for Ted Bundy Had a Son will be posted soon (concept teaser trailer available here https://vimeo.com/99823184). In the meantime, get your Snuff-on, over at http://www.madsincinema.com/snuff-the-anthology.html

Jonathan Weichsel
MoreHorror.com

Michael S. Rodriguez is the director of the twenty-seven minute short Lamb Feed and the thirty minute short Night of the Sea Monkey. I sat down and interviewed him about his work.

JW: I reached out to you to watch your films after you wished me happy birthday on Facebook, because I enjoyed Meghan Chadeayne's performance in Naked Zombie Girl, which I caught at Beyond The Beaten Path, and I saw you had directed a short starring her, Lamb Feed, and I was interested in seeing what else she has done. So I am wondering, what is it like working with Meghan? What is it that attracts you to her work?

MR: Along with being close personal friends we are also business partners and I find Meg to be a completely focused professional that is an absolute delight to work with. When I call action Meghan has the natural ability to find her character's idiosyncrasies while she's delivering her lines. To me a sense of naturalism in the performance is a must and Meg is always on point with hers.

JW: I watched your shorts, Night of the Seamonkey and Lamb Feed. I thought that Lamb Feed was an improvement over Night of the Seamonkey, both in terms of production values and storytelling. I am wondering if you learned anything working on Night of the Seamonkey that you then applied to Lamb Feed.

MR: You come to find that giving yourself ample time for pre production is always a must and that storyboards and shot lists do come in handy.. So I definitely took with me a tremendous amount of knowledge from my first effort (Sea Monkey) and decided to go to the next level with Lamb Feed.

JW: Lamb Feed had a lot of surreal imagery in it. You described it to me as "subliminal" when you sent me the link. Could you elaborate on what you mean by that?

MR: At the time when I started writing Lamb feed I was intrigued with making a narrative short. Being an artist first and foremost I thought it would be refreshing for horror fans to sit back and have a visual feast while a story unfolds without much dialogue if any.

What happened is, as I started casting these great character actors I realized that I wouldn't be utilizing their talent with physical acting and silent expressions. So my seven minute narrative short on morality, infidelity and the corruption of religion turned into a twenty-seven minute mind fuck with interesting characters.

JW: Why do you say "mind fuck"

MR: As I began to change the style of the storytelling I didn't want to lose the narrative element I had began with. I thought to myself why not take a William Castle approach and make Lamb Feed interactive with the viewer. I don't want to give too much away, but there are so many hidden symbols, images, even words in this 27 minute short that it would have made Kubrick proud.

JW: I was very happy to see Arch Hall Jr. in Lamb Feed. He gets a bad rap because of Eegah, but he is absolutely phenomenal in The Sadist, and I thought he was very strong in Lamb Feed as well. First of all, I am wondering how the heck you got him, since he hadn't acted since 1965. Did talking him into acting in Lamb Feed require any special persuasion?

MR: I had been a fan of Arch's for some time and even wanted to cast him as the sheriff in Sea Monkey originally, but I had figured he'd been out of the business for close to five decades and probably wanted to keep it that way, so I never attempted to reach out. After sea monkey had a great run of success I said to myself, no more what ifs. If something comes along I'll approach him just to see what he says. If he says no, at least I can say I attempted. So I reach out to him on facebook and we had a lengthy chat, afterwards I sent him a link to watch Sea monkey.

Arch commended me on my effort and we scheduled a phone call a few days later. The minute we began the conversation we hit it off right away and I pitched the role of Rev Wicker to him. He seemed reluctant to throw his hat back in the ring but said he'd take a look at the script anyway.

I sent him the script and waited and waited. I didn't hear a peep so I sent him a message, thanked him for his time, and went on to cast Michael Wainwright as Rev.

A month later, unaware that I had cast Wainwright, Arch emailed me enthused to take the role. As much as I wanted to work with him I just couldn't drop Michael who had shown so much promise in his audition. I said sorry Arch, but I had already found someone. He said okay and I left it at that for like a half a second before I responded back with, hey! What if you play Rev's Pa? From that point on Arch and I talked for hours on end developing that great character you see in the movie. Along the way we've become close friends and that's a beautiful thing.

JW: Did you feel any jitters working with such a cult legend?

MR: I've had conference calls and have worked with some icons prior, but I never really seem to get star struck when on set. I do recall however walking into the dressing room in between takes on Lamb Feed and there's Arch tucking in his shirt and preparing for the next scene. I lean in and whisper "How am I doing Arch? He casually fixes his collar and says "Well, you know Mike, I wouldn't be here If I didn't believe in you." I walked out and said "HOLY FUCK" Arch Hall Jr. believes in ME?!?! That was surreal.

JW: Lamb Feed seemed very much influenced by Robert Rodriguez's whole Grindhouse movement. Was that an influence of yours? If yes, how so, and if no, then what were your influences?

MR: What Rodriguez and Tarantino did with Grindhouse was entertaining, but was more of a parody than an offering of something truly grindhouse. I didn't want to spoof films of that era so I had Lamb Feed shot as dingy as I could to avoid the digital filters and scratchy old film after effects. I did that mainly to give the fans that revere traditional grindhouse a non insulting trip back to the glory days of late night drive-in cinema.

JW: I know you are working on a feature with Meghan Chadeayne called Rhonda Rides to Hell. Tell me a bit about that. How is it coming along? What's the movie about?

MR: Rhonda Rides to Hell will be my first full feature and begins production later this year. I am very excited to work with Meghan again as she plays the title character Rhonda Winter. Rhonda is set in the not too distant future and deals with many of the social and ecological issues that are developing around us today. Rhonda will be a horror/sci-fi/ action adventure not to be missed.

JW: Is there anything else you're working on I should know about?

MR: I begin shooting a short titled Homewrecked at the end of this month starring cult actor/director Jim VanBebber and Tim Quill of Army of Darkness. Also this fall will be the DVD and VOD release of Johnny Daggers' two hour documentary titled Blood On the Reel which I star in. Other than that I hope to make a few festival appearances while Lamb Feed continues to run on the circuit. That's all Folks!

Lamb Feed Trailer

Reviewed by Kevin Scott
MoreHorror.com

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (2014)
Written by: Ana Lily Amirpour
Directed by: Ana Lily Amirpour
Cast: Sheila Vand (The Girl), Arash (Arash Marandi), Marshall Manesh (Hossein the Junkie), Mozhan Marno (Atti the Prostitute), Dominic Rains (Saeed the Pimp), Rome Shadanloo (Shaydah the Princess), Ray Haratian (The Boss), Pej Vahdat (DJ Porno), Ana Lily Amirpour (Skeleton Partygirl), Masuka (Masuka the Cat)

There are two things that have inhibited me in the past from broadening my horror film horizons. Those things would be subtitles and anything filmed in black and white. I’ve conquered my perceived drudgery of reading subtitles, and after many forced exercises to multitask my watching and reading simultaneously, I can get lost in a really good horror movie, and the subtitles come as second nature. I’m still struggling with the black and white. Even established classics such as “Night of the Living Dead” require some deliberation as to whether I want to suffer through the absence of color. Typically nowadays, it almost has to be an artistic choice, whereas back in day, it more than likely was a monetary decision. I’m almost ashamed to admit that I’ve turned my share of black and white films off, before ever giving them a chance. I’m getting better, but even now, I need to get hooked in the beginning to hang around.

“A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” is filmed in black and white, and has subtitles that you can’t turn off unless you speak fluent Farsi, which I don’t. I made it through this one. A milestone for me no doubt, and a clear indicator of my ever evolving film sophistication or maybe the movie was just good. I’m going for a 30 percent/70 percent split with the majority on the latter. I’m amazed at how much I liked this vampire movie that anyone with a fleeting short term memory would flub the title when trying to recommend.

It does have the distinction of being the first entry in the vampire genre to be set in the Middle East. It wasn’t filmed there, California was the actual location, but it’s hard to tell. The fictional town is Bad City. A nasty, industrialized place that lives up to its name and is plagued with pushers, hookers, oppression, and depression. Arash is just trying to build a bright spot he can live in by having gainful employment, buying his dream car, and embracing a 1950’s vibe that sets him apart. He has only one cross to bear that he can’t put down. His father is a heroin addict, and after his father’s pusher takes his classic Thunderbird as compensation for delinquent payments, he loses a big part of what made things bearable in Bad City. Enter one more person that is doing the best they can to insulate themselves from the misery and fulfill their basic needs. A female vampire, known only as The Girl, walks the streets shrouded in black that works well for the dual purpose of Middle Eastern modesty and giving her a cape to complete the effect. She feeds on one of the more reprehensible members of the community, and unintentionally sets the ball in motion for Arash to compromise his principles for the purpose of bettering his situation. He meets her as he is wearing a makeshift Dracula costume, and either her sense of humor or irony saves him. She takes him back to her place for a really great scene that John Hughes couldn’t have pulled off any better. I don’t know if that was the idea, but her room has a 1980’s motif with pictures of Madonna and Michael Jackson on the wall. The music she plays is a new song from a British group called “White Lies”. It might not be what you think you want in your vampire movie, but the unexpectedness of it in what is preconceived to be this bleak, black and white, arthouse character study really works.

I know that inevitably this is going to be compared to “Let the Right One In”. Granted, but I’m going more obscure with a great James Foley film called “Reckless” with Adian Quinn and Daryl Hannah. The child having to take care of a parent that’s all screwed up, two people being thrown together by circumstance that otherwise never would have met, and their unlikely relationship being the vehicle to get them both away from a dirty, soul sucking hamlet. “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” is in my favorites and at the top of the list of my recommends that begin with “I know that you think you’re not going to like this one but….” It even has the novelty of an accompanying comic book series, skateboards, and Elijah Wood as a producer. It satisfies all the marks for vampiric horror, but really makes it shine is that it’s an escape drug made of equal parts of living and undead angst.

Mikels Announces Acting Auditions in Henderson, Nevada on August 9, 2015

TVM Studios has announced that the studio’s new production, Ten Violent Women: Part Two, has scheduled acting auditions at the company’s Las Vegas Studio on August 9, 2015 in Henderson, Nevada. "Ten Violent Women: Part Two", the sequel to “10 Violent Women”, will star Francine York, and will explore females who seek recognition for their physical beauty, muscular bodies, martial arts, wrestling, boxing, and beauty pageant appearances. Check out this great video from Mikels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=14&v=dSJ-nzyuFpM

Ted V. Mikels, the film’s legendary director, has announced a campaign to raise the necessary production funds. Mikels notes that he has been making movies for over 65 years. “I have made dozens and dozens of movies over the years, including such titles as ‘Astro Zombies,’ ‘The Doll Squad,’ ‘10 Violent Women,’ ‘The Corpse Grinders,’ ‘Girl In The Gold Boots,’ ‘Mission: Killfast,’ ‘Demon Haunt,’ and many more.

“I have recently announced that I am finally making a sequel to my highly successful film "10 Violent Women," but I can't make it without the help of motion picture fans. This is a project that has been requested by my fans for many years, and since my fans are the best fans in the world, I decided to take the challenge and do it for them. I have been self-funding my low budget projects for many years, but in order to justice to this highly anticipated sequel, and not let my fans down, I need to actually raise some real money.”

Contributions can be made by clicking on the following link:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/10-violent-women-part-2--2#/story

Auditions for the film will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Sunday, August 9, 2015 at:
The Voice Actor’s Studio
1510 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy – Suite 100
Henderson, NV 89012

"Ten Violent Women: Part Two" will start filming in September 2015 with Ted V. Mikels directing and co-producing along with Drew Marvick. John Cornett is slated to be first assistant director; Keith Harris, international marketing coordinator; Wendy O. Altamura, PhD, editorial consultant; and Janet Leigh, director's assistant. Dawna Lee Heising of Eye on Entertainment will play one of the Ten Violent Women.

Screengage and ThunderSmoke Media announce that their new horror film IMPURATUS has moved into Casting and Pre-Production.

The film takes place in 1922 and is about a police detective called out to a remote hospital to witness the deathbed confession of a mysterious Civil War Vet that forces him to accept the supernatural.

The move will be shot on location in The Greater Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania and in a Philadelphia sound stage.

Written and directed by Michael Yurinko, the film is being produced by Guy Quigley and will star Holt Boggs, Jody Quigley, John Savage, Maria Olsen and Blanca Blanco.

For more information visit www.screengage.com