Monday 31 October 2016

RUPTURE - Brand New UK Poster & Clip - In Cinemas 4th Nov

From the makers of Secretary, American Sniper and Hard Candy, Rupture arrives in UK Cinemas and on VOD from 4th Nov from Signature Entertainment. Checkout the striking, brand new Poster and an exciting new Clip from the film below...



Young mother Renee (Noomi Rapace - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Prometheus) has her life thrown into chaos when she is randomly abducted, drugged and taken to a secret lab facility. As her captors traumatically experiment on her, Renee must discover why she was chosen and fight to escape her prison.

Produced by Andrew Lazar (American Sniper) and starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Chiklis (The Shield), Peter Stormare (Fargo), Kerry Bishé (Argo) and Lesley Manville (Maleficent), Rupture is a complex and terrifying tale of fear from writer/director Steven Shainberg (Secretary).

Signature Entertainment presents Rupture in Cinemas and On Demand 4th Nov.

Arrow Films puts "Donnie Darko" Back In Cinemas to celebrate its 15th Anniversary

Arrow Films is thrilled to announce that it will release the all-time indie cult classic DONNIE DARKO (2001) into UK cinemas to celebrate its 15th Anniversary with a 4K Restoration. The original theatrical version will have an exclusive run at the BFI from the 16th December followed by a nationwide release from the 23rd December 2016. The Director’s Cut, which has been newly remastered, will also be available for screenings. The release also coincides with the 25th Anniversary of film distributor Arrow Films.

Fifteen years before Stranger Things combined science-fiction, Spielberg-ian touches and 80s nostalgia to much acclaim, Writer/Director Richard Kelly set the template and the high-water mark with his debut feature, Donnie Darko. Initially beset with distribution problems, it would slowly find its audience and emerge as arguably the first cult classic of the new millennium.

Donnie is a troubled high school student: in therapy, prone to sleepwalking and in possession of an imaginary friend, a six-foot rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world is going to end in 28 days 06 hours 42 minutes and 12 seconds. During that time he will navigate teenage life, narrowly avoid death in the form of a falling jet engine, follow Frank s maladjusted instructions and try to maintain the space-time continuum.

Described by its director as The Catcher in the Rye as told by Philip K. Dick, Donnie Darko combines an eye-catching, eclectic cast pre-stardom Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, heartthrob Patrick Swayze, former child star Drew Barrymore, Oscar nominees Mary McDonnell and Katharine Ross, and television favourite Noah Wyle and an evocative soundtrack of 80s classics by Echo and the Bunnymen, Tears for Fears and Duran Duran. This brand-new 4K restoration, carried out exclusively for this release by Arrow Films, allows a modern classic to finally receive the treatment it deserves. 



First look at 2017's purrfectly horrific MOGGY CREATURES!

The first trailer for Scott Frazelle's upcoming practical FX horror feature MOGGY CREATURES has debuted just in time for Halloween!

Genre faves Michael Moon (Day of the Dead : Contagium) and Sadie Katz (House of Bad, Blood Feast) play Michael and Anna, a troubled couple who take in a stray cat hoping to rebuild their marriage, only to have the pregnant animal spawn evil monsters!

Check out the trailer below...

 
 
Get ready for more treats during the film's crowd-funding campaign. 

MOGGY CREATURES hails from writer/producer Frazelle.

More info at the official Website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages




Watch "Love Is Dead" - an emotional horror short - online for free!

Sickening Pictures and Dexahlia Productions have released Love Is Dead for free online viewing. The emotional horror short stars adult film actors Aaron "Small Hands" Thompson and Joanna Angel, alongside genre favorite Ruben Pla (Insidious, Big Ass Spider).


Love Is Dead is written and directed by Jerry Smith, a horror film journalist best known for his contributions to Fangoria, Blumhouse, and Icons of Fright. While his day job finds him exploring fictional horror, Smith's dark drama deals with the real horror we can force each other to endure. The filmmaker drew inspiration from his own life to tap into the raw emotion.



Saturday 29 October 2016

YouTube Halloween Channel Update

In case you missed it, have posted a quick update on my YouTube channel in time for Halloween...


Subscribe to my YouTube channel HERE

Friday 28 October 2016

Horror podcast “DARKEST NIGHT” to launch with AMC networks SHUDDER

AMC Networks-backed horror streaming service, Shudder is proud to announce its partnership with The Paragon Collective, creators of the award-winning “NoSleep” podcast, on “Darkest Night” a weekly horror anthology series narrated by renowned actor Lee Pace.


The first two episodes of the hour-long podcast will be available on Monday, October 31st. Shudder will also exclusively premiere a third episode ad-free on Halloween. Subsequent episodes will be released a week in advance exclusively on Shudder and will feature premium uncompressed audio quality.

More than a podcast, “Darkest Night” is a fully immersive audio experience and terrifying treat for the horror-fan’s senses. Recorded binaurally with cutting-edge technology, the sound quality brings the entire narrative to life creating a rich 360-degree, virtual reality effect when listening with headphones. In addition to compelling storytelling, listeners will have the added benefit of an amplified acoustic experience where sounds can be heard in all directions as if present at the time of the recording itself.

In addition to stunning sound effects, “Darkest Night” also features acting performances from an all-star celebrity cast including Denis O'Hare (“American Horror Story”), Missi Pyle (“The Artist” and “Dodgeball”), RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Ricky Dillon, KC Wayland (“We're Alive”), Johnny Ferro, Callie Schuttera, Miguel Lopez, and more.

Every week, the binaural audio drama featuring Pace’s narration, will take fans on a bone-chilling auditory journey. Written by Chris Bloodworth, each episode will place the listener at the center of a recovered memory that sounds and feels as though it’s happening in real time. Every chapter will delve into the last memories of the recently deceased, slowly revealing a horrifying master plan. “Who is weaving this master conspiracy” and “what is their ultimate goal?” These are just some of the questions listeners can expect to be asking after tuning in. 

The partnership with “Darkest Night” is one of the many horror experiences fans can enjoy on Shudder during Halloween month. The streaming service is hosting a “horror essentials” collection for those new to horror, or those looking for the best films to stream for the season. Additionally, Shudder has entered the horror TV realm for the first time this month with the complete series of Tales from the Darkside, and the exclusive acquisition of the three-part French mini-series, Beyond the Walls, premiering October 20th.

Shudder is a premium streaming video service, serving both the casual and hardcore fans of horror and suspenseful entertainment. Available in the US, Canada, UK, and Canada ad-free and for unlimited viewing on Shudder’s website, iOS and Android mobile apps, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Roku with a free one week trial or £4.99 monthly/ £49.99 yearly membership. To sign up or learn more about Shudder, visit www.shudder.com

The NoSleep Podcast is a multi-award winning audio anthology of original horror stories set against a backdrop of atmospheric music and sound design.  Founded in 2011 by host and showrunner David Cummings, the show features a creative team from across the globe. The quality of its productions have garnered a large international following and established it among the top-ranked podcasts in the world.  To date its episodes have exceeded 22 million downloads and is currently ranked #33.  You can find out more at: thenosleeppodcast.com

Film4 presents Fright Bites

Film4 and All 4 online service are getting viewers in the mood for Halloween over the next week with the launch of Fright Bites, six sinister new horror shorts from up and coming filmmakers commissioned by Film4.

All 4 start building the Halloween chills, unleashing the films for download and streaming exclusively on all4.com, available now. Fright Bites will make their TV debut on Film4 as part of the channel’s FilmFear season running from October 25th-31st. The six films will then receive their big screen premieres at HOME, Manchester, as part of the cinema’s 5-day Halloween celebration of the same name, beginning October 27th.

Film4 Creative Executive Eva Yates who commissioned the films comments: “Fright Bites has been a brilliant way for us to support six new and diverse filmmakers to work hard and fast on some really smart, original, sometimes funny and always creepy films. Audience was at the heart of the process so we're thrilled they're available to watch in so many ways.”

The films are a mix: some playing on our most basic fears, others making the everyday and mundane seem monstrous, while others are more traditional ‘monster in the dark’ movies, but with a twist. More details on the individual films below:

SHORTCUT – Ep 1

A late night ride home turns into a nightmare for Kurt (Danny Devall) when he takes a short cut that leads him to the special hell reserved for terrible boyfriends.

Director: Prano Bailey-Bond
Starring: Danny Devall and Joana Borja

TICKLE MONSTER – Ep 2

A quiet night in takes an eerie turn for Elliot (Percell Ascott) when Nat (Rhianne Barreto) casually reveals her room is haunted by an unusual bogeyman.

Dir: Remi Weekes
Starring: Percelle Ascot and Rhianne Barreto

SQUEAL – Ep 3

After a girl bullies a carnival worker, she soon regrets it as the circus folk ensure she’ll never make fun of anyone again. 

Dir: Lucy Campbell
Starring: Lotte Spencer, Rafaella Hutchinson and Zachary Street

NIGHT CAP – Ep 4

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Little Danny (Arthur Tucker) doesn’t have anywhere to hide from the danger lurking in his own home.

Dir: Jed Hart
Starring: Arthur Tucker

WAKE – Ep 5

A grieving man (Mark Bonnar) gets more than he bargained for when he visits his former lover’s (Rebecca Calder) open coffin.

Dir: Maria Martinez Bayona
 Starring Mark Bonnar and Rebecca Calder

OLD GAL – Ep 6

Jane (Nicola Wren) is chatting on the phone when she’s startled by an elderly woman (Clare Almond), who might not be as helpless as she appears.

Dir: Leigh Dovey
Starring: Nicola Wren and Clare Almond

Series producer: Fiona Lamptey / Fruit Tree Media.

Fright Bites are available to download or stream now on http://www.all4.com/programmes/fright-bites.

Fright Bites receive their TV premiere on Film4 channel’s FilmFear season, which runs Tuesday 25 – Monday 31 October. Feature films screening in the season include network premieres of Sin City: A Dame to Kill For from directors Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez, Wyrmwood, Excision, 100 Bloody Acres, The Last Days on Mars and Devil’s Due. Other films in the season include Wake in Fright from 1971 starring Donald Pleasance, French 1960s horror classic Eyes Without a Face, and Ben Wheatley’s off-kilter horror masterpiece Kill List.

Fright Bites make their big screen debut at HOME, Manchester’s International centre for contemporary visual art, theatre and film, as part of FilmFear, a new 5-day Halloween celebration running from Thursday 27–Monday 31 October, featuring exclusive horror previews, monster classics, spooky shorts and special guests.  A collaboration between HOME and Film4, FilmFear at HOME has been co-curated by Film4 Channel Editor David Cox and Jason Wood, HOME’s Artistic Director: Film, with guest curators The Final Girls (Anna Bogutskaya and Olivia Howe) and the BFI London Film Festival’s Cult strand (Michael Blyth). Highlights include a preview of Prevenge plus Q&A with writer/director/actor Alice Lowe, previews of Raw, The Ghoul, We Are the Flesh and The Void, a glorious Spanish version of the 1931 Dracula, and a unique screening of Nosferatu with live musical score by Harmonieband. ** See notes below for Fright Bites screening times

* Fright Bites TX on Film4 channel

Tickle Monster – night of Thursday 27th October, 12.05am
Shortcut – Thursday 27th October, 1.55am
Old Gal – night of Friday 28th October, 3.10am
Wake – Friday 28th October, 3.15am
Night Cap – night of Sunday 30th October, 1.00am
Squeal – Sunday 30th October, 1.05am
All 6 films also play together from 3.10am on the night of Monday 31st October

** Fright Bites screening details At HOME Manchester
Shortcut – Friday 28th October, 6.15pm (with RAW)
Squeal / Tickle Monster – Friday 28th October, 8.40pm (with WE ARE THE FLESH)
Wake – Sunday 30th October, 6pm (with THE GHOUL)
Night Cap / Old Gal – Sunday 30th October, 8.40pm (with THE VOID)

 

Cine Excess cult film festival celebrates 10th year, 10 - 12 Nov

Cine Excess Cult Film Festival kicks off its tenth year with the UK premiere of TAX SHELTER TERRORS (UK, 2016), a new hour-long documentary in which leading filmmakers and scholars consider the social and historical significance of a generation of Canadian cult films that launched the careers of David Cronenberg and kick started the 1970s slasher film craze. The rising popularity of horror TV shows and issues around genre film distribution also form centrepiece panel discussions In addition to a whole host of daytime seminars and evening screenings. The annual international celebration of cult cinema, takes place in Birmingham from 10th to 12th November.

TAX SHELTER TERRORS investigates the controversial Tax Shelter scheme, which was launched by the Canadian government in 1974 as an incentive to fund and develop a new era of ‘quality’ national cinema. Politicians and cultural commentators were dismayed to discover that the schemes was actually used to create a rush of mad scientists movies, backwoods horror films, home invasion narratives and urban siege dramas, all of which were roundly condemned at the time.

Directed by Xavier Mendik, Professor of Cult Cinema Studies at Birmingham City University, the film received its world premiere at Toronto’s Horrorama Film Festival in October. It’s the sixth documentary on global cult film traditions that Professor Mendik has completed, and the project resulted from collaborations with film crews working across Toronto and Montreal. The documentary is part of a wider international research project that will explore the cultural importance of Cinepix Films, the most prolific creator of Tax Shelter cinema productions.

Other films being screened at Cine Excess include the UK premiere of Agoraphobia director Lou Simon’s latest thriller ALL GIRLS WEEKEND (US, 2016), where a high school reunion weekend goes horribly wrong. It stars Jamie Bernadette (I Spit On Your Grave: Déjà Vu) and Kate Carpenter (TV’s Maid To Order). Mexico comes under focus with Adrián García Bogliano’s SHERZO DIABOLICO (2015), introducing us to a frustrated accountant who turns into a vengeful killer, and Diego Cohen’s HONEYMOON (Luna De Miel, 2016), where an infatuated neighbour invites Isabel to stay forever in his basement.

KILL OR BE KILLED (2015) is the UK theatrical premiere of blood-soaked gothic Western directed by Duane Graves and Justin Meeks, who also plays outlaw leader Sweet Tooth, whilst Argentinian director Luciano Onetti finds two detectives chasing a serial killer that’s linked with an unresolved missing girl case from 15 years earlier in FRANCESCA (2015).

In addition to its usual cult film focus, the 10th Cine-Excess also considers the rising popularity of The Walking Dead, Penny Dreadful, American Horror Story, Supernatural, to assess what could be seen as a new golden age of horror TV. The issue is debated by a panel of academic experts. Other Topics discussed over the three days include the films of John Carpenter, It Follows, alchemy in film, Baise Moi and Grindhouse cinema, as well as a special panel on distribution examining changes in traditional and online programme delivery.

Student filmmakers from Birmingham City University itself are taking the new annual Tales of Terror challenge by creating their own Found Footage fears short film, which is being judged by cult director Jake West (Evil Aliens, The ABCs of Death). This year, the festival also launches the Film Ripped Open contest where students are encouraged to test their journalistic skills as horror critics.

Cine-Excess X: Cult Genres, Traditions and Bodies, runs 10th to 12th November, combining a three-day academic conference with visiting filmmaker awards, UK theatrical premieres and student media mentoring sessions. Full details of guests and filmmakers in attendance will be announced shortly.

Events are held at Birmingham City University, Millennium Point, Curzon Street, B4 7XG, and Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen, Custard Factory, Gibb St, B9 4AA
 
Cult film screenings

Thursday 10th November: Birmingham City University
7pm - TAX SHELTER TERRORS (Xavier Mendik, UK, 2016) - UK Theatrical Premiere
8.30pm - ALL GIRLS WEEKEND (Lou Simon, USA, 2016) - UK Theatrical Premiere
 
Friday 11th November : The Mockingbird Cinema 
6.30pm - SHERZO DIABOLICO (Adrián García Bogliano, Mexico, 2015) 8.30pm - FRANCESCA (Luciano Onetti, Argentina, 2015) 

Saturday 12th November: The Mockingbird Cinema 
6.30pm - KILL OR BE KILLED (Duane Graves & Justin Meeks, USA, 2015) - UK Theatrical Premiere 8.30pm - HONEYMOON (Diego Cohen, Mexico, 2016)

More info and details on how to book tickets visit...

Wednesday 26 October 2016

The Misty Moon International Film Festival, a spooky celebration of film from around the globe

Get in the Halloween spirit early on Saturday 29th October and celebrate a day of film and filmmaking at this year’s Misty Moon International Film Festival. Set within the atmospheric surroundings of London’s The Cinema Museum, the Misty Moon Film Society presents a day of classic/horror feature films followed by an evening showcase of high quality short films from around the globe. A celebrity guest panel of classic/horror film and television stars will judge the short film finalists.

Festival organisers the Misty Moon Film Society are keen promote new filmmakers, artists and performers and give them a supportive platform within the industry. Director Stuart Morriss had this to say about the event: "Misty Moon has always been on the dark side of things especially in our art and films. We have always been a platform to promote all areas of creativity and The Misty Moon International Film Festival is a legacy started by Friday the 13th's Adrienne King and myself four years ago. Misty Moon where art and film collide...”

Throughout the day the festival will be screening a selection of cult horror films with Q&As from the actors and directors:

12pm – Halloween (1978)

2pm – Mum & Dad (2008)

4pm – Seize the Night (2016) followed by a Q&A with Emma Dark

5pm – Before Dawn (2013) followed by a Q&A with Dominic Brunt

The main festival starts at 7pm and the short film finalists will be screened with the judges giving their feedback between each film. At the end of the screenings the audience will be asked to vote for their winner. The winner will then receive the trophy from the judges.

Tickets for the first three film screenings in the afternoon are £5 per film.

The screening of Before Dawn and the main evening film festival are free. Advance tickets may be purchased from Billetto (http://bit.ly/2dUOQt1). Or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.

This year’s judges include:

Judy Matheson – Actress (Twins of Evil, Lust for a Vampire)
Perry Benson – Actor (This is England, Sid and Nancy)
Brian Murphy – Actor (Last of the Summer Wine,George & Mildred)
Dominic Brunt – Director/Actor (Bait, Inbred, Emmerdale)
Emma Dark – Director/Actress (Seize the Night, Island of the Blind Dead)
Linda Regan – Actress/Author (Hi-De-Hi, Quadrophenia)

There will be a chance to meet the judges during the evening.


The short film finalists are:

The Tour – Directors Damon Rickard, Alex Mathieson
Rats – Director Mark Logan
The Barber’s Cut – Director Mark Brocking
Ghost Nets – Director Mark Bousfield
Surgery – Directors The Clemens Bros
Cowboy Ben – Director Scott Rawsthorne
Hada – Director Tony Morales
Nasty – Director Prano Bailey-Bond
Cold Caller – Director Philip Cook
The Werewolf’s Greatest Hit – Director Jim Zounis

Plus a very special cast and crew screening of The Neighbours – Director Mark Vella.

The evening’s main event will also see the premiere of horror-comedy short film Count Frankula directed Jason Read of Robo Films and produced by Stuart Morriss of the Misty Moon Film Society. The film is written by and stars David Barry of Please Sir! and The Fenn Street Gang as ‘Count Frankula’ himself. It also stars Hammer actresses Caroline Munro and Judy Matheson, indie actress and filmmaker Emma Dark, and newcomer Martin Rudman.

The Count Frankula trailer can be viewed on YouTube

For more information about the film festival please check out Misty Moon’s official website here: https://mistymoonfilmsociety.com

Or the Facebook event HERE

The Cinema Museum
2 Dugard Way (off Renfrew Road)
London
SE11 4TH   

Train to Busan - new clip released

Checkout this new clip from TRAIN TO BUSAN, which hits UK cinemas Friday 28th October.



A father and daughter fight for their lives on a train full of zombies, in this Cannes Midnight Movie sensation, a truly astounding, action-packed thrill-ride from South Korea with social bite, an unexpected emotional punch, and a carriage- load of first class action.


Checkout TRAIN TO BUSAN in UK cinemas 28 Oct.


Tuesday 25 October 2016

"One Million Years BC" - UK BD/DVD review

Hammer films may be best known for their horror films, but every so often they would come up with something uniquely different from their usual gothic chillers. One such example is the pre-historic classic "One Million Years BC", which has just been released in the UK in a Blu-ray and DVD combo pack from StudioCanal.

Set in a fictional pre-historic era, where cavemen and dinosaurs exist together, the film focuses on a young caveman named Tumak (John Richardson), who is expelled from his tribe following a fight with his father, Akoba (Robert Brown), the tribe leader.

Venturing out into the wastelands, he has to battle stop-motion dinosaurs, giant Iguanas and other historical anachronisms and fictional creatures, before stumbling upon another tribe, where he falls in love with the extremely attractive Loana (played by Raquel Welch, in a very alluring fur bikini).

But attempting to rejoin his old tribe with his new love doesn’t go too well, resulting in a spectacular clash of tribes, and a very interesting cat-fight between Raquel Welch and Hammer regular Martine Beswick. And when a nearby Volcano erupts, tribal differences may be the least of their worries…

Filmed in Lanzarote, in the middle of winter (which proved a testing time for the actors, clad in their loose fitting fur costumes) this loose remake of the old 1940s film One Million BC was one Hammer’s most expensive films, but also proved to be their most profitable. Its success undoubtedly due, in no small part, to Raquel Welch’s iconic fur bikini, which featured on all the promotional materials, and because of the elaborate stop motion effects by legendary special effects maestro Ray Harry Hausen.

"One Million Years BC" is released in a double pack containing both a Blu-Ray and DVD version of the film, which are taken from a brand new 4k scan of the original film elements and contains the following extras...

Interview with Raquel Welch (12 mins) – Brand new interview in which she talks about her memories of her time on set (and for a 76 year old looks bloody amazing)

Interview with Martine Beswick (15mins) – Brand new interview with the hammer actress, discussing her memories of the film.

Ray Harryhausen stills and artwork gallery – A photo gallery of original sketches and storyboards created by Ray Harryhausen for the film, along with photos of the models created for the film as they look today.

A nice selection of extras, but I’m sad that they didn’t include the original theatrical trailer on here, which was present on the previous DVD release. Also, the old DVD had an archive interview with Ray Harryhausen, which would have been a nice addition to include, but sadly Studiocanal decided against it.

"One Million Years BC" may not be the most historically accurate film about our pre-historic past, not least because dinosaurs and cavemen were separated by a gap of about 65million years (not to mention there were no dinosaurs resembling giant iguanas either). Plus it was kind of weird seeing James Bond actor Robert Brown, who played M during the Roger Moore-Timothy Dalton era, as a caveman in this.

But the film is still tremendous fun, even if there are no actual lines of dialogue, just people grunting and gesticulating, and with this new 4k restoration, has never looked better, so is highly recommended viewing for all lovers of classic Hammer films.

Pre-order the UK BD/DVD combo pack from Amazon.co.uk


 


"ALIENS NIGHT 2 - The Greys Return" - short film

Checkout the short film "ALIENS NIGHT 2 - The Greys Return", from Italian director Andrea Ricci. The film is the follow up to an earlier short film "Aliens Night", which came out in 2014 and has received over 2 million view on YouTube.

Check it out below...

For more info about this, and the director's other films, visit http://www.andrearicca.it

 

Principal Photography Wraps On Horror Action Thriller REDCON-1

What would happen if zombies retained some of their previous life skills... What if they were combat based? And how would a small troop of soldiers survive being sent into the heart of a seething mass of the undead, who don’t just bite... they fight back too.

With that notion began the journey by British-Chinese director Chee Keong Cheung to realise REDCON-1 - a unique fusion of action, zombie horror and war, with the added element of mixed martial arts, which has just wrapped a ten week shoot across the UK, with over 1500 extras and a mass of military hardware.

In REDCON-1, Eight Special Forces soldiers are sent on a suicide mission into the zombie-infested remains of the UK, to find a scientist who may hold the key to ending the viral outbreak that has turned the population into flesh-eating undead.

Chee’s central idea attracted the attention of Carlos Gallardo, producer of the acclaimed El Mariachi, Desperado and Once Upon a Time in Mexico trilogy, and Kevin Eastman, co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, who came on board as executive producers on REDCON-1.

“Carlos and Kevin have built huge followings for their creativity because they respect their fanbases, and I found enormous inspiration from them both, as I sought solutions as to how I could create an action horror epic that rewards fan commitment with everything we can get for them on screen,” explains Chee.

Chee also knew that there was a well of talent and goodwill across the UK, that could help him realise his vision. “Lancaster, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Rugby and London all feature, along with two prisons, an aerodrome, a church, supermarkets, the Barras in Glasgow, Tower Bridge in London and many amazing abandoned locations and council estates.” It was those estates where Chee found, to his gratitude, a lot of support as he witnessed communities coming together to get involved, and in turn grow the very nature of the scenes taking place and thus the size of the movie.

Exec producer Carlos Gallardo believes that he hasn’t seen organic filmmaking like this since he produced with Robert Rodriguez on El Mariachi - a ground-breaking movie that turned independent filmmaking on its head. “Every once in awhile a revolutionary talent comes along that changes everything. You’re fortunate if you get to work with one of those in your career. I got lucky twice.”

Chee, along with producer Ioanna Karavela and Mark Strange, needed not only the help of many willing people who got together in front and behind camera (director of photography is Lorenzo Levrini) to help, but also those who have access to heavy duty stuff! Like 15 tanks, an armoury to match, plus police cars, ambulances, troop carriers, helicopters, speedboats, munitions, weaponry and explosives.

Into that volatile mix he had to have skilled enough stunt and fight performers to pull off balls-to-the-wall fight action, an enormous amount of fake blood and make-up, and a truly hardy team of actors, including Oris Erhuero (The Cursed Ones); Akira Koieyama (Streetfighter: Assassin’s Fist); former WWE/TNA wrestler Katarina Leigh Waters; Mark Strange (Stan Lee’s Lucky Man); as well as Executive Producer Carlos Gallardo himself.

Currently in post production, REDCON-1 is being cut by the acclaimed editor of Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket, Martin Hunter, whose feature credits also include Underworld, Event Horizon, Chronicles of Riddick and Mortal Kombat.

As he completes the movie, Chee is now keen to turn to horror and action fans, to engage and involve them just as the public did around the UK during the filming. “We’ve got a lot of stories to share, assets to review, and decisions to make on how to shape all the footage. I’ve always known one thing - the fans who pay to see films, collect them and give so much time to share opinions, are the ones I want to reach. If they’re happy then maybe this movie can break out - and we can realise some of our other ideas of turning this into the first part of a trilogy with graphic novels and more.”
 
International sales, excluding North America, will be handled by Epic Pictures Group (Turbo Kid, Jeruzalem, Tales of Halloween, Nina Forever). Patrick Ewald and Shaked Berenson both join as Executive Producers alongside Rob Weston (Dark Places, Antibirth). Epic Pictures and director Chee Keong Cheung will be attending the upcoming American Film Market in Santa Monica from 2nd - 9th November.


All Through the House - A review

It’s October and I’m ALREADY being asked to review Christmas themed horror films? Oh, is there no end to my torment??? But joking aside, “All Through the House” is the latest indie horror from director Todd Nunes (who also directed the indie killer clown flick Scary Larry), which has just finished its festival run and is now up for pre-order from US VOD outlets.

Set in December, young Rachel (Ashley Mary Nunes) and her friends agree to help their elderly neighbour Mrs Garret decorate the outside of her house ready for Xmas, whilst she’s out for the evening.

Unfortunately, there happens to be a killer in a santa suit rampaging through the neighbourhood, carving up all the horny teens with a pair of garden sheers (and no, it isn’t Cropsey). And the three friends are about to discover, this Santa doesn’t care who’s been naughty or nice…

Obviously, the concept of a killer Santa is one that has been done many times before and I couldn’t help but notice elements seemingly borrowed from the likes of Black Christmas and Silent Night Deadly Night. Indeed, the film has a definite 80s slasher vibe to it, and a streak of very dark humour. But of course, being a low budget indie horror, featuring a lot of upcoming actors, isn’t quite up to the same standard as its contemporaries.

Lovers of these low budget slashers may enjoy this, but if you prefer mainstream Hollywood fair, may find this a touch dull.

Anyway, the film is up for pre-order on VOD in the US. For more info, visit the official website http://www.allthroughthehousemovie.com 



Monday 24 October 2016

Exclusive - Stephen Manley talks about GHOSTHUNTERS, ROGUE WARRIOR and STAR TREK

Actor Stephen Manley recently spoke to us about his genre roles, currently appearing in “Ghosthunters” and forthcoming “Rogue Warrior : Robot Fighter” he kindly agreed to chat to us and give us the skinny on those, as well as his unusual methods of rehearsing for his roles, his appearance in Star Trek 3 : The Search for Spock and about Pon-Farring with Trekkies…


Stephen, thankyou very much for talking to us. Now, your most recent genre role has been the film “Ghosthunters”, from Asylum pictures, could you tell us a bit about that? 

Of course, I play the character Dr. Henry Tanner. A genius scientist who has designed a machine that can track a ghost and capture it in a “Containment Chamber”. A masked killer named “ The Night Stalker”, has claimed the lives of Dr. Tanners wife,  daughter and several others, in an old Tudor mansion. 

Following the funeral of his family Dr. Tanner leads his team of young scientists and a mystic, into the killers mansion to find the spirits of Martha and Gabi before they are lost forever. As a result, all hell literally breaks loose in the house. 

The film is serious dramatic outing for “The Asylum” and has been met with some good praise from critics regarding the feel and tone of the film as well as all the wonderful  and sincere performances from  the great cast whom i have become so fond of. 


How did you get the role? 

I sent in a video audition which contained 2 character monologues written by the creator and director of the film, the talented filmmaker Pearry Teo. I was then called in for two in person follow up auditions to meet Pearry in person and also casting director Scotty Mullen.  

Your website’s followers may be pleased to know that I search and strive while preparing for an audition or role and as such spent many hours with my grandfather, Stephen E. Soldi, who was himself an actor, at his mausoleum running lines. 


You rehearsed your lines in your late grandfathers Mausoleum? I’ve heard of method acting before, but isn’t that a bit macabre?

I suppose so. I had been exposed to some techniques of “method” here and there growing up and working with some fantastic actors and actresses like Tommy Lee Jones and Zhora Lampert. However at the Beverly Hills Playhouse I really took to exploring the various “methods” to learn tools for crafting my performances. 

I have been visiting Granpa Soldi quite a lot in the last few years and thought it a good opportunity to rehearse my “Ghosthunters” screen test scenes with him in that atmosphere.  I had fantasized that perhaps he would materialize and say; “I think we are good, now let’s go and break a Leg!”  Pearry Teo said to me laughing: “Fu#@ing Method actors!” 


Your Grandfather, Stephen E. Soldi, I just looked him up on the IMDB. I notice from his credits, he turned up in a lot of popular movies back in the day, such as "Inherit the Wind" and "It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World", but mostly as a background character?

Yes that is my grandfather. Following his discharge from the Army in WW1, he worked as a Circus Clown and stepped off the train in LA and was cast as a Roman Soldier in D.W. Griffith’s epic “ Intolerance”. I have his wardrobe test shot from that film. He stayed in the industry until 1966. He worked in silent films, talkies and television as both a bit and specialty player and as a stunt double.


Am I correct in assuming it was because of your grandfather that you got into acting in the first place?

Yes. After his wife passed in 1969, he lived with my mom, Dad and myself. I would spend hours with him looking at all the 8 by 10’s of him on sets from all the classic era’s of cinema. He was a German soldier, he was a Mexican Bandit, a cowboy etc. 

He would talk of Lon Chaney Sr. spending time in his tent to makeup as Quasimodo then would open his own ancient fibre makeup case and show me antique sticks of nose putty and how collodian was used. How he crafted oriental eyes using “ pulls” made from tape, fish skin and putty in order to double for Warner Oland as Charlie Chan. 

After a meeting at the Screen Actors Guild I was able to obtain a SAG card on a job and he was thrilled. But he instilled a sense of responsibility and craftsmanship in me that i carry to this day. Also many  crew artisan“ old timers” who knew Stephen Soldi were still working thru the 1970’s and kept a good eye on me on his behalf and i learned things about their crafts that has been retained in my mental rolladex and still relevant to this day.

He was, and still is, my biggest role model. Maybe grandpa Soldi came into the “Ghosthunters” audition with me…I got the part!  


You recently won a best actor award for your role in Ghosthunters at the Malibu West International film festival, was that a surprise?

Yes, an honour and quite a surprise. Any time you are recognised for your work as an artist it is a wonderful feeling.  Very grateful, and grateful to work with such a talented cast.  


You’re also appearing in the forthcoming post-apoc sci-fi thriller “Rogue Warrior : Robot Fighter” with Tracey Birdsall. Tell us a bit about that?


Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter is the creation of filmmaker Neil Johnson, who was the first ever “Digital” filmmaker. Neil has created many worlds for his films and i am honoured and pleased to be a part of the most ambitious film to date. 

The beautiful Tracey Birdsall is the leading lady and heroine who sets out on a quest to fight the oppressive A. I. who threaten mankind with extinction. I play a creator of A.I. Dr. Ralston who along with William Kircher (of The Hobbit) and Daz Crawford (Agents of Shield), and actor Tim McGrath, help and guide Tracey on her Odyssey. It is a beautiful film that has many serene moments that reminded me of haunting science fiction masterpieces of the mid 1970’s in style and feeling.  


"Rogue Warrior" had its premiere at the 'Action On Film Festival' in California in August, was it well received?

Very well received indeed. Tracey won a well deserved  Best Actress Award as she put herself through physical and also emotional trials for her role, and Neil took many honours in several categories for his craftsmanship. I am so proud of them both. They have become family to me and I could not be happier. William and I have also become close and who could not think Daz is anything but cool! I also thought that Tim McGrath gave an outstanding performance  


I understand that Sony have picked this one up for distribution, any idea when they are liable to release it?

A US theatrical release is pending soon, but I do not have the date as yet. Very thrilled. 


You’ve appeared in many different types films during your career, but obviously, a lot of sci-fi fans are going to remember you from your role as the regenerated Teenage Spock from Star Trek 3. How did you get the part?


Leonard Nimoy (who was also the director on this film) had seen me in a short lived series created by a dear friend of mine, David Jacob’s, who was also the creator of Dallas. I had beautiful scenes with the wonderful actress of stage and cinema Zhora Lampert, where she played a warm gypsy fortune teller helping my character deal with the death of my mom.

Mr. Nimoy wanted me to bring similar traits to the Pon Farr sequences with Robin Curtis, who is also such a warm and giving actress. The three of us worked very hard to find a way to play the scenes and i will be forever grateful to Mr. Nimoy as he fought for the Pon Farr sequence to remain in the film as some executives thought it should be removed. 


Were you a fan of Star Trek before auditioning?

I was a fan of the original series and very respectful of the fanbase. I am a fan of my own heroes like Indiana Jones and Snake Plissken, so I am always aware of how deep the impact of pop culture has on people. 


With Star Trek 3 being helmed by Leonard Nimoy, was it strange being directed by the person you’re playing a younger version of?

Not at all. I had always thought Mr Nimoy a wonderful actor in his non Star Trek roles. His voice was incredible. I loved the “In Search Of…” TV series from the mid 1970’s. I was taken that he had seen my work and he needed some re-assurance from me that i would respect the Star Trek Fans and fan base universe as he had. I told him how important i realised it meant to him and that i would forever be mindful and respectful of that.  Then, we were off and running to craft and create good work for him.  I loved being directed by him and working with Robin. I was fortunate to get the “Lion’s Share” of the young Spock roles as there were 4 of us who played him.  “Spock at 17” now known to my wonderful fans as “Pon Farr Spock”. 


Must have been a bit of a blast getting to meet William Shatner and the Enterprise crew?

I didn’t get to meet them until my last day of filming on the Genesis planet set, when they all walked through the stage door. Mr Shatner was quite busy, but I did have a cup of coffee with De Forest Kelley at the Craft Service base. What a great moment, making conversation with this laconic, smooth talking and wonderful man who had been a cowboy in so many westerns. He almost had a phantom gun belt with six-shooter in a holster hanging on his hip.  Fantastic. However, i knew many of the crew and stuntmen from my own years in the industry so it was a comfortable set for me. 


I assume you spoke with Christopher Lloyd on set? 

Oh yes and speaking of “method” acting, Mr Lloyd is very “method”. I saw him standing to one side of the Genesis Planet set in full makeup and costume and speaking his lines softly to himself while getting a sense of the environment so he could channel that into his performance. 

The role was very important to him and he wanted to give it 100%. He was cordial, we introduced ourselves, and then i gave him his space knowing what he was doing to prepare. Though acting is not “hard work” in the sense of a demanding physical job, like working in the construction industry, the Art of acting is not easy and does demand unique forms of concentration and emotional control that people with preconceived notions of it soon come to respect the process. 


So, do you still trade off your old Star Trek credentials and do the convention and comic-con circuits?

Yes, it took me awhile to join the gang but I do participate when I can. I see Robin Curtiss (Lt Savik) from time to time at cons and yes we Pon Farr!!!

I also Pon Farr with every enthusiastic fan lady who approaches me and as a result I have the most wonderful of fan ladys who have supported my career for a long time now.  Love them all! 


Glad to hear it (laughing). Now I was looking at your credits on the IMDB and noticed a large gap in your credentials between 1986-2010. I assume you were on a career break during this period, so what were you doing during this time and what made you return to films? 

The transition from a child/teen actor to an adult actor is not an easy one.  I found myself facing some very difficult obstacles despite my years of experience. I was training at The Beverly Hills Playhouse under Bill Howey and Milton Katselas who advised me to take the time to get “real life” experience for a time and return to acting when i had “aged” into myself more comfortably and thus would have more to draw upon for my work.  

So i obtained a Bachelors in Fine Art from the Art Centre College of Design. Produced and directed an award winning film entitled “Greasepaint” which aired on Bravo with a Fellini Film. I worked as a sculptors apprentice for sculptor David Cellitti, I also became an Art Dept. head for Smash Films in LA. And dealt with the comedies and, unfortunately, the tragedy’s of life.  My wife has fought a horrible cancer and since in remission I have been going after roles with a vengeance. I have booked wonderful things that i never thought possible before. Riding on horseback across the plains of New Mexico, as gunslinger Charlie Bowdre alongside Billy the Kid and the Regulators was a landmark moment for me.  I had finally made it back as an adult. It took a long time  but came with a hell of a lot of things to bring to the table.  


So, what horror or sci-fi films can we look forward to seeing you in next?

I am slated to be in a Fred Williamson action film titled “Snow Black” for Director Robert Parham and Producer Tim Beal shortly. There may be another Sci Fi Project on the horizon. And I have been playing the lead character in Filmmaker Kris Krainock’s “The Idiot”, a surreal comedy web series being pitched to Netflix and getting quite  a following. So I am grateful for the work both past and present.


Well, thankyou very much for talking to us and good luck with those and your future projects.

Thankyou! 

GHOSTHUNTERS is out now on US DVD 
View the trailer on YouTube
Buy the US DVD from Amazon.com

ROGUE WARRIOR : ROBOT FIGHTER is coming soon
View the trailer on YouTube.

For more about these and other films Stephen Manley has appeared in, visit...
http://www.stephen-manley.com
https://www.facebook.com/StephenMichaelManley
http://www.twitter.com/StephenManley12