Indie Spotlight

2014/04/20 16:01:33 +00:00 | Tamika Jones

We're back with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting recent independent horror news sent our way. Today's feature includes a new clip from Preservation, release details for LFO, App, the first photo from Altergeist, an interview with Felissa Rose, and much more:

First Clip from Preservation: "Actor Christopher Denham takes his second turn in the director’s chair with this finely crafted horror-thriller starring Pablo Schreiber (The Wire, Orange is the New Black), Aaron Staton (Mad Men), and Wrenn Schmidt (Boardwalk Empire). Brothers Sean and Mike Neary, along with Mike’s wife Wit, head out on a hunting trip that doubles as a distraction from their troubles at home. But ignoring the “closed” sign and heading deep into an overgrown nature preserve, they soon find their troubles are only beginning. When all of their gear is stolen, they immediately turn on each other. But the hunted can only survive so long standing alone. Just when you think you have heard the story before, Preservation twists into a sharp and startling take on why we fight and, in our tech-obsessed age, what we have been missing out on in the great outdoors."

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LFO Distribution and Theatrical Release Announced: "MPI Media Group today announced it has acquired all U.S. distribution and international sales rights to LFO, a new science fiction thriller from Sweden. A fall 2014 theatrical release is anticipated for the film, which will be released under MPI's Dark Sky Films banner.

The deal was negotiated by Nicola Goelzhaeuser, VP Television, Digital and International Sales for MPI, and Alexander Brøndsted, Producer and President of PingPongFilm. In addition to MPI's acquisition of the project, SpectreVision, the genre film production company founded by Elijah Wood, Daniel Noah and Josh C. Waller has come on board to present LFO, with the trio serving as Executive Producers.

Writer-director Antonio Tublen's film is a darkly satiric look at our modern obsession with technology and the toll it can take on human interaction. Robert Nord (Patrik Karlson, Wallander), a loner whose sole passion in life is the analog sound equipment in his basement, stumbles upon a frequency that allows him to hypnotize people. Testing it on his attractive new neighbor and her unassuming husband (Izabella Jo Tschig, Per Löfberg), he soon realizes the power he now wields. As Robert indulges in the increasingly twisted possibilities of having complete control over others, it quickly becomes clear that he is losing control of himself.

LFO has played to both audience and critical acclaim in a number of film festivals. It was at Fantastic Fest where Wood and his partners were first exposed to the movie. Their enthusiasm for the film led them to showcase it at their own festival in Los Angeles. Says SpectreVision's Elijah Wood, 'One of the reasons we started this company was to get behind great new genre films that deserve to be discovered by broader audiences. This is a subversive, funny and deeply unnerving low-techno thriller we're proud to present.'"

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First Photo Revealed from ALTERGEIST: "With a long history of bizarre deaths and strange phenomena, King’s Ransom Winery is widely considered one of the most haunted places in North America. Led by Theresa Augland, a group of six paranormal investigators conducting a search for evidence of the other side begin to witness strange happenings. As long-buried memories and deep-seated fears bubble to the surface, they are terrified to learn that even the winery’s ghosts fear the truly sinister presence that has haunted the family estate for generations.

In honor of WonderCon, the NEW [ALTERGEIST] website launches this weekend too. Altergeist was written by and is the feature directorial debut of Tedi Sarafian (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Tank Girl) and is produced by Aaron Heck, John Negropontes, and Lorna Paul."

To learn more, visit:

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UnAlive: "OUR PREMISE - Most zombie films work off a premise something like this: "There's a mysterious virus... We don't know where it came from... But, if you shoot 'em in the head, they die!" Our premise is a BIT more detailed than that! In our story, the entire WORLD is "winding down;" nature has - in a sense - begun to collapse, and "turn on itself." The whole "zombie" element is simply ONE facet of the LARGER context of the work. Believe us, it's all very scientific (tied in to the second law of thermodynamics [which is why we asked both a physicist and micro-biologist to read it and give us their opinions], but to WRITE IT ALL here would not only take a while, but... Let's face it; it would give away a HUGE plot-point to our story... and we just don't want to do that yet!

OUR ZOMBIES - Not the "typical" zombie-fare! While it's true that zombie fans certainly want to see zombies (and - believe us - our movie has PLENTY!), still... We DO think that people - even the die-hard fans - love to see an interesting "twist" on the genre. Our zombies not only have a very unique design concept/direction (with an interesting inspiration-source!), but... let's just say there's a REASON the film is called UN-alive. Again; without wanting to give up TOO MUCH of a central plot-point, we can guarantee you that this particular story "nudges" the zombie genre in a really cool direction, and the result is both riveting and horrifying!

OUR CHARACTERS and STORY - The film centers around the main protaganist - "Adam" - a man falsely accused (and subsequently imprisoned) for the murder of his entire family... Dr. Kwom Thomas, a brilliant geo-physicist who begins to observe a harrowing trend in global disasters, and even postulates the IMPOSSIBLE place they might lead (ZOMBIE ALERT!)... An enigmatic Priest who believes he has picked up a "bread crumb" trail woven through the text of ancient writings that might explain the Zombie Apocalypse... And then, there's the "Nomos;" they're not zombies, they're not "survivors"... So, who ARE they? Mysterious, mystical, even other-worldly - a third "breed" of characters who become convinced they know of a single "cure" to stave off becoming a zombie... and they are in HOT PURSUIT! A storyline and conclusion that will leave you breathless and wanting more (good thing there's two more scripts in development [yes, a trilogy]!). Very "M. Night Shyamalan-ish" in nature! You'll dig it!"

To learn more, visit:

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Scavenger Killers Release Details: "Everyone’s heard of the “long arm of the law.” What if there was a homicidal maniac attached to it? Midnight Releasing announces the July 1st DVD, VOD and Digital Download release of Scavenger Killers, a blood and guts contemporary tale of justice gone very, very wrong.

Scavenger Killers will be available across the US & Canada on a variety of platforms, for the ultimate convenience in viewing. DVD availability is set to include Walmart, Target, Redbox, and more. On the digital side, the film will be available on all major and minor cable VOD channels as well as major internet platforms including iTunes, Amazon Instant, Vudu, Google Play, Xbox Video, Sony Entertainment Network, and others.

A no-holds-barred, wickedly modern spin on the Bonnie and Clyde legend, Scavenger Killers features a stellar line-up of classic character and veteran genre actors including Eric Roberts (“In Cold Blood,” The Dark Knight), Charles Durning (The Sting, North Dallas Forty) and Robert Loggia (Scarface, Independence Day) along with a quirky appearance by Dustin Diamond (“Saved by the Bell”), among others. Directed by Dylan Blank and co-written by Kenneth Del Vecchio and Rachael Robbins, Scavenger Killers goes over the top with the voluptuous contributions of scream queens and Playboy models Rachael Robbins, Suzi Lorraine and Angela Little.

Starring Robert Bogue (“The Following”) as charismatic and respected Judge Taylor Limone, and co-starring Rachael Robbins (Bikini Bloodbath Christmas) as sultry, scheming attorney Clara Lovering, Scavenger Killers graphically portrays what can happen when the pressures of bringing the most heinous criminals to justice ferments into a darkly psychological and sexual pursuit of perverse pleasure. The sensual becomes seethingly sinister when these two citizens see to it that justice is served their way! Bonus features on the Scavenger Killers DVD include Behind-The-Scenes, Behind-The-FX and footage from the world premiere at the 2013 Hoboken International Film Festival."

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Pro Wrestlers Vs. Zombies Trailer: "Professional wrestling legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper has grappled with Ric Flair in the ring and engaged Keith David in an alleyway brawl in They Live, but in Troma's Pro Wrestlers vs Zombies, he faces his most relentless enemy yet: the undead.

Trapped in an abandoned prison by a growing zombie horde, Piper and a group of fellow pro wrestlers, including "The Franchise" Shane Douglas and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, must utilize their body-slamming skills to survive the night.

An abandoned prison is the battlefield as a troupe of professional wrestlers are booked for a private show, only to be faced with the undead. Unfortunately for the zombie nation, they aren’t just facing any group of professional wrestlers, they are facing living legends like WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Matt Hardy, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, former ECW World champions “The Franchise” Shane Douglas and even Olympic medalist turned WWE and TNA World champion Kurt Angle!

The main villain in the film is played by Renegade Wrestling Alliance legend and former McKeesport-based Pro Wrestling eXpress superstar Ashton Amherst. He calls upon dark forces to exact revenge on “The Franchise” Shane Douglas for killing his brother during a wrestling match. He leads an ever-growing zombie horde against Douglas, his family, and the cast of professional wrestlers.

Directed and written by Cody Knotts (Breeding Farm), Pro Wrestlers vs Zombies is now playing in select theaters and is available in a limited edition DVD that includes the film’s soundtrack."

To learn more about Pro Wrestlers Vs. Zombies, visit: http://www.prowrestlersvszombies.com

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Pluto.TV Launch Details: "We all know that we can’t watch reruns of The X-Files, Firefly, and Star Trek forever. Ok, maybe some of us can, but it’s nice to have some other great Sci-Fi options! Pluto.TV offers up a world of Sci-Fi content that can all be accessed at the click of a button. Endless shows and content will be sure to satiate the Sci-Fi appetite!

New entertainment platform Pluto.TV launched on Monday, March 31st, and is already making waves for being what VIBE calls, “a whole new way to watch online content. It’s kinda like the future.”

Pluto.TV curates and programs the most entertaining online content, bringing viewers a new way to experience video with an easy to navigate TV-style channel guide and appointment viewing. Pluto.TV organizes and continually streams content (free, 24/7) on nearly 100 dedicated channels aligned around areas of passion including music, sports, news, fashion, entertainment, food, comedy, animals, lifestyle, technology, art & culture, travel, education, and kids, so you no longer have to search for it.

Sci-Fi (channel 403) is completely dedicated to imaginative and engaging series that span the infinite universe of science fiction and beyond."

To learn more, visit:

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Bug Bunny Print Details: James Roberson has released some cartoon art that looks "like something out of a Cronenberg Sci-fi Horror movie. The Easter THING that lays colorful eggs for Jeezus!"

To purchase this print, or any items on Jarhumor, go to: http://www.jarhumor.com/2014/04/bug-bunny.html

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Theatrical and VOD Release Details for App: "Anna lives with her best friend Sophie, and balances psychology classes with supporting her brother and his recovery following a traumatic motorcycle accident. She’s never far from her cellphone, and after a night of partying in the dorms, Anna wakes up groggy and hungover only to find that a new app has been inexplicably added to it. Initially helpful and clever, IRIS soon begins behaving mysteriously, answering personal questions it shouldn’t know the answers to, and sending inappropriate images to her contacts. When it becomes clear she can’t simply delete the unwanted, evil app, Anna’s efforts to confront it will set in motion a fearful series of events that will put her life, and that of her roommate and her fragile brother, in fatal danger.

RAM Releasing, the genre shingle under New York-based distributor Film Movement today announces the complete US theatrical and VOD release locations for the release of APP, Bobby Boermans’ thriller that is the first film made with the intentional inclusion of content on a second, mobile screen. The accompanying app, IRIS, is equipped with sonic technology that triggers additional content during the movie – off-screen text messages between characters, an alternative angle in a scene, and more. The IRIS app can be downloaded to iPhone or Android for free now by texting IRIS to 97-000.

App represents the single largest release in the history of RAM parent company Film Movement, hitting 24 theatrical markets, 11 major cable VOD providers and 6 top streaming VOD outlets on May 9th."

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First Details on Interesting Tymes: "Interesting Tymes is a 44 page, all colour anthology of 6 horror tales with a difference. They were originally written and aimed for children with a taste for the, mild, macabre, but in the writing they evolved a little bit and although still suitable for kids (9+ as there are something in there about Santa Clause that the younger kids shouldn’t know) there is more than enough for the adults to read, and enjoy, too.

The comic has been described as the middle ground between children’s comics and the more mature adult comics on the market. The 6 tales are all introduced by a genial, if not creepy host, during the worst dinner party that you would have the pleasure of attending."

For more information on this comic, visit its Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/interestingtymes or the Twitter page at: http://www.twitter.com/IntTymes

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First Teaser Trailer for The Lost Footage: "Since the year 2000, the United States government has seized a series of homemade tapes, deeming them classified information. In 2014, those tapes will finally be released for the public to see.

The first official teaser for the latest horror project from Crimson Pictures, set to be released in late 2014."

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Toxic Tutu Production Details: "Toxic Tutu is to be the only film that explains the 30 year public hiatus of cult film actor Mark Torgl, star of the iconic Troma film, “The Toxic Avenger”. An Indiegogo campaign was launched in March of 2014. Since its activation the project has obtained 1/3rd of its $6,700 goal. Proceeds of the campaign will go toward filming the productionʼs gory final scene.

In the film, Mark Torgl, known best as The Toxic Avenger’s Melvin the Mop Boy, is to publicly reveal his account about the toxic waste he was exposed to on the set of Tromaʼs classic production. The film delves deeply into why that exposure has forced him to remain out of public eye for the last thirty years. Unfortunately, other parties would rather he not tell his story for their own personal interests. The controversial mockumentary shows the experience Mark Torgl goes through after finally deciding to step forward and tell the truth, regardless of the consequence.

Fans can follow and support the Toxic Tutu Indiegogo campaign by following the film’s Facebook and Twitter accounts."

For more information on this project, and to support its progress, go to: https://www.facebook.com/ToxicAvengerMarkTorgl or https://twitter.com/TOXICTUTU

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Sonno Profondo (Deep Sleep) Limited Edition DVD and VHS Release Details: "After murdering a woman, a killer that is traumatized from his childhood memories, gets a mysterious envelope slipped under his door. The hunter becomes the prey when he finds out that the envelope contains photos that show him killing the young woman.

BrinkVision announces the release of the critically acclaimed film, Sonno Profondo for U.S. and Canadá. Since its world premiere at Sitges Film Festival, Sonno Profondo has been screened at film festivals around the world, winning awards including best music soundtrack and several best film awards.

The movie is set in the 1970s, so costumes, vehicles, locations and telephones from that time were used. Post-production stage was also very important, since special effects were used to achieve the “seventies” look of the film.

The soundtrack, essential element of the “Giallo” genre, was composed by Luciano Onetti (the Director) true to the style of Ennio Morricone and Goblin, composers of the most renowned films of this genre in the 1970s decade."

To learn more about the film's VOD and limited edition DVD and VHS release, go to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sonno-Profondo/463882043703940?ref=hl

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Interview with Felissa Rose

By Bub Smith of Slack Jaw Punks

Bub Smith: I got to start this off by saying I am a fan. I dig your work.

Feliss Rose: Ohhh [laughing] You are so sweet. I really appreciate that! Thank you so much!

Bub Smith: Word on the internet is you are an insanely nice human being and in the first thirty second you have proven the internet correct.

Felissa Rose: Is that what THEY say? You have me smiling ear to ear [laughing].

Bub Smith: You can play some pretty crazy characters so it's great to know you're this nice.

Felissa Rose: [Laughing] Yeah I am know for some crazy parts [Laughing]

Bub Smith: Scream queens are know for having some pretty intense fans. What's the craziest interaction/experiences you've had with a fan?

Felissa Rose: I always say that the craziest fan was a young guy who put my face on his guitar. Then wore a tee shirt with my face on it on Jack-Ass. Then followed me to a set of Return to Sleep Away Camp and proposed to me. That is my husband of 11 years! That's the most outrageous fan I've ever had! He still looks at me and says “I can't believe I'm married to Angela!” like 10 years later. It's quite a hoot! That's the craziest.

I have an amazing friend named Kevin Scott, who I met 9 years ago at a convention in Maryland. He brought me an Angela doll that was anatomically correct! With all the right pieces, let's say. It was outrageous all the time energy and detail spent on this doll! It was truly beautiful and wonderful gift. He also created a Sheriff Jerry doll, a character I play.

I hate the word fan. It always make you think fanatic and weird ya know? There all my friends. Every time I go to conventions I make amazing friendships and they stay in my life! I ve been fortunate enough to have really good people around me because of Sleep Away Camp.

Bub Smith: You really are this nice. You just called your fans your friends!

Felissa Rose: To me fan is just not a good word. You can be a fan and enjoy some art or what have you but when it comes person to person we are all on this journey together. I so fortunate to meet these people and it's impossible not to become friends!

Bub Smith: You mentioned Sleep Away Camp and obviously that's the work you are most known for. I read online that you turned down the original sequels. Why did you pass on those?

Felissa Rose: At the time the time when Michael Simpson was creating the sequels I was 17 and I had just been admitted to NYU School of the Arts. I called NYU and asked if they could put my admission on hold and go film these two movies back to back in Georgia and they said, “No you have to re-apply.” I really had to take a long look at where I wanted my path to be and education was something my parents raised me with saying “Go to school. It's important to get to the next level.” All the way around I think it's the perfect scenario. Pamela Springsteen did incredible as Angela in those movies. Quite honestly, the way I portrayed Angela and the way Angela is conceived in 2 and 3 is such a different type of character. I think Pamela did a beautiful job and I was happy to go and do the next installment with Robert Hiltzik. I loved the way it happened. I would love to meet Pamela. That's like a dream of my is to maybe work with her one day...

Bub Smith: You two have never met?

Felissa Rose: We've never met. Never exchanged and email or a hello. Nothing.

Bub Smith: That is insane.

Felissa Rose: I know right! I think it would be cool to have it at a convention, right?

Bub Smith: I think that would be a major draw! If I ever run a convention I'm gunning for that!

Felissa Rose: [Laughing] Well count me in!

Bub Smith: You got a new film coming out that in a way shadows your own life. What can you tell me about your character Rachel?

Felissa Rose: Harrison Smith, the writer and director wrote the character for me. He's a fan of Sleep Away Camp and he got in touch with a mutual friend and got the script to me. Rachel is delight. She's a reformed diva. She starred in a horror franchise called Summer Camp, a little similarity there. She comes back to meet with the director, played by Eric Roberts, because they want to do a remake, but can't get the funding. So she thinks they are doing this reality show with troubled young people. She's now a therapist and thinks she's there to help this people. The movie itself has such twists and turns it's incredible. It's so well written. The characters are drawn out and different for a slasher film. I love the way it looks and I love the acting in it. I think it's superb. To work with Danielle Harris and Eric Roberts is a dream come true.

Bub Smith: Eric Roberts seems like a lay back dude. Is he cool?

Felissa Rose: He is the epitome of cool! I am crazy about him! I am so crazy about him I produce my own movie called No Solicitors and cast him in the lead. That's how cool he is. I could be around him 24/7. I love him! I love his wife! Eric Roberts is one of our most gifted actors!

Bub Smith: I'm getting the wrap it up sign from the producer. I like to end my interviews with actors on this question: If you could be in any role in any film, what role would it be?

Felissa Rose: Oh my gosh that is a fabulous question. I would love to play Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind. Everything about that movie is perfect!

  • Tamika Jones
    About the Author - Tamika Jones

    Tamika hails from North Beach, Maryland, a tiny town inches from the Chesapeake Bay.She knew she wanted to be an actor after reciting a soliloquy by Sojourner Truth in front of her entire fifth grade class. Since then, she's appeared in over 20 film and television projects. In addition to acting, Tamika is the Indie Spotlight manager for Daily Dead, where she brings readers news on independent horror projects every weekend.

    The first horror film Tamika watched was Child's Play. Being eight years old at the time, she remembers being so scared when Chucky came to life that she projectile vomited. It's tough for her to choose only one movie as her favorite horror film, so she picked two: Nosferatu and The Stepford Wives (1975).