We're back with the latest edition of the Indie Spotlight, which contains recent independent horror news sent our way. Today’s feature includes a new trailer for The Secret Village, premiere details for Pain is Beautiful, an interview for Almost Human, and more:
The Secret Village Trailer: "Written by Jason B. Whittier and Kandan, The Secret Village follows Greg (Jonathan Bennett), an unsuccessful screenwriter and Rachel (Ali Faulkner), a spunky journalist, as they research an outbreak of mass hysteria and ergot poisoning in a small village. They rent a house together and start to uncover a secret that has affected this village for years. But the cult activity has been kept a secret by locals Joe (Stelio Savante) and Paul (Richard Riehle) and when Greg disappears, Rachel is left alone to unravel the mystery and save their lives. Kef Lee, Toby Gadison and Karin Duseva round out the cast."
---------
FEARnet's Short Film Programming for 2013: "FEARnet.com is premiering over 30 genre-centric short films in 2013, treating viewers to an eclectic blend of festival favorites, international picks, rarely-seen gems, and more. New titles began appearing January 21, and will continue to be added every other week. All short films can be viewed at www.fearnet.com/shorts/latest.
As part of its movement to original short-form programming, FEARnet is proud to introduce all-new episodes of the popular 30-Second Bunnies Theatre franchise, made exclusively for FEARnet by creator Jennifer Shiman. The new “Bunnies” will kick off today, January 28, with a lepus lampooning of the mega-smash Paranormal Activity.
Other highlights include:
‘I LOVE SARAH JANE’
Jimbo is desperately in love with Sarah Jane (Mia Wasikowska, Alice In Wonderland), and will do anything to be with her. But this isn’t your typical romantic comedy. Jimbo and Sarah Jane live in a post-apocalyptic world infested by zombies, in this offbeat short written and directed by Hesher helmer Spencer Susser.
‘SEXY NIGHTMARE SLAYERS’
Two sexy angels have been sent to earth to protect children from the beasts under their beds and the boogiemen in their closets. Team Unicorn presents this short created by Adam Green (“Holliston”) and Rileah Vanderbilt (Hatchet III), who also stars in it.
‘HIM INDOORS’
Reece Shearsmith (“Psychoville”) stars in this darkly comedic horror short about an agoraphobic serial killer named Gregory. On the verge of eviction, he devises the perfect plan to save his home. But things are complicated by the arrival of a new neighbor.
‘SAY IT AIN’T SOLO’
When a father and son hear that their favorite film, Star Wars, is the latest classic to be remade, they set out on a quest to put a stop to it. This star-filled short features appearances by Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Wrong Turn), Christopher Lloyd (Piranha 3DD), Malin Åkerman (Watchmen) and Joe Mantegna (“Criminal Minds”).
‘FOLLOW THE SUN!’
“Popcorn for eternity! Hell’s on its way!” The Kansas City-based MK12 collective presents this deranged take on nostalgic movie snack intermission ads that has been a celebrated hit in its screenings at Fantastic Fest, Mile High, and Slamdance."
---------
Into the Dead: Zombie Theme Packs Now Available: "In a world overrun with the Dead, you have survived... but for how long?
Into the Dead throws you into the gruesome world of the zombie apocalypse where there are no second chances. Do what you have to stay alive, keep moving as fast as you can, and protect yourself by any means necessary. When the Dead are rising, run!
The latest update of Into the Dead brings new terror to the game with downloadable zombie theme packs. Players can choose from the military themed "World War II" pack, or the "American Football" pack in celebration of the upcoming Big Game next weekend."
The latest update to the game is available on iTunes. For more information on Into the Dead, go to: www.intothedead.com
---------
The 3rd Annual Women in Horror Month Has Begun: "The third annual Women in Horror Month is now upon us with dozens of ambassadors and events! WiHM is a part of the Viscera Organization, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, and aims to simultaneously support and celebrate underrepresented female artists in the horror genre across the globe while educating the public on the impediments that female artists face.
While the festivities culminate in February of each year, Women in Horror Month also spotlights the creative endeavors of female artists all year long in articles, social media, and its brand-new podcast. Guests on the first episode include filmmakers Jovana Dimitrijevic, Rebekah McKendry, Rebekah Herzberg, and Tonjia Atomic, to name a few.
Women in Horror Month February 2013 events take place both online (podcasts, interviews, blog series and discussions) and at actual venues, and include giveaways, artist gatherings, film screenings, and more. Women in Horror Month donates all proceeds to charity and all events feature the “pink kiss” WiHM Seal of Approval, created to ensure that all events, media, and online material are official and philanthropic.
For more information about Women in Horror Month, including a schedule of events and a list of Ambassadors, please visit: www.womeninhorrormonth.com . To listen to The Women in Horror Month Podcast, go to: http://womeninhorrormonth.podomatic.com."
---------
Pain is Beautiful Premiere Details: "The serial killer horror feature Pain is Beautiful will have its premiere in Los Angeles on Monday, February 4th at 9:00pm.
William is a heavily scarred loner who was born with a rare disorder called CIPA, Congenital Insensitivity to Pain. He feels no pain and no pleasure. After years of wondering what pain feels like, he decides to go to extreme measures to feel anything. He recruits victims to help him understand what others take for granted. This story will take the audience on an emotional roller coaster ride as William questions if Pain is Beautiful.
Tickets are provided on a first come, first served basis, and attendance is free for those in the media. [Go to] www.downtownindependent.com for the location of the theatre."
Pain is Beautiful stars, Ivet Corvea, Elissa Dowling, Tim Sullivan, Jessica Sonneborn, Mike Pfaff, Lynn Ayala, Brian McCulley and DeeDee Bigelow. To learn more about this film, visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pain-Is-Beautiful/164184840314666
---------
First Trailer for Speak No Evil: "MindPlate.tv has released the much-awaited debut trailer for the independent horror film Speak No Evil. This disturbing trailer haunts the viewer, giving glimpses of demonic children, a twisted exorcism, and a possessed Gabrielle Stone.
“It’s in Gabrielle’s DNA to scare the hell out of people.” says Roze, Writer/Director of Speak No Evil. “This movie was made for the people who say horror films aren't scary anymore."
Speak No Evil is expected to begin a limited theatrical run this summer and release worldwide through MindPlate.tv.
For more information or to follow the progress of the movie, visit: www.speaknoevilthemovie.com."
---------
News on Short Film, Miss Poppins: "Miss Poppins is an avid yoga class participant...at least that is what her boyfriend thinks. But it isn't yoga that Miss Poppins is off to do. Instead, there is an international incident that she must handle, alone. Let's just hope she is tough enough to save the day!
Miss Poppins, a Stephen Niver short film, stars DeeDee Bigelow, Brett Wagner, P David Miller, Jesse Nelson, Roger Torres, Ron Kari, JR Gennuso, and introducing, Shadow, the dog."
To keep up-to-date on the progress of this film, visit: www.facebook.com/misspoppinsmovie
---------
Soundtrack of the Dead: "Soundtrack of the Dead is based on and inspired by George A. Romero's Day of the Dead. All of the music was written, arranged, and performed by the Seven Strangers (Tom Jenner, Barry Knob).
Nearly a year has passed since bodies of the recently dead began returning to life. The undead now outnumber human population by 400,000 to 1. The U.S. government has set up a team of military personnel and scientists in an underground military base to prolong the existence of the human race, and perhaps find a cause or cure for the phenomenon.
However, being trapped underground does strange things to people...
Scenes:
1. Returning to Life
2. "They know we're in here..."
3. Working on Instinct
4. The Meeting
5. John's Lament
6. Trapped Inside
7. Bub's Theme
8. Things Fall Apart
9. No Way Out
10. Last Rights
All samples taken from the motion picture - "Day of the Dead" (1985).
Track 1 contains a sample from the motion picture - "Night of the Living Dead" (1990).
Tracks 2 & 10 contain samples from the motion picture - "Dawn of the Dead" (1978)."
For more information on Soundtrack of the Dead, visit: www.facebook.com/sevenstrangers.
---------
Zombie Killer Line of KA-BAR Knives: "In an ever-changing world, the need for preparedness has never been greater. Without notice the game can change and the rules no longer apply.
Questioning your gear at a crucial moment is not an option. Whether setting up camp or securing your perimeter, the Original Zombie® knives are designed to perform under the most rigorous, unexpected and apocalyptic situations.
KA-BAR, which has been making knives for over 100 years, is using a short zombie film called Zombie Garage to announce the production of an entire line of the popular Zombie Killers now made in America.
The video is also the launch of a new model in the line: The Swabbie. It is 18" overall and has a 12.5" blade. The Swabbie comes with a tactical sheath, additional black handles, a skeleton knife, and a Zombie Patch.
And, as you'll see, the Swabbie dispatches a zombie horde with brutal efficiency."
To find out more about KA-BAR Knives's Zombie Killer Line, visit: http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/180
---------
Details on Episode 2 of The Morbidly Made Podcast: "The Morbidly Made Episode 2: ZOMBIES
The show starts off discussing Michael J's pick for Contagious Movie, RITES OF SPRING, Then, John and Michael J talk THE LOVED ONES and the Blu-ray release of WAKE IN FRIGHT.
After a break, John and Michael J are joined by listeners: Justine, Cody, and Avery to talk all things zombie! They get into Best/Worst Zombie Flick, Favorite Zombie Film Director, Favorite Zombie and much more, it's party time!
Things wrap up as they go over a fan, named Danial, pick for his favorite zombie film. Then MAMA is reviewed, and finally they get into news involving: a real life horror, THE EVIL DEAD Remake & LORDS OF SALEM get rated, a dumb viral campaign for the CARRIE remake, upcoming Blu-ray/DVD releases, and more!
Stay tuned to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/themorbidlymade for information on upcoming shows and how YOU can get involved! If you have a question, comment, topic, Contagious Movie Of The Week or guest suggestion, please email us at: themorbidlymade@gmail.com or call the show at: 215-240-7839. "
To listen to episode 2, visit: http://youtu.be/AW9Wv55mqn4
---------
Exclusive Interview with Almost Human's Joe Begos and Josh Ethier
By Kristian Hanson
"Mark Fisher disappeared from his home in a brilliant flash of blue light almost two years ago. His friend Seth Hampton was the last to see him alive. Now a string of grisly, violent murders leads Seth to believe that Mark is back, and something evil is inside of him."
What was the inspiration for Almost Human?
JB: I guess the main one was Fire in the Sky and then a dozen movies that had little pieces thrown in there: The Terminator, High Tension, Maniac, Xtro, Halloween.
DD: The two of you grew up together in Rhode Island. Did you guys always talk about going to LA or was it a spur of the moment type of thing?
JB: It was something we were planning for a while. We had three other people that were supposed to come with us, but when the time came they all dropped out. Luckily, we were the two that did the most important work, so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. We planned to move out here after we graduated, but moved out here later than we wanted to. I was twenty, Josh was twenty one.
How many days did you have to film the movie?
JB: Eighteen days and then we did one pickup day in LA with some interior black and white flashback stuff of alien experimentation.
DD: What would you say your biggest obstacle was making the film?
JB: Getting all of the money together, for sure. Once we got the money, it was making sure we were able to pull off what was in the script. There were a lot of big practical effects and we didn't have a lot of money or time. I was very adamant about not doing anything in post or CG, so it was just kind of making sure that all happened and the movie got finished.
JE: There were a few times where we had weather days that were so cold that we had equipment failing and morale was low. Luckily we had a good crew that kept working and we were able to knock it out.
DD: What would you like to do after this film? Is there a certain project you want to do or would like to do?
JB: I definitely want to develop my own stuff. I want to keep doing stuff that we are in charge of and develop it from the ground up. I really want to do an action-packed telekinesis movie, a werewolf movie, and a time travel movie.
DD: What would you say is your favorite werewolf film?
JB: Of course, An American Werewolf in London. I am also a big fan of Silver Bullet, which doesn’t get as much praise. The werewolf is awesome, the characters are awesome and the third act is awesome. They are all trapped in the house, the werewolf is in the house, and you know somebody is going to die, but nobody does, except the werewolf. I just think it really works.
JE: I would probably say An American Werewolf in London.
JB: Another film that slipped under the radar was Bad Moon. The opening scene where the people are fucking in the tent, the amazing effect, and the head exploding with the shotgun going into the opening credits... it’s awesome.
What was the first horror film you watched as a kid?
JB: Mine was A Nightmare on Elm Street when I was three. I pretty much watched all of the gory movies from the 80’s before I was ten because my parents were so young and my dad had this big case of VHS of movies and had HBO. I would put on Drop Dead Fred and then on the same VHS tape it would follow with Basket Case, followed by Phantasm II and Pet Sematary. So just watching them was my schooling of horror movies.
JE: Mine was Halloween and I watched that when I was about eight. I was watching it at a buddy's house and had to walk home in the woods and that was terrifying.
---------
To learn more about Almost Human, follow Joe on Twitter at @joebegos and Josh at @josh_ethier. You can also visit the official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Almost-Human/185300861575270
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).
Daily Dead's Official Podcast! Daily Dead's Official Podcast!
