Indie Spotlight

We return with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting recent independent horror news sent our way. This week’s feature includes first details on Harbinger Down, trailers for Beneath and Inbred, release details for The Black Dahlia Haunting, and much more:

First Details on Harbinger Down: "Award-winning Visual Effects artists Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr., co-founders of Studio ADI (Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc.) launched a campaign today for Harbinger Down. “In the spirit of sci-fi/horror classics, Alien and The Thing, Harbinger Down is a tense, claustrophobic full-length creature film that will feature only practical Animatronic and Makeup Effects,” announced Gillis, who will write and direct.

“Our company, Amalgamated Dynamics, will create the kind of Oscar caliber Creature Effects for which we are known,” commented Woodruff, who will produce along with Studio ADI’s Jennifer Tung. Lance Henriksen is set to star.

In Harbinger Down, a group of grad students have booked passage on the fishing trawler Harbinger to study the effects of global warming on a pod of Orcas in the Bering Sea. When the ship's crew dredges up a recently thawed piece of old Soviet space wreckage, things get downright deadly. It seems that the Russians experimented with tardigrades, tiny resilient animals able to withstand the extremes of space radiation. The creatures survived, but not without mutation. Now the crew is exposed to aggressively mutating organisms. And after being locked in ice for 3 decades, the creatures aren't about to give up the warmth of human companionship."

To stay up-to-date on the progress of Harbinger Down, visit: www.studioadi.com

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First Trailer for Beneath: "When a group of young friends commemorating their high school graduation take a trip to the remote Black Lake, their celebration turns into a nightmare with the sudden appearance of a bloodthirsty, underwater predator. Stuck in a leaking boat with no oars, the teens face the ultimate tests of friendship and sacrifice during a terror-stricken fight for survival. Beneath is written by Tony Daniel and Brian D. Smith, and directed by horror icon Larry Fessenden (The Last Winter, Habit). Produced by Fessenden and Peter Phok for Glass Eye Pix (Stake Land, The Innkeepers, I Sell The Dead)."

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Outpost III: Rise of the Spetsnaz Distribution Details: "Cannes - Content announced today that Outpost III: Rise Of The Spetsnaz has sold all US rights to XLrator Media, which successfully released Outpost II: Black Sun last year. Written by Rae Brunton, Outpost III: Rise of the Spetsnaz marks Kieran Parker's directorial debut, delivering more action as the un-dead legion breaks out in its ruthless quest for power.

Content is handling worldwide sales on the film which has sold international territories including: the UK (Entertainment One UK) set to release in October 2013, Canada (Mongrel), Germany & Benelux (Splendid), Portugal (Lusomundo), Middle East (Gulf Film), China (H.G.C. Entertainment), CIS & Baltic States (Top Film), Japan (Aya Pro), South Korea (Sonamu), Hong Kong (Panorama) and Tawain (Catchplay).

Bryan Larkin (BATTLEGROUND) stars as the lead Russian Dolokhov alongside James “The Colossus” Thompson, Ultimate Combat World Heavy Weight Champion as The Berserker. The film, which screens for the first time at the Cannes market, is produced by Black Camel Pictures' Arabella Page Croft and Kieran Parker, and executive produced by Matador Pictures' Nigel Thomas and Content Film's Jamie Carmichael. The film is backed by Matador Pictures. Creative Scotland and SWSSC (South West Scotland Screen Commission) supported the project in development."

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Apartment 4E DVD Release Details: "One Village Entertainment, an RLJ Entertainment brand, announces the release of the urban thriller film, Apartment 4E (formerly known as Small of Her Back), available on DVD on May 21, 2013. Starring Nicole Beharie (42, Shame) and Christopher Domig (Second-Story Man), the film was written and directed by Russell Leigh Sharman.

Piper (Beharie) is a beautiful, intelligent young woman with everything to live for…but she’s trapped in a dark world of her own making. Deeply troubled, desperate and clutching a handgun, Piper has not left her apartment in a long time, and when there’s a knock on the door, she will face a choice that will make the difference between life and death. This stranger may have the answers to the mystery at the center of Piper’s world, or he mayve his own reasons for tracking her down. The truth lies up the stairs and down the hall in Apartment 4E."

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New Trailer and VOD Details for Inbred: "When four troubled teens and their social workers take a community service trip to a remote Yorkshire village, a minor incident with some local inbred youths rapidly escalates into a violent, deliriously warped nightmare."

Directed by Alex Chandon, Inbred stars Jo Hartley, Seamus O'Neill, and James Doherty. The VOD release is set for August 22nd, 2013 and the DVD release for September 24th, 2013.

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The Black Dahlia Haunting VOD Release Date Announced: "Origin Releasing in conjunction with Phase 4 Films is proud to announce the United States and Canadian VIDEO ON DEMAND and PAY-PER-VIEW release dates for their feature film, The Black Dahlia Haunting.

The VoD and PPV street date will be July 1st in both countries and will be available through numerous online and cable providers.

The acclaimed paranormal thriller, follows a young woman from New York City who travels to Los Angeles to check on the well-being of her estranged brother, who is being held in a psychiatric ward for the murder of his parents. While in LA, she finds herself consumed by a mysterious spirit who turns out to be none other than Elizabeth Short, known in legend as THE BLACK DAHLIA.

The film stars Devanny Pinn (Hold Your Breath), Britt Griffith (SyFy's Ghosthunters, Ghosthunters International), Cleve A. Hall (SyFy's Monster Man, Dead.tv), Noah Dahl (Bad Teacher, Mr. and Mrs. Smith), Alexis Iacono (Blue Caprice), Jessica Cameron (Silent Night, Truth or Dare), and Sarah Nicklin (The Disco Exorcist, 27 Dresses). The film was written and directed by Brandon Slagle, who also wrote and directed last years found footage science fiction feature "Area 51 Confidential" and appeared as an actor in films such as Argo and Patient Zero.

The VoD and PPV release will continue through the film's DVD and Blu-Ray release the following month, in which it will begin expanding to retail stores and redbox."

For more information on The Black Dahlia Haunting, go to the film's Facebook page at: http://facebook.com/TheBlackDahliaHaunting

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RazorJack Comic Trailer: "Titan Comics Launch RazorJack - As You've Never Seen It Before! Hitting stores September 18, 2013.

FULLY REMASTERED WITH RESTORED ART, ALL-NEW SCRIPT AND TWO BRAND-NEW SHORT STORIES OF JOHN HIGGINS ORIGINAL SELF PUBLISHED TALE! FROM THE COLORIST OF WATCHMEN • BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE

An infernal dimension of screaming torment -- ruling over this domain is queen of carnage Razorjack! All that stands in her path is a pair of rogue cops, whose investigation into a series of horrific serial murders uncovers Razorjack's existence -- and risks the end of Humanity!

This is the ultimate edition of RazorJack: remastered for a whole new audience!"

For more information on RazorJack, go to: http://titan-comics.com

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Development Details for The Beast: "Dream Seekers Productions released "The Beast", an old fashioned werewolf film starring Bill Oberst, Jr. a year ago. Due to the overwhelmingly positive response it received from websites/magazines/etc worldwide, as well as horror fans, Dream Seekers Productions have decided to move forward with developing this into a full length feature. Bill is again attached in the lead. The script is currently being penned."

To keep up with this film's progress, go to: www.dreamseekersprods.com

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New Episode Details for The Walking Dead 'Cast: Hosted by Jason and Karen, The Walking Dead 'Cast is a "podcast dedicated to the hit AMC TV show, The Walking Dead (surprise!), based on Robert Kirkman’s long-running and excellent comic book series. We also cover the latest zombie news around the world and other topics related to the undead. Twice the fun this episode, [episode 104], as we’re joined by Chris and Jason of the Talking Dead podcast for our annual season wrap-up. We give you our top ten highlights (positive and negative) of the season and throw in a little hockey and video game talk for good measure. Be sure to catch the second half of the countdown over at talkingdeadpodcast.com. Karen and I always have fun talking with these two, and we hope you guys enjoy it too. We’ve also got news and some emails and particularly great calls from you guys."

To learn more about this podcast or to listen to episode 104, visit: http://www.walkingdeadcast.com/2013/05/13/episode-104-season-three-wrap-up-crossover-pt-1/#

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Independent Scares: "The first poster for Independent Scares, the second chapter of The Scares Series has been released.

The Scares Series is a three part series that takes you inside independent horror filmmaking. The recent revolution within the independent film world has been entirely driven by accessibility. Professional equipment is now available on an amateur’s budget. While all this technology has allowed various “artists” to create and broadcast their “art” with ease, it has also had a somewhat negative impact on the “quality” of products found in the marketplace. The Scares Series will take your through the production realities of the independent horror film industry. You will see first hand the passion, love, disappointments, and victims of this often cruel industry."

For more information on The Scare Series, go to: www.facebook.com/TheScaresSeries

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First Details on YouTube Horror Channel Screampix: "SCREAMPIX launched today as the first horror movie paid channel on YouTube’s new platform. Dedicated to horror movies and horror entertainment, SCREAMPIX features more than 200 hours of horror content, including full length, unedited movies; trailers; interviews and original video commentary.

At SCREAMPIX subscribers will find movies in categories such as “Students Making Bad Decisions,” “Zombiepalooza,” “Tiny Little Killers,” “This Doesn’t Smell Very Good,” and “Women on a Rampage.” Other features include curating horror films in user-suggested “shelves.”

Ray Cannella, aka ‘Rayzilla,’ formerly of the SyFy and Chiller Channel’s original programming team, will be the face and voice of SCREAMPIX as well as Head of Programming. In addition to introducing movies, Ray will bring his unique expertise and passion for horror to the SCREAMPIX community. “I make no excuse for my love of horror movies” exclaims Ray. “I can’t wait to share my passion about the qualities, history and relevance of the movies. But even more, I’m DYING to interact with horror fans around the world!” Ray will also be interviewing horror directors and creators, as well as taking viewers behind-the-scenes of various movies.

SCREAMPIX launches in the U.S. and Canada immediately. Additional launches in the UK, France, and Brazil are anticipated later in the year."

To find out more on the Screampix channel, visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/SCREAMPIX

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East Stackton Teaser Trailer: "Carrol Whitfield is an empty suit working for the House and Home hardware store chain. His latest assignment is to check up on the company's newest branch, out in the tiny town of East Stackton. He knows the locals aren't big fans of city-folk, but they're acting even stranger than he expected. And what's this "dedication" coming up that everyone keeps talking about, and why do they keep acting like they don't want him to find out about it? As Carroll plunges deeper into the world of East Stackton, he must learn the secret at the town's heart before that secret swallows him whole."

For more information on East Stackton, go to: www.eaststackton.com

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SOS Radio Details: "Are you ready for the undead apocalypse? Want up to date information on zombie fighting techniques and equipment? If so tune in to SOS Radio every Friday at 11pm EST. A show of survival beamed straight to your ears from the worlds first functional undead safe-haven "Slasher Plaza"! Each week Chainsaw Adams and his team of experts cover any and all things you need to know so you and your family don't become a cannibal cafe all the while providing a hip psychobilly soundtrack."

To learn more about SOS Radio, visit: www.Party934.com

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Teaser Trailer for Death Sentence: "Death Sentence #1 hits stores on October 9, 2013. What would you do with superpowers -- and six months to live?

That's the dilemma facing three people who've contracted the G+ Virus, a terrifying new STD.

What can graphic designer Verity, failing indie guitarist Weasel and roguish media personality Monty do in the time they have left? Fade away -- or go out in a blaze of glory?

By turns funny, dark, sad and spectacular, Death Sentence is an emotional thrill ride through celebrity, loss, passion and creativity. It's the jaw-dropping next stage in superpowered storytelling!"

To find out more on Death Sentence, visit: http://titan-comics.com

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Casting News for Barrow: "Australian Film Directors Peter Gurbiel and Wade K. Savage are proud to announce they have cast the lead of their upcoming short film ‘Barrow’.

Amanda Woodhams (‘Mental’, ‘Cloud Street’) will take on the role of Carly Jacobs, an aspiring forensic entomologist who must come to grips with the night her Father murdered her Mother.

The film is their second collaboration between both filmmakers’ Production Companies (Gurbiel’s Hometown Pictures and Savage’s Encryption Films). Savage will direct the script written by both Gurbiel and himself. Both will produce, with Gurbiel acting as the Executive Producer.

The film is already in heavy Pre-Production with Principal Photography to take place later in the year."

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Sader Ridge to Premiere at Crypticon Film Festival: "Two independent psychological horror films are continuing their successful festival runs. “Motivational Growth” and “Sader Ridge” will be playing back-to-back at the Crypticon Film Festival in Seattle, WA on Saturday, May 25th. “Motivational Growth” will lead the double feature at 10 PM with “Sader Ridge” to follow. Filmmakers from both films will be in attendance at the screenings. The convention will be happening at the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center located at 17620 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188.

“Motivational Growth” tells the story of depressed and reclusive Ian Folivor (Adrian DiGiovanni) who begins taking life advice from a fungal growth in his filthy bathroom. The Mold (Jeffrey Combs) works to win Ian’s trust by helping him clean himself up, remodel his lifestyle and, with luck, make some headway with the girl next door. When Ian begins receiving strange messages from his broken television set, the reality of his restyled life begins to crumble, exposing the gruesome and disturbing world into which Ian has actually been cast.

“Sader Ridge” follows Samantha (Trin Miller) who wonders where she came from. After inheriting a house from the family she never knew, Sam and three friends take a road trip to inspect the remote property. Soon after Sam arrives old memories come seeping back to her subconscious while jealousy and unspoken tension between the friends is forced to the surface. As relationships unravel, so does Sam’s sanity. She soon finds herself unable to tell the difference between reality and the horrible visions of brutality she cannot escape. While her world crumbles, Sam discovers that the current horrors may be tied directly to her past."