We return with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting recent independent horror news sent our way. Today's feature includes a Q&A with Branko Tomovic from Entity, production details for Bigfoot Wars, a teaser trailer for OAZ: Nan From Hell, release details on a Slender Man doll, and much more:
Origin Releasing Acquires Bigfoot War Series: "Origin Releasing has acquired the motion picture rights to “Bigfoot War”, the literary series by Science Fiction author Eric S. Brown. The bestselling books are inspired by the legend of a monstrous "Bigfoot" type primate living in and around "Boggy Creek".
Casting has begun and production is slated to start late July for this action-packed creature feature - to be entitled "Bigfoot Wars" and produced by Edgen Films and D Zone, the production arm of Origin Releasing. The film is scheduled for release in 2014."
To stay up-to-date on the progress of Bigfoot Wars, visit: http://facebook.com/BigfootWars
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Cute Little Buggers Poster Released: "Will you let them take our women? It's Gremlins meets Hot Fuzz set in the English countryside. When hostile aliens crash land on local farmland the villagers at the summer ball get suspicious when young women start going missing. The villagers soon band together around our hero Melchoir to fend off the invaders and bring back peace to the sleepy English countryside! B-movie laughs in this creature feature from Director Tony Jopia."
For more information on Cute Little Buggers, go to:
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New Trailer for OAZ: Nan From Hell: "A comedy horror with zombies and zimmer frames. TudorFilms presents this action packed gore fest about a regular guy called Ed, who awakes one morning to find his nan is one of the living dead."
OAZ or Old Age Zombies was directed by Tudley James. For more information on this film, go to: www.facebook.com/OazNanFromHell
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Release Date for Mischief Night Announced: "RUTHLESS PICTURES and GMI FILMS announce the theatrical release date for Mischief Night. The filmmakers have just completed post-production and plan to open the movie in select theaters on October 25, 2013.
Mischief Night tells the story of a terrifying home invasion the night before Halloween. Young Emily Walton, who has suffered from psychosomatic blindness ever since the car accident that took her mother’s life, must summon every instinct at her disposal to protect herself and her loved ones from a mysterious intruder.
The talented ensemble cast is led by experienced young actress Noell Coet (Cowgirls n’ Angels), and also includes veteran actor Daniel Hugh Kelly (Cujo), Charlie O’Connell (Dude, Where’s My Car, Cruel Intentions), Erica Leerhsen (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Ally Walker (“Sons of Anarchy,”), Stephanie Erb (The Ring, Starship Troopers), Richard Riehle (Bridesmaids, A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas), Adam C. Edwards (Flight) and Ian Bamberg (Second Time Around).
Following the film’s theatrical release, Image Entertainment plans to release the film on DVD, VOD and Digital in the first quarter of 2014."
To learn more about Mischief Night, visit the film's official Facebook page at:
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Monsters of Legend Horror Album: "On July 19, Midnight Syndicate will release it's sixteenth studio album, "Monsters of Legend." This "tribute to the golden age of horror" will feature sweeping symphonic horror instrumental music and sound effects in the signature style the band pioneered.
The CD artwork features original images from classic Universal Studios horror movies including Frankenstein, Werewolf of London, and Dracula. Although the band promises the new disc will deliver the dark atmosphere haunted attractions, roleplaying gamers, and Halloween enthusiasts expect from them, they feel they've crafted a disc that transcends their favorite time of the year. "As we did on Carnival Arcane, we're always trying to take things up a notch both musically and with the sound design. There is a lot going on in this one. Plenty to pull you in, spark your imagination, and keep hold of you anytime you're looking to visit that mysterious place in your mind's eye.
The CD will be available for pre-order the first week in July. In addition to other new merchandise, Entity Productions Halloween Music will be releasing a special edition 12" vinyl version of the Monsters of Legend album, hand-numbered and limited to 250 copies."
To learn more about Midnight Syndicate's Monsters of Legend, visit:
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Casting Details for Becker's Farm: "CULT's Jeffrey Pierce has joined Rachel Blanchard, Chad Lindberg, Spencer Treat Clark, Stelio Savante, and Bill Smitrovich in the cast of Becker’s Farm.
Based on the William V Timmons 2006 novel, BECKER’S FARM is the story of a WWII German prisoner of war imprisoned in the heartland of America, who rises from the ashes with a new identity.
Directed by Mark Roemmich, the drama will be filming in North Carolina from late July to early October. Produced by Mark Roemmich and executive produced by Debi Roemmich and Don Driftmier, the film is being brought to the screen by Noble House Entertainment Pictures and Collaboration Entertainment."
To learn more on Becker's Farm, go to: http://nhepictures.com/beckers_farm/
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The Being Experience Trailer Released: "The Being Experience is a collection of films by Jennifer Elster that begins with “... IN THE WOODS,” and features Terrence Howard, Paz de la Huerta, Moby, Dave Matthews, and so many others as they explore the unfamiliar. Unaware of the plot and path, the subjects of The Being Experience find themselves in a familiar, yet strange and vulnerable setting while they take a daring walk into the unknown.
Explore the immersive experience and be sure to check out the site for the exclusive premiere of the first installment of "... IN THE WOODS" on Tuesday, June 25th."
For more information on these films, visit: TheBeingExperience.com
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Abandoned Mine Release Details: "Gravitas Ventures’ upcoming horror/suspense thriller Abandoned Mine, written and directed by Jeff Chamberlain, stars Alexa Vega, Reiley McClendon, and Saige Thompson.
The film will hit theaters August 15th, and follows five small-town friends who decided to celebrate Halloween with an overnight adventure into the legendary “haunted” Jarvis Mine. Local legend says that a family was murdered in the mine exactly 100 years prior, and that angry spirits have occupied the mine ever since. The group becomes trapped, and their cameras catch the mysterious occurrences that follow."
For more information on Abandoned Mine, or to watch the trailer, go to the film's official Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/AbandonedMine
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Marada The-She Wolf : "Titan Comics is pleased to announce the launch of Marada The-She Wolf by Chris Claremont (The Uncanny X-Men; Excalibur; Captain Britain; Fantastic Four; Gen 13, Sovereign 7) and John Bolton (Man-Bat; Shame: Pursuit; Books of Magic).
Descended of Caesar, and preceded by her legendary reputation as a warrior, Marada The-She Wolf follows Marada's adventures across the Roman Empire. Together with her magical accomplice, Princess Arianrhod, they battle evil demons, wizards, witches and unearthly terror!
Collected together for the first time ever in one deluxe hardcover and featuring beautiful restored artwork by John Bolton and never-before-seen sketches and artwork! This is the ultimate vision of the ultimate fighting fantasy female!"
To learn more about Marada the She Wolf, visit: www.titan-comics.com
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Slender Man Doll Added to Legendary Monsters Line: "Nevermore Toys is releasing another toy after the success with “Legendary Monsters," the collectible toy line based on popular urban legend.
Our Slender Man 32" plush toy is next in line for the year, and we hope to introduce more monster themed toys as the year continues.
Slender Man is a 32" plush created with the finest fabrics and materials. He is a soft, yet durable toy. The prototype was designed by R. Todd Broadwater of Nevermore Toys and Katy Kincade, a talented artist and seamstress from the Washington DC area.
Slender Man (a.k.a Slenderman) is a mythical creature often depicted as a tall, thin figure wearing a black suit and a blank face. According to the legend, he can stretch or shorten his arms at will and has tentacle-like appendages protruding from his back. Depending on the interpretations of the myth, the creature may cause memory loss, insomnia, paranoia, coughing fits (nicknamed “slendersickness”), can distort photographs/videos and teleport at will."
To stay up-to-date with the progress of this toy and others, visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Legendary-Monsters/387744304639385
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New Episode of Lee Martin's The Midnight Hour: "[Here is] the uncut, full version of "The Things We Did Last Summer," the latest episode of the mystery thriller TV anthology, "Lee Martin's The Midnight Hour."
Original air date: 2 Aug 2013. Sex, murder and mystery combine in this provocative entry, in which the summer employees of a small country resort are being killed off by an unseen hand. Cameron: Brad Burkhardt. Perla: Lillian Lamour. Gabe: Bello Pizzimenti. Brittany: Jessika Alaura. Dominic: Jimmy Groce. Natalie: Keyna Reynolds. Resort guest: Rickie McDowell."
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Free Horror Movie Screening Event Details: "Shorts 4 Show, a Horror/Sci-Fi Night at Room 86 in Hollywood, is a FREE event. It will take place in a night club with a bar and food for purchase.
Films will include: Erik Gardner (BLUE HOLE), Rebekah McKendry (THE DUMP), Andrew Kasch (STAY AT HOME DAD), Billy Hanson (SURVIVOR TYPE) and Chris Cullari (THE SLEEPOVER) will be screening their Award Winning shorts with a other shorts."
For more information on this event, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/490812131000581/
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First Trailer for Apocalypse Kiss: ""Apocalypse Kiss," a genre blending mind trip film from writer/director Christian Grillo, has it's first official trailer.
"Apocalypse Kiss" co-stars D.C. Douglas as an OCD serial killer. Cast highlights include Michael Berryman ("The Devil's Rejects), Lloyd Kaufman ("Rocky," "The Toxic Avenger," President of Troma Pictures), Tom Atkins ("The Fog," "Halloween III," "Lethal Weapon," "Creepshow"), Playboy Playmate, Tammy Jean and voiceover actor, Steve Blum ("Transformers: Prime") in his first on-screen role.
Potent Media is currently in talks with several distributers and "Apocalypse Kiss" should be released sometime in 2014."
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Still: The Web Series Premiere Details: "Chronicle Factory, has started production on a SCI-FI Thriller web series after two years in development. The web series is shooting in Lake Stevens, Arlington and Granite Falls, WA area.
STILL: The Web Series, is a character driven story which starts in the small rural town called Sloughtown where citizens are victims of an infection from solar flares from the sun. Not only is it happening in the small town but the whole world is also infected. Season One will introduce all the lead characters who will team up and attempt to find a way to sanctuary.
Chronicle Factory will attempt to finish 12 episodes by the end of the summer and premiere Episode 1 in October."
To find out more about this web series, and to watch the first episode, go to: www.ChronicleFactory.com
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The Dooms Chapel Horror: "The Dooms Chapel Horror has completed much of the film’s production. This found footage style feature was shot in both Kentucky and Tennessee, through A Good Size Productions. The film notably stars Bill Oberst Jr., Shaun Gerardo (X-Men: First Class), Wendy Keeling (Revelation Trail) and Joshua Mark Robinson (Clock Out). With shooting continuing, the creative team behind the picture has released several exclusive stills from the film and a concept poster.
Kyle Cole returns home to Kaler Mills to film a documentary about the characters in his less-than-perfect childhood. He discovers that his small, southern hometown has not changed much. Many remember the tragic accident that pushed Kyle to move away, but not many know about the plan for revenge that was put into motion the second he stepped back into town."
The Dooms Chapel Horror was directed by John Holt and written by Jason Turner. To stay up-to-date with the progress of this film, visit: https://www.facebook.com/TheDoomsChapelHorror
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Ghosts of Tennessee Trailer: "Take a spooky trip with international "Scream Queens" Debbie Rochon (American Nightmare) and Sebrina Siegel (The Audit) into Tennessee's bloody and violent haunted history, from Civil War skirmishes to entertainment-industry tragedies. Through tales of spectral encounters, meet the Bell Witch, Old Green Eyes, the Lady In White, and more.
Based on the best-selling book "Tennessee Ghosts," by Jim O'Rear, and featuring special appearances from country music legends Mel Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, and Little Jimmy Dickens.
Ghosts Of Tennessee was an official selection of the Chicago Paranormal Film Festival and the Indianapolis Paranormal Fest."
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Of Silence: "After returning home, a former scuba diver tries to cope with his wife's untimely death. The guilt of him feeling responsible for her death causes him to slip into a world inhabited by strange shadows and menacing voices. His family try to cheer him up, when they arrive to celebrate his birthday, but seem to only scratch the surface. Could the shadows within the silence mean he is finally losing his mind, or is it possible what lurks within the darkness along with his ghoulish visions really exist?"
Of Silence stars Jeremiah Sayys, Masiela Lusha, Ashlee Gillespie, Najarra Townsend, Suzanne Ford, Paul Cuneo, Matthew Lawrence, and Muse Watson.
To learn more about this film, go to: https://www.facebook.com/OfSilencethemovie
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Revelation Road 2: The Sea of Glass and Fire Trailer: "Revelation Road 2: The Sea of Glass and Fire is a film from production house Pure Flix Entertainment. Pure Flix focuses on Christian themed entertainment. Their latest feature is set in a post-apocalyptic world, during the Rapture. Here, bikers, looters, bandits and cannibals are taking over. Is there anyone who can stop them?
The film’s story begins with the world’s final days. The Rapture, the return of the Messiah, begins and a small town lies in its wake. Strange events take place, with evil elements emerging from the desert. Looters and bandits litter the highways and a biker gang is terrorizing the small town of Independence. Only Josh is willing to stand up to the mayhem, along with Beth (Noell Coet). Together they fight against the impossible, in a desolate and murderous wasteland.
Shooting on Revelation Road 2 has completed. This title is currently in post-production. It will be released September 10th, 2013 on DVD and Blu-ray."
Directed by Gabriel Sabloff and written by Sean Paul Myrphy, Revelation Road 2: The Sea of Glass and Fire stars Brian Bosworth, Eric Roberts, Logan White, Dave Vescio, David A.R. White, Ray Wise, Steve Borden, Roberta Bassin, Noell Coet, and Jen Lilley.
To learn more about this film, visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Revelation-Road/412352098840338
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Exclusive Q&A with Entity's Branko Tomovic
by Tamika Jones
"In 1998, thirty four unidentified bodies were found in shallow graves in a remote Siberian forest. After subsequent investigations, no official explanation by the Russian authorities was ever offered about the circumstances of the deaths. The case was closed. In 2010, a small English TV crew from the show 'Darkest Secrets' set out for the Siberian forest. 'Darkest Secrets' focuses on revisiting the sites of unsolved crimes and they employ the gifts of a psychic whose extraordinary powers may help shed new light on cold cases. The last communication to their production office in London stated that they were approaching the Siberian region where the bodies were found. Nothing was heard from them again. 'Entity' is the story of what happened to them. The forest was only the beginning...."
I learned that you were born in Germany, and have origins in Serbia. Was that an inspiration for taking on the role of Yuri in this film?
Branko Tomovic: The first script of Entity that I received had no Yuri in it yet. The original character was this 50 year old English professor of Paranormal Studies. But Steve saw me in 'Whitechapel' which is about a modern Jack the Ripper copycat murder and where I played one of the main suspects - a weird morgue man who sleeps among the dead bodies. And since our story is set in Eastern Europe and I am originally from there, Steve thought it's a good idea to rewrite that part and make it more fitting for me which was great.
A lot of the film takes place in the Siberian woods. What was that experience like?
Branko Tomovic: Unfortunately, we did not film in Siberia! Most of our locations were old industrial locations in Northern England- the woods and also all the interiors of that huge silo building, which is almost a character itself in the film. Entity is set in a place called Sadovich, which is in a remote Siberian forest but our locations looked and certainly felt very real. It was absolutely freezing, and extremely cold and dusty in those locations. You can see our breath mostly throughout the entire film, once we enter that huge silo building. Especially, in that scene in the cell where Ruth makes the first contact with the Entity and Yuri translates, that is one of my favourite scenes. It would have probably been warmer to shoot in Siberia!
What did you find the most challenging about playing this character?
Branko Tomovic: The reason why I took on the part in the first place is his tormented twisted character. I love playing these guys, I have always been more drawn to the darker side of one's personality. Yuri is deceptive and antagonistic but certainly not the villain of the story. I always saw him more of a victim himself and a complete psychological mess. I always wanted Yuri to be very ambiguous from the beginning. He is the one who told the British TV crew about the incident but has his own reasons for doing so. He would never reveal his true face until he absolutely has to. He has many layers to his character and that was probably the challenge that I liked.
How did you prepare for this role?
Branko Tomovic: I get offered more and more of these weird, eccentric characters, so I guess that says something about me. The interesting thing with this was what I discovered when I started to do my research, as I had to familiarise myself with the KGB and other organisations and what they did to psychics. They used them for their own purposes and treated them as help and a threat, at the same time. That was really fascinating.
Do you specifically seek out horror roles? Do you prefer them to working in other genres?
Branko Tomovic: They are so much fun to do! I am huge horror cinema fan and what I like about it the most is that there are no boundaries to your imagination. You can go as crazy as you like, it does not have to be based it in reality or reason, necessarily. And of course - it plays with one of our primal instincts - fear. I like diversity in my work but I certainly would love to do much more in this genre.
What are some of your favorite horror films?
Branko Tomovic: The first horror film I ever saw was 'Poltergeist'. My sister made me watch it when I was 10. “Don’t go into the light” will probably haunt me forever! I'm more into psychological terror than gore. Some of my favourite ones are "The Others", "Pan's Labyrinth" and "Let the Right One In". I am very much looking forward to what Peter Strickland is doing next and I certainly would love to work on a James Wan film.
The Case of Mary Ford is a film we are covering on the site and you play the role of Adonis in that. Do you have any other horror projects coming up in the near future?
Branko Tomovic: I have another horror thriller in pre-production called 'Murkwood', which is about three criminals who kidnap the son of a prominent British politician from a Swiss boarding school. They hide out in the Alps while they wait for the ransom money but end up trapped in a dark wood - held hostage by unseen forces. But next I am set to play the Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla in 'The Mad Scientist' by Michael Anton. It’s a biopic about Tesla's life following his arrival in New York in 1884, his battles with Thomas Edison, friendship with Mark Twain, and his great inventions.
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To learn more about Entity, visit: http://entitythemovie.com/
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).
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