Amicus Relaunch Bid Smashes Crowdfunding Goal in Less Than 24 Hours: "An ambitious campaign to revive the iconic British horror studio has reached its £60K funding goal in just 11 hours as fans from around the world rally around the project.
Thanks to this hugely successful funding drive, Amicus is now set to return with its first film for decades, ‘In the Grip of Terror’, a portmanteau feature harking back to the company's best-loved titles such as 'Dr. Terror's House of Horrors' (1965), 'Tales from the Crypt' (1972), and 'Asylum' (1972).
Since the announcement last month of the rebirth of Amicus, the team behind the project has received an incredible outpouring of support from the horror community, culminating in the launch of their record-breaking Kickstarter campaign. The team is seeking funds to produce 'In the Grip of Terror', and in return offering various perks, from Collector's Edition physical copies to exclusive merchandise, and even credits in the film.
The revival of Amicus is not a corporate reboot, but a project led by a team of genre filmmakers, passionate about classic horror and the future of independent filmmaking. According to director/producer Lawrie Brewster, “the new Amicus will be built by and for horror fans. By championing atmospheric visuals, compelling horror writing, and traditional practical effects, we plan to transport audiences back to the golden age of British horror. Restoring Amicus is not merely about reviving a film studio, it's about rekindling a passion, honouring a rich heritage, and showcasing the power of independent filmmaking.”
The first new film under the Amicus banner will feature four segments based on classic horror stories by H.P. Lovecraft, Ambrose Bierce, and E.M Forster, all on the theme of medical macabre. The film has been developed in close consultation with the family of Amicus co-founder Milton Subotsky, and aims to preserve and build upon his incredible filmmaking legacy.
'In the Grip of Terror' will star a host of UK horror icons including Laurence R. Harvey (Human Centipede II), and Jonathan Hansler (Axed, The Devil's Business) as well as upcoming talent such as Megan Tremethick (Ghost Crew, The Lockdown Hauntings).
Brewster and his business partner Sarah Daly have grand ambitions for the future of this icon of British horror, with a series of films slated, and their campaign stretch goals including plans to secure a bricks-and-mortar home for Amicus in Scotland.
Visit the crowdfunder to find out how you can play a part in the future of Amicus Productions, and support truly independent British horror filmmaking."
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SPOOKTACULAR!: "Spookywood Productions is honored to announce that Fantastic Fest will host the World Premiere of Spooktacular!, director Quinn Monahan's gripping documentary that unravels the secrets behind SpookyWorld, America's iconic Halloween extravaganza, which set the template for the multi-billion-dollar industry of terror. Presented by executive producer Tom Savini, Spooktacular! will bow in Austin at the largest genre film festival in the US, specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and action movies from all around the world. After Fantastic Fest, Spooktacular! will make its West Coast Premiere at BeyondFest and its International Premiere at Sitges.
At the heart of it all stands David Bertolino, the mastermind behind SpookyWorld, the first-ever multi-attraction Halloween theme park that redefined the haunted house experience. From humble beginnings as a whoopee cushion salesman, Bertolino's journey culminated in a terrifying hayride trail through the woods that captured the imaginations of thousands, and soon became a sensation.
As the crowds swelled, so did SpookyWorld's reputation, attracting A-list horror celebrities like Tom Savini, Linda Blair, and Kane Hodder. The documentary delves into David's audacious advertising campaigns, electrifying sponsorships, and unforgettable charity events that drew attention from national media outlets, turning SpookyWorld into a global phenomenon.
Through captivating storytelling, the memories of the most revered names in horror and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, Spooktacular! captures the essence of SpookyWorld's Camelot days, when screams mingled with the crisp New England night air and memories were etched into the souls of fans.
Ahead of the world premiere, Monahan shared: "I was inspired to embark on this filmmaking journey by my friendship with David Bertolino and the story of his extraordinary quest to create the world's first Halloween theme park. His incredible stories of those heady days resonated with me on a personal level, drawing parallels to my own upbringing in a theater family.
My hope is to transport our audience to the unique time and place that was SpookyWorld. I want them to experience the pre-digital era, where immersive experiences were constructed with plywood, duct tape, and raw talent, rather than virtual reality goggles and computer code. This is an opportunity to relive a bygone era when fun was tangible, vivid, and real, before the indelible impact of 9/11 and the subsequent technological and political changes which now permeate American life. I hope we have honored the memory of this Camelot of Halloween attractions in the most genuine and faithful way possible."
Spooktacular! at Fantastic Fest:
Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
Sat, Sep 23rd, 2:00 PM CDT Theater 3
Wed, Sep 27th, 11:10 AM CDT Theater 7
Wed, Sep 27th, 11:10 AM CDT Theater 9
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WEREWOLVES UNEARTHED: "Documentarian Ward Hiney and skeptical journalist Chad Christy have teamed up, along with Small Town Monsters, to chase down leads of dogman sightings in the Ohio Valley. Stories of werewolves have drifted from European folklore into modern American pop culture, percolating in the subconscious of the populace for centuries. These tales often tell of terrifying, half-man/half-canid beings that roam the forests and fields after dark. Most think of them as little more than campfire stories meant to scare children, but for some there is much more to this than mere mythology.
Now filmmaker Ward Hiney, leading Werewolves Unearthed, a new Small Town Monsters production, is set to lift the veil on the enigmatic “dogman” of North America.
A recent rash of werewolf sightings in western Pennsylvania have grabbed the attention of documentarian Ward Hiney. In order to get to the truth behind these ongoing encounters, he enlisted journalist and ardent skeptic Chad Christy in an effort to film their investigation, hoping to unravel the mysterious events unfolding in the Shenango Valley. As they spoke with witnesses and experts, a pattern emerged that might help establish what is behind ongoing sightings of werewolves in America's Heartland.
Werewolves Unearthed is the first of a planned series from Small Town Monsters and director Ward Hiney. This first chapter acts as a companion piece to last year's American Werewolves and the recently released The Dogman Triangle. Directed by Ward Hiney (Dark Holler) and produced by Seth Breedlove (On the Trail of Bigfoot, The Mothman of Point Pleasant) along with Small Town Media's Courteney Swihart and Jason Utes. The feature length documentary will be available on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube on October 1. Following a TVOD release, Werewolves Unearthed will bow on Tubi. A special 4K, ad-free version will also be available for Small Town Monsters YouTube subscribers."
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