Critically Acclaimed Thriller GOOD BOY Lands Distribution with Premiere Horror Streamer SHUDDER: "Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, announced today that they have acquired the US, CND, UKI, ANZ rights to the critically acclaimed film GOOD BOY, the feature directorial debut from Ben Leonberg. The innovative supernatural thriller that redefines the haunted house genre captivated audiences at this year's SXSW.
Co-written by Leonberg and Alex Cannon, the film is shot from the perspective of Indy, played by Leonberg's family dog, offering a glimpse into the hidden world of canine fears and exploring the unsettling presences dogs might sense in the shadows. IndieWire named GOOD BOY a Critic’s Pick in its SXSW review, citing it as “one of the year’s scariest movies,” while Daily Dead heralded the film for “redefining traditional genre [tropes] for something applaudingly innovative.”
The deal was negotiated by Amy Beecroft, Head of Verve Ventures, and Emily Gotto, SVP of Acquisitions and Production for Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thrillers, and the supernatural.
"We immediately recognized the immense potential of Leonberg's debut and are thrilled to strike this deal with Shudder, ” said Beecroft.
Said SVP of Shudder Acquisitions and Productions Emily Gotto, “Ben Leonberg’s debut is a singular experience in perspective-driven horror. Told entirely through the eyes of Indy, a devoted dog whose terror and determination to save his human become our own, the film delivers a haunting and emotional experience that introduces a surprising standout performance from Indy and a strikingly assured first feature from Leonberg."
Additionally, Leonberg has signed with Altitude who will launch international sales for the film in Cannes.
In GOOD BOY, our canine hero finds himself on a new adventure with his human owner—and best friend—Todd, leaving city life for a long-vacant family home in the country. From the start, two things are abundantly clear: Indy is wary of the creepy old house, and his affection for Todd is unwavering.
Indy's new world is immediately filled with unease: he senses invisible presences, follows phantom tracks, receives chilling warnings from a ghostly dog, and is haunted by glimpses of the previous resident's gruesome demise. When a dark influence begins to grip Todd, Indy must fight a malevolence intent on pulling him into the afterlife.
Leonberg and Kari Fischer, the film’s producer and Leonberg’s wife, adapted their country home into the creepy haunted house setting. Capturing Indy's realistic "performance" required constant invention and patience, with Leonberg and Fischer standing in as characters on screen. Production with Indy took over 400 days spanning three years. When it came time to cast, Leonberg sought horror street cred by enlisting legends like Larry Fessenden (Blackout, Depraved, The Last Winter, Wendigo, and Habit) and Stuart Rudin (Silence of the Lambs).
Following its sold-out premiere at SXSW, GOOD BOY traveled to Overlook Film festival in New Orleans, where it expanded from one to three theaters to satisfy audience demand, and later traveled to the Calgary Underground Film Festival, building excitement among horror fans along the way. The film received an Honorable Mention for Scariest Feature Film at Overlook, while Indy took home the “Howl of Fame” award for Best Canine Performance at SXSW.
The acquisition by Shudder/IFC Films underscores the film's compelling premise, critical acclaim, and the strong audience interest it has generated."
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BETTER LUCK THAN CHUCK: "SeriesFest 2025 is very proud to host the first-look World Premiere of Better Luck than Chuck this Friday, May 2nd, as part of their Late Night Competition. The television festival will be screening the pilot episode of the high concept horror trivia game show, the first six-episode season of which is currently out for sale.
Imagine hanging out with Elvira and The Cryptkeeper all while having the chance to win killer prizes for being the smartest horror fan in the room! Sounds like a nightmarish dream come true, doesn’t it?! Meet The Widow, "The Wittiest Witch of the Midwest", and her corpse of a husband Charlie, the sarcastic, hysterical hosts of Better Luck than Chuck, who have cordially invited horror fans into their basement to compete in a ghoulish game show that tests their insight into fright!
A spooky, kooky mix of MTV’s Remote Control, Comedy Central’s Win Ben Stein’s Money, and Nickelodeon’s Finders Keepers, Better Luck than Chuck incorporates numerous topics chosen by its contestants that quiz their horror knowledge - with each cate-GORY taking an entertaining and unique angle on the question/answer process.
True love never dies... right?
Many years ago, The Widow poisoned her husband Charlie and has kept his slowly decomposing body in their basement ever since. Norman Bates would be so proud! Using a touch of her witchy magic, The Widow brought him back to life, but poor Charlie is only conscious - unable to physically move from the couch where he sits day after day, forced to indulge in his wife's favorite hobby: watching horror movies!
Charlie isn’t as excited to have defeated death as one may think, and has a bone to pick with his wife. As a result, the two bicker like, well… an old married couple as a litany of horror geniuses battle for prizes, fame, and the series’ epic grand prize. Witty, colorful, and endlessly entertaining, Better Luck than Chuck is the terrifying trivia game show for the die-hard horror fan in all of us!
Better Luck than Chuck stars Alexis Allotta as The Widow and Adam Michaels as Charlie alongside rotating trios of horror experts from all walks of life. Featured contestants in the series' pilot episode are Washington-based independent filmmaker Jesse James Hennessy, University of Michigan PhD candidate Kristin Leer, and Sirius XM radio host Jose Mangin.
The series is produced by Tony Wash, Meredith Tummillo, Sarah Sharp, and Robert Patrick Stern. Prize sponsors include Fright Rags, Severin Films, Trick or Treat Studios, Terror Vision Records and Video, Cavity Colors, Terror Films, Chattanooga Film Festival, Burning Witches Records, Panic Fest, Springheel’d Jack Coffee, Adam’s Art Box, and Dark Soles Shoes, with Bloody Disgusting serving as their official media partner. Better Luck than Chuck's first season grand prize is a vacation package to Universal Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Orlando Resort.
The 29-minute pilot episode of Better Luck than Chuck World Premieres at 8:00PM MST on Friday, May 2nd, at Denver's Sie FilmCenter (2510 East Colfax Avenue) as part of SeriesFest 2025's Late Night Competition. For more information and to purchase tickets, please CLICK HERE."
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DEVILWORKS KICKS OFF SPRING WITH A THRILLING LINEUP OF NORTH AMERICAN TVOD AND AVOD RELEASES INCLUDING THE UPCOMING RELEASE OF AN AMERICAN MASQUERADE FROM AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKERS ADDISON HEATH AND JASMINE JAKUPI: "Devilworks kicked off 2025 with an electrifying lineup of North American releases across various genres, including horror, action, and comedy, with even more to come this spring which includes the highly anticipated action-comedy AN AMERICAN MASQUERADE, directed by award-winning filmmakers Addison Heath and Jasmine Jakupi, known for their work on My Cherry Pie, The Viper's Hex, and Mondo Yakuza. The film is set to be available on TVOD platforms in Q1 and April, with plans for an AVOD release in May.
AN AMERICAN MASQUERADE tells the story of two failed actors and a porn star who embark on a wild trip of extreme violence to fund their return to Hollywood by hauling narcotics. The film stars a dynamic cast including Elissa Dowling (We Are Still Here, The Girl on the 3rd Floor), Yoji Yamada, Dylan Heath, Trent Haaga (Citizen Toxie, 68 Kill), Love Connie, and Ezra Buzzington (Brooklyn 45, Mohawk).
Additionally, the chilling horror anthology YOU SHALL NOT SLEEP TONIGHT, produced by Black Mandala, is set to debut on TVOD in Q1 and will be available across major AVOD platforms in Q2. The film features a talented cast, including Milo Webb, Agustin Olcese (Nightmare Radio: The Night Stalker), Bruno Giacobbe (Terrified), Brenda Bonotto (Graduates), Dan Bronchinson (Dealer), Nicole Alexandria (The Last Seance), Lauren Finley (The Night Shift), Greg Lucey (The Night Shift), William Frederick (Akira), Ignacio Dure (Reus), and Gabriela Freire (Local God).
Rounding out the offerings is the horror thriller DAEMON MIND, directed by Jason Fite, which will be available on major AVOD platforms in Q2 following its earlier TVOD release. The film stars Acha Septriasa (Anwar: The Untold Story, Layla Majnun), Jasmine Blackborow (School’s Out Forever, The Art of Love), and Sam Marks (The Last Witness), Zephryn Taitte (Dirty Money, Call the Midwife), Aden Gillet (The Foreigner, Tula: The Revolt, Shadow of the Vampire, The Borrowers), and Verity Marshall (Me Before You).
More information and exclusive content, including trailers and stills, can be found here. The official synopses for each film are below.
AN AMERICAN MASQUERADE
Synopsis: To fund their return to Hollywood, two failed actors and a porn star embark on a wild trip of extreme violence hauling narcotics.
YOU SHALL NOT SLEEP TONIGHT
Synopsis: A boy is haunted by terrifying nightmares where a monster lurks inside the closet
DAEMON MIND
Synopsis: A neuroscientist creates a device which frees her inner Daemon allowing her to seek a terrible vengeance upon her enemies"
A Still From YOU SHALL NOT SLEEP TONIGHT:
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Deadhead Productions Announces Inaugural Horror Film Festival in West Virginia: "Deadhead productions is proud to announce the first ever horror film festival in West Virginia. As part of the Daily Dead community, we are so happy to share a similar mission in helping the horror genre become more understood and appreciated! We encourage all independent filmmakers with a passion for horror to submit! This is a chance to get your short film on the big screen and seen by potential industry leaders.
Through this festival, Deadhead Productions will support, educate, and inspire independent filmmakers; encouraging participation in local film industries. Providing an exciting day of events, including interactive vendors, live SFX demonstrations, and networking opportunities with industry professional in business and creative disciplines . Collaborating with Die, Rise, Kill, LLC, West Virginia Film Office, and Point Park University, among many others to bring an unforgettable evening!
The festival kicks off with the premiere of the short film Bound by Festival Director Carah Chafin. Followed by a screening of selected Award winners for Best Narrative Horror Short, Best Practical Effects, and the honorary Women in Film Award; which celebrates productions that emphasize women working in the film industry.
Winner of the Grand Prize, Best Horror Short Film, receives a $1,000 cash prize presented by Deadhead Productions. Winner of the Special Jury Prize, Deadhead Woman in Film Award, receives a $500 cash prize presented by Deadhead Productions. The prize for Best Special Effects will be awarded with a special package presented by partners Die, Rise, Kill; owned by St. Albans natives, David Bowles and Jamie Selbe.
Short film submissions via FilmFreeway are currently open and will close August 24, 2025. The Deadhead Productions Horror Film Festival will be held on November 1, 2025 at the historic Alban Theater in St. Albans, West Virginia; coinciding with the city’s annual “Crawl-O-Ween” event, drawing out over 4,000 attendees annually. If you are looking for something fun to do, come down and checkout some local art, independent films, and support the local creatives.
To learn more about submitting an independent film to the festival, visit https://filmfreeway.com/DeadheadHorrorfilmFest
About Deadhead Productions, LLC
Deadhead Productions is a film production company with an affinity for horror and experimental work rooted in practical effects. Founded in 2018, by Carah Chafin, Deadhead crafts stories that explore the macabre as it relates to the human condition.
In addition to films, the Deadhead team places an important emphasis on supporting independent artists, particularly women in film. Through both their creative work and Social Engagements, Deadhead Productions aims to foster community and personal exploration."
For more information visit https://deadheadprod.com
After spending more than 10 years as a consultant in the tech and entertainment industry, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his interest in horror and sci-fi. Since then, it has grown into an online magazine with a staff of writers that provide daily news, reviews, interviews, and special features.
As the Editor-in-Chief of Daily Dead, Jonathan is responsible for bringing the latest horror news to millions of readers from around the world. He is also consulted with as an expert on zombies in entertainment and pop culture, providing analyses of the zombie sub-genre to newspapers, radio stations, and convention attendees.
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