Indie Spotlight

We're back with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting recent independent horror news sent our way. Today's feature includes casting announcements on multiple films, including Recovery, The App, and Dark, details on The Wobbling Dead, Repentance, and the 2014 TromaDance Film Festival, a review of Russian Yeti: The Killer Lives, a Q&A with Lindsey McKeon from Supernatural, and more:

Casting News for Recovery: "Kirby Bliss Blanton (The Green Inferno, Project X) and Samuel Larsen ("Glee") have been cast in the upcoming thriller “Recovery", starting production this summer. The film follows Blanton's character on the night of her high school graduation after her iPhone is stolen and tracked down with a "find my iPhone" app to a house where the demented tenants plan on kidnapping her and making her part of the family. Alex Shaffer (Win Win) and James Landry Hébert (Two Step, Gangster Squad) are also on board to star.

"With our increased addiction to technology, especially our smart phones, I wanted to explore the lengths people would go to retrieve something stolen... especially something with personal information on it, even when you know you're in over your head" director Darrell Wheat stated.

The film is written by Kyle Arrington ("The Originals") and Darrell Wheat-- this will be Wheat's directorial debut. Eric B. Fleischman's EBF Productions (Outlaw, Two-Bit Waltz) and Sean Tabibian are producing. Continental Media reps international rights."

To learn more, visit the film's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/RecoveryFilm

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The Wobbling Dead First Details and Preview: "The Wobbling Dead follows Recch Grimey as he wakes up in a world filled with slow-moving, stuffing-eating Wobblers. It’s a parody of the first season of The Walking Dead, largely focusing on the first episode. It’s about 22 minutes long.

It’s like an old Mad Magazine parody except it’s 3D animated to look like a puppet show. With all the cheese you’d expect from something like that.

I released “Stalled Trek” in 2012 and while doing a local convention, started giving thought to what I could parody next. It occurred to me that it might be a better idea to do a parody of a show that wasn’t 45 years old and about the only current show that I really liked was The Walking Dead. I resisted the idea until I sat down and rewatched the first episode and realized just how funny it could be."

To purchase The Wobbling Dead on DVD, visit: http://www.storenvy.com/products/7468083-the-wobbling-dead-dvd

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Repentance Release Details: "Buried secrets are painfully revealed in the disturbing thriller Repentance, arriving on DVD (plus Digital UltraViolet) on June 24 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment and Codeblack Films. The film will be available two weeks earlier on Digital HD, Video On Demand, and Pay-Per-View on June 10. Oscar winner Forest Whitaker (Best Actor, The Last King of Scotland, 2006) leads an all-star cast as a mentally unstable man whose delusions target his spiritual advisor. The film also stars Anthony Mackie (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Hurt Locker), Mike Epps (The Hangover Part III, upcoming Nina), Nicole Ari Parker (TV's "Revolution," TV's "Real Husbands of Hollywood") and Sanaa Lathan (The Best Man Holiday, Something New).

An earnest life-coach/author, Thomas Carter (Mackie), is mysteriously abducted by a deranged client, Angel Sanchez (Whitaker), who delves into Thomas' teachings and uses his spiritual messages of Karma - action and reaction, against him to terrorize him and his family for their past sins.

The Repentance DVD includes a "making of" featurette."

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New Trailer Released from Maldito Amor (Damned Love): "Damned Love" is the new movie written and directed by the Badilla Brothers, they're 2 chilean filmmakers responsible for the most successful films in their country, now they're aiming for another conquest with their new horror movie.

This is a chilean movie that join genres in the same vein that Edgard Wright and Simon Pegg did it with their “Shaun of the Dead” movie in 2004, the brothers are very much identified with that movie, but they’re searching to fuse two different genres for this one, on one hand this a clear homage to the great giallo and slasher genres, the movie was written and filmed with Dario Argento, Mario Bava, Wes Craven, Sergio Martino and John Carpenter in mind, and on the other hand the romantic comedy aspect of the movie is very strong too with clear nods to the classic John Hughes movies of the 80’s. The tagline says it all “A romantic comedy with murders”.

The Badilla Brothers (Gonzalo and Sebastián) are very well known in their country for comedy movies and this marks their first entry on the horror genre, the plot for “Damned Love” is clear and simple, a teenager is looking to declare his love to his best friend but this gets mixed in the way with the murders of their other classmates, the prom night being the clear scenary for the final massacre, a killer is on the lose and it seems to have seen the classic “Blood and Black Lace” movie by Mario Bava judging by his stylish look.

It opens in Chile for Halloween this year and they’re looking right now for an international distributor hoping to release the movie worldwide on 2015.

The score of the movie is being made by Vercetti Technicolor, an european act known for its horror disco sound."

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Ghostlight DVD Release Date Announced: "Andrew (Brian Sutherland) wins a radio contest to spend one night alone in a haunted theater on the 80th anniversary of the bloody murder/suicide that occurred within its walls. His prize: $50,000. His task: To spend 12 hours alone inside. The catch: The theater has been reportedly haunted ever since the tragedy 80 years ago, and has been plagued by a series of mysterious deaths in the years since. A devout disbeliever in the supernatural, Andrew has no qualms about spending the night there. But his wife Mira (Lisa Coronado), who has been haunted by psychic premonitions about the place, feels differently. As Andrew is locked inside the theater for the night, the ghosts and secrets of its past begin to reveal themselves to him. Will he make it through the night to collect his prize? And will he get out before the murderous ghosts take hold of him forever?

Brain Damage Films has just turned on the Ghostlight, a creepy ghost story sure to haunt viewers across North America. The DVD is available at retailers including MovieStop, online including Amazon, or for rental at most Family Video locations. Bonus features include a 75min Making-Of documentary, audio commentary, and Jeff Ferrell's acclaimed short film Morella. Ghostlight will also be available on all major VOD platforms starting early July."

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Smothered Behind-the-Scenes Video Released: "Five iconic horror stars join forces to haunt a trailer park, but the tables turn rather quickly...

Smothered, written and directed by Hollywood legend John Schneider (Smallville, Nip/Tuck), sees horror icons Kane Hodder (Freddy vs. Jason, Jason X), Bill Moseley (The Devil's Rejects, Repo! The Genetic Opera), Don Shanks (Halloween 5, I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer), and R.A Mihailoff (Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, Pumpkinhead 2), playing themselves in a scenario that sees them attending a small, disheartening horror-convention on Friday the 13th. Running out of patience but principally money, the group accept a cash-offer to go and scare-up the local RV park – but things take a surprising, dark turn when they arrive. The tables are turned as the monsters of the movie screen become the prey!

Smothered, filmed in Louisiana, also features Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes), Brea Grant (Halloween II), John Kassir (‘The Crypt Keeper’), Dane Rhodes (True Detective), Shanna Forrestall (The Last Exorcism), John Schneider (Smallville), Adria Tennor (Mad Men), Andrew Bowen (Magic City), and Amy Brassette (Pawn Shop Chronicles)."

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Casting Updates and Production Details for Dark: "Michael Eklund (“The Call”) and Brendan Sexton (“Boys Don't Cry”) have joined the psychological thriller “Dark,” shooting in late June in New York.

Whitney Able (“Monsters”) and Alexandra Breckenridge ("American Horror Story") lead the cast.

Able stars as a disturbed young woman who must confront her worst fears when she finds herself trapped alone in a New York City loft during the 2003 blackout.

Nick Basile (“American Carny”) will direct from a script written by Elias (“Gut”), Kathryn Belli, Dave Boulton, Basile, and Elias will produce alongside executive producer Joe Dante ("Gremlins") and his company Renfield Productions."

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TromaDance Film Festival 2014: "Greetings from Tromaville! We have an exciting announcement! The punk rock sketch comedy collective Murderfist will perform live at this year's 15th Annual TromaDance Film Festival in Brooklyn, NY! To help spread the word about our gala affair, Murderfist supplied us with three tro-mazing video promos!

Unlike every other film festival, TromaDance does not charge filmmakers to submit their films or fans to attend events. Entry to all screenings and panels are free of charge and completely open to the public. To celebrate Troma's 40th anniversary, and the 30th anniversary of The Toxic Avenger, we are bringing the festival to New York for the first time ever!

Come down to The Paper Box Theater on June 27th & 28th to see some of the finest features and shorts the independent film world has to offer. Featuring Drafthouse Films The Final Member, Nightsatan and the Loops of Doom, and Drew Bolduc's Science Team. Stay for the after party on the 28th to catch some killer bands, such as Brooklyn's own Netherlands. And don't forget NYC comedy sensations Murderfist! Viva la Troma!"

To learn more about the festival, go to: http://www.tromadance.com

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First Details and Casting Released for The App: "Rumpus Room Productions begins lensing on “The App,” the Isak Borg (“The Factory”) & Golan Ramras (“Snuff”) cutting edge script in New York starting June 2, 2014.

Starring Sean Faris (“Pretty Little Liars”), Sarah Roemer (“Disturbia”), Frank Deal (“The Bourne Legacy”), James Saito (“Life Of Pi”), and Leslie Marshall (news personality and regular on “The O’Reilly Factor,” & “America Live”), “The App” will be directed by Dena Hysell (“The Paladins”) & Isak Borg and produced by Rumpus Room Productions, with thrilling special effects by genre master Brian Spears (“We Are What We Are”).

“The App,” gives audiences fascinating utopic scientific advancement intertwined with a brilliant mind’s decent into madness. It’s Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell Tale Heart” for a digital age.

“With all the scientific advancements coming through in rapid succession, we found the idea of showing the both sides intriguing. There’s the glossy success and the other side of the coin where human frailty lurks – drawing us as viewers more deeply in,” states Co-Director, Dena Hysell."

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New The Addicted Trailer: "25 years after a patient in a drug rehab clinic commits suicide, 4 friends decide to spend a night in the abandoned clinic to try and film some of the reported paranormal goings-on. Shortly thereafter, an up and coming TV journalist is persuaded to spend a night in the clinic with 3 of her friends to try and film some of the spooky activity that is rumored to be going on. In the course of one night, Nicole, her boyfriend and their two friends discover the sickening truth about the history of the clinic and have to face a very real possibility that they might never leave."

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Beacon Point Production Update Released: "Beacon Point is a feature length thriller about a group of hikers on a 10 day hike of the Appalachian Trail. The group hikes deeper into the Great Smoky Mountains, and soon realize they are lost. Things start to go from bad to worse. They stumble across an ancient secret, the shadow people, that threatens their survival. It's a wild ride and a real nail biter.

We're so excited by the support and encouragement of the horror and independent film community, that we've decided to set a stretch goal of $30,000. With these new funds we hope to make Beacon Point even more awesome by adding a super creepy new scene to the movie, shooting some gorgeous pickups in the Great Smoky Mountains, and increasing the marketing budget."

For more information on this film in progress, or how to support the project, visit: http://www.bluelanternfilms.com

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Red Band Trailer Released for Brutal: "Brutal centers on Trevor (Morgan Benoit) abducted from his backyard at the age of fifteen by an unseen alien presence. Forced into nearly two decades of no-holds-barred fights against other abductees inside an unearthly mixed martial arts arena, Trevor has evolved from an innocent boy into a brutal fighting machine.Derek, (Jeff Hatch) an ambulance-chasing lawyer, is the latest lab-rat abductee forced to fight Trevor. As the two men exchange ever-increasing beatings over the course of weeks and months, the brutality of their existence and the true nature of their humanity is slowly revealed.

With elements of The Twilight Zone and The Prisoner, Brutal explores through science fiction, allegory and psychological drama, man’s violent nature and our propensity to commit unthinkable acts of violence against each other. Yet through this prism of brutality our capacity to love one another, even in the worst of circumstances is celebrated."

To learn more about Brutal, visit the film's official website at: http://www.http://brutalthemovie.com/

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Clay Astroman's Spooky Basement Series Details: "Clay Astroman’s Spooky Basement... consists of twelve books, each with an original storyline. It employs a goofy, California English-inspired, satirical writing style.

The series is currently on Kickstarter with only ten days to go, and it is at $1,400 of its $5,000 goal. Most of the money is going to the cover artist, who has taken a Goosebumps-esque approach to the design, and horror chiptunes composer MonsterVision, who is writing an original song for each book. These songs will comprise a Spooky Basement soundtrack."

The titles in the series are: One Night in Monsteropolis, It Came from the Walk-In Fridge, Escape from Sideburn Mountain, I Remember Halloween, The 12 Hits of Christmas, Cathode Ray Terror, 50 Shades of Red, Decide Your Demise: Haunted House of Horror, Zombies Ate or Are Trying to Eat My Neighbors, Scare Goes the Neighborhood, Sewer Spook Safari, and A Kickstarter-Decided Book!.

To learn more about this series, or how to support its endeavors, go to: http://www.spookybasement.com or on Instagram at: http://www.instagram.com/spookybasement

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'What Has Two Heads, Ten Eyes, and Terrifying Table Manners?' Release Announced: "What Has Two Heads, Ten Eyes, and Terrifying Table Manners?, a new anthology from Mega Thump Publishing featuring 14 never-before-published short stories blending Science Fiction and Horror, has been released in digital format on Amazon.

These original tales, written by some of the best new genre authors from across the globe, range from the horrifying to the humorous, the thought-provoking to the surreal.

The book was edited by Sawney Hatton, author of the dark comedy novel Dead Size. This is Hatton’s first foray into putting together an anthology.

“I wanted to gather not only well-told stories, but ones that used the combination of Science Fiction and Horror elements in fresh ways,” says Hatton. “This is truly an eclectic collection that should please fans of both genres.”

The ebook of What Has Two Heads, Ten Eyes, and Terrifying Table Manners? will be first offered through Amazon exclusively, followed by all other major online book retailers including Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo."

To purchase this anthology, go to Amazon.com (US)

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Impressions: Russian Yeti: The Killer Lives

by Kristian Hanson

The Yeti is a mythical creature that pops up when we all seem to forget about it. The creature has been called many names throughout the last 100 years, including The Abominable Snowman, Big Foot and Sasquatch. In this documentary by the Discovery Channel, they go in search of the Yeti. However, this documentary is different then most, because they are going after a murderer.

This documentary is ninety-minutes of pure information and exhilaration. Growing up, I used to watch all the shows with my mom on Big Foot because I truly wanted to believe he existed. I never thought that fifty years ago a Yeti would be blamed for the death of so many young kids hiking up a mountain for a once in a life time chance. Within this documentary, they talk about the actual events that they believe happened on that mountain with dramatizations and facts to support their theories. They also throw in questions to try and debunk that it was not in fact a yeti, but possibly a bear. Throughout the documentary information is found and brought up, including a file that has been closed for fifty years by the Russian government that uncovers some amazing information about the past. This is definitely one Investigation Discovery that is not to be missed.

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Indie Spotlight Q&A with Supernatural's Lindsey McKeon

by Tamika Jones

Hello, Lindsey. Thank you so much for speaking with the Daily Dead. I am excited to talk all things Supernatural!

Your character, Tessa, is a Reaper. What was it like to play someone who helps those who have died pass on to the other side?

Lindsey: I feel that it's an honor to play a reaper, to escort people through the process of passing to the other side peacefully and with ease.

She is such a tough almost hardened individual. Do you think it's probably almost necessary for her to be a little hard on the inside given what she has to do?

Lindsey: I think she is less hardened, more no-nonsense. Her job is extremely important to her and she acts according to that, if she were swayed by emotions she would never be able to complete her tasks.

Tessa and Dean Winchester have a bit of a rocky relationship. You think he would cut her some slack since she did help the Winchesters stop the Apocalypse. Why do you think he holds so much contempt for her?

Lindsey: I personally don't see their relationship as rocky or that he holds contempt for Tessa, specifically. Their beliefs are often conflicting and they go head to head but they have a mutual respect and understanding for one another. They each take what they do very seriously and act according to those beliefs. When you see another that's like you, driven and passionate, you recognize and respect them even if their work is in direct opposition to your own.

Which episodes of Supernatural have been your favorite and why?

Lindsey: The last two are my favorite. I loved schooling Dean, showing him that reaping souls is not as simple as he thinks, that there is a very specific order to things and when a thought or human gets in the way of that the consequences can be dire. And I absolutely loved Stairway to Heaven, we get to Tessa's almost human-like side, tortured and helpless, seeing no way out. Vulnerable but still as strong willed as ever.

Do you enjoy getting to be a part of the action scenes? Do you get to do any of your own stunt work?

Lindsey: I'm not sure I've had any real action scenes but everything you have seen I've done myself.

In the current season, Dean runs into Tessa and when she refuses to cooperate, he threatens to torture her. She admits to Dean that she is already tortured by the souls of those who cannot pass on to Heaven. If she was convinced by Castiel to hold on to hope, why do you think she choose to fall on the First Blade?

Lindsey: I think for Tessa the pain was too great, it had been going on for too long and there was no end in sight.

I take it that it must be hard to deal with death day in and day out. Do you believe that she ever enjoyed being a Reaper? Or rather that she found solace in knowing that she was helping people find peace?

Lindsey: I think a part of Tessa really enjoys what she does, I also think when you're working within the realm that she works, there is less thought and opinion about likes and dislikes rather more of a natural order that is to be followed for the greater good and benefit of all.

Out of all the powers a Reaper possesses (levitation, healing, telekinesis, memory manipulation, etc.), which one would you like to have in real life?

Lindsey: Either levitation or healing.

Do you have any projects we should look out for so that we can continue to follow your career?

Lindsey: I have a couple of films coming out to watch for, one is a comedy called Flock Of Dudes and the other is a horror/thriller called Indigenous about the Chupacabra. Come find me on Twitter @MyLindseyMckeon.