Indie Spotlight: Lovecraft, Red Love, ZombieWorld, Lindsay Seim

We return with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting the recent independent horror news sent our way. Today's feature includes a trailer for ZombieWorld, casting updates on The Private Eye and Desolation, DVD release details announced for Fantasm, a teaser poster from One Night of Fear, a Q&A with writer, Duncan Ralston, and much more:

ZombieWorld Trailer and DVD Release Details: "ZombieWorld is a horror anthology focusing on survivors across the world as they struggle to overcome horrifying circumstances when a pandemic brings forth a zombie apocalypse. The collection of blood, guts and mayhem will be brought to life by a group of new and up-and-coming directors from around the world that Ruthless Pictures and Dread Central will handpick from short film entries received between April 21, 2014 and May 30, 2014 on Dread Central.com. The work of each chosen director will be featured in the film and will bring his or her take to a world now populated with flesh-eating corpses. Among the brilliant shorts to be included in ZombieWorld is Peter Horn and Jared Marshall’s Dark Times, a blood-splattered scamper through the woods shot entirely in POV, where zombies, aliens and even Santa Claus make an appearance.

RLJ Entertainment will be releasing ZombieWorld on DVD on February 24, 2015."

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The Private Eye Casting Details: "A down on his luck private eye returns to work after an accident on duty discovering his reality has been an illusion ever since.

Academy award nominee Eric Roberts has joined the all star cast of The Private Eye. Eric is cast in the role of Edmond. Edmond has a large impact on the story and changes the pace and message that the movie is telling."

Previously: "This Neo-Noir will be filmed on the RED Dragon by Yash Khanna, the cinematographer for two of this year’s Cannes Film Festival official selections. The Private Eye will be produced by Hollywood veteran and award winning film maker Santino Ramos. Santino's projects have made it into SkyFest, Short Film Festival of Los Angeles and have been featured on CBS This Morining and in the Los Angeles Times.

Blood Brothers FX will be joining our team as well. Blood Brothers FX owner Scott Fields will be doing practical special effects and make up special effects on The Private Eye. Scott is known for creating practical and make up effects for Quarantine 2, Frankenstein and Dead Birds. As a film maker, Scott Fields is known for Marvel Zombies: The Movie and Deadworld: The King Comes to Town."

For more information on this film, visit: www.kingsofthescreen.com or www.imdb.com/title/tt3951140

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Insidious: Chapter 2's Lindsay Seim Is A Mermaid Castaway In New Photo Series

"Actress Lindsay Seim, best know as Young Elise Ranier in James Wan's Insidious: Chapter 2, appears as a forsaken mermaid castaway trapped in a desert dystopia in a new editorial photo series called La Sirena. Seim conceived of the project (La Sirena is Spanish for "mermaid") after surviving a violent assault in January--she was held hostage at gunpoint by a man who was subsequently killed by Los Angeles S.W.A.T.

The event left her feeling isolated and misplaced in her surroundings. She says she initially had difficulty expressing herself verbally. She was ultimately inspired to share her experience through strikingly cinematic images. Seim and photographer Eric Fortier shot in abandoned enclaves of draught-ravaged Salton Sea, California.

Lindsay Seim is currently working on horror/sci-fi feature Befall with Michael Madsen. She can next be seen alongside Monique and Isaiah Washington in drama Blackbird (in theatres February, 2015), as well as in Janusz Kaminski's Russian mafia thriller American Dream. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @lkseim."

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Short Film, Red Love, Released: "Two serial killers, Sam and Judy, meet serendipitously while attempting to murder each other. Once it is realized they‘re one in the same they embark on a very disturbing first date. Red Love walks the fine line between horrific and endearing as Sam and Judy begin to fall in love, while killing a man together.

Writer/Director/Editor/Producer - James McDougall. Producers - Derek Barnes [and] James Morley. Cinematography/Camera Operator/Editor - Derek Barnes. Sound Design and Mix - Ryan Noel. Special effects and Makeup On Set Key - Lisa Diane.

Cast: Gillian Wetherald – Judy. James Morley – Sam. Michael Pez – Parking Cop."

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Body(s) Trailer Release Details: "When a man suffering from Dissociative Identify Disorder has his malicious personality surgically removed, he is forced to face the reality of his condition.

Body(s) was directed by Daniel DelPurgatorio (Watchmen: Tales of the Black Freighter, OTHER) and produced by Chicago's Vitamin Pictures. The film will premiere and hit the festival circuit in early 2015."

For more information, visit the film's official website at: www.faceyourinnerdemon.com or on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/faceyourinnerdemon

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Details on One Night of Fear: "The movie follows a small group of hikers; Rob, Katie, Jaclyn, Pete, and Brittany who go out for a weekend in the woods. After Jaclyn witnesses her boyfriend Pete getting killed, the group takes refuge inside a home inside the state park. There they must survive one night as they are stalked by an unknown killer.

The story is inspired by true stories from The Ocala National Forest of how multiple Campers, Hikers and the like have gone missing over the years with no trace every being found.

Production for the horror-thriller is set to begin in December.

The movie will be filmed in Florida and directed by Brian Troxell (Deep Seeded, Intrusive Behavior) with Jessica Sonneborn (Alice D, Piranha Sharks) Suzi Lorraine (Won Ton Baby!, Wrath of Crows), Jason Sutton, Russ Forga (The Uh-Oh Show), Jimmy Dempster (Undead Apocalypse, The Originals) and Megan Sweet all starring."

To learn more about One Night of Fear, visit the film's Twitter page at: www.twitter.com/onenightoffear

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First Details on Comic, Lovecraft: The Blasphemously Large First Issue: "Craig Engler, the co-creator/writer/co-executive producer of Syfy’s new hit series “Z Nation,” launched a Kickstarter project to create a new comic series based on the work of famous horror author H.P. Lovecraft. The project went live Tuesday morning.

“Halloween week is the perfect time to launch ‘Lovecraft: The Blasphemously Large First Issue,’ a new comic we’re working on that completely reinvents H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos,” Engler said. “The story is set in the present day and recasts Lovecraft as the world’s foremost alchemist and a magician who guards a secret library of forbidden knowledge, which includes books like the Necronomicon.”

In this world magicians are a secret culture within our culture constantly vying for control over ancient magickal tomes and the power they wield. That leads to magickal feuds and wars that can unleash unspeakable terrors in the world. When that happens, Lovecraft is the guy who cleans things up.

Engler (Z Nation, Zombie Apocalypse) is writing the story with pencils and inks by Daniel Govar (DC, Marvel), colors by Matheus Lopes (Image, Dark Horse, IDW) and a special limited-edition cover by red hot artist Lewis LaRosa (Valiant). The first issue will be 48 pages long, including 6 pages of Lovecraft pinups by some fantastic guest artists:

Brian Hurtt (The Sixth Gun), Dennis Calero (X-Men: Noir), John Bivens (Dark Engine), Lukas Ketner (Witch Doctor), Richard Luong (Cthulhu Wars), [and] Jamie Tanner (The Dark Well).

The Kickstarter will also feature a special green foil variant cover that’s only being offered during the 28 day campaign."

For more information, or to find out how to support this project, go to: www.twitter.com/craigengler

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A Look at the Title Sequence for ABCs of Death 2: Austrian animator Wolfgang Matzi directed and animated the title sequence for ABCs of Death 2. ""ABCs of Death 2“ is an anthology featuring 26 short short tales of death (related to each letter) by directors from all around the globe. Paper cut-out animation (shot with Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Dragonframe). Typography and assistance by Moana Rom. Music by André Rössler and Isabel Greiwe."

To learn more about the film, go to: www.magnetreleasing.com/theabcsofdeath2

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Fantasm DVD Release Date Announced: "Horror convention documentary Fantasm will be released on DVD on November 11th. It's currently available for pre-order at a discounted price.

In addition to the feature-length documentary, this limited edition DVD includes the original student film, extended interviews, bloopers, "Dinner at the Kuchta's," trailers and the Kickstarter video.

Fantasm is on sale until the November 11th release, after which the price will increase. It's also available signed by director Kyle Kuchta - at no additional cost - during the pre-order period only. Posters are on sale as well.

"I'm excited that Fantasm will finally be out and available," says Kuchta. "What started as a student film grew into so much more, and I'm grateful for all the love and support over the past two years."

In an effort to understand his own fascination with the genre, horror fanatic Kyle Kuchta embarked on a journey to six horror conventions throughout the united states. Through interviews with actors, directors, horror experts and fellow fans at conventions, Kyle discovered that it’s not only the love of the genre that makes these gatherings so special, but it’s the sense of community.

Fantasm features insight from such notable names as Tom Atkins (Escape from New York), Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Lloyd Kaufman (The Toxic Avenger), Joe Lynch (Wrong Turn 2), Richard Johnson (The Haunting) and more, alongside the dedicate fans who attend horror conventions.

Special features:

Original student film
Extended interviews
Bloopers
"Dinner at the Kuchta's" featurette
Trailers
Kickstarter video"

For more information, or how to pre-order this film, visit: www.fantasm.storenvy.com

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6 Demon Bag's 'Fulci Lives' Release Details: "6 Demon Bag is the name of the grindhouse-rap duo consisting of Houston MC D-Risha and LA based producer That Purple Bastard. A grimy throwback to the 90's horrorcore sound of Three 6 Mafia & Gravediggaz, Giallo is a concept album inspired by the Italian slasher genre of the same name and so much more.

Our first single entitled "Fulci Lives" is from our concept album entitled "Giallo" which release[d] on Halloween."

To find out more about 6 Demon Bag, and their music, go to: www.6DemonTerror.com

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New Casting Details for Desolation: "The cross-country triple road movie extravaganza produced by Mem Ferda and executive produced by Jessica Cameron and Jonathan Scott Higgins has added actor Carlo Mendez (Parks & Recreation, The Bay) to the feature film Desolation.

Desolation is directed and written by award-winning filmmaker Ryan M. Andrews. The plot of the film is as follows: Along the back roads of America, a hitchhiker is waiting. Gorgeous, mysterious and full of sadistic rage, what chances do an unsuspecting couple have against her?

The movie also stars Tristan Risk (American Mary) and Jessica Cameron (Truth or Dare). Mendez is playing the role of “Salvador” opposite Jessica Cameron who plays his wife “Heidi” in the feature film. He is the brother of actress Eva Mendes (2 Fast 2 Furious, We Own The Night).

The feature film Desolation is one of three features included in the ambitious, first of its kind project. A group of indie filmmakers packed into an RV and are filming 3 movies while traveling across the United States. The other project, being directed by Jessica Cameron is titled MANIA, from a script written by Jonathan Scott Higgins. The 3rd movie is a feature-length making of documentary aptly titled Kill the Production Assistant. It chronicles the production of these two films to give viewers an inside look at independent filmmaking at its finest.

The group of filmmakers have already begun shooting and have filmed in California, Nevada, & New Mexico."

To find out more about the project, and where they are headed next, visit their website at: www.killtheproductionassistant.com

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Devils in Disguise First Details: "Inspired by a variety of staple films from the past, a cinema lover and a renaissance man, Guillaume Campanacci, composed his maiden feature movie around a 'classic love triangle, with a twist', against a Californian urban setting.

The story that centers around two flatmates, Leila (Magen Mattox) and Sandy (Montanna Gillis), who conspire to take revenge on Leila's sadistic boyfriend (Guillaume Campanacci), is underlined with violence and told through strong, non-linear structure, with poetic and sensual imagery. In essence, it's a meditation on friendship, love, trust, and murder, presented to us as a perfect blend of reality and dream-like fantasy sequences.

We recently wrapped production on Devils in Disguise. We are currently deep in post-production, putting the finishing touches on a beautiful film which we cannot wait to share with all of you."

To learn more about this film, and to find out how to support its progress, go to the film's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/devilsindisguisethemovie

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The Boneyard First Details: "Sideshow Pictures and Harrington Talents proudly present The Boneyard, a new online home for free cinematic horrors - offering up a brand new gruesome short film every single Wednesday!

The Boneyard offers horror fans the unique opportunity to view a number of Sideshow Pictures' previous acclaimed short films, including Night of the Pumpkin, The House that Cried Blood, and Children of the Witch for free - as well as brand new terrifying shorts, including David Lilley's Rellik - and last Wednesday's new release, George A. Taramas' #Selfie!

Today saw the highly-anticipated debut of Home Sweet Home, from Blood Night: The Legend of Mary Hatchet director Frank Sabatella.

A new short film will appear at The Boneyard each Wednesday, offering horror fans a free taste of terror every week of the year."

For more information, and to view these films, visit The Boneyard at: www.boneyardtales.com

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For Nightmares Production Details: "Stranger Mornings LLC, the creative team behind the award winning The Soul Gatherer, and scream queen Anjanette Clewis have announced their next project: For Nightmares. While the film is currently in Pre-Production, it's already gaining interest due to its classic style much like Creepshow, Tales From the Crypt and The Twilight Zone: The Movie.

Based on Dennis McDonald’s anthology 13 Nightmares, the film will feature four different yet intertwining stories that are sure to haunt your dreams. Featuring an all-star horror cast including Ed Neal (Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Anjanette Clewis (American Nightmare, Pot Zombies 2), Greg Ingram (Sin City, Machete and El Rey’s From Dusk Til Dawn) and Andrew Sensenig (The Soul Gatherer, I Love You Phillip Morris). With directors Benjamin Ward (The Soul Gatherer) and Anjanette Clewis at the helm and Jack Wood Johnson penning the screenplay, the film is sure to be frightfully entertaining. Harry Manfredini (Friday the 13th) will be scoring the film and one thing is for sure, the music will send chills down your spine.

Producer Rendalee Singleton, who also produced The Soul Gatherer along with several award winning short films, has partnered with producer Anjanette Clewis to help bring all the creative talents together and ensure the success of this film. However, they need your help bringing this film to life. Such a wondrous film also commands a wondrous budget. The folks behind For Nightmares have made it beneficial for investors. For Nightmares in conjunction with From the Heart Productions have launched an Indiegogo campaign that allows all donations to be tax deductible!

For Nightmares is sure to be terrifyingly good."

To learn more, go to: www.fornightmares.com

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Indie Spotlight Q&A with Duncan Ralston

by Tamika Jones

What inspired you to become a horror fiction writer?

Duncan: I've always enjoyed writing, from as young as I can remember. My earliest story was a picture book in grade 6 about the monster who lived under my basement stairs.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Duncan: When I first started out, I was emulating Stephen King, then Clive Barker, and in the early 2000s, Chuck Palanhuik. I like to think I've absorbed a lot of other styles since, like a trash compacter, and come out with a readable style I hope conveys a bit of poetic eloquence, particularly during the nasty bits. I also like the style to fit the story I'm telling. When I feel like I'm sounding too much like one writer or another, I'll reword it until it works in my voice, or cut the sentence entirely. I like cutting. Take that how you will.

Did you find writing any of your books and/or novellas in any way challenging or difficult? I.e. Writer's block?

Duncan: I've never had writer's block. If I get stuck on something, I'll move onto another story. Example: the novel I'm just about finishing now, a ghost story called SALVAGE, I've had that in my head for years. I'm in love with the idea, but I've had difficulties getting it just right. The last time I flat-out stopped working on it, I wrote a bunch of short stories and collected them in a book called Gristle & Bone, which is available on Amazon. This time, it's coming together nicely. It's all about putting the work aside and hammering out something else. I don't think sitting in front of your computer staring at the blinking cursor is valuable at all. Get writing!

How did you come up with the titles for your books?

Duncan: A lot of times, the idea will spring from the title. I find this works best with short stories. For longer works, I like words or phrases with dual meanings. SALVAGE is about a man picking up the pieces of his life after his sister's death; it's also about diving. If I'm working without a title, I find it difficult to get into. Even when the title is weak, it can be a slog until I come up with something that works.

You also work behind-the-scenes in Television. What has that been like?

Duncan: I (have) written a handful of pilots on spec and won a pitch award for The Valley, about the illegal porn industry in the '70s. Nothing purchased or produced yet. I've put it on the back burner to concentrate on prose, but it's never far from mind. I enjoyed it a lot, and would love to see anything I've written on the big or small screen.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Duncan: Love Stephen King, obviously. Clive Barker opened me up to a whole new style of horror. I like Harlan Ellison a lot, his stories are pretty wild. Richard Matheson tells an excellent creepy and/or sci-fi tale. As for new blood, Jeffery X. Martin's "Black Sunday" and Kit Tinsley's "Dark County" are great reads.

You enjoy scaring your readers, but what kind of stories scare you the most?

Duncan: I'm more frightened by current events! But less seriously, the things that scare me most aren't the many-eyed creatures of the dark cosmos but the more human evils. The human violence in Stephen King's "IT" is more frightening to me than Pennywise or any of his many guises. That's not to say the IDEA of Pennywise doesn't scare the shit outta me, but I'm more scared of Gacy.

Have any of those authors or stories influenced your life?

Duncan: I think there's a deep moral core to most horror, which is one of the things that drew me to writing it. You look at Dracula, Frankenstein, The Omen, a lot of early horror is all based around a fear something exterior, something societal. The writer's personal fears. I write horror to exorcise my own demons, and to understand the things that trouble me. If it entertains people, all the better.

Do you enjoy the Horror genre in other forms of art? I.e., Television, movies, paintings, etc.

Duncan: Love it all. Anything that gives you a really visceral response, whether it's fear, revulsion, awe, is good by me.

Do you have any current projects that you would like to tell our readers about? Also, how can they find you and your work on social media?

Duncan: I'm just about finishing a late draft of SALVAGE. I'm also working on a book of three novellas called 'Til Death, about marriage, death and revenge; a modern take on A Christmas Carol (yes, seriously); a horror/sci-fi "sick lit" novel; and probably dozens of short stories, which I'll eventually gather up into another nasty little collection.

You can see more of me here:

Website: www.duncanralston.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/duncanralstonfiction

Amazon: http://amzn.com/e/B00F23Y41Q

Twitter: @userbits