Week 20: This week's rolling film blog, looking at the latest movie news and trailers from the British and international indie film scene
Film News & Trailer Talk As It Happens, Week Commencing 15th May 2023.
Drop Dead Films Unveils First look Image of ‘Otto the Clown’, as production wraps on British horror, CHARLIE SHAW'S REVENGE.
Eastbourne-based award-winning film production company, Drop Dead Films Ltd, marks the successful completion of principal photography on CHARLIE SHAW'S REVENGE, with the release of the first-look image of the Title Character.
Actor James Payton, known for his roles in 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' and 'Captain America: The First Avenger,' takes on the captivating role of Otto, Charlie Shaw's enigmatic alter ego. Captured in this image by photographer, Sarah Olivier, Otto's transformation comes to life with make-up artistry by Kate Griffiths and costume design by Anastasia Jardin.
Ant Middleton to star in action-thriller SHELTER.
Ant Middleton, renowned for his role in "Who Dares Wins," has been cast as the lead in the upcoming action-thriller movie titled "SHELTER." The highly anticipated film is scheduled to commence production in July 2023.
Outline: The movie centers around Rob Shaw, a hitman who receives a distress call from his ex-wife and travels to a remote location to meet her. Upon arrival, he is confronted by his estranged father, Jim, who used to be a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Defence. Rob's ex-wife, her new husband, and their two daughters are also present.
Jim reveals that a catastrophic nuclear event is imminent and urges Rob to seek refuge with them in a bunker beneath the house. Initially refusing the offer, Rob changes his mind just as the bombs start to fall, realizing that he has no other place to go in this new reality. However, things take a dangerous turn when a group of rogue ex-soldiers seize control of the bunker, forcing Rob to use his lethal skills to protect the family.
Before getting into film, Ant Middleton served in the British armed forces, including the Marines, 9 Parachute Squadron, and Special Boat Service.
SHELTER was written by the award-winning Scott Vickers (Matriarch), who will also be directing.
First look at Craig Fairbrass in RISE OF THE FOOTSOLDIER: VENGEANCE.
RISE OF THE FOOTSOLDIER: VENGEANCE will be released in Autumn 2023, by Signature Entertainment.
Hex Studios drop first look images and poster, for fantasy horror, THE SLAVE & THE SORCERER.
In the treacherous tale of Princess Meyra's abduction by the wicked sorcerer Akaris, a courageous slave named Tyrol steps forward to lead a daring mission into the depths of Akaris' cursed dungeon stronghold. Accompanied by a group of heroes whose loyalty is uncertain, Tyrol faces a harrowing battle against ancient and malevolent creatures guarding Akaris' fortress. He must also conquer the cunning challenges set forth by the sorcerer. Ultimately, Tyrol's ultimate task is to vanquish a formidable dragon, rescuing both the princess and the realm from the clutches of eternal darkness.
Drawing inspiration from beloved cult classics like Deathstalker, The Beastmaster, and The Sword and the Sorcerer, this thrilling horror-fantasy saga bursts with brawny champions, enchanting sorceresses, and iconic villains reminiscent of that era. In keeping with the spirit of these inspirations, the creative team at Hex meticulously constructed an expansive dungeon set within their studio facility located in Fife, Scotland. Their relentless efforts have resulted in a plethora of horrifyingly realistic practical effects, sure to satisfy even the most bloodthirsty horror aficionado.
Producer Lawrie Brewster had this to say:
“I've always been a fan of gritty fantasy movies, especially those that might be described as 'Sword and Sorcery'. Films such as The Sword and the Sorcerer directed by Albert Pyun, to whom we've dedicated our film, were formative inspirations for me. Likewise with Deathstalker. In fact, you might describe our film as Deathstalker meets The Evil Dead. It's time to champion fantasy films that are allowed to be fun, sexy, and gloriously violent.”
The film stars Scottish up-and-comer Chris Black as Tyrol, along with Jonathan Hansler (The Devil’s Business), Briony Monroe (The Black Gloves), Megan Tremethick (Ghost Crew), Richard Pate (The Black Gloves), Chris Capaldi (The Necromancer), Stephen Kerr (For We Are Many), and rugby star Dean Schofield in his first feature role.
THE SLAVE & THE SORCERER is a co-production between Hex Studios and Needle’s Eye Productions, and is due for release in winter 2023.
105ive Film and Gray Sky Pictures team up to produce Found Footage Feature THE WOODMAN.
Louie La Vella, the president of 105ive Films, has finalized a co-production agreement with Gray Sky Pictures. They will collaborate in the creation of a gripping found footage film titled "THE WOODMAN. Set to commence filming in June 2023, the production will take place in the Georgia.
Following their debut feature film, INVITED, which was shot in January and slated for release later this year, 105ive Films is thrilled to embark on this new partnership.
Renowned cinematographer Tyler Horner, acclaimed for his exceptional work on THE HOUSE AMONG THE TREES, has been enlisted by Gray Sky Pictures to bring his expertise to the visual storytelling of THE WOODMAN.
Adding to the excitement, THE WOODMAN will feature the talented actresses Nancy Anne Ridder and Leonora Scelfo, both recognized for their contributions to the iconic horror franchise, Scream. Joining them is the accomplished actor LC Holt, known for his memorable performances in WATCHDOG, VHS 2, and YOU'RE NEXT.
With a stellar creative team and a cast of seasoned performers, THE WOODMAN promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans of found footage horror. Stay tuned for further updates as the project continues to unfold.
Wild Eye Releasing drop trailer for horror anthology, HI-FEAR.
Wild Eye Releasing presents the eagerly-awaited conclusion to the beloved 'Hi-' trilogy with HI-FEAR, directed by renowned cult filmmakers Brad Sykes (Plaguers, Scream Queen), Todd Sheets (Goblin, Bonehill Road), Anthony Catanese (Sodomaniac, Girls Just Wanna Have Blood), and Tim Ritter (Truth or Dare, Killing Spree). Building upon the success of its predecessors, Hi-8 (2013) and Hi-Death (2018), HI-FEAR will be available on Digital starting June 13 and on DVD from July 11. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable cinematic experience that will send shivers down your spine.
Outline: A determined and aspiring illustrator finds herself compelled to craft a collection of spine-chilling tales, delving into the depths of basic human fears, for an upcoming comic book project. However, as she conjures each story, the stakes intensify, growing more perilous with each passing moment. Plunging deeper into the very essence of malevolence, she uncovers a sinister truth that threatens her very existence. Brace yourself as she embarks on a treacherous journey, where the boundaries between imagination and reality blur, pushing her artistic talents to their limits and testing her resilience against the forces of darkness.
HI-FEAR will be released on Digital June 13th, and on DVD, July 11th, 2023.
Wild Eye Releasing drop trailer for JURASSIC SHARK 3: SEAVENGE
In B-movie horror JURASSIC SHARK 3: SEAVENGE, a fearless reporter, a resourceful cameraman, and a duo of hapless petty thieves find themselves stranded on a boat amidst the vast expanse of the ocean, their lives hanging in the balance against the relentless onslaught of a 50-foot prehistoric megalodon shark. As chaos ensues, they must overcome their differences and band together in a tongue-in-cheek battle for survival, navigating a series of comical mishaps while devising ingenious plans to outsmart the monstrous predator. With non-stop action, humor, and unexpected twists, this outrageous adventure proves that even in the face of danger, the unlikeliest of allies can rise to the occasion and save the day.
Wild Eye Releasing will be releasing JURASSIC SHARK 3: SEAVENGE in 2023.
The late Tom Sizemore and Tom Lister Jr star alongside Oscar nominee Sally Kirkland in the highly anticipated release of THE HAUNTING OF HELL HOLE MINE.
Outline: Inside a long-abandoned gold mine, lurks the Shakani, a dark supernatural being conjured by the Shanowah tribe ages ago to defeat their enemies. Not only ferocious and fast, but can appear as anyone and get inside your mind. Luke’s ancestors trapped it in the mine but each has also gone crazy. Now Luke’s niece Poni, has come down with “the family curse.” But Luke believes with the proper medical treatment she can be healed if only he can get the money to pay for it. So with a couple friends he tries his luck at the gold mine but gradually realizes he must defeat the Shakani and end the family curse.
THE HAUNTING OF HELL HOLE MINE is Coming to Digital Platforms in the U.S, May 18, 2023.
@BayViewEntertainment drop trailer for US crime movie, AN AWFUL THING HAS GONE AND HAPPENED.
Outline: After the tragic demise of her brother, a young woman receives a summons to return to her quaint mountain hometown. However, faced with her father's absence and a relentless murderer haunting the community, she embarks on a quest to unravel the secrets surrounding her brother's untimely death, all while evading the clutches of the relentless killer who seeks her demise.
Directed by Christopher Mitchell & Deborah Mitchell, AN AWFUL THING HAS GONE AND HAPPENED stars Robert LaSardo, Maggie Wehr, Chris Caulpetzer.
LOCAL HEROES, the incredible tale of three Nottingham Forest football players, Viv Anderson, Garry Birtles and Tony Woodcock who triumphed over adversity under the legendary Brian Clough.
This eye-opening film tells the incredible, little-known tale of three Nottingham Forest football players, Viv Anderson, Garry Birtles and Tony Woodcock who triumphed over adversity – during a time of major political and social upheaval and cultural change in the UK – to win the European Cup in 1979 and 1980, under legendary football manager Brian Clough.