Sandy DeLuca's Descent has been out for a while now, but Uninvited Books is giving it a boost with a new trailer, and since our goal is to keep you guys as informed about everything horror related in the literary realm as possible, we just had to share the news.

Synopsis:
A beautiful young painter falls in love with a dangerously sexy man who may be in league with the Devil... who may even be a devil. So begins her DESCENT into a world of violence and horror, a world of rituals and madness and unspeakable cruelty.

Can she retain her soul despite the things he does to her, the things he forces her to witness, the things he forces her to do? When you dance with the Devil, can you ever make it stop?

For my money you can never have too many zombie movies. I love them with every ounce of my heart and soul, and it always warms me inside to know that another one is on the way. Read on for details about the latest rotting romp coming at us!

Deadline reports that Anchor Bay Films has acquired English speaking terrritorial rights to The Demented and has added the thriller to its 2013 slate. Produced by Zero Gravity Management and ChickFlicks, The Demented is another zombie-fest populated by young genre fixtures that include I Spit on Your Grave‘s Sarah Butler, Michael Welch (The Twilight Saga), Kayla Ewell ("The Vampire Diaries"), Brittney Alger (21 Jump Street), and Richard Kohnke (Mighty Fine). Filming just wrapped in Louisiana, and Anchor Bay President Bill Clark made the deal.

It’s described as “an original zombie movie that we know horror audiences will love,” said Anchor Bay Acquisitions and Co-productions Executive VP Kevin Kasha. “Audiences can’t seem to get enough zombies lately, and we’re happy to give them fresh meat for their addiction. I’m so excited to be working with Sara Risher again. Sara was involved in all of the original Nightmare on Elm Street films while we were at New Line, and she did an amazing job. The Demented gives us an opportunity to be on the same team again.”

The script was penned by writer/director Chris Roosevelt. Benjamin Sacks and Bryan Sexton serve as Executive Producers. Zero Gravity’s Christine Holder, Mark Holder, and Damiano Tucci are producing alongside ChickFlicks’ Sara Risher. Shirley Craig, Phil Goldfine, and Steven R. Monroe are also producing.

Synopsis
Six college friends meet up for a carefree weekend that turns deadly. A terrorist attack in a nearby town infects much of the townspeople with a deadly virus that induces rabies-like symptoms, only far more severe. Several of those infected (the title characters) attack the estate where the friends have been vacationing. Can they survive? Where will they hide? Is anyone left? Will we ever get our fill of these flesh-eating zombie fiends?

More cinéma vérité-style Sasquatchploitation is on its way, and we've got all the details on who will be taking this latest trip into the land of Bigfoot. Pack heavy, kids; it's not safe to head out into the woods with just your camera!

From the Press Release
Grindstone Entertainment Group has acquired all North American rights for the feature film BIGFOOT COUNTY, a found footage thriller about a group of filmmakers who ventured into Siskiyou County in Northern California, an area widely known for its Bigfoot sightings, and disappeared. Their footage was found a year later. Grindstone will release the film this winter through Lionsgate Home Entertainment.

“I went up to shoot a movie on Bigfoot; then a local I met with presented me with evidence that blew my mind,” says BIGFOOT COUNTY director Stephon Stewart. “After seeing this film, you will begin to believe what many have doubted since the 1967 Patterson/Gimlin Bigfoot footage was released.”

Grindstone’s Ryan Black adds, “The film puts a scary twist on a classic legend. Bigfoot enthusiasts and horror fans alike will really enjoy what Stewart has created.”

In addition to his directing duties, Stewart also produced the film with Richard Halpern along with executive producers Johnnie Colter and Joey Napoli. Angelique De Luca is associate producer.

If you're not a fan of spoilers, then maybe you don't "need" to know these tidbits about "American Horror Story" Season 2, but the rest of us can't wait to hear what creator Ryan Murphy said recently about who the new "Rubber Man" is, if we'll see another Halloween episode, and lots more.

Murphy (@MrRPMurphy) held a Twitter Q&A earlier today, and TV Guide provided the following detailed transcript:

1. Season 2, known as "American Horror Story: Asylum", really is different: For those who didn't watch the first season, Murphy says you can start watching now without knowing anything. "It's a completely new story," he wrote. He also reiterated there would be no parallels to Season 1. "Not a single thing...except some of the actors." The returning cast members include Jessica Lange, Zachary Quinto, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, and Lily Rabe with the newbies being Adam Levine, Jenna Dewan, Clea DuVall, James Cromwell, Franka Potente, Mark Consuelos, Lizzie Brochere, Joseph Fiennes, Chloë Sevigny, and Chris Zylka. Also, this season will have 13 episodes, and seven of them are already written.

2. Heroes vs. villains: Though Murphy previously said returning actors would be playing the polar opposite of their characters from Season 1, he teased that Lange's nun would be a little bit villain and heroine.

3. Haunted Halloween: One way in which Season 2 will be similar is that there will be a Halloween-centric episode early in the run. "The second episode is our amazing Halloween episode," he wrote. This means "Horror Story" could return on Wednesday, October 24th, if FX wants the episode to actually air on Halloween.

4. The new Rubber Man: If you missed Murphy's photo of new cast member Levine, one of the new horrorific elements of "Asylum" was introduced. "Bloody Face is this year's Rubber Man," Murphy said.

5. A new theme: Last season's opening credits provided many hints at what would be in store for the season, which is why there will be a new sequence this year. "We are shooting a new title sequence with the same team that did last year's," Murphy wrote. "The song may stay...not sure."

Set at an East Coast asylum for the criminally insane, the upcoming Chapter 2 revolves around Lange's new character -- a nun -- and her boss at the institution, played by Cromwell, and is about sanity and tackling real-life horrors.

Last October I traversed all the haunted attractions Southern California had to offer -- and the biggest stand-out was DELUSION: an interactive play that puts you in the midst of some of the most jaw-dropping mayhem this writer has ever seen performed live.

We were wondering what creator/stuntman Jon Braver has in store for 2012, and now comes word that he's producing a follow-up for 2012 with none other than Neil Patrick Harris. Who knew NPH was such a haunted house fanatic?

Furthermore, auditions are being held in the L.A. area this weekend. Read on for complete details...

We can't wait!!!

Produced by Neil Patrick Harris and Jon Braver, DELUSION: The Crimson Queen marks the follow-up to 2011's "Best Haunted Attraction" (Fox LA) and "Hottest Ticket in LA" (NPR). The Crimson Queen seeks to further Haunted Play's concept of interactive horror theatre through disturbing immersion, suspenseful storytelling and explosive stunt work. Jon Braver (The Dark Knight Rises, Priest, Indiana Jones) writes and directs this year's show once again.

Haunted Play is now looking for highly energetic and excited actors/haunters to play out this disturbing tale in a 107-year-old mansion!

OPEN CALL AUDITION:
August 10th & 11th
10am - 10pm
2218 S. Harvard Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90018

Visit Haunted Play online for details.

Award-winning video game composer Sascha Dikiciyan has released a new teaser trailer for the upcoming Doomsday. The video invites fans into the horrifying electronic punk movement to be released this fall.

From the Press Release
Sonic Mayhem, also known as award-winning composer and soundtrack producer Sascha Dikiciyan, the creator of original music scores for video games such as Mass Effect 3, Mass Effect 2: Arrival, Quake II, Quake III: Arena and Tron: Evolution, has released a teaser video for his forthcoming EP, Doomsday. The first release of Sonic Mayhem's technological singularity concept, the teaser video invites you to experience a new wave of electronic punk movement coming this fall.

You can visit the official the Sonic Mayhem website to learn more.

Have you ever wanted to learn about what it takes to score music for popular game titles such as Darksiders II, Borderlands 2, and Assassin's Creed Revelations? Well a new panel at PAX Prime aims to show you just that! Read on to learn more!

From the Press Release
Ever wondered what it takes to score original music for AAA video games? Learn from four of the industry's most accomplished composers with diverse musical backgrounds as they share their experiences and discuss the craft of scoring music for some of the biggest franchises in interactive entertainment.

Featuring multiple award-winning composers Jesper Kyd (Darksiders II, Borderlands 2, Assassin's Creed I & II, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood & Revelations, Hitman 1-4); Michael McCann (Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Splinter Cell: Double Agent); Inon Zur (Dragon Age I & II, Prince of Persia, Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, RIFT); Sam Hulick (Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3).

Moderated by Emily Reese, Host & Producer of Minnesota Public Radio's "Top Score" podcast. Plus giveaways and a surprise guest! The panel will be followed by a Meet & Greet / Signing session.

When:
Kraken Theatre, Seattle
Saturday, September 1st
10.30am - 11.30am

About Jesper Kyd
Best known for composing the unique, thematic music soundtracks for multi-million selling franchises ASSASSIN'S CREED, BORDERLANDS and HITMAN, Kyd's compelling and distinctive scores feature a diverse array of instrumentation including orchestra, choir, soloists, acoustic manipulations and electronic soundscapes, immersing audiences with emotional depthand often described by critics as 'rousing,' 'surreal' and 'beautiful.' Spanning from his iconic electronic and symphonic scores for the HITMAN series which won him a BAFTA for Best Original Music, to the post-apocalyptic wasteland themes of BORDERLANDS, and his evocative Middle-Eastern and Renaissance-era scores for the history-inspired ASSASSIN'S CREED series, Jesper Kyd constantly evolves his craft as a leading artist for creating memorable and inspirational original soundtracks. His latest scores include the action/adventure DARKSIDERS II and the role-playing-shooter BORDERLANDS 2.

About Michael McCann
Renowned for his ambient cinematic scores and emotionally-charged organic soundscapes, Michael McCann has established himself as an uncompromising musical force in video games, television and film. His universally acclaimed score for DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION, which fuses industrial, choral, world and ambient elements into an epic cyber-noir, tour-de-force soundtrack, earned him nominations from the British Academy of Film & Television Arts, Spike TV VGAs, Hollywood Music in Media Awards, and landed him on IGN's list of the top 30 people working in video games in 2011. Michael's diverse work in film, TV and games has also earned him nominations from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences for SPLINTER CELL: DOUBLE AGENT (Game), 2 Genie nominations & 2 Leo Award nominations for sound design IT'S ALL GONE PETE TONG (Film), and a second HMMA nomination for his opening theme to the syndicated sci-tech drama series REGENESIS (TV). Michael continues to evolve his diverse resume, expanding on his work done in multiple fields with companies that have included Paramount Pictures, 2K / Firaxis, Discovery Channel & Alliance Atlantis.

About Inon Zur
Inon Zur composes emotionally dynamic music for film, television, anime and video games. A graduate of the Music Academy of Tel Aviv in Israel, Inon moved to Los Angeles to study the art of film music at the Dick Grove School of Music and UCLA with such luminaries as Jack Smalley, Alan Ferguson and Henry Mancini. His scores for film and television include AU PAIR, ESCAFLOWNE, DIGIMON, POWER RANGERS, STATE OF GRACE and GHOST WHISPERER: THE OTHER SIDE. Zur's Hollywood scoring expertise combined with his flair for powerful melodic writing is widely recognized in the world of interactive entertainment. Composing cinematic orchestral music for blockbuster franchises such as DRAGON AGE, PRINCE OF PERSIA, THE LORD OF THE RINGS, RIFT, TERA, EVERQUEST, LINEAGE, CRYSIS and FALLOUT, he has received international acclaim including award nominations from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and Spike TV as well as top honors at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards. Variety named Inon Zur one of the top music talents in interactive entertainment.

About Sam Hulick
Sam Hulick is a BAFTA award nominated and multiple award-winning composer, best known for creating the signature music for BioWare's epic sci-fi franchise MASS EFFECT. Sam composed the iconic "Mass Effect Theme" as well as "Uncharted Worlds," "From the Wreckage," "Sovereign's Theme," "Victory," "Uplink," and many other compositions for the original MASS EFFECT. The '80s inspired electronic score was lauded by critics as "One of the most memorable and unique soundtracks in gaming," (Game Informer) and won Best Original Score awards from IGN, GameSpy and GameSpot. For MASS EFFECT 2, Sam was again tapped for his adept skill of inventive blending of analog synths with orchestral instrumentation. The soundtrack features a suitably darker and more cinematic musical experience to complement the sequel's heavier subject matter. MASS EFFECT 2 received British Academy (BAFTA) and Spike TV VGA nominations for Best Original Score. The only composer to have worked on all three games in BioWare's blockbuster sci-fi trilogy, Hulick's compositions for MASS EFFECT 3 include "Mars", several key emotional scenes in the game ("I Was Lost Without You", "I'm Proud of You") and the epic finale ("An End, Once And For All"). Hulick also recently provided the new original score for MASS EFFECT 3: Extended Cut. The DLC includes new and extended cinematics that feature more of the emotionally impactful material Hulick was responsible for in MASS EFFECT 3. Sam is currently scoring music for BALDUR'S GATE: Enhanced Edition.

You can visit the official the PAX: Behind the Music of Blockbuster Video Games website to learn more!

They may have started off collaborating together on the first two installments of their hit found footage franchise, but for [REC] 3 and 4 Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza went off to direct separate sequels.

As unconventional as that may be, this is how the duo had decided to round out the story that they began in 2008 with the original film.

[REC] 3: Genesis (review) hit most VOD platforms last week and is gearing up for a theatrical engagement in early September and in honor of the sequel's release, Dread Central recently had the opportunity to catch up with Plaza to hear more about his third [REC] film as well as more on the film's tonal departure, creating a romantic story set during a gory viral outbreak and how planning a wedding is almost more difficult than planning for production.

Plaza also briefly chatted about what fans can expect for [REC] 4 and whether or not the fourth film will indeed be the end of the highly successful horror series. Read on for all the highlights from our exclusive interview with Plaza and look for more on [REC] 3 soon!

Dread Central: So how much fun was it to make this movie? It has such a great energy and is so unexpected considering the tone of the first two films- were you ever concerned at all that the loyal [REC] fans out there might be thrown off by how different this movie feels?

Paco Plaza: Not at all really; I went into this film knowing that I had a responsibility to the fans out there to deliver a great movie and I think we did just that. I definitely made this movie for the fans and myself in some ways because I am such a fan of movies in general, I wanted to see this world brought to life in a very different way than it had in past films. But it was a lot of fun making this movie and I think had we done the same thing again in part three, fans would have really been disappointed.

My co-writer (Luiso Berdejo) and I go to the movies a lot together and that feeling of surprise is becoming more and more rare at the theater. These days, everything seems to be exactly what I'm expecting so I wanted to get back some of that feeling. We get so much information about a film before we see it in theaters, that it is very rare to see something that is unexpected.

The second thing was that we really wanted to make [REC] 3 a romantic film, to tell a love story about a bride and her knight in shining armor and since that felt a little more tradition, stepping away from found footage felt very natural to me. I knew making this movie outside of the box was going to be risky but thankfully I had a lot of great producers who gave me the freedom to make the movie I wanted which was wonderful.

Dread Central: Can you talk more about your cast, particularly Leticia (Dolera) and Diego (Martin) who really carry this whole movie from start to finish? I was not expecting to watch a [REC] movie where I was really pulling for the characters to survive the way I did with this. It's definitely a testament to their performances; they were both fantastic.

Paco Plaza: It was my dream to work with both of them for a long time; I always had them in mind for these roles because I really wanted to work with them on this movie so we wrote these parts for them specifically. I just thought they both had so much they could offer to this story and they deliver some incredible performances. Their work exceeded my expectations time and time again.

And for me, they had to be believable and engaging or [REC] 3 would have failed- you have to believe that Clara would be the kind of person that would pick up a chainsaw on her wedding day to save her new husband and Leticia has that and more; she's so delicate but tough at the same time too. I didn't even get to do much prep time with either of them beforehand either so that chemistry onscreen is all them.

SPOILER ALERT There's this one scene where Koldo has to cut off Clara's arm and sure, it's a really great extreme moment of violence but there's something so romantic about that scene too and that's the balance we needed for this movie. We needed people to believe they were deeply in love, even while they were losing limbs. End SPOILER ALERT

Dread Central: Can you talk about some of the religious imagery that you used in [REC] 3; does it have any meaning in regards to this world or the stories from this series?

Paco Plaza: You know, that's not something I really thought about too much; it's a question I get asked a lot outside of Spain. I guess it's so deeply rooted in our culture that it just feels very natural and what we included in this felt natural to this story but none of it really has much meaning outside of its religious meanings.

Dread Central: Even though the first two films were certainly ambitious, I feel like [REC] 3 raised the bar even higher in terms of ambition considering the amount of cast you had to deal with, effects and basically planning a wedding. Did you ever wonder if you had bit off more than you could chew on this movie?

Paco Plaza: I have to say this- planning a movie is difficult but planning a wedding is so much worse! It was really hard and we had to do a lot of prep work- creating 'families' and basically, a wedding. We needed everything for a wedding so that was a lot of extra prep beyond the usual; I do think it was worth it though because the wedding stuff all turned out so great. People were just having so much fun they kept partying all night even after we finished shooting.

It was tough but made for some really special moments for me as well as everyone else working on set and throughout production.

Dread Central: I'm sure you can't reveal too much but can you tell us what the status for [REC] 4: Apocalypse is currently?

Paco Plaza: Well I can't say much because I don't want to get in trouble with Jaume but part four will be traditionally shot as well. We've opened that up with this film so we're continuing that way and I believe production will begin late this year or in early 2013. But that story does happen at the same time as the other films and will interconnect them in some surprising ways, I think. But that's all I can say or I'm in big trouble (laughs).

Dread Central: I know it's probably premature to ask this, but do you feel like fans will see more [REC] films after part four or will that really be the end?

Paco Plaza: Well, you know after the first [REC] I said I wouldn't do a sequel in a hundred years. Then after part 2, I said that I would absolutely not do another sequel and here we are. You just can't trust me anymore (laughs) so while I don't know of any immediate plans past part four, never say never.

Leticia Dolera (Spanish Movie, Semen, A Love Story, "White Glove") and Diego Martin (Three Meters Above the Sky, "There Is No One Alive") both star in Paco Plaza's [REC] 3: Genesis. For more check out the official [REC] 3: Genesis Facebook page.

More casting news has hit this crazy thing we call the interwebs for the big screen adaptation of Mortal Instruments. Or in this case... more possible casting news. Read on for the latest details on who could be signing up for active duty!

THR reports that Jonathan Rhys Meyers ("The Tudors," Mission Impossible 3) is in negotiations to join the cast of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, an adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s Young Adult fantasy novel from Constantin Film and Unique Pictures. If signed Rhys Meyers will play Valentine Morgenstern, a character who is described as a powerful but insane Shadowhunter looking to make the world pure at any cost.

Kevin Durand, Robert Maillet, Lily Collins, Robert Sheehan, Jemima West, Kevin Zegers, Lena Headey, Jared Harris, Godfrey Gao, and Jamie Campbell Bower star in the film helmed by Harald Zwart. Jessica Postigo and I. Marlene King wrote the script.

Synopsis:
Clary (Collins), a seemingly ordinary teenager, discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of young half-angel warriors locked in an ancient battle to protect our world from demons. After the disappearance of her mother, Clary must join forces with a group of Shadowhunters who introduce her to a dangerous alternate New York called Downworld, filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves, and other deadly creatures.

The Dutch one-sheet for Bait 3D has landed online, and we have it for you right here minus the wooden shoes. Those things can get really pricey, and don't even get us started about the splinters. Really, you're better off barefoot.

Click here to find out how to bring Bait 3D to your town via TUGG!

From the Press Release
Anchor Bay Films announces the September 18th release of BAIT 3D on DVD, Blu-ray™ and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack. Natively shot in 3D and filled with terrifying special effects and bloodthirsty Great White sharks, Bait 3D is a fun and action-packed thrill ride. SPR is $29.99 for the Blu-ray™ 3D, Blu-ray™ and DVD combo, and $24.98 for the DVD. Special features include a gallery of original production storyboards.

This intense 3D thriller tells the story of a group of survivors in a sleepy beach town who suddenly find themselves trapped inside a submerged supermarket, following a freak tsunami. As they try to escape to safety, they soon discover that there is a predator among them more deadly than the threat of drowning—vicious great white sharks lurking in the water, hungry for fresh meat. As the bloodthirsty sharks begin to pick the survivors off one by one, the group realizes that they must work together to find a way out without being eaten alive.

Bait 3D features a stellar ensemble cast including Xavier Samuel (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse), Sharni Vinson (Step Up 3D), Alex Russell (Chronicle), and Julian McMahon (Fantastic Four).

For more check out the official Bait 3D Facebook Page.

When it comes to television, "The X-Files" was an amazing show. When it comes to the big screen, the movies based on that show fall flatter than a flaccid ninety-year-old with an empty bottle of Viagra. Especially the last one. Could another right those wrongs?

Collider recently caught up with star David Duchovny, who had this to say about the possibility of a third film...

"One of the greatnesses of the show was its open-endedness," Duchovny tells the site. "It was about possibility. It wasn’t about closure. It just couldn’t be. There is no such thing as that story ever ending. Those characters are forever searching. That’s what they do. Even if we’re not watching them, they’re out there, in some dimension. Mulder and Scully are still doing their thing ‘cause that’s their nature."

He continues, "I would love to do another film, or more. I think we’re all game for it. I know I’m kind of perplexed that Fox isn’t more [enthusiastic]. Here’s a homegrown property that you don’t have to go buy, like fuckin’ Green Lantern or something, to make it. Here you’ve got an actual action franchise that’s your own. It’s weird to me, but I’m not an executive. I don’t know if they made the Green Lantern either, but I’m just using that as an example of, 'Why make that film? Why not make a homegrown franchise that is excellent and that has proven to be excellent and interesting?' I don’t get it, but that’s not my business."

As for the debacle that was The X-Files: I Want to Believe...

"I think Chris [Carter] is probably working on an idea so we’ll see. Unfortunately, with the last one, they didn’t spend the money to compete in a summer fashion, and they brought it out in the summer. It should be a summer film. It should be an action film. But the last one we made was not. The last one we made was a dark, contemplative, small $25 million film. It was basically an independent film. When you come out against Batman, it’s not going to happen. You’re not going to be sold as an independent film, and you’re not going to compete against Batman with $25 million."

Alrighty, kids, it's time to focus your eyes on some ghostly proceedings! We have a couple of dozen new images from the upcoming terror tale The Apparition right here waiting for you. Sit back, relax, and get spooked!

Look for the flick in theatres on August 24th, 2012.

Directed by Todd Lincoln, the flick stars Ashley Greene (Twilight), Sebastian Stan (Black Swan, The Covenant), Luke Pasqualino, Julianna Guill (Friday the 13th, Altitude), and Tom Felton (Rise of the Apes, 13 HRS, The Disappeared).

Synopsis
When frightening events start to occur in their home, young couple Kelly (Ashley Greene) and Ben (Sebastian Stan) discover they are being haunted by a presence that was accidentally conjured during a university parapsychology experiment. The horrifying apparition feeds on their fear and torments them no matter where they try to run. Their last hope is an expert in the supernatural (Tom Felton), but even with his help they may already be too late to save themselves from this terrifying force…

As someone who lives in San Diego, I've been curious about the reaction of the real Whaley House toward The Asylum's recently released The Haunting of Whaley House, and let's just say it's not good.

San Diego City Beat did a little digging and learned the following:

The basic plot of the Whaley House [film] follows a group of teens who sneak into the titular house and get murdered, one-by-one, by the vengeful ghost of Thomas Whaley and the other spirit of Whaley lore, Yankee Jim. As the body count rises, so does the tension—hence this amazing line of dialogue: “This house is haunted as fuck,” which is said not once, but twice in the movie. (Other great lines include: “Now they’re fucking possessing us! I’ve had it with this shit!” and the simple-but-effective “Fuck you, ghost!”)

You don’t need to go on the educational, non-haunted-as-fuck tour of the historic house to see that the filmmakers took great liberties with the Whaley legacy. For example, the Whaleys in the film are hell-bent on replacing their dead daughter, Violet Whaley, with the main character (by means of fucking possession!), while Yankee Jim—depicted as a drippy skeleton—melts everyone else’s skin off. None of this is mentioned in the official Whaley House brochure.

As obvious as these disparities are, the fact that the filmmakers didn’t use the actual house, or even film in San Diego (the Bembridge House in Long Beach acted as the Whaley stand-in), gives the film a snaky quality. It feels like the filmmakers borrowed just enough not to have to pay respect to the Whaley legend, a sentiment that raises the question: Do movies like this tarnish the historical reputation of one of San Diego’s most iconic landmarks?

Whaley House writer/director Jose Prendes claims that he was hesitant to attach the Whaley name to his haunted house script and agreed to do it only when it became a financial stipulation from The Asylum.

“I pitched [The Asylum] a whole bunch of haunted house plots with no real name,” he says during a phone interview. “‘A family moves in and etc.’ or ‘Some kids break into a house and etc.’ A few days after I sent them a handful of pitches, they told me, ‘We’re going to focus it on the Whaley House; we want to deal specifically with that location. At least the title of the movie has to be The Haunting of Whaley House.’ I’m guessing they wanted to market the movie off the fact that it was considered America’s Most Haunted Home.”

When asked what, if any, permissions were needed to use the Whaley name, Prendes says, “That part is on the producers and their lawyers,” but he concedes that he did, indeed, seek permission from the ghosts.

“I went down to Old Town and visited the house, and I went to the cemetery next door where Yankee Jim was buried. I feel like I communed with the house. I said, ‘They want me to do a movie about you. I hope it’s OK.’ I hope I got permission from the spirits, you know? That was it. I started writing.”

Unfortunately, ghosts can’t grant such permissions. Alana Coons, Education & Communications Director of Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO), which manages and operates the Whaley House, says The Asylum initially contacted SOHO regarding a Whaley film but offered no follow-up after preliminary discussions and never secured permissions. She says that SOHO is pursuing action against The Asylum (no stranger to legal action: Universal filed a lawsuit against the company earlier this year for the Battleship knockoff, American Warship).

“The information available on the film depicts the Whaley House as a location of significant paranormal activity, which results in the exposure of visitors to unimaginable horrors and physical violence. Clearly this is not consistent with the image that SOHO strives to promote,” Coons writes in an email. “The filmmakers have no concern for the tens of thousands of volunteer man-hours and financial resources dedicated to the home,” Coons continues. “Nor have they exhibited any interest or capacity for the respect, honor and integrity that are integral in the business world to which they strive to be a part of with their ‘filmmaking.’ Any harm to the property, loss of revenues due to the depiction of the film or harm or emotional distress to our docents that are directly caused by this ridiculous film will be entirely the fault of the filmmakers and damages will be sought.”

There are few serial killers as infamous as Jack the Ripper. The simple fact that his killing spree remains unsolved is the stuff of legend. A new show coming from BBC One is looking to add a procedural spin to the famous tale. Are you ready to visit "Ripper Street"?

Starring Matthew Macfadyen and Jerome Flynn, "Ripper Street" is a brand new original British drama for BBC One.

Synopsis
April 1889 – six months since the last Jack the Ripper killing, East London is emerging into a fragile peace, hopeful that this killer’s reign of terror might at last have run its course. Nowhere is this truer than in the corridors of H Division, the police precinct charged with keeping order in the chaos of Whitechapel. Its men hunted this maniac and failed to find him.

"Ripper Street" is their story. A police procedural set in the teeming streets of the East End as it moves into the last decade of the 19th Century. H Division was responsible for policing a relatively small area of just 1¼ square miles; yet, into that space were packed some 67,000 people, a seething, bustling mass of the poor and dispossessed.

"Ripper Street" is not another backward-looking "Hunt the Ripper" story but a fictionalized trek into the heart of a London borough living in the blood-soaked aftermath of that forever anonymous killer. It is an investigative procedural about dedicated policemen for whom life – and crime – go on.

Another day, another casting announcement for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Who's the next person who'll be competing in The Quarter Quell? E. Roger Mitchell, who's been tapped to play Chaff in the film.

Here's the lowdown courtesy of The Hunger Games on Facebook:

A tribute from District 11, Chaff won the 45th Annual Hunger Games and will compete in the Quarter Quell. As for Mitchell, he's a Miami, Florida, native, who can also be seen in the upcoming The Last Exorcism 2 and Awakened. His prior TV experience includes "One Tree Hill" and "The Shield."

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins as Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow (Donald Sutherland) prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) – a competition that could change Panem forever.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will be directed by Francis Lawrence and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has sold more than 50 million books in print and digital in the U.S. alone.

Lionsgate will release The Hunger Games: Catching Fire on November 22, 2013.

Konami has announced that a new title update has been deployed for Silent Hill HD Collection on PlayStation 3. However, players awaiting the update for Xbox 360 will have to wait a little longer. Read on to learn more.

From the Press Release
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. announced that while a PlayStation 3 online title update for Silent Hill HD Collection has been deployed for download via PlayStation Network, plans for an XBOX 360 title update have been cancelled due to technical issues and resources.

Understanding the issues some users are experiencing, KONAMI issued a title update for Silent Hill HD Collection (PS3), which fixed frame rate issues as well as audio-synching and other reported issues. KONAMI apologizes to any players who are continuing to experience these issues on the XBOX 360 sku.

You can visit the official Silent Hill HD Collection website to learn more.

Dark Blood is a free-to-play MMO brawler that is immersed in a dark fantasy world. The game has recently received a massive update that includes a level cap raise, new map expansion and much more!

From the Press Release
Dark Blood, the hit free-to-play dark fantasy MMO arcade brawler, delighted its community overnight with a level cap raise to Level 40 and a thrilling map expansion that includes deep exploration of the mythic Quern Castle, its possessed dungeons, mobs and bosses. It is the castle from the tutorial where players train under unrelenting attacks, where poisonous gas turns knights into whacked out zombies, and goblins and one eyed monsters with a lot of personality trapse across dramatic cliffs and marsh intent on claiming flesh and soul.

"Act III is so hardcore and the fighting so fierce, players will be left breathless. The game is extremely challenging and unforgiving in this new territory, and unbelievably alive and wicked," said Philip Yun, CEO, Outspark. "There are actually so many new monsters each with their own bizarre traits, high-fiving each other, players are sure to break a sweat while laughing out loud."

You can visit the official Dark Blood website to learn more.

RaiderZ is now in closed beta testing. The game lets players battle deadly monsters in the dramatic pace of traditional MMORPGs. Read on to learn more about joining the closed beta today!

From the Press Release
Perfect World Entertainment Inc. has announced that closed beta testing for the monster-hunting MMORPG RaiderZ has officially begun. Starting today, players confirmed for RaiderZ closed beta testing may login for an early look at the award-winning and highly anticipated free MMORPG.

"It's a good day to hunt monsters with friends," said Mark Hill, Senior Producer, Perfect World. "We're excited to welcome closed beta participants to login and explore the world of Rendel - and we thank everyone in advance for helping make RaiderZ even better before it launches later this year."

In RaiderZ, players must "Hunt Together or Die Alone" if they hope to succeed in battle against Rendel's most deadly creatures. Whether about it's the game's action-oriented combat system, flexible class system, unique and engaging boss encounters, or stunning environments, RaiderZ introduces a dramatic change of pace from most traditional MMORPGs. Find out what critics and fans are talking about by joining the RaiderZ closed beta today!

You can visit the official RaiderZ website to get started!

Dungeons Defenders has added a brand new DLC which will add the Jester class. The new class has the ability to wield any weapon and offers up the Jester's Wheel of Fortuna. The DLC is temporarily FREE, and you can read on to learn how to get it!

From the Press Release
Trendy Entertainment has announced that available now on Steam, absolutely free for two weeks only, the Jester is here to change things up in Dungeon Defenders. This new class introduces chaos with her ability to wield any weapon. Also, instead of towers, the Jester drops gift-wrapped “Presents” that explode on enemies to reveal random defenses and bonuses. Players will definitely want to get their hands on this character soon, because after these first two weeks she’ll set you back $3.99.

That’s not all, though – beyond the Jester’s Wheel of Fortuna (which grants random bonuses and can decimate friends and foe alike) and Move Tower (allowing her to adapt defensive strategies and react to any combat situation) abilities, a brand new map called GameLand makes its debut. With four brand-new weapons and a male Jester skin (the Fool), this DLC pack is definitely worth picking up.

You can visit the official Dungeon Defenders page on Steam along with the Jester DLC to learn more.

Infinite Dreams has announced that Shoot the Zombirds has received a major update that brings all new features to the game. Players will defend little Pumpkids against the hordes of undead birds. Read on to see what the new update has to offer!

From the Press Release
Infinite Dreams, award-winning mobile games publisher has announced important update to their popular game Shoot The Zombirds. The premium update adds new gameplay features.

This innovative and terribly addictive gameplay combined with the zombie themed story and amazing graphics fully support such languages as Italian, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Polish, Japanese and Simplified Chinese. Additionally game has been updated with new features, including new costume and power-up available in the Grave Store.

Do you remember Pumpkin Boy? Last year he was protecting little Pumpkids from the evil birds. Now, that the Pumpkids have grown up a bit, the undead birds are after them once again.

Dive into the new and absorbing game of bird and zombie shooting. Both at the same time! Defend little Pumpkids against the demonic hordes of undead birds. Complete dozens of challenging objectives! Use your loyal crossbow and big magic power-ups to reach the top of the leaderboards!

Features:

You can visit the official Shoot the Zombirds page on Google Play to learn more.