Mickey Keating is a name that all horror fans are becoming increasing familiar with, thanks to films like Ultra Violence and Ritual. Up next he traps a sinister entity in Pod, which premieres next month at SXSW. Check out a clip, and expect more soon!

Written and directed by Keating, the film stars Lauren Ashley Carter, Dean Cates, Larry Fessenden, Brian Morvant and John Weselcouch.

Synopsis:

After receiving a troubling voicemail, estranged siblings Ed and Lyla travel to their isolated family lake house in Maine to hold an intervention on their increasingly paranoid, war veteran brother, Martin. But the situation rapidly spirals out of control when they discover the house completely ransacked and learn that Martin has constructed an elaborate and horrifying conspiracy theory surrounding a sinister entity that he believes he has trapped in the basement.

The post SXSW 2015: Head into the Basement with Clip from Mickey Keating’s Pod appeared first on Dread Central.

I couldn’t possibly be more excited about Mad Max: Fury Road, which blasts its way into theaters on May 15th. Perfectly timed with the release, Scream Factory is putting the original classic onto Blu-ray, and we’ve got all the details for you today!

On May 5, 2015, Scream Factory is proud to present Mad Max Collector’s Edition Blu-ray, packed with insightful bonus content, including all-new interviews with Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, director of photography David Eggby, special audio commentary, retrospective featurettes and much more. This definitive collector’s edition contains a collectible cover featuring newly rendered retro-style artwork and a reversible cover wrap featuring original theatrical key art.

Setting Mel Gibson on a sure path to superstardom, this highly acclaimed “crazy collide-o-scope” (Newsweek) of highway mayhem “cinematically defined the post-apocalyptic landscape” (TV Guide). Featuring eye-popping stunts that are “electrifying and very convincing” (Variety) and “an authentically nihilistic spirit” (The Village Voice), this unforgettable actioner from director George Miller is “pure cinematic poetry” (Time).

In the ravaged near-future, a savage motorcycle gang rules the road. Terrorizing innocent civilians while tearing up the streets, the ruthless gang laughs in the face of a police force hell-bent on stopping them. But they underestimate one officer: Max (Gibson). And when the bikers brutalize Max’s best friend and family, they send him into a mad frenzy that leaves him with only one thing left in the world to live for – revenge! MAD MAX also stars Joanne Samuel (Nightmaster), Hugh Keays-Byrne (Mad Max: Fury Road) and Steve Bisley (The Great Gatsby, Red Hill).

Avid fans and collectors take note: those who order Mad Max Collector’s Edition Blu-ray directly from ShoutFactory.com will get it shipped two weeks early, plus receive an exclusive 18″x24″ poster featuring the newly commissioned artwork. Available while supplies last.

Special Features:

• NEW Interviews with Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel and Director of Photography David Eggby
• Audio Commentary by Art Director Jon Dowding, Director of Photography David Eggby, Special Effects Artist Chris Murray and Tim Ridge
• Mel Gibson: The Birth Of A Superstar
• Mad Max: The Film Phenomenon
• Theatrical Trailers
• TV Spots
• Photo Galleries
• Contains Both the Original Australian English Audio and the U.S. English Dubbed Audio

The post Full Details on Scream Factory’s Ass-Kicking Mad Max Collector’s Edition Blu-ray appeared first on Dread Central.

Ever wonder what it would be like to get abducted by aliens? It’s something I often ponder as I drift off to sleep, and thankfully we’ve got science fiction movies to give us answers to those questions. Up next from the alien abduction sub-genre is Ejecta (review), which hits VOD today courtesy of IFC Midnight.

Directed by Chad Archibald and Matt Wiele, the flick stars Julian Richings (Cube), Lisa Houle (Pontypool), and Adam Seybold (Exit Humanity).

Ejecta tells the terrifying story of two men whose lives cross paths on a fateful night during a once in a lifetime solar storm. An unknown presence besieges the men on a remote farm, triggering an intense struggle to survive not only the night but also the horrific interrogations and tortures of an anonymous organization who will stop at nothing to learn the truth about what the two men witnessed.

As a quick reminder, the Dread Central-produced anthology flick Zombieworld is also out on both DVD and VOD this week, so if you’re looking for gory insanity to partake in this weekend, you needn’t look any further.

Zombieworld is a collection of short films 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 and guts is brought to life by a group of new and up-and-coming directors from around the world.

The post Today on VOD: Get Abducted by Aliens in Ejecta appeared first on Dread Central.

As the weeks have passed, we’ve grown a lot more interested in The CW’s new show “iZombie.” This latest piece of artwork is a fine example of just why that is. Dig it!

“iZombie” premieres on Tuesday, March 17th.

About “iZombie”:
Olivia “Liv” Moore was a rosy-cheeked, disciplined, over-achieving medical resident who had her life path completely mapped out… until the night she attended a party that unexpectedly turned into a zombie feeding frenzy. Now, as one of the newly undead, Liv is doing her best to blend in and look as human as possible. Her appearance passes for “Goth,” with shockingly pale skin and nearly white hair, and her demeanor has gone from exuberant to exhausted.

The change in Liv is baffling to her former fiancé, Major; her mother, Eva; and her best friend and roommate, Peyton, who still has the high-energy, Type-A personality that Liv has completely abandoned. Despite her post-traumatic ennui, Liv has devised a clever way to resist her baser urges to devour fresh human brains – she’s taken a job in the Seattle coroner’s office. In this appropriately dead-end job, Liv can secretly snack on the brains of the many Jane and John Doe corpses that make a final stop in the morgue. Despite carefully covering her tracks, Liv’s brilliant but eccentric boss, Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti, discovers her secret and is surprisingly excited about the scientific possibilities. Dr. Ravi even helps Liv in her search for Blaine, the zombie responsible for her current undead status.

Even with her boss’ enthusiasm, Liv remains resigned to an eternity as a zombie without hope or purpose – until she realizes that with every brain she consumes, she retains a portion of that person’s memories. Liv suddenly begins to experience disturbing and often violent visions from the point of view of the murder victims. Much to the surprise of Dr. Ravi and homicide detective Clive Babineaux, Liv often has detailed knowledge of crime scenes and motives that she can’t easily explain. Posing as a psychic, she works with Detective Babineaux to investigate these crimes and discover who is responsible. It’s not the same as being alive again, but at least she can find purpose in her undead existence by helping Clive solve the murders of those who are indeed fully dead.

Related Story: Rose McIver and Robert Buckley Talk Their iZombie Characters’ Relationship and More

The series stars Rose McIver (“Masters of Sex,” “Once Upon a Time”) as Liv, Malcolm Goodwin (“Breakout Kings”) as Clive Babineaux, newcomer Rahul Kohli as Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti, Robert Buckley (“One Tree Hill”) as Major Lilywhite, and David Anders (“Once Upon a Time,” “The Vampire Diaries”) as Blaine DeBeers.

Based upon characters created by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred and published by DC Entertainment’s Vertigo imprint, “iZOMBIE” is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Spondoolie Productions and Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Rob Thomas (“Veronica Mars,” “Party Down,” “Cupid”), Diane Ruggiero-Wright (“Veronica Mars,” “The Ex List,” “That’s Life”), Danielle Stokdyk (“Veronica Mars,” “Party Down,” “Cupid”), and Dan Etheridge (“The Carrie Diaries,” “Veronica Mars,” “Party Down”).

The post New iZombie Artwork Is PURE Brain Food! appeared first on Dread Central.

What is in The Void? Word is that there be monsters there. And you can finally see that now that the film’s Indiegogo site has been blessed with two new bits of artwork!

From the Press Release:
Cult indie directors Steven Kostanski and Jeremy Gillespie (Manborg, “W Is for WISH” from ABCs of Death 2) and producer Casey Walker of Cave Painting Pictures (A Little Bit Zombie) have launched an Indiegogo campaign to get a head start on pre-production for THE VOID, an original horror film that pits a small-town police officer against all manner of otherworldly creatures in a derelict, rural hospital.

“We’re launching this campaign early in order ensure that the film’s special effects are achieved practically. It’s important to start building our film’s creatures immediately to ensure we can realize them on set and in-camera,” said Kostanski and Gillespie.

Typical independent productions access funding mere weeks before a shooting window, often necessitating that visual effects be implemented during post-production, when the filmmakers have more time and resources to apply them. “Through crowd-fundraising support, Cave Painting Pictures intends to buck that trend by prioritizing the pre-production period and permitting Steven and Jeremy to get a head start in the development of the various creatures that will terrorize the heroes of THE VOID,” said Walker.

THE VOID marks a new chapter in the rising trajectory of Kostanski and Gillespie, who are also both design and FX veterans of major Hollywood productions. This project sees them shedding their parodic sensibilities (as seen in their previous films made as part of Winnipeg’s Astron-6 collective) in pursuit of a more serious and scary tone. However, as in Kostanski and Gillespie’s previous films, there will still be a strong commitment to practical special effects.

The film is on track to go to camera this summer.

The post Two New Posters Found in The Void appeared first on Dread Central.

The details of Dark Sky Films’ release of From the Dark (review) have arrived. Look for it to be coming to Digital Download and DVD and Blu-ray from Dark Sky Films on April 14, 2015.

From the Press Release:
When a young couple embarks on a road trip through the Irish countryside, car trouble lands them in a place that few people would choose to visit, in the stunning new horror film FROM THE DARK. From the director of the acclaimed Stitches, it will be available on VOD and Digital Download from Dark Sky Films on April 14, 2015. Director Conor McMahon, the “mad genius” (We Got This Covered) behind the sensations Stitches and Dead Meat, reveals new levels of horror and suspense in his follow-up feature, FROM THE DARK. While his previous films blended dark, deranged humor with thrills, McMahon’s new film, an original production from genre specialists Dark Sky Films, is pure, relentless horror that never lets viewers catch their breath. The film will also receive a DVD and Blu-ray release day & date.

Sarah (Niamh Algar, Vikings, The Light of Day) and Mark (Stephen Cromwell, The Legend of Longwood, Red Rock) are traveling through rural Ireland when car trouble strikes. The couple must head out on foot to find any sign of civilization. Eventually they come upon a lonely house – but the man inside is wounded, and when they try to help him, he attacks. Sarah and Mark manage to escape but soon they are confronted by something even worse.

A sinister being has awakened from a thousand-year sleep and it has set its sights on the stranded young couple. Deep within the dark bog, the two are faced with an unimaginable evil, but they soon realize that there may be one thing that can stop the creature: light. As the sun sets and light sources dwindle, the creature becomes more powerful, and Sarah and Mark find themselves in a fight for their lives where a gas lamp or even just the illumination of a single match may be the only thing that can save them.

Fangoria’s Shawn Macomber wrote, “FROM THE DARK is a taut, coiled piece of dread-infused cinema that … absolutely delivers everything one could hope for.”

The post From the Dark Emerges a DVD appeared first on Dread Central.

Starring Andy Powers, Peter Stormare, Laura Allen, Elizabeth Whitmere, Christian Distefano

Directed by Jon Watts

Distributed by Studiocanal

Real estate agent Kent (Powers) is a doting father to his son, Jack (Distefano), and devoted husband to his wife, Meg (Allen). Determined to ensure that his son’s 10th birthday party goes off without a hitch when the clown booked for the event is unable to show, Kent decides to don a costume and makeup that he has fortuitously found hidden in an old trunk in the basement of his latest property assignment.

Bad idea.

Once the party is over, Kent finds himself having a hell of a time trying to get both the costume and the accompanying makeup to come off. He can’t remove the bulbous red nose, the pasty white face paint, the multicoloured wig, nor the full body suit no matter how hard he tries – much to the initial amusement of his wife.

It quickly becomes apparent that there’s absolutely nothing funny about this particular clown costume, nor Kent’s situation. Seeking the help of the reclusive and eccentric Mr. Karlsson (Stormare), whose brother owned the trunk and costume, Kent learns that the suit is actually the skin of a mythical child-eating creature… and it will soon consume him, transforming him into a slavering beast hungry for the flesh of the young.

he core concept of Clown is such a great one that it’s a real surprise it hasn’t been attempted previously (yes, we’ve had demonic, child-eating clowns before, but never quite like this). Director Watts and co-writer Christopher Ford set the story off at a rocketing pace, wasting very little time in getting Kent into the costume and off for a hell-ride, before slowing down in the second act to focus a little more on the personal effects of his metamorphosis.

And while there’s a consistent undercurrent of dark comedy playing throughout the whole piece, Clown is without a doubt an out-and-out horror film, mixing the body-horror elements of David Cronenberg’s The Fly with nods to the demonic possession genre. Watts refuses to play it safe when it comes to the gore, and especially when it comes to the death and mutilation of young children – something which is likely to catapult Clown to almost instant cult status.

From innocent, friendly young kids to spoilt-rotten schoolyard bullies, children are bitten, punctured, ripped apart and consumed on a semi-frequent basis – though Watts knows exactly what he’s doing, so while it’s undoubtedly shocking, it’s never gratuitous or mean-spirited. There’s always a knowing wink in the camera’s eye when one of the young ‘uns is dispatched.

The film’s snappy pace and consistent shocks are well held together by an enthralling mythology, delivered through Stormare’s engaging performance as Karlsson. He’s the kind of actor who does wild eccentricity exceptionally well – and he’s just as good as you’d expect here. Unfortunately, he isn’t around for anywhere near as long as you would hope. Besides him, Laura Allen is the main star of the show as the suffering wife, trying to come to terms with her husband’s affliction and, later, protect both herself and her child from him.

On the negative side of things, despite being the central character, Andy Powers isn’t really given a ton to do as Kent. For the most part, he’s an everyman, and he reacts to his situation like an everyman. The frustration and fear that he delivers feel authentic, but Clown doesn’t put quite enough effort into developing the family dynamic that would make the core tragedy at play here have more of an impact. Before we get much of a feel for Kent all-round, he’s mainly replaced by the scowling monstrous form demanding satiety by way of children – peeking through occasionally to beg for help. That’s not a failing of the actor at all… just a few script tweaks could have helped build a stronger emotional web for the film to operate in.

Taking centre stage above everything else, however, are Clown‘s creature design work and special effects, which are excellent across the board. That dark humour creeps in through the design, too, which features hilarious pastel-coloured blood first revealed as the punch line to an otherwise grim suicide attempt. The monster is inspired, with Kent’s suit gradually taking on a more organic, reptilian form as it adheres to his body. By the end the full transformation is in swing, and it’s a classical creature-feature sight to behold, party hat-shaped horn and all. It would have been nice to see it in action a little bit more than we do at the film’s finale, though.

Despite failing to truly bring itself home in terms of emotional impact, Clown is still one heck of an entertaining flick. Watts has crafted an effective shocker, sporting some great set-pieces – effectively turning an adventure playground into a claustrophobic hunting ground in one instance – in which nobody truly feels safe (especially the kids!). He ably keeps the tension mounting as Kent’s condition worsens and ultimately delivers some nice old-school, gore-soaked monster madness that’s painted with the blackest of wit.

Doing a disservice to the film, Studiocanal’s UK DVD release of Clown is a completely bare bones party. Not including some behind-the-scenes looks at the effects work (at the very least) feels like a grossly missed opportunity.

The post Clown (UK DVD) appeared first on Dread Central.

Normally, when securing materials for new and upcoming releases, we like to get our hands on clips from the film itself, but considering we’ve given David Hayter’s Wolves (review here) a good dose of love on the US side of things, we figured that on this occasion we’d do something a little different.

And so… feast your eyes on an extended gag reel of goofs and howlers from the set of the aforementioned X-Men scribe’s fur-flying horror-themed actioner, along with a batch of character cards.

Wolves is out on UK DVD from 2nd March, courtesy of Altitude Film Entertainment, and stars Jason Momoa (TV’s “Game of Thrones”) and X-Men‘s Lucas Till.

Related Story:  UK Readers: Win a Copy of Wolves on DVD!

Synopsis:
When high-school student Cayden (Till) finds his parents have been brutally murdered, he goes on the run and arrives in the small town of Lupine Ridge, where he discovers the hairy truth to his nature…

The town is home to feuding clans of werewolves, and when Cayden starts to fall for the beautiful Angelina (Patterson), he finds himself as love-rival of brutal clan alpha and pureblood lycan Connor (Momoa). But can Cayden survive and get the girl as the werewolves prepare for a fight to the death?

The post UK Exclusive: Wolves Gag Reel Serves Up a Few Howlers appeared first on Dread Central.

The breakout film from the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, It Follows is a contemporary horror exploring teen sex, suburbia and the stuff of nightmares – a cult classic in the making from one of the most exciting filmmaking talents around.

It Follows (review) landed in UK and Irish cinemas yesterday, 27th February, and to celebrate, we have one limited edition It Follows T-shirt to give away, courtesy of Icon Film Distribution!

To be in with a chance of winning, simply send an email to contests@dreadcentral.com with the subject line IT FOLLOWS T-SHIRT, including YOUR FULL NAME AND POSTAL ADDRESS. We’ll take care of the rest.

This competition is open only to UK readers. Entries must be received before the contest closing date of Tuesday 17th March.

Related Story: Sundance 2015: Keir Gilchrist Talks It Follows

With a strikingly ominous electronic score by Disasterpeace, It Follows is an artful psychosexual thriller from David Robert Mitchell (The Myth of the American Sleepover). The film stars Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Daniel Zovatto, Jake Weary, Olivia Luccardi, and Lili Sepe.

Synopsis:
For 19-year-old Jay (Monroe), the fall should be about school, boys and weekends at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she finds herself plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, or something, is following her. Faced with this burden, Jay and her teenage friends must find a way to escape the horrors that seem to be only a few steps behind.

The post UK Readers: Win a Limited Edition It Follows T-Shirt! appeared first on Dread Central.

Originally produced in the 1960s, Fisher Price’s Little People line is one that still continues to this day, and it’s been a staple of the childhoods of so many. The line consisted of figures with round heads and limbless bodies, and are immediately recognizable to anyone who ever played with them.

Putting a horror spin on the iconic line, bootleg toy company Jack’s Attic is boldly going where Fisher Price never went, by releasing custom-made Little People toys of the horror genre’s most beloved icons. Their line is of course called Kill People, and Michael Myers is the latest addition.

Hand-cast, hand-assembled and hand-painted, these unique Michael Myers toys are available in fifteen different styles, ranging from a lime green version titled ‘Ecto Killer’ to the Halloween 2-inspired ‘Bloody Tears.’ At least five and as many as fifteen of each design are up for grabs.

Check out the images below to see all the different variants, and head over to Jack’s Attic to purchase your favorites, for just $8. Designs are going fast, so don’t hesitate!

The post These Fisher Price-Style Michael Myers Toys Will Slash Your Wallet appeared first on Dread Central.

The CW wants to remind you that “The Originals” returns on March 9th so the network has released a new promo for the upcoming Episode 2.15, “They All Asked for You.” As the Mikaelsons have shown us time and time again, the family that slays together stays together!

Related Story: Klaus-Centric Photos from The Originals Episode 2.15 – They All Asked for You

“The Originals” Episode 2.15 – “They All Asked for You” (airs 3/9/15)
UNLIKELY ALLIANCES — When a dangerous run-in with a coven of vengeful witches forces Rebekah (guest star Maisie Richardson-Sellers) to align with Marcel (Charles Michael Davis), they quickly discover that the body Rebekah is currently inhabiting has a checkered past.  Upon learning that Rebekah is in danger, Elijah (Daniel Gillies) seeks out a respected elder witch, Josephine (guest star Meg Foster), in the hopes she might offer her assistance. 

Meanwhile, tensions build when Klaus (Joseph Morgan) clashes with Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) and Jackson (guest star Nathan Parsons) over how best to protect baby Hope from Finn (Yusuf Gatewood).  Elsewhere, Freya (guest star Riley Voelkel) convinces Finn to bring her to Mikael (guest star Sebastian Roche), the father she hasn’t seen in over a thousand years. 

Lastly, a confrontation with Freya leaves Elijah and Klaus questioning whether they can trust their long-lost sister.  Chris Grismer directed the episode written by Michelle Paradise.

For more info visit “The Originals” on CWTV.com, “like” “The Originals” on Facebook, and follow “The Originals” on Twitter.

The post New Promo for The Originals Ep. 2.15 – They All Asked for You – Tells a Story appeared first on Dread Central.

Excited to taste a new flavor of flesh-eater when The CW’s “iZombie” shambles onto the scene? To give us a few more hints of what’s in store, here are new video chats with three of the stars of the show: Rahul Kohli, Malcolm Goodwin, and Part Two with Rose McIver.

“iZombie” premieres on Tuesday, March 17th.

Related Story:  iZombie’s Rose McIver Talks Her Surprising New Diet

“iZombie” Episode 1.01 – “Pilot” (airs 3/17/15)
A NEW SERIES FROM THE BRAINS BEHIND “VERONICA MARS” — Olivia “Liv” Moore (Rose McIver) was a disciplined, over-achieving medical resident who had her life path completely mapped out… until she is turned into a zombie.  Now stuck somewhere between half-alive and undead, Liv loses her drive and ambition. She breaks off her engagement with charming soulmate Major (Robert Buckley), fearful of infecting him with her condition. Liv transfers her medical residency to the city morgue in order to access the only form of sustenance left available to her – the only thing that allows her to maintain her humanity – brains. 

There are side effects to Liv’s new diet: With each brain Liv consumes, she experiences “visions” – flashes of the corpse’s memories – which often provide clues as to how they were killed.  Her boss, the brilliant but eccentric Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti (Rahul Kohli), encourages her to embrace this gift and to work with unproven homicide detective Clive Babineaux, (Malcolm Goodwin), to help solve these murders.  In doing so, Liv finds a measure of peace and a new sense of purpose in what her “life” has now become.  David Anders also stars.  Rob Thomas directed the episode written by Rob Thomas and Diane Ruggiero-Wright.

For more info visit “iZombie” on CWTV.com, “like” “iZombie” on Facebook, and follow “iZombie” on Twitter.

The post A Trio of iZombie Interviews: Rahul Kohli, Malcolm Goodwin, and More with Rose McIver appeared first on Dread Central.

To celebrate tomorrow’s release of [REC] Apocalypse – on UK DVD and Blu-ray 2nd March 2015 – we have a DVD copy to give away courtesy of Entertainment One.

The horror’s about to come full circle with the series’ original star and director, Manuela Velasco and Jaume Balagueró, returning for more terrifying fun, as the deadly demonic virus wreaks havoc on a voyage from hell!

“Invoked a gag reflax more than once” – IGN
“One hell of a good time” – Fangoria
“A bone-crunching end to a dead brilliant franchise” – The Hollywood News

[REC] Apocalypse (review) is available to order on Amazon UK today.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply send an email to contests@dreadcentral.com with the subject line [REC] APOCALYPSE UK DVD, including YOUR FULL NAME AND POSTAL ADDRESS. We’ll take care of the rest.

This competition is open only to UK readers, and all entries must be received by the contest closing date of Wednesday 11th March.

Related Story: Exclusive: How Will You Survive the [REC] Apocalypse… Or Not?

The film stars Manuela Velasco, Paco Manzanedo, Hector Colome, and Ismael Fritschi. It was produced by Julio Fernández and co-written by Manu Díez. Executive producers are Carlos Fernandez, Adrià Mones, Laura Fernandez, and Julio Fernandez.

Synopsis:
Following directly on from the brutal events in the doomed apartment building, TV reporter Ángela (Manuela Velasco) is rescued and taken to an oil tanker to undergo examination. But unfortunately for the soldiers on board, Angela is carrying the seed of the mysterious demonic virus that turns its victims into mindless, bloodthirsty monsters. It’s only a matter of time before all hell breaks loose and the carnage begins again…

Extras on the release include the featurette “The Making of [REC] Apocalypse.”

The post UK Readers: Win [REC] Apocalypse on DVD! appeared first on Dread Central.

Adam Green. The man just doesn’t know how to stop working. Like ever. Whether you love him or you don’t, you have to respect his work ethic. His new project “Adam Green’s SCARY SLEEPOVER” might just wake the dead!

From the ArieScope website:

ArieScope Pictures announces the new on-line series “Adam Green’s SCARY SLEEPOVER” launching this week on the ArieScope Youtube Channel and in a longer uncensored format on the ArieScope website. In the spirit of the popular weekly podcast “THE MOVIE CRYPT” that Adam Green co-hosts with fellow director Joe Lynch, “Adam Green’s SCARY SLEEPOVER” is a short form on-line video series that features a different celebrity guest each week joining Green for a childlike slumber party at ArieScope Studios and candidly discussing their work within the genre, what they love about working in horror, and most importantly… what really scares them.

“The concept for this new series was born out of the overwhelming response to THE MOVIE CRYPT podcast,” says Green. “The podcast is a weekly 2- to 3-hour long audio show that gets super in-depth and more often than not very serious as Lynch and I discuss the craft, the business, and the trials and tribulations of the entertainment industry with our various guests. My goal with SCARY SLEEPOVER is to bring the fans even more up close and personal with some of their favorite artists in a much more candid and inherently humorous short format video show. It’s no secret just how much I adore our genre both as a filmmaker and as a fan myself, but the aspect about all of it that I cherish the most is that whether you are a working artist or a fan… together we equally make up our very own culture. We are a full-on community that is like no other in entertainment. While I’m so fortunate to have such an enormously passionate fan base that has loyally supported what we do at ArieScope for the past 17 years and thus given us the freedom to make the kinds of projects we truly want to make, I’m equally blessed to have become incredibly close with so very many amazing artists over my years working in Hollywood and by being a part of this whole scene. I’m excited to share some of that with my extended genre family in a fun and slightly absurd way that they otherwise would never get the chance to experience. I mean, how often in life will you get to be a fly on the wall at a slumber party with some of horror’s biggest names… or see Sid Haig in a onesie?”

Audiences who attended Digging up the Marrow’s (review) US tour this past February were treated to a short promo for “SCARY SLEEPOVER” before the movie that featured just a handful of upcoming guests like Kane Hodder, Tiffany Shepis, Tom Holland, Laura Ortiz, and Danielle Harris. “Yes, it’s just as ridiculous as it sounds,” proclaimed the voice-over at the end of the promo. Other guests that have already filmed their episodes include Derek Mears and Sid Haig with Tony Todd, Darren Lynn Bousman, Bill Moseley, Joe Lynch, and many more all set to shoot their episodes soon.

“The goal is to eventually get to everyone we can and to feature as many notable artists as possible not only from the horror genre but also from the entertainment industry at large,” continues Green. “What I think fans will be surprised by is that despite the silly premise of seeing some of their favorite artists don their favorite pajamas, roll out a sleeping bag, play games, eat junk food, and act like children again… in each episode when I get to the important questions like “what scares you?” the answers are surprisingly personal and real. You’re not often going to get answers like “I’m scared of spiders” or “I’m afraid of heights” here. Instead you’re going to hear very personal and far deeper rooted fears. Family illness, failure, rejection, the current state of the world… nobody has held back.”

While Green serves as “SCARY SLEEPOVER”’s creator, executive producer, showrunner, and host, the episodes are directed and edited by Sean Becker, who’s directorial work includes Felicia Day’s web phenomenon “THE GUILD” and many of the episodes in the second season of Green’s sit-com “HOLLISTON.” “I think that the best aspect of this series isn’t just that it’s fun or that it captures these artists while they are put into such an inherently innocent and youthful environment to play in, but that everyone who participates are real life friends of Adam’s and therefore very comfortable with letting their guards down and answering his questions honestly,” says Becker. “No one feels the need to be on or to live up to some sort of tough guy or tough girl persona. An episode may start off with a ton of ball busting or other funny banter, but when it gets down to it, everyone has been incredibly honest.”

Green adds, “After working so closely with Sean on “HOLLISTON,” I trust his instincts implicitly. Though I may have final approval as the series creator and showrunner, it’s really up to Sean as to what makes it into each episode from each sleepover shoot, and there are hours and hours of footage to cut down.”

ArieScope’s Will Barratt, who serves as “SCARY SLEEPOVER”’s cinematographer and also as an executive producer on the series, adds, “One minute I’m laughing watching these artists force Adam to eat crickets, play with a Ouija board in under-roos on top of an actual coffin, giving Adam a drag queen style makeover, or playing a heated game of Battleship… but then moments later you might see those same people get very real as they talk about the pressures of never wanting to let their friends down, the ignorance and intolerance of the world we live in, what their fans actually mean to them, or opening up about family members suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. We’ve always been about letting people behind the curtain, but there have already been some moments in what we’ve shot where the curtain wasn’t just pulled back, it was removed completely. Sometimes it’s hilarious, sometimes it’s cute, sometimes it’s chock-full of fascinating stories, and other times it’s touching. I never know what to expect since everything is off the cuff.”

Season 1 will consist of 12 episodes, released each Friday on ArieScope’s Youtube Channel that currently has over 3.1 million views. A longer and uncensored version of each episode will also be released on ArieScope.com in the website’s “Shorts” section. ”For the moment the series will be free for all,” says Green. ”In theory the influx of traffic that this show brings to ArieScope.com will result in fans supporting us by buying one of the many films, TV series sets, T-shirts, posters, or other merchandise that we offer in our site’s “Buy Stuff” store as that is how we’ll be able to continue doing it. But only time will tell if this initial distribution model needs to change over to a more traditional subscription-based or sponsored series in order to keep going and cover the various costs of doing it. Ideally we keep the series all our own in terms of creative control, but we’ve already been approached by other on-line networks looking to discuss financing and distributing the series on their own outlets exclusively. Anything is possible and we’re keeping an open mind to all of it. We’re just excited to do it, and so far it’s been a total blast to turn the pure fun of hanging out with friends into a project that people can enjoy. As much as it may be hard work to pull off each episode given everyone’s schedules, it hardly feels like work at all.”

Episode 1 of “Adam Green’s SCARY SLEEPOVER” will release on Friday, March 6th, and features horror icon Kane Hodder (FRIDAY THE 13th, HATCHET) as the very first guest. So grab your pillow, roll out your sleeping bag, and whatever you do… don’t wet the bed.

The post Adam Green Hosting a Scary Sleepover Online appeared first on Dread Central.

As the months tick by, our excitement for Jurassic World is growing to dino-sized proportions! While the new creature Indominus Rex is getting all the love lately, the film’s viral site has been updated with an IMGUR gallery of several other beasties that will be featured in their own exhibits. Dig ‘em!

Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, Irrfan Khan, Vincent D’Onofrio, Jake Johnson, Omar Sy, BD Wong, and Judy Greer star in the film, which will be released in 3D by Universal Pictures.

Related Story: Jurassic World – Meet Indominus Rex

Colin Trevorrow (Safety Not Guaranteed) penned the script with Derek Connolly and directs. Steven Spielberg and Thomas Tull executive produce, and Frank Marshall and Pat Crowley produce Jurassic World.

In theaters June 12, 2015, this is a new sci-fi terror adventure set 22 years after the horrific events of the original Jurassic Park.

More as it comes.

The post Jurassic World! New Look at the Dinosaurs appeared first on Dread Central.

To celebrate the release of the truly terrifying Clown – on DVD and Blu-ray 2nd March 2015 – we have a DVD copy to give away courtesy of Studiocanal.

From splatter-maestro Eli Roth (Hostel, Grindhouse) and starring Peter Stormare (Fargo, Jurassic Park: The Lost World), horror fans will rejoice as Clown sets out to break taboos and churn stomachs all at once!

“A killer of a clown movie” – Horror Channel
“The most terrifying clown since Pennywise” – Box Office Buz
“Gutsy, gory horror… strictly no funny business” – The Hollywood News

And if I might add my own quote:  “The film’s snappy pace and consistent shocks are well held together by an enthralling mythology” – Dread Central (review here)

To be in with a chance of winning, simply send an email to contests@dreadcentral.com with the subject line CLOWN UK DVD, including YOUR FULL NAME AND POSTAL ADDRESS. We’ll take care of the rest.

This competition is open only to UK readers. All entries must be received before the contest closing date of Wednesday 11th March.

The Clown DVD is available to order on Amazon UK today. The limited edition Blu-ray is available to order exclusively on Zavvi.

Clown stars Andy Powers, Peter Stormare, Laura Allen and Elizabeth Whitmere; it was written and directed by Jon Watts and produced by Eli Roth.

Synopsis:
It’s Jack’s 10th birthday, but the clown has cancelled. His dad, Kent, finds an old clown suit in the attic and saves the party. But after the party is over, Kent has a problem… the suit won’t come off. What starts as a joke quickly turns into a hellish nightmare. Kent can feel himself changing, and his desperate attempts to free himself just leave him in agonizing pain.

As the suit takes hold of his body, Kent slowly endures a brutal transformation. As he changes, an uncontrollable hunger begins to consume him, an overwhelming and insatiable hunger… for children.

The post UK Readers: Get Your Chuckle On! Win Clown on DVD! appeared first on Dread Central.

We’ve got a scoop for you this morning! The sequel to Big World Pictures’ Dear God No!, entitled Frankenstein Created Bikers, has some announcements to make, the biggest of which involves the addition of red hot actress Tristan Risk to the cast of the upcoming film.

Little Miss Risk has been cast in the lead role of thrill-killer Val, a dominant femme fatale with a passion for blowing up law enforcement officers with dynamite. Val cuts men to ribbons with her acidic wit and seduces them into ruin.

Risk is fresh off the Astron-6 project The Editor and reunites with her fellow castmate from Jill Sixx Gevargizian’s short film Call Girl, Laurence R. Harvey, in Frankenstein Created Bikers.

In additional news, Gevargizian joins writer/director/producer James Bickert as assistant director of Frankenstein Created Bikers, which will be shot on 35mm… and may be the last horror film ever to be shot on 35mm!

“Ever heard of the term ‘hopeful monster’?” Risk asked. “It’s a biology term when there is a spontaneous mutation that has positive traits for the species. Frankenstein Created Bikers is one such hopeful monster. The script is a shout-out to every grindhouse spot and drive-in screen, with enough curves you’d think you’re in a Texas bawdy house. You don’t get offers to do films like this all the time. When the opportunity presents itself, you pin that sucker down, bend it over, and make it yours. I have every intention of doing just that with this role.”

Along with Risk, Harvey, and many of the cast members of Dear God No! who will be reprising their roles, Frankenstein Created Bikers also features celebrity chef Jim Stacy (“Deep Fried Masters,” “Offbeat Eats”) and Ellie Church (Time to Kill, Headless).

Bickert talked about the addition of Risk. “When an actress drops a Switchblade Sisters quote in the first meeting, your job just got a whole lot easier,” Bickert said. “Val begins as a stock character from a pulp novel. Slowly her layers are peeled back to reveal a disturbingly complex individual. I’m looking forward to working with Tristan and watching this idea gain a voice. Through her creativity this character will be unleashed upon our world, and she will be legendary. Tristan’s experience developing personas for the stage is a great asset to this production, and our team of late-night creature-feature misfits enthusiastically welcome her to Frankenstein Created Bikers.”

Currently in the crowdfunding phase, you can get a look at some great perks being offered at the Frankenstein Created Bikers Kickstarter campaign. And for more info visit the official Big World Pictures website, “like” Dear God No! on Facebook, and follow James Bickert on Twitter (@jamesbickert).

The post Exclusive: Tristan Risk Lands the Lead in Frankenstein Created Bikers appeared first on Dread Central.

No one has been more grateful for the reception that Zombieworld has gotten than we at Dread Central and Ruthless Pictures. Simply put, we’re honored to help get the talented filmmakers behind each and every short in the collection the spotlight they so richly deserve.

That being said… we decided why not try this mad experiment gone awry again with one of the most beloved sub-genres of horror, the monster movie?!? It’s with great pleasure that we announce Monsterworld!

“Monsters. They’ve populated my dreams since childhood,” says Ruthless Pictures’ Jesse Baget. “It’s time to unleash them upon the world!” We couldn’t agree more.

As we did last time, we’ll be hosting a call for submissions in the near future. It’s time to get noticed, people! Unleash your beasts with reckless abandon! Check out some temp art below which will change as the project… evolves!

The post Dread Central and Ruthless Pictures Head to Monsterworld! appeared first on Dread Central.

Tomorrow marks two months until the premiere of “Penny Dreadful’s” second season, and to commemorate the occasion, Showtime has unveiled a full set of promotional artwork. Check out all 11 posters (which include the ones of Sir Malcolm and Sembene we’ve seen already), and start counting the days!

“Penny Dreadful” begins its 10-episode Season 2 run on Sunday, May 3, at 10PM ET/PT.

Related Story: Go Behind the Scenes of Penny Dreadful Season 2

In the upcoming season Vanessa (Eva Green) and Ethan (Josh Hartnett) form a deeper bond as the group, including Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton), Dr. Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway), and Sembene (Danny Sapani), unite to banish the evil forces that threaten to destroy them. Meanwhile, Dorian Gray (Reeve Carney), the Creature (Rory Kinnear), and Brona (Billie Piper) are all waging battles of their own.

Patti LuPone will guest star as a mysterious character of great importance in Vanessa’s past. Helen McCrory returns as Evelyn Poole (a.k.a. Madame Kali), the seductive spiritualist who will pose a unique threat to our protagonists this season, along with Simon Russell Beale, who is back as eccentric Egyptologist Ferdinand Lyle. Additional guest stars include Douglas Hodge as a Scotland Yard investigator; Sarah Greene as Poole’s powerful daughter, Hecate; and Johnny Beauchamp as a man with a singular past.

For additional info visit “Penny Dreadful” on Showtime, “like” “Penny Dreadful” on Facebook, and follow @SHO_Penny on Twitter. Be sure to also visit the Penny-Dreadful.com website.

The post Full Set of Penny Dreadful Season 2 Artwork Unveiled appeared first on Dread Central.

The very first still from the Goetz Brothers’ remake of Pascal Laugier’s Martyrs has hit this crazy little thing called the Internet, and we have a peek at it right here for ya!

As reported earlier, filming has been completed with Bailey Noble, who played Adilyn Bellefleur on “True Blood,” toplining with “Pretty Little Liars” star Troian Bellisario. Kate Burton (Stay, Big Trouble in Little China) and Blake Robbins (Rubber) round out the cast. Mark L. Smith (Vacancy, The Hole, The Revenant) penned the screenplay.

Check out the still below courtesy of Cinema Jeuxactu.

Synopsis:
Ten-year-old Lucie flees from the isolated warehouse where she has been held prisoner. Deeply traumatized, she is plagued by awful night terrors at the orphanage that takes her in. Her only comfort comes from Anna, a girl her own age. Nearly a decade later and still haunted by demons, Lucie finally tracks down the family that tortured her. As she and Anna move closer to the agonizing truth, they find themselves trapped in a nightmare – if they cannot escape, a martyr’s fate awaits them…

The post First Look at Martyrs Remake appeared first on Dread Central.