Summer shocks in July on Horror Channel

 

Considered one of David Cronenberg’s early genre classics, SCANNERS was based on Cronenberg’s scripts The Sensitives and Telepathy 2000, which he planned to pitch to Roger Corman. Starring Michael Ironside and Patrick McGoohan, the film went on to became one of the first produced in Canada to successfully compete with American films at the international box office. Also airing is David Cronenberg’s other cult classic body horror THE BROOD, which stars Oliver Reed and Samantha Eggar. To many this remains one of the director’s most frightening and resonant movie.

Although not an outright hit when it was released in 2001, JOHN CARPENTER’S GHOSTS OF MARS, which stars Natasha Henstridge, Ice Cube, Jason Statham and Pam Grier, has since gone on to cultivate a cult following, largely due to for the hard-core space action sequences and the soundtrack. Equally, Eli Roth’s notorious post-modern celebration of the Italian cannibal genre, THE GREEN INFERNO, has divided mainstream opinion but continues to delight genre fans for its homage to Italian cannibal films of the late 1970s.

Other Highlights include Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer’s stunning contemporary occult tale of Hollywood ambition, STARRY EYES, Timo Vuorensola’s barnstorming surreal sci-fier IRON SKY. Julian Gilbey’s harrowing British survival shocker, A LONELY PLACE TO DIE, starring Melissa George and Ed Speelers and fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger will welcome the clone-seeker’s top-notch performance in THE 6TH DAY

Full film details in transmission order:

Friday 2 July @ 23:10 – SCANNERS (1981) – Cult Horror

Drifter Cameron Vale is plagued by incessant voices in his head unaware that he is a Scanner - a group of people with extraordinary powers who can not only read minds but literally tear them apart. He is discovered by a scientist aiming to help his kind adapt to society. However an underground movement of Scanners led by the psychotic Derryl Revok have other intentions and the ultimate confrontation of minds awaits.

Sunday 4 July @ 21:00 – THE 6th DAY (2000) - Thriller

A ruthless power broker is using his advanced genetic-engineering technology to clone human beings for personal gain. When Adam Gibson (Arnold Schwarzenegger), an old-fashioned family man and decorated fighter pilot comes home one night to discover that his life has been stolen by his clone, his existence erased. Plunged into a sinister world of murder, corruption and high-tech deception, Adam must fight back in order to reclaim his family and his identity.

Sunday 11 July – STARRY EYES (2014) - Horror

Determined to make it in Hollywood, reluctant waitress Sarah Walker (Alex Essoe) goes on countless casting calls in hope of getting her big break. After a series of weird auditions at the mysterious Astraeus Pictures, she lands her dream part. But with this opportunity comes bizarre ramifications that will transform her both mentally and physically into something beautiful and altogether more terrifying. This award-winning US indie was directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer, and stars Alex Essoe, Noah Segan, Pat Healy, Amanda Fuller and Shane Coffey.

Wednesday 14 July @ 21:00 – THE RESIDENT (2011) - Thriller

After separating from her adulterous husband, Dr. Juliet Devereau (Hilary Swank) moves to Brooklyn, NY and settles into a new life in her spacious apartment, Mysterious occurrences lead her to suspect she is not alone and quickly her fears become all too real as she discovers her seemingly charming landlord, Max, has developed a dangerous obsession with her. Unknown to both of them, Max suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder. A terrifying game of cat and mouse ensues as Juliet is forced to fight and free herself from Max’s increasingly sinister intentions. The film also features a cameo from Christopher Lee, in his first collaboration with the studio since 1976's To The Devil A Daughter and his last before his death in 2015.

Thursday 15 July @ 21:55 – THE GREEN INFERNO (2013) - Horror

Eli Roth’s long-awaited return to the director’s chair after this six-year absence finds politically attuned NYC university student Justine (Lorenza Izzo) roped into a campus activist group’s idealistic plan to travel to Peru to halt the annihilation of an endangered tribe by a corrupt construction company. But after a horrific plane crash that leaves half the radicals dead, the survivors are caged by the very tribe they were trying to help. Worse, the mountain clan are cannibals and they are ravenous.

Friday 23 July @ 21:00 – IRON SKY (2012) - Sci-Fi comedy

Achieving cult status for its brazen political incorrectness, this history-bending sci-fi thriller starts in 1945, with the Nazis flying to the Dark Side of the Moon, and establishing a secret hideout, where they've been preparing for their grand return. In 2018 the Americans return to the Moon in search for powerful energy source, Helium-3, discovering the Nazi fortress. Although the big Nazi weapon "Götterdämmerung" is not yet ready to be deployed, soon the skies are full of iron, as the Nazi war machines decide on a pre-emptive strike on Earth.

Friday 23 July @ 23:10 – THE BROOD (1979) Cult classic horror

Frank Carveth is becoming increasingly concerned about his ex-wife Nola’s secretive treatment at the sinister ‘Somafree Institute of Psychoplasmics. Headed by cult figure Dr Raglan, his controversial and extreme methods seek to unleash his patients' rage, often taking on physical manifestations. As Frank delves deeper he is finally led to an horrific and repellent final confrontation.

Sunday 25 July @ 21:00 – JOHN CARPENTER’S GHOSTS OF MARS (2001) Action horror

Mars, 2176 AD. On a Red Planet that has become the dangerous manifest destiny of an overpopulated Earth, police Lt. Melanie Ballard (Natasha Henstridge) is on assignment to bring James “Desolation” Williams (Ice Cube), the planet’s most notorious criminal, to justice. What began as a battle between cop and criminal soon turns into a battle for human survival and escape from the doomed planet, as Ballard and Williams join forces in mortal combat with the “Ghosts of Mars”. Although critically maligned at the time, (Carpenter confessed to suffering ‘burn-out’ making the film), it has gone on to become a cult classic

Interview with Alexis Kendra, star, writer & producer of THE CLEANING LADY

Ahead of Horror Channel’s premiere of THE CLEANING LADY on June 26, the film’s star, writer and producer Alexis Kendra talks about playing a ‘Goddess’, coping with lockdown and why she can’t watch horror films on her own

It’s a very disturbing film, dealing with abuse, addiction and hidden rage, yet the characters are sympathetic and have real depth. It’s horror with a twisted heart. As a co-writer, alongside your director Jon Knautz, what were the main challenges in getting the balance right between acting and writing?

I compartmentalize real easy, so if I’m writing, I’m writing. If I’m acting I’m acting. I don’t really mix anything so it’s not that difficult. Keeps me in the present moment a lot. 

The film started life as a short, in which you played Shelly, the disturbed ‘cleaning lady’. Why did you switch roles and play the ‘love-addicted’ Alice in the feature?

Yeah, I wrote the role of Shelly for me to play, but we couldn’t find an Alice. Period. So I had to play her and I’m happy because Rachel was so great as Shelly and I enjoyed playing a role so different than in my last film Goddess of Love.

Audiences in the UK also know you from GODDESS OF LOVE, which was dubbed ‘Fatal Attraction for horror fans’. You play Venus, whom we watch violently descend into madness. How tough was it to play?

I loved everything about playing Venus. She was a pleasure. It wasn’t hard in any way. I wrote that role for myself to just have an actor’s absolute playground, knowing I would never have been cast as that role in anyone else’s film.  Any actors reading this, become writers/producers.  Write yourself a dream role then play it.  Venus was a ball.

Again, you teamed up with Knutz as co-writer, producer and lead actress. What is it that makes you both a winning combination?

I respect him as a director and he respects me as a producer/actress/ production designer. It’s all about respect and trust, and as work partners – we nail it. Without respect we wouldn’t have made it this far.

Both films have premiered at FrightFest to great acclaim. As an American, how does the reception compare to back home?

Since all our world premiere’s we’re with FrightFest, all the red carpet fun stuff and fans, I’ve had an amazing time in London. Back in LA its back to work, back to getting the next project made. Since my films can be bought anywhere it’s just nice to see them being bought!

What attracts you most about the horror genre?

The element of fantasy. I think horror films are the ultimate escape from reality because as we’re watching one we know there’s no ghosts in real life, yet, a scary ghost film is thrilling because it seems so real. It’s like we know we’re safe in our house watching something so haunting.  I can’t watch horror films alone.

Seen any good horror movies this year?

I’ve been spending most of my time writing during this crazy Covid time, and less watching. I’m sure that’ll change soon as I would love to see A Quiet Place Part 11.

How have you been coping with lockdown?

I’m more of a homebody than anything, so for me it hasn’t been that different.  I’m always home writing, so nothing has really changed for me there.  I do see how its effecting my friends and family, mainly the ones who are used to being out a lot more and it’s been super tough. I think this lockdown has forced us to really look within and take a moment to re-evaluate our lives.  I’ve seen a lot of growth.

Finally, what’s next?

I’ll probably direct something. That’s always been on my list, and I think I’m ready.

THE CLEANING LADY airs on Horror Channel Saturday 26 June, 10.50pm.

BIG ASS SPIDER (2013) - Full Movie

Big Ass Spider! is a 2013 science fiction comedy-horror film directed by Mike Mendez.

A giant alien spider escapes from a military lab and rampages the city of Los Angeles. When a massive military strike fails, it is up to a team of scientists and one clever exterminator to kill the creature before the city is destroyed.

Stars

Greg Grunberg as Alex Mathis

Clare Kramer as Lieutenant Karly Brant

Lombardo Boyar as Jose Ramos

Ray Wise as Major Braxton Tanner

Lin Shaye as Mrs. Jefferson

Patrick Bauchau as Lucas

Lloyd Kaufman as Himself

Alexis Kendra as Nurse Lisa (as Alexis Peters)

Adam Gierasch as Homeless Man

James C. Mathis as Street Cop

COMPETITION: Win Don't Look Back on DVD

Don't Look Back - Released on DVD from 14th June

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies on DVD to give away.

Synopsis: 

When a young woman overcoming her traumatic past is among several witnesses who see a man fatally assaulted and don’t intervene, they find themselves targeted by someone, or something, out for revenge.

Marking the directorial debut of acclaimed horror screenwriter Jeffrey Reddick (Final Destination), Don’t Look Back is a riveting, tense and terrifying new horror. 

Dazzler Media presents Don’t Look Back on DVD & Digital from 14th June

Pre-order on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uV6mDh

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 21-06-21
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

Interview with Meredith Bogard Brown - By David Kempf

When did you first become interested in writing?

I think around age 13 when I began keeping a diary. I would write in it every single day, until I filled up countless books. I then kept a separate one for poetry and really became obsessed during college English and Creative Writing class in HS. My poetry went from the lovesick themes to dark and twisted ideas that roamed in my head. I joined my HS paper and kept it going as I entered college and beyond.

How did you get involved in fantasy/horror?

Inherited from my parents! Mostly my mom. She was a brilliant PhD psychotherapist who loved to relax after dinner by watching a good horror film like Maniac, Demented, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. When I was 10, I begged to watch one of “mommy’s movies” with her, so she put on Motel Hell and I was hooked. My dad was more into the complexity of psychological horror films over gore and introduced me to A Clockwork Orange when I was around 14. It was love at first watch. I even ended up writing my college senior thesis on Anthony Burgess’ book.

How did you become a horror movie critic? 

I had been an Entertainment Critic for years, covering albums, live concerts, films, etc. It was a fun time to be involved in the industry, but my other career began to really take off (corporate event planner) and I put my writing on the back burner. Several years later, I decided to relaunch my writing life with a focal point on horror. There are so many amazing indie movies created by underrated filmmakers that deserve some recognition for their work. I wanted to contribute to this part of the industry and get more involved with acknowledging their incredible features. There is an enormous sense of comradery and love within the horror community that is tough to express to people who simplify this world as merely twisted, insignificant trash. Many outsiders just do not understand it or do not want to. And that’s perfectly fine! But don’t judge it.

Tell us about your work with Heavy Metal magazine. 

After graduating from college, I was approached by the publisher to create an ongoing column for the magazine which would cover all types of entertainment. I would spend COUNTLESS nights at CBGB’s to watch and interview the live bands; frequently hit the movie theaters to review new releases and constantly listen to a slew of new albums of various genres. My column was titled “The Trend” as an alternative element for readers to get new information of what’s about to hit the streets, etc. The Trend ran for approx. 5 years until the magazine was sold and transformed back into strictly fantasy art and comics once again.

Why do you think horror and fantasy books remain so popular?

Fantasy/Horror is an outlet for people to get away from real life stress. It’s where the unimaginable is imagined. It’s where unrealistic stories come to life. And it’s such a fascinating world to live in! For me, reading horror themed books always took me into another dimension where anything can and will happen. The depravity can be put on paper. The taboo can be discussed. And it’s not abnormal to realize you have similar thoughts and wonderment.

What are your favorite horror books?

Satan’s Underground, The Girl Next Door, Coma, Dante’s Inferno, A Clockwork Orange, Interview with the Vampire, The Perfect Victim, Slow Death, Misery, Zodiac, American Psycho, Fatal Vision, Secrets in the Cellar and Mother’s Day.

I enjoy reading both fictional horror and true crime novels. The true crime stories are much scarier!

What are some of your favorite horror movies?

I have so many!  But here’s a list of the movies I could watch repeatedly:         

A Clockwork Orange, Rosemary’s Baby, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Who’s Watching Oliver, The Exorcist, Inside, Martyrs, Grotesque, Chained, Hate Crime, Excision, Hounds of Love, Atroz, Oldboy, Stoic, Misery, The Funhouse, Creepshow, Jaws, May, One Must Fall and 2Jennifer.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a writer?

I have been quoted in books, film posters and various sites within the horror community which made me smile for months on end. But my real accomplishment came when I began to get messages from horror fans who simply wanted to tell me how much they enjoy my write ups. I didn’t realize how many people would log into the various sites in order to check out my reviews of new films about to be released. The feedback has been wonderful and it’s such a humbling experience to know that my work has made an impact.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Be true to yourself…be honest and be real. Don’t conform to what you think everyone wants to hear. Write what you know and write from your creative side. Don’t be afraid to tap into taboo subject matters. I learned all of this during a screenwriting class I took at Tisch/NYU. My professor was an accomplished screenwriter and gave us free reign to develop our stories however we chose.

When I decided to focus more on critiquing, it was challenging to provide negative feedback on work that I know was expected to be well received. But I had to remember that my reviews are opinion-based pieces and not fact-based. So, if I despised a screener, I don’t sugar coat my review.

What are your current projects?

I have 4-5 screeners to watch and review in the next few weeks. I am also working with a filmmaker to get my first book treatment developed!

Please in your own words write a paragraph about yourself & your work. 

I’m Meredith Brown…my friends call me Merri. I am very friendly, open, hard working and (have been told), extremely twisted. I try to always maintain a good sense of humor with plenty of sarcasm. If you are easily offended, we won’t get along. 

My priorities in life are my husband, my dog, my work and my incredible friends. Without any of those, I’d probably fall apart and hibernate until my death date.

I am a very loyal person. I never push my views on anyone and expect the same in return. Writing has always been such an important component in my life. Having a safe place to record my thoughts, my fears, my overall angst and my goals will continue as the best escape I can think of in my quirky mind.

Becoming part of the horror community is such a special feeling – just knowing that I am not judged for enjoying a good torture porn film (without being grossed out) is a great sense of belonging. I may be freaky when it comes to my taste in movies, music, art and humor but I am not psychotic.  I am not about to be influenced enough to re-enact a bloody scene from Audition because I want to see my enemy suffer. LOL!

Links

https://www.upcominghorrormovies.com/search/node/meredith%20brown

http://www.heavymetalmagazinefanpage.com/hmlist99.html

Interview with The Soska Sisters

Ahead of Horror Channel’s premiere of RABID on June 12, Jen and Sylvie Soska reflect on the challenges of re-imagining Cronenberg’s body horror classic, meeting the great man and their new monster movie, BOB.

RABID is having its channel premiere on Horror Channel. Excited?

S: The Horror Channel has supported us and our work since the beginning, so it’s a special treat to have the newest film premiere there!

J: We are so excited. Having RABID on Horror Channel feels like coming home. They’ve been very kind to us. We are happy to have so many of our films on there.

We all, of course, remember that RABID was one of David Cronenberg’s earliest films. Going back to when you were first approached to do the remake, what was your initial reaction?

J: We are not traditionally fans of remakes but when we learned RABID was being remade with or without us we took it upon ourselves to pay tribute and respect to Mr Cronenberg. It had been the first attempt at a remake or re-imagining of his work and he has a huge impact on us and our work. We only had our country, our peers, and one of heroes to let down. No pressure, right? It was important to us his legacy was respected and that out-weighed any doubts for us.

S: We were hired because the producers, who had the property, were very unfamiliar with Mr Cronenberg’s work. They had assumed his films was ‘straight forward horror’ whereas all this material, even his earlier films, has a lot more to say than just surface level body horror. We hired cast and crew who had worked on Cronenberg films to make sure we were honoring his work.

The original became one of the cornerstones of “body horror”, a subgenre which your work has gleefully embraced. Was it important that your version honoured this?

S: I don’t know what kind of filmmakers we would have been in a world devoid of Cronenberg’s brilliant brand of body horror – it’s so transformative. Since we were the first to remake one of his films, we wanted to fully embrace what makes a Cronenberg classic body horror. Luckily we teamed with the prosthetic geniuses at Masters FX to make that happen.

J: Absolutely. Without the success and fan base of the original, there wouldn’t have been a demand for our re-imagining. I think where many remakes fail is they don’t respect the original material and creator. Honouring both were our prime objectives. There are not only nods to the original RABID in ours, but to numerous Cronenberg films from actor choices to character names to the type of practical FX we used.

Cronenberg ended up casting an adult star, Marylyn Chambers, in the lead role.  Did you ever consider doing the same?

S: Very much so. We didn’t get the support on RABID, although we did try to get a cameo appearance but we got limited on how many Americans we could use in the film. We had another project that fell through that we wanted to cast Xander Corvus as the lead for. Currently, we have a role for Tommy Pistol in an upcoming film. We have a lot of friends who work in the business and a lot of respect for what they do.

J: Apparently it’s much more difficult to cast an adult film star these days. There are some really silly stigmas that we hope to help tear down by casting some of our very talented friends who work in adult film.

Is it true that the first time you met Cronenberg was after the film was made?

S: Yes, and it was such a wonderful experience. He is truly exactly the person you would expect, witty and intelligent with such a brilliant outlook on the world and life. He said that the film ended up where it should have. It was very kind of him to say. I know he’s busy on his own projects, it’s such a great time to be a fan of his with what’s coming.

J: We met at a coffee shop and showed up so early but all the booths were taken. We paid a girl $100 to give us hers. Best money I ever spent. David is such a gentleman and so brilliant. Chatting DEAD RINGERS with him was a highlight of my life. Don’t meet your heroes unless they’re David Cronenberg.

The film had its World Premiere at FrightFest, to great acclaim. How did the reception in the UK compare to back home in Canada?

S: It reminds me of Cronenberg comparing the two receptions, he mentioned that the UK tended to get his work before anyone at home did. The FrightFest fans and all the people involved in that event absolutely spoil filmmakers. When we made AMERICAN MARY, no one thought anyone would like it, but we premiered at FrightFest with huge success. The people there truly love the genre, so they’ll let you know what they think.

J: Ha ha, I might as well have not released a film. Canada had never been terribly supportive of us, but they weren’t supportive of David early on either. Now they seem to celebrate him. The UK has always felt like home, especially FrightFest. I’m so grateful to the gents there, Paul, Alan, Greg, and Ian, for how kindly they’ve treated us and our work. There’s no film fest in the world like FrightFest.

Would you consider remaking another Cronenberg film? DEAD RINGERS for example, which you have gone on record as saying you’d like to do.

S: Very much so! I know Rachel Weisz is currently adapting it and we would love to be a part of bringing that to life. That said, we are twins and have been deeply thinking about this concept for years. I wouldn’t be surprised if we did a remake down the line still – my dream casting is getting the Olsen twins. You rarely see twins creatively in charge of twin content and narrative – I think it would be fascinating.

J: We’d love to re-imagine DEAD RINGERS. We have such a deep personal connection to that film and so rarely are twins the ones who get to control their own narrative. Regardless of if we’ll be invited to the limited series being made now, we will definitely make our version down the line.

Being known as great huggers, how have you been coping with lockdown?

S: Maybe we knew something, stockpiling on all those hugs back in the day when you could be so brazen to hug anyone and everyone? I’m looking forward to being able to hug again. Been saving hugs for everyone!

J: Thank God for my rottweiler, Princess Diana. She’s very cuddly. She’s a lifesaver. I cannot wait to be able to hug again. That’s gonna be really special.

Have you managed to catch any good horror movies this year?

S: LOVED Jill Sixx’s THE STYLIST. It’s not just a phenomenal film with killer performances, but it started as a short, Jill tried to get funding and launched a kickstarter to make it happen, and now it’s a feature film that everyone is talking about. She’s a director to keep your eye on. BLACK BEAR and WANDER DARKLY are also haunting and wonderful.

J: SAINT MAUD was fucking incredible. Sylvie calls it Catholic Joker, ha ha. Brandon Cronenberg’s POSSESSOR was outstanding. I highly recommend the director’s cut. Brandon is a genius in his own right. Steve Kostanski’s PSYCHO GOREMAN was probably my biggest and best surprise of the year.

Finally, what’s next?

S: Very proud to say we are working for DC as writers for their comics. They haven’t announced our first story which is finished and still coming out, but they have announced that we are working on a Zatanna title with Vanesa Del Rey depending on their #DCRoundRobin voting via twitter and Instagram. They have some incredibly exciting characters to get to work with!

J: We have two films in production (that I can mention), UNSEEN and BOB. UNSEEN is our first video game adaption and it’s a fully immersive horror experience as it’s a game that simulates being blind. And BOB is our original monster movie that we’ve been wanting to make since AMERICAN MARY. We are working now with RADAR and Prospero Pictures and you can expect a lot to be coming from these wonderful new partnerships.

RABID airs on Horror Channel Saturday 12 June, 9pm.

COMPETITION: Win Lake Mungo Limited Edition Blu-ray

Lake Mungo Limited Edition Blu-ray - Released on 7th June

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and a copy to give away.

Synopsis:

Since its original release in 2008, this documentary-style chiller has made far reaching ripples, thrilling horror fans and inspiring budding filmmakers across the globe and establishing itself as a bona fide cult classic. Now the chilling film gets the release it deserves that sees brand new interviews with cast and crew; filmmaker fans Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead and director du jour Host’s Rob Savage; a brand new commentary, video essays and archive material. 

When sixteen-year-old Alice Palmer tragically drowns while swimming in the local dam, her grieving family start to experience a series of strange, inexplicable events and become increasingly unsettled. Seeking out the help of a parapsychologist, they learn that  Alice had been living through extremely troubling, disturbing times and hiding deep, dark secrets. Now they are desperate to know what haunted their daughter and what is happening to them. Does Lake Mungo hold the terrifying truth?

Pre-order on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yMHHUB

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 14-06-21
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

The Soska Sisters & Alexis Kendra bring female fear factor to Horror Channel in June.

This month, Horror Channel highlights the work of female genre talent with the Channel premieres of RABID, the Soska Sisters visceral remake of David Cronenberg’s body horror classic and THE CLEANING LADY, written by and starring Alexis Kendra (Goddess of Love), who also produced the much acclaimed twisted psychological chiller.

Transmission details:

Saturday 12 June @ 21:00 – RABID (2019) *Channel Premiere

This hugely welcomed remake of David Cronenberg’s body horror classic from AMERICAN MARY directors, The Soska Sisters, received its World Premiere at FrightFest 2019 before being released worldwide. They are the first filmmakers to re-imagine one of Cronenberg’s films and the fellow Canadian was very impressed with the results.

Synopsis: 

What happens when you realise to achieve your dreams you have to live a nightmare? Rose (Laura Vandervoort) wants to become a famous designer in the fashion world, but a terrible accident leaves her scarred beyond recognition. Undergoing a radical untested stem cell treatment, wallflower Rose turns into the belle of the ball and starts to realise her ambitions. But everything in life comes at a price and Rose’s new found perfection is no exception as she unwittingly sets off a bloody spiral of contagion.

Saturday 26 June @ 22:50 – THE CLEANING LADY (2018) *Channel Premiere

Based on a short film of the same name, Alexis originally wrote the role of Shelly for herself to reprise, but she and director Jon Knautz felt that Rachel Alig was so perfect for the role, that she switched to the role of Alice instead. This is the second time Kendra and Knautz have teamed up, following the success of THE GODDESS OF LOVE.

Synopsis: 

As a means to distract herself from an affair with a married man, love-addicted beautician Alice (Alexis Kendra, pictured) befriends her soft-spoken, reclusive cleaning lady Shelley (Rachel Alig), facially scarred by burns from a traumatic childhood incident. Soon everyone caught in Alice’s infidelity trap learns to their dread that Shelley’s scars run much deeper than they ever suspected.

COMPETITION: Win Ten Minutes to Midnight on DVD

Ten Minutes to Midnight - Released on DVD from 24th May

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies on DVD to give away.

Synopsis: 

This comedy-horror film centers on veteran late-night radio DJ Amy Marlowe (Caroline Williams) as she goes to work even after a rabid bat bit her. She recently discovered that her boss, station manager Robert (William Youmans), is about to fire her, to be replaced by new college graduate Sienna (Nicole Kang), so Amy insisted on reporting to work on the night of a violent storm. However, as the storm ravages their town, Amy witnesses evil forces mysteriously killing her co-workers one by one outside her DJ booth. Directed by Erik Bloomquist.

Pre-order on Amazon: https://amzn.to/33TY8A4

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 31-05-21
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

Interview with Jeff Menapace - By David Kempf

When did you first become interested in writing?

Since I was a kid. I used to draw a lot, and then write stories to go with the drawings. I only started getting serious about writing in my late teens, but it was always considered a hobby. I never thought I could make a career out of it.

 

How did you get involved in horror?

It was what I primarily read growing up, and still do this day, though I do read most everything. I don’t really consider myself a “horror writer” per se, but I can see how easy it is to be labeled as such when you write about dark things LOL. 

How did you make this a full time job?

Through loooong hours and years of hard work and sacrifice. It did NOT happen overnight. I truly sacrificed a lot to follow my goal of writing full-time. But if you want something bad enough . . . 

How did you go from teacher to full time author?

I was a teacher because it was a stable job to pay the bills. I enjoyed it as much as I could, but deep down I always wanted to be a writer instead. I used to have to get up for work to teach at 6:30 in the morning, and would always set my clock to 4:00 am, get up, and write for two hours before getting ready to teach. I tried writing after work, but that didn’t last long—I was way too wiped after a day of dealing with thirty kids. 

Why do you think horror and fantasy books remain so popular?

Well, I’m not sure horror is all that popular, though it does seem to be making a bit of a comeback with new guys like the awesome Paul Tremblay coming onto the scene. As for why people like it? I think deep down, we all like to be scared. It’s a very primal feeling that gives us a rush and forces us to live in the now as opposed to worrying about the past or future. 

Fantasy? No idea. Was never really into it. Lord of the Rings and now Game of Thrones maybe? 

How did you get an agent?

Through years of submitting query letters and never quitting. Not a very glamorous tale, but that’s what happened. 

What do you think is the best way for indie authors to advertise their books?

Yeesh—if I knew, I’d be doing it myself LOL. There are multiple platforms out there, some helpful, some a complete mystery. The tried and true way is to write a good book (many, actually), build a following via email list and social media, and then cross your fingers. 

Do you consider yourself prolific?

No. I’m a slow writer. I wish I was much faster, but I’m not. I admire writers who can crank out quality books every couple of months. 

Why do you think there are so many writers and artists in Bucks County Pa?

Are there? I had no idea. It’s a great place to live, though. 

What are your favorite horror books?

Misery is one of my all-time favs. Clive Barker’s early works were favorites of mine as well. Also loved Red Dragon by Thomas Harris, but I’d call that more thriller. Actually, I guess I’d call Misery more thriller too. 

What are some of your favorite horror movies?

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) is my all-time fav. After that, there are just too many to mention.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as an author?

I’m not really sure. I tend to be very hard on myself and am very critical of my own stuff. I guess managing to write and leave the real world far behind without pissing my wife off too much is an accomplishment. 

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Write, read, never give up; rinse and repeat.       

What is your opinion of the new self-publishing trend?

There are pros and cons. If you’re good, you can make a decent to great living with excellent control of your work. Unfortunately, there are plenty of not-so-good indie authors out there that take away from the good ones. Also, there is a lot more leg-work involved in self-publishing than in traditional publishing (cover design, editing, formatting, marketing), yet the upside to this is what I already mentioned—it allows you more control of your work, which, if you know what you’re doing and do your homework, can be a good thing. 

What are your current projects?

Working on the second book in a new series I started. First book is called Caleb, which is a spin-off from my Bad Games series, but definitely a stand-alone novel. No need to read Bad Games prior to reading Caleb. And Caleb is definitely a thriller and not horror. I’m also working on a horror collaboration with three other authors (Jeff Strand, Iain Rob Wright, and William Malmborg). It will be four different novellas with a “slasher movie” theme. The title is Slice and Dice and it should hopefully be out June 2021. 

Please in your own words write a paragraph about yourself & your work. 

Ha! I am a simple guy that lives in Pennsylvania. I love my wife, love my cats, love my town, and I love my job. I’m as low maintenance as they come, and some might even call me boring, but that’s who I am.

As for my work? It’s simple, and I put this in the backmatter of every novel I write: I just want to entertain. I’m not looking to win any major awards for literary excellence or anything; I just want you to have fun with what I write. Period.  

Links to my stuff: 

https://www.facebook.com/JeffMenapace.writer

http://twitter.com/JeffMenapace

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmenapace

https://www.goodreads.com/jeffmenapace

https://www.instagram.com/jeffmenapace

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jeff-menapace

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004R09M0S