FrightFest thirsts for 'new blood' in talent search

As Arrow Video FrightFest stalks the dark recesses of the big screen again, the search resumes for new writers in the horror genre through its New Blood initiative. New Blood reunites FrightFest with Giles Edwards of Queensbury Pictures with its mission to find emerging UK-based writers dedicated to the genre and nurture their projects from script to screen. Queensbury is ultimately interested in buying the finished script rather than the idea, and so, this year all successful final candidates if selected should be able to send even a rough draft of the first ten pages of their script through with their acceptance.

Already the scheme has delivered two new projects: Broadcast Signal Intrusion, written by Phil Drinkwater and Tim Woodall and directed by Jacob Gentry (The Signal) which World Premiered to enormous acclaim at SXSW 2021 and will come home to screen at FrightFest this August and The Change, written by Carina Rodney and optioned by acclaimed producer Jennifer Handorf (The Borderlands, The Chamber).

The successful shortlisted applicants will workshop their ideas in a group setting under the guidance of top industry professionals and genre experts. Among this year's panel are 2021 Variety Magazine 'Director to Watch', recipient Prano Bailey-Bond and acclaimed writer / director of CENSOR, Jed Shepherd, co-writer of 2020's genre sensation HOST and Rob Savage's upcoming secret Blumhouse project, Najarra Townsend, actress and producer, THE STYLIST and Queensbury Pictures' Giles Edwards.  

Giles Edwards of Queensbury Pictures said, "Having already achieved the initial aim of New Blood, with the discovery of the phenomenal script Broadcast Signal Intrusion from Phil and Tim which then exceeded our wildest expectations as a finished feature, and the amazing Jennifer Handorf falling for Carina's *absolutely wild* The Change, we're more adamant than ever that the cream of UK genre writing talent is out there, just waiting for the opportunity to wrench our collective gut with their visions of true terror."

Greg Day, co-director of FrightFest added, "For FrightFest to be continuing to support and enable aspiring scriptwriters to have this opportunity is very gratifying, especially as Giles and Queensbury Pictures have proved that they really mean business and are not just playing industry lip-service. Good luck to the New Blood class of 2021."

The New Blood networking and workshop event will be held on Thursday 26 August, the opening day of this year's festival, in a Central London venue

Applications are open from Monday 12th July with potential participants asked to submit a 400 word proposal through the dedicated New Blood page on the FrightFest website and if selected, each writer is expected to submit the first ten pages of their script idea. The deadline is Sunday 26th July.  All successful applicants will be notified by the 31st of July and then will be requested to send over their sample script pages. All participants are expected to pay for their own travel and accommodation.

For full application requirements and to apply:

https://www.frightfest.co.uk/newblood/newblood.html

Arrow Video FrightFest 2021 runs 26th to 30th August at the Cineworld, Leicester Square.

COMPETITION: Win Alone on Blu-ray

Alone  - Released on Blu-ray from 12th July

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 2 copies on Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis: 

Alone is a tense and tightly-wound thriller from John Hyams, director of Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning and the upcoming Maniac Cop remake. Jessica (Jules Willcox, Bloodline) drives on a long, lonely stretch of road in the Pacific Northwest. Attempting to rebound from a tragic loss, she's packed up her belongings and is headed back to her hometown to restart her life. Also on this stretch of road is a Man (Marc Menchaca, Ozark) who, at first, seems harmless enough, but keeps showing up in the same places as Jessica. It’s no coincidence. The Man has hostile plans for her, and once in his clutches she has to fight her way out to safety somewhere in the wilderness, away from civilization, away from any help and away from the devious psychotic out to destroy her. And she'll have to face it all alone.

Signature Entertainment presents Alone on Blu-ray from 12th July

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

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

Competition Closed 

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 19-07-21
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.

FULL MOVIE - Intruders (2015) Starring Beth Riesgraf, Martin Starr, Jack Kesy, Rory Culkin

 

Anna is isolated from human contact in nearly every way, which is exactly how she likes it. Suffering from crippling agoraphobia and holed up in an old Victorian on the outskirts of town, the people in Anna’s life can be counted on two fingers: her terminally-ill love, Conrad, and the charismatic Meals-on-Wheels driver, Dan. when a trio of criminals break into her house, she cannot bring herself to flee. But what the intruders don’t realize is that agoraphobia is not her only psychosis.

Starring Beth Riesgraf, Martin Starr, Jack Kesy, Rory Culkin

FULL MOVIE - Cherry Tree (2015) - Starring Anna Walton, Naomi Battrick and Sam Hazeldine

 

Faith’s world is turned upside down after she finds out that her beloved father is dying. When the mysteriously alluring Sissy Young becomes the village’s newest inhabitant, Faith finds a compassionate spirit and much-needed mother figure. Little does she know that Sissy is the head of a centuries-old witches’ coven that uses the fruit of an ancient cherry tree in a secret ritual that restores life to the dead and dying.

Offering to cure her father in exchange for a child, Sissy strikes a bargain with Faith, who suddenly finds herself pregnant with a baby that’s growing at an alarming rate. But with the clock to the child’s birth ticking down and the true intention of Sissy’s plans for humanity becoming more apparent, Faith and her father must stand together in order to save both their lives.

Starring Anna Walton, Naomi Battrick and Sam Hazeldine

Also available on DVD for a few pounds at Amazon - https://amzn.to/3ApckjF

COMPETITION: Win The Dark and the Wicked on DVD

The Dark and the Wicked - Released on Blu-ray and DVD from 5th July

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 2 copies on DVD to give away.

Synopsis: 

FROM THE director of the renowned, hit horror The Strangers, Bryan Bertino, comes his latest critically acclaimed feature The Dark and The Wicked, which makes its UK Blu-ray debut from Acorn Media International in conjunction with Shudder, following its success on the streaming service. This the first of many exciting Shudder titles Acorn will be releasing on physical formats this year.

 

Bertino has been garnering huge international praise and has been lauded by Esquire as ‘There’s no filmmaker working today more adept at generating scares via the sudden appearance of shadowy background figures’. His latest film is an extremely disturbing, tense, atmospheric chiller.

 

The Dark and The Wicked features a stellar cast that sees The Umbrella Academy’s breakout star Marin Ireland (The Irishman) and Fear the Walking Dead’s Michael Abbott Jr. as siblings who must return to the family home to say their goodbyes to their dying father, but are met with a situation beyond their wildest nightmares. The film will be released on Blu-ray, DVD and on digital to download and keep on 5 July 2021.

 

On a secluded farm, a father (Michael Zagst – Divine Access) is bedridden and fighting through his final breaths while his wife slowly succumbs to overwhelming grief. Siblings Louise (Marin Ireland) and Michael (Michael Abbott Jr.) return home to help, but it doesn’t take long for them to see that something’s terribly wrong with their mother (Julie Oliver-Touchstone – Preacher) —something more than her heavy sorrow. Gradually, they begin to suffer a darkness similar to their mother’s, marked by waking nightmares and a growing sense that an evil entity is taking over their family.

 

The Dark and the Wicked will jangle your nerves and either keep you on the edge of your sofa… or running for safety behind it.

Pre-Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3w1Ger1

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

Competition Closed 

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 12-07-21
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.

COMPETITION: Win The Babadook Limited Edition Blu-ray

The Babadook Limited Edition Blu-ray - Released on DVD from 26th July

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

Synopsis: 

Internationally renowned horror The Babadook saw The Nightingale’s Jennifer Kent make a huge impact with her feature film debut. Now Second Sight Film brings this acclaimed chiller back to life with a brand-new Limited-Edition dual format release featuring the world premiere on 4K UHD plus Blu-ray which will ensure you won’t want to get rid of The Babadook.

This standout film sees Essie Davis, star of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, as a grief-stricken mother who is desperately trying to bring up her troubled son the best she can, will a new book be the answer to his sleep woes, or is it the beginning of an unimaginable nightmare?

Following the violent death of her husband on the day their son Samuel (Noah Wiseman) was born, Amelia struggles with his erratic behaviour, and is still battling with the never-ending grief. Refusing to celebrate Samuel’s birthday as it’s inextricably linked to such a traumatic time, life is a struggle and the one person who’s always been there for her, her sister Hayley McElhinne’s patience is wearing thin.

As Samuel’s seventh birthday approaches his fears get worse, he’s convinced a monster is coming to get them, and he won’t settle, no matter how many bedtime stories he’s told. When an intriguing storybook appears on the bookshelf,  Samuel becomes convinced that the Babadook is the monstrous creature he’s always feared and as Amelia senses the ominous presence herself, she slowly begins to unravel.

The stunning Limited Edition is released on 26th July and is presented in a stunning rigid slipcase with new artwork by Peter Diamond.  Full of outstanding special features it includes brand-new and archive interviews, audio commentaries, a short film and a 150-page hardback book with brand new essays and collectors' art cards, please find full details below.

Pre-order on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gG2p1t

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

Competition Closed 

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 26-07-21
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.

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.