That's right, Norman Warren (ba-doom-bish).
Anyway, regular readers may recall that we mentioned Mr Warren (esteemed creator of works such as Prey, Inseminoid and Terror) was in that London on Friday, talking about his early career.
I couldn't make it (not having the train fare, petrol or any connection with London at all) but the evening's organiser Jo did tell me:
"We had a great time last night - the audience really enjoyed the event and it was great to hear Norman talk about his early film-making experiences. There could have been more people in for Prey but Sally Faulkner was good value.
"Unfortunately, Terry Marcel couldn't make it as he had a business meeting but the audience cheered when they heard that there's a possiblity he might be able to raise money for a sequel to Hawk the Slayer! The evening also saw the advance release of the soundtracks of Prey and Terror, both by Ivor Slaney. It has a fantastic colour booklet inside with lots of stills. Anyone interested can email moscovitchmusic@hotmail.com."
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Saturday, 13 December 2008
Hammer doc coming soon
Jeff Herberger has been in touch to tell about the new documentary about Hammer called “The Fanex Files- Hammer Films”.
The doc tells the story of the history of Hammer Films from the point of view of the writers, directors and stars who made the films themselves.
Jeff said: "Hammer Legends Val Guest, Jimmy Sangster, Freddie Francis, Caroline Munro, Richard Gordon, Ingrid Pitt, Yutte Stensgaard, Veronica Carlson, Michael Ripper, Barbara Shelley, Virginia Wetherall, James Bernard and Christopher Lee all appear in this new Documentary Film that will be released on DVD by Alpha New Cinema."
There are three trailers available on the You-biquitous (see what I did there?) YouTube, including the one above. Here's the links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIj5N85ERw8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBAnpIMe_ds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKxSPUry2Ck
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
All I do each night is PREY... hoping that you won't rip my gizzards out and eat 'em
Ah, Norman J Warren's Prey. An everyday tale of angry lesbians, dog-faced aliens, sewage swimming and alarming cannibalism. And if that doesn't make you want to watch the thing, I don't know what would.
Jo Botting from the BFI has been in touch to say that the film is getting a showing on the big screen this Friday (December 12) at BFI Southbank, London - introduced by Norman himself (the trendy maths teacher of Brit horror) and Sally Faulkner (one of the lesbians from the film, who I'm sure will have a few toe-curling tales to tell about the general thinking going on at the time regarding the inclusion of people of that sexual persuasion - let's put it this way, it wasn't striking a blow for the women's movement).
Jo says:
It's on at 8.30, NFT3. At 6.10, Norman will be onstage with director of photography Brian Tufano (Quadrophenia, Bladerunner, Billy Elliott, etc.) - they met as schoolboys and made some short films before their careers really took off so they'll be showing some of their early stuff and talking about it.
We'll also be showing trailers for Norman's first two features, HER PRIVATE HELL and LOVING FEELING. All info can be found at http://www.bfi.org.uk/.
Monday, 17 November 2008
The Sci Fi invasion continues apace
I meant to mention this last week, but I forgot. Anyway, the Sci Fi channel published a bit of nonsense about zombies and why they are ace, written by yours truly in the wake of the rather wonderful Dead Set, and you can see it here:
http://www.scifi.co.uk/articles/2008/11/why-we-love-zombies.php
Then hot of the presses, this week I've waxed lyrical about why a certain Mr Herbert should be better represented in the world of Brit horror. You can see it here:
http://www.scifi.co.uk/articles/2008/11/chris-wood-wwwbritishhorrorfil.php
http://www.scifi.co.uk/articles/2008/11/why-we-love-zombies.php
Then hot of the presses, this week I've waxed lyrical about why a certain Mr Herbert should be better represented in the world of Brit horror. You can see it here:
http://www.scifi.co.uk/articles/2008/11/chris-wood-wwwbritishhorrorfil.php
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Please Hammer, don't hurt me
The second of my articles about British horror is now available to view on the Sci Fi channel website. This time it's about Hammer films, and it may be a tad harsh...
You can see it here: http://www.scifi.co.uk/articles/2008/11/-as-a-fan-when.php
You can see it here: http://www.scifi.co.uk/articles/2008/11/-as-a-fan-when.php
Youtubery jiggery pokery
Whilst mucking about on YouTube this evening, I noticed the "annotations" tab, so had a play with a clip from "The Mutations". I think my additions make it far more "BHF website" than just a boring old clip... what do you think?
Sunday, 2 November 2008
The Sci Fi's the limit!
The BHF has branched out a bit, and is now connected to the mighty Sci Fi Channel (sort of).
Don't worry, I've not gone all telly, although given the shenanigans this week I believe there's an opening on the BBC's film programme - perhaps I should put my name forward...
Anyway, I am now writing the occasional story for the channel's website. Given the fact that what I know about science fiction itself lies somewhere between "fuck" and "all", it's a good job they've asked me to write about British horror. Which is what I'm doing. The first effort is now on the Sci Fi channel's website, and there will be more soon (until they get bored with me banging on about Peter Csuhing and Robin Askwith, anyway).
You can see it here: http://www.scifi.co.uk/articles/2008/10/a-beginners-guide-to-british-c.php
Don't worry, I've not gone all telly, although given the shenanigans this week I believe there's an opening on the BBC's film programme - perhaps I should put my name forward...
Anyway, I am now writing the occasional story for the channel's website. Given the fact that what I know about science fiction itself lies somewhere between "fuck" and "all", it's a good job they've asked me to write about British horror. Which is what I'm doing. The first effort is now on the Sci Fi channel's website, and there will be more soon (until they get bored with me banging on about Peter Csuhing and Robin Askwith, anyway).
You can see it here: http://www.scifi.co.uk/articles/2008/10/a-beginners-guide-to-british-c.php
Got a tenner?
British Indie producer Tom Atkinson writes to tell the BHF about his latest project...
The 10 Pound Horror Film -www.the10poundhorrorfilm.com has already had support for the project from names like Nicholas Roeg (/Don’t Look Now/), John Landis (/American Werewolf in London/; the Michael Jackson /Thriller/ music video), Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (both from /Spaced, Hot Fuzz/ and /Shaun of the Dead/) as well as Kane Hodder (Jason from the /Friday the 13th/ series).
The aim of the project is to create a truly 21st century British Horror film and open up the production process to horror fans worldwide on the internet.
I feel the time is right for a project that aims to bring the British Horror Film back to international prominence.
A video teaser for the 10 Pound Horror Film posted on YouTube one month ago to test people’s interest has already received over 70,000 views and shows no sign of stopping and the first Video Blog for the production is attracting a lot of interest.
Check it out at: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg2pPnypYa8
The 10 Pound Horror Film -www.the10poundhorrorfilm.com has already had support for the project from names like Nicholas Roeg (/Don’t Look Now/), John Landis (/American Werewolf in London/; the Michael Jackson /Thriller/ music video), Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (both from /Spaced, Hot Fuzz/ and /Shaun of the Dead/) as well as Kane Hodder (Jason from the /Friday the 13th/ series).
The aim of the project is to create a truly 21st century British Horror film and open up the production process to horror fans worldwide on the internet.
I feel the time is right for a project that aims to bring the British Horror Film back to international prominence.
A video teaser for the 10 Pound Horror Film posted on YouTube one month ago to test people’s interest has already received over 70,000 views and shows no sign of stopping and the first Video Blog for the production is attracting a lot of interest.
Check it out at: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg2pPnypYa8
8ight Limbs gets award
Jamie Rae writes to tell me about his new horror film:
'8ight Limbs' was written, produced and directed by Daniel Anscombe and myself this year.
We recently have been IMDb credited.On Monday 13th October '08, '8ight Limbs' won the Total Film Award For Best Trailer, at the Quarterly IceWhole.com Awards, which was held at Everyman Cinema in London.
Personalities attended includes Jon Hurt and Charles Dance.We are aiming to self distribute the DVD through Cupsogue Pictures on 1st December this year, and will be available through amazon.co.uk.
You can see the trailer here: http://www.icewhole.com/site/films/film.cfm?filid=1682
Ooh, that looks grim. But highly accomplished, n'all!
Let's hope Jamie and Daniel got legless after getting the award (ba-dum-bish).
'8ight Limbs' was written, produced and directed by Daniel Anscombe and myself this year.
We recently have been IMDb credited.On Monday 13th October '08, '8ight Limbs' won the Total Film Award For Best Trailer, at the Quarterly IceWhole.com Awards, which was held at Everyman Cinema in London.
Personalities attended includes Jon Hurt and Charles Dance.We are aiming to self distribute the DVD through Cupsogue Pictures on 1st December this year, and will be available through amazon.co.uk.
You can see the trailer here: http://www.icewhole.com/site/films/film.cfm?filid=1682
Ooh, that looks grim. But highly accomplished, n'all!
Let's hope Jamie and Daniel got legless after getting the award (ba-dum-bish).
Fancy a Brazilian
The jokes about "close shaves" end here. But I was contacted (ages ago... oops) by the organisers of the Fantasy Short Film Festival, a Brazilian festival focused on fantasy, horror and sci-fi short films.
A nice man called Vivi writes:
Our screening sessions take place in São Paulo, one of the most cultural cities.
This year we are going to promote the third edition of this festival and, so far, we have selected more than 100 films, to be screened throughout a whole week in 6 different theaters, including short films and special screenings of feature films.
Our site is: www.cinefantastico.com.br
Apparently, two months ago they were looking for some British entries - let's hope they found some (without my help).
A nice man called Vivi writes:
Our screening sessions take place in São Paulo, one of the most cultural cities.
This year we are going to promote the third edition of this festival and, so far, we have selected more than 100 films, to be screened throughout a whole week in 6 different theaters, including short films and special screenings of feature films.
Our site is: www.cinefantastico.com.br
Apparently, two months ago they were looking for some British entries - let's hope they found some (without my help).
Nice website, by the way!
Aber Dabba doo!
Wales, eh? Lovely place, if a tad scary (well, bits of it).
And now it's set to be even scarier, with the third appearance of the Abertoir Horror Festival in Aberystwyth (see what they did there?)
Sounds like it should be well worth a visit, especially because they're making a big deal of all-time Brit horror fave DEATH LINE!
Here's the details...
HORROR AWAITS IN ABERYSTWYTH!
Abertoir Horror Festival 12 – 16 November 2008
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Information begins......
Wales' only horror festival is back for a third terrifying year, and this year its bigger and more horrifying than ever before! Abertoir will run at Aberystwyth Arts Centre from the 12th – 16th November, and this year the programme includes screenings of over twenty horror films from around the world, including UK premieres, cult screenings and classics. Plus as a new strand a whole host of special events will give fans of horror something truly memorable. Films, music, theatre, book signings, and special guests from the horror genre will turn the peaceful seaside town of Aberystwyth into a haven for lovers of the macabre - so lock up your grannies, Abertoir is coming. Be afraid. Be very afraid.....
Special events for 2008 include:
Mark Gatiss (The League of Gentlemen, Doctor Who) who will talk about his latest book ‘Black Butterfly’, sign copies and answer questions from fans.
Doug Bradley, most widely known for his role as Pinhead in the Hellraiser films, performs his one-man show and present his new range of visual talking books.
Claudio Simonetti’s band GOBLIN was responsible for some of the most stunning examples of film music, and his work is legendary. His new band DAEMONIA are flying over from Italy for a live concert of his unforgettable horror themes.
Gary Sherman is the director responsible for the classic British horror Death Line, Dead and Buried and many more. He is flying over from Chicago with a new print of Death Line to talk about his work and to give a very special filmmaking masterclass.
Adele Hartley, Curator of ‘Dead By Dawn’, Scotland’s premiere horror festival, will talk about her series of books ‘Read By Dawn’, a collection of modern horror writing.
Axelle Carolyn presents a fascinating talk about her book ‘It Lives Again!’, a comprehensive analysis and overview of the state of horror cinema at the start of the 21st Century.
Dan Abnett has contributed to the greatest graphic novels, including Warhammer, 2000AD, Marvel, DC and Dark Horse. Dan will be signing books and is happy to chat with fans!
Jim Groom, director, will host a Q&A after his latest film “Room 36”.
Stefan Jakubowski, Horror writer, will be here over the weekend to sign his latest book, Miscreation.
The film schedule is a packed one, with many horror aficionadas seeing over 20 films in non stop screenings over the weekend. The films include:
· John Carpenter’s terrifying Halloween (18) on a rare 35 mm print
· A mystery late night Grindhouse Screening (18)
· Donald Pleasance stars in ‘Death Line’ , screened on a new 35 mm print, followed by a Q&A with director Gary Sherman
· Daddy’s Girl (18) a new Welsh psychological horror feature
· Examples of the Japanese horror genre including Machine Girl (18), Tokyo Gore Police (18)
· Suspiria (18) Dario Argento’s Italian masterpiece, followed by a Q&A With Claudio Simonetti, composer of the memorable score
· The Phantom of the Opera (PG) with Live Accompaniment from composer Paul Shallcross
· Make Your Own Damn Movie! A selection of some of the amazingly talented independent filmmakers that the festival has discovered.
· Short Film Competition with a £500 Prize!
· Plus screenings of: Hush (18); Midnight Meat Train (18); 39: A Film By Carroll McKane (18) (European Premier); Witchfinder General (18); Martyrs (18); The Innocents (PG); Doug Bradley’s Spinechillers; My Name is Bruce (15) and more.
So all in all it promises to be a packed weekend of events and activities. Bookings are open now for the weekend and are already selling well, with many fans opting for the ‘Festival Pass’ which gives entry to every event of the weekend. Alternatively tickets can be bought for individual events. Bookings can be made either online at www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre or by calling 01970 62 32 32. Full news of all the latest Abertoir acticvities can be found on the festival website www.abertoir.co.uk.
Abertoir is an initiative of Aberystwyth Arts Centre and is supported by the Film Agency of Wales.
END/
For more information please contact Louise Amery on 01970 622889 or email lla@aber.ac.uk ABERTOIR HORROR FESTIVAL 2008 Nov 12th – 16th
GUESTS & BOOK EVENTS:
Doug Bradley, most widely known for his role as Pinhead in the Hellraiser films, performs his one-man show and present his new range of visual talking books.
Claudio Simonetti’s band GOBLIN was responsible for some of the most stunning examples of film music, and his work is legendary. His new band DAEMONIA are flying over from Italy for a live concert of his unforgettable horror themes.
Gary Sherman is the director responsible for the classic British horror Death Line, Dead and Buried and many more. He is flying over from Chicago with a new print of Death Line to talk about his work and to give a very special filmmaking masterclass.
Mark Gatiss (The League of Gentlemen, Doctor Who) will be here to talk about his latest book ‘Black Butterfly’, sign copies and answer questions from the fans. (Tickets £1, redeemable off book purchase)
Adele Hartley, Curator of ‘Dead By Dawn’, Scotland’s premiere horror festival, will talk about her series of books ‘Read By Dawn’, a collection of modern horror writing.
Axelle Carolyn presents a fascinating talk about her book ‘It Lives Again!’, a comprehensive analysis and overview of the state of horror cinema at the start of the 21st Century.
Dan Abnett has contributed to the greatest graphic novels, including Warhammer, 2000AD, Marvel, DC and Dark Horse. Dan will be signing books and is happy to chat with fans!
Jim Groom, director, will host a Q&A after his latest film “Room 36”.
Stefan Jakubowski, Horror writer, will be here over the weekend to sign his latest book, Miscreation.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES:
Thurs 13 Nov – 4pm Gary Sherman Masterclass
Director Gary Sherman will present a very special masterclass in filmmaking.
Friday 14 November – 9.30pm Tickets £10 ( or included in the Abertoir Festival pass)
Claudio Simonetti's DAEMONIA Live in Concert
From world renowned group GOBLIN, Claudio Simonetti’s band Daemonia is the culmination of a lifetime of work on some of the genre's most revered and important films. Touring as far as America, Japan and Europe, Claudio’s fantastic credits include the scores to such films as Dawn of the Dead, Suspiria, Profondo Rosso, Demons, Opera and Tenebre. For this very rare UK performance, this is a perfect opportunity to hear these magnificent tracks played live on stage, breathing new life into horror's most legendary music.
Sat 15 Nov - 7.30pm Tickets £10 (or included in Abertoir festival package)
DOUG BRADLEY: AN EVENING WITH DEATH
UK PERFORMANCE PREMIERE
Join horror screen legend Doug Bradley on a journey into the depths of dread! With the help of a handful of writers such as Ray Bradbury and Clive Barker, Bradley’s world-touring show presents us with a stellar collection of classic and modern tales of horror.
FILMS:
15th Nov – 4pm, 16th Nov - 2pm
Short Film Competition - £500 Prize!
Over two sessions, we will be determining the best short film from some of the splendid professional shorts sent to us, with a prize of £500 for the winner!
12th Nov – 5pm
John Carpenter’s Halloween (18)
(John Carpenter, USA 1978, 91mins)
John Carpenter’s terrifying movie is still as powerful today as it was when first released. For its 30th anniversary, we’ve done some digging and managed to find a rare 35mm print!
+ SHORT FILM “RED LINES”
12th Nov – 7.30pm
Hush (18)Adv
(Mark Tonderai, UK 2008)
Driving home along the M1, a couple, Zakes and Beth, stop for a rest at a service station. But when Beth is kidnapped by the driver of a white van, Zakes finds himself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse along the empty motorway…..
12th Nov – 9.30pm
Midnight Meat Train (18)
(Ryuhei Kitamura, USA 2008, 100mins)
Clive Barker’s tale of terror comes as the first adaptation from his
Books of Blood series and follows a photographer who gets drawn into the nightmarish world of a subway murderer who stalks late-night commuters.
12th Nov – 11.45pm
Mystery Grindhouse Screening (18)
We’ve managed to find a beat-up, scratchy and falling apart film from the glorious Grindhouse era that’ll be winding it’s way through our poor projector for this late night mystery screening. We encourage heckling and raucous inappropriate laughter….
13th Nov – 1.45pm
Daddy’s Girl (18) (Screening sponsored by Contender)
(D J Evans, UK 2007, 85mins)
"Daddy's Girl" is a chilling psychological horror feature made by Welsh talent and filmed in Wales. A psychiatrist struggling to hold his life together meets a troubled teenage girl whose sinister behaviour and obsession for cutting herself starts to push the boundaries of teenage angst to a frightening new level. + SHORT FILM “CAM2CAM”
13th Nov – 6pm
Death Line + Q&A With Director Gary Sherman (18)
(Gary Sherman, UK 1972, 87mins)
At the end of the 19th century, a group of workers are trapped and abandoned after a cave-in while working on the construction of the London Underground. A hundred years later, the cannibalistic and mutated descendent of this group is poaching passengers from the busy subway system, and it’s up to investigator Donald Pleasance to discover the true extent of the atrocities. Brand new 35mm print straight from the USA!
13th Nov – 9.30pm
39: A Film By Carroll McKane (18)adv
(Gary Sherman, USA 2007, 90mins)
Carroll McKane's DVcams have recorded the deaths of his 36 past victims. His killing room, a makeshift studio, is the set for the murders of two more victims and the torture of a forensic psychiatrist. European premiere!
13th Nov – 11.45pm
Machine Girl (18)adv
(Noboru Iguchi, Japan 2008, 96mins, Subtitled)
Absurd. Ridiculous. Offensive. Shocking. Ninjas. Sushi. Gore. Tempura.
Guillotine Bra… A Japanese schoolgirl loses her arm while protecting her brother from third-rate Yakuza; replacing it with a machine gun she sets about her revenge in this gloriously over-the-top late night splatter fest!
14th Nov – 6.30pm
Suspiria (18) + Q&A With Claudio Simonetti
(Dario Argento, Italy 1977, 97mins)
An assault on the senses from start to finish, Dario Argento’s masterpiece bombards the viewer with such a visual and aural onslaught that Suspiria remains one of the most prominent and talked about films in horror movie history. Printed using the obsolete three-strip Technicolor process, the film is bathed in a fabulous sea of reds, greens and blues; a remarkable achievement in visual style that is enhanced by Simonetti’s pounding score.
+ Short Film “The Dirt” With Introduction By Simona & Claudio Simonetti. UK Premiere!
15th Nov – 2pm
Witchfinder General (18)
(Michael Reeves, UK 1968, 86mins)
Vincent Price gives the performance of his career as Matthew Hopkins, the 17th century witchfinder who travelled the country extracting confessions from innocent young women. He finds a nemesis in the form of Ian Ogilvy, a soldier in Cromwell’s army whose fiancée falls foul to Hopkins’ treachery. What follows is a campaign of revenge by the soldier destined to put an end to Hopkins’ reign of terror.
15th Nov – 10pm
Martyrs (18)
(Pascal Laugier, France 2008, 97mins, Subtitled)
Given a harsh 18+ rating in France, this extremely controversial shocker follows a young girl who survived a horrific kidnapping and abuse the hands of a sadistic family. 15 years later, she joins forces with another survivor of abuse to track down the people who made her suffer.
15th Nov – Midnight
Tokyo Gore Police (18)adv
(Yoshihiro Nishimura, Japan 2008, 110mins, Subtitled)
Set in near-future Tokyo, a new breed of genetically modified humans are starting to take over, with the ability to sprout new limbs in the form of biological weapons. The literally eye-popping special effects are out of this world; it’s an insane, violent, bizarre, over-the-top and brilliantly subversive film.
16th Nov – 12pm
The Innocents (PG)
(Jack Clayton, UK 1961, 100mins)
An adaptation of Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw, the film is set in Victorian England and follows governess Miss Giddens (Deborah Kerr) who is assigned to look after two orphans at a bleak country estate. Gradually, she becomes convinced that the children are not who they pretend to be, and begins to find herself fighting for her own sanity as the horrible secrets of the house reveal themselves one by one….
16th Nov – 4.30pm
The Phantom of the Opera with Live Accompaniment (PG)
(Rupert Julian, USA 1925, 100mins)
We’re delighted that this particular screening will featuring a live piano accompaniment by composer Paul Shallcross, who has spent this summer creating a brand new score for Lon Chaney’s classic film.
16th Nov – 6.30pm
Doug Bradley’s Spinechillers
An exciting new concept in visual audio books, Doug Bradley will present two examples, HP Lovecraft's: The Outsider, and Edgar Allen Poe's: The Tell-Tale Heart.
16th Nov – 9.30pm
My Name is Bruce (15) adv
(Bruce Campbell, USA 2008)
When threatened by a vengeful monster, a small village decides the only person who can possibly help is ass-kicking hero Bruce Campbell (playing himself). Convinced that it’s all an elaborate birthday present from his agent, Bruce begins to enjoy the spoils of being a movie hero, including free liquor, but is quite unprepared when his target turns out to be far from the usual guy in a rubber suit….
Make Your Own Damn Movie!
In honour of last year’s special guest Lloyd Kaufman, this strand highlights some of the amazingly talented independent filmmakers that we’ve discovered.
13th Nov – 12.00pm Strange Angel (15)Adv (Graham Rich, USA 2006, 71mins)
On the anniversary of their childhood friend's death, Sadie & Camilla discover they are heirs to Helena's fortune. An evening meal in Helena's home is filled with memories but soon spirals into an unexpected nightmare. INTRODUCTION BY WELSH SCREENWRITER NIA EDWARDS-BEHI. + SHORT FILM “THE UNINVITED”.
14th Nov – 12.30pm I Know How Many Runs You Scored Last Summer 18adv (Doug Turner, Stacey Edmonds, AUS 2008, 75mins)
A cricket team are dismissed by a moustachioed serial killer with a razor sharp cricket glove and an arsenal of sharpened stumps. Mass Murder... it's just not cricket.
14th Nov – 2.15pm Bane 18adv (James Eaves, UK 2008, 115mins)
Katherine awakes in an underground cell with three other women. With complete amnesia Katherine and the other women have little time to wonder where they are before the arrival of the sadistic Dr Murdoch. What is the purpose of the experiment and who, or what, is screaming every time the lights go out?
14th Nov – 4.45pm Maldito Bastardo! 18adv (Javi Camino, Spain 2007, 82mins, Subtitled)
"Maldito Bastardo is a gut-devouring virus. Maldito Bastardo is a human distill. Maldito Bastardo is a gratuitous massacre. Maldito Bastardo is a plush God toy. Maldito Bastardo is LOVE." Understand? Neither did we, but we still loved this insanely funny film!
15th Nov – 11am Room 36 (15) (Jim Groom, UK 2005, 90mins)
ROOM 36 is a quirky, black-comedy / noir-thriller, set in the dated, seedy décor of the Midlothian Hotel. Double crossings, assassins, prostitutes, mistaken identity, guns, deaths and perverts all are part of this funny and unique film. Q&A WITH DIRECTOR JIM GROOM.
15th Nov – 5pm Colin (18)Adv (Marc Price, UK 2008, 100mins)
From Welsh director Marc Price comes Colin, one of the first Zombie
movies told entirely from a Zombie’s perspective. Our hero Colin is bitten by a Zombie, returning from the dead we follow him as he wanders through suburbia during the throes of a cadaverous apocalypse. INTRODUCTION BY MARC PRICE
16th Nov – 7.45pm On Evil Grounds (15) adv (Peter Koller, Austria 2008, Subtitled)
House-hunters Romeo and Juliet are a uniquely strange couple whose estate agent turns out to be a serial killer – too bad Romeo and Juliet are anything but docile victims. A dead body and a few shovels of dirt later, Romeo is stuck in trouble virtually up to his neck. Even worse, Juliet is forced to postpone her house-decorating plans to rescue her boyfriend. Very funny film, think Tom and Jerry meets Sergio Leone!
ABERTOIR SCHEDULE
WED 12th Nov
17:00 Red Lines + Halloween (18)
19:30 Hush (18) adv
21:30 Midnight Meat Train (18)
23:45 Mystery Grindhouse Screening (18)
THURS 13th Nov
12:00 Strange Angel + The Uninvited (15) adv
13:45 Daddy's Girl + Cam2Cam (18) SPONSORED BY CONTENDER
16:00 GARY SHERMAN Masterclass
18:00 Death Line + Q&A with Gary Sherman (18)
20:15 Mark Gatiss book event – “Black Butterfly” (Tickets £1, redeemable against book)
21:3039: A Film by Caroll McKane (18) adv
23:45 Machine Girl (18) adv
FRI 14th Nov
12:30 I Know How Many Runs You Scored Last Summer (18) adv
14:15 Bane (18) adv
16:45 Maldito Bastardo! (18) adv
17:30 Dan Abnett book signing (no ticket required, note: concurrent with film screening)
18:30 Suspiria + The Dirt + Q&A with Claudio Simonetti (18)
21:30 DAEMONIA Live in Concert
SAT 15th Nov
11:00 Room 36 + Q&A (15)
12:00 DAN ABNETT book signing (no ticket required, note: concurrent with film screening)
13:00 ADELE HARTLEY book event – “Read By Dawn” (free)
14:00 Witchfinder General (18)
16:00 Short Film Competition part 1 (free)
17:00 Colin (18) adv
19:30 DOUG BRADLEY: An Evening With Death
22:00 Martyrs (18) adv
00:00 Tokyo Gore Police (18) adv
SUN 16th Nov
12:00 The Innocents (12A)
14:00 Short Film Competition part 2 (free)
15:30 AXELLE CAROLYN book event – “It Lives Again!” (free)
16:30 Phantom of the Opera - with live accompaniment (PG)
18:30 Doug Bradley's Spinechillers (free)
19:45 On Evil Grounds (15) adv
21:30 My Name is Bruce (15) adv
SEE WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS.
www.abertoir.co.uk
And now it's set to be even scarier, with the third appearance of the Abertoir Horror Festival in Aberystwyth (see what they did there?)
Sounds like it should be well worth a visit, especially because they're making a big deal of all-time Brit horror fave DEATH LINE!
Here's the details...
HORROR AWAITS IN ABERYSTWYTH!
Abertoir Horror Festival 12 – 16 November 2008
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Information begins......
Wales' only horror festival is back for a third terrifying year, and this year its bigger and more horrifying than ever before! Abertoir will run at Aberystwyth Arts Centre from the 12th – 16th November, and this year the programme includes screenings of over twenty horror films from around the world, including UK premieres, cult screenings and classics. Plus as a new strand a whole host of special events will give fans of horror something truly memorable. Films, music, theatre, book signings, and special guests from the horror genre will turn the peaceful seaside town of Aberystwyth into a haven for lovers of the macabre - so lock up your grannies, Abertoir is coming. Be afraid. Be very afraid.....
Special events for 2008 include:
Mark Gatiss (The League of Gentlemen, Doctor Who) who will talk about his latest book ‘Black Butterfly’, sign copies and answer questions from fans.
Doug Bradley, most widely known for his role as Pinhead in the Hellraiser films, performs his one-man show and present his new range of visual talking books.
Claudio Simonetti’s band GOBLIN was responsible for some of the most stunning examples of film music, and his work is legendary. His new band DAEMONIA are flying over from Italy for a live concert of his unforgettable horror themes.
Gary Sherman is the director responsible for the classic British horror Death Line, Dead and Buried and many more. He is flying over from Chicago with a new print of Death Line to talk about his work and to give a very special filmmaking masterclass.
Adele Hartley, Curator of ‘Dead By Dawn’, Scotland’s premiere horror festival, will talk about her series of books ‘Read By Dawn’, a collection of modern horror writing.
Axelle Carolyn presents a fascinating talk about her book ‘It Lives Again!’, a comprehensive analysis and overview of the state of horror cinema at the start of the 21st Century.
Dan Abnett has contributed to the greatest graphic novels, including Warhammer, 2000AD, Marvel, DC and Dark Horse. Dan will be signing books and is happy to chat with fans!
Jim Groom, director, will host a Q&A after his latest film “Room 36”.
Stefan Jakubowski, Horror writer, will be here over the weekend to sign his latest book, Miscreation.
The film schedule is a packed one, with many horror aficionadas seeing over 20 films in non stop screenings over the weekend. The films include:
· John Carpenter’s terrifying Halloween (18) on a rare 35 mm print
· A mystery late night Grindhouse Screening (18)
· Donald Pleasance stars in ‘Death Line’ , screened on a new 35 mm print, followed by a Q&A with director Gary Sherman
· Daddy’s Girl (18) a new Welsh psychological horror feature
· Examples of the Japanese horror genre including Machine Girl (18), Tokyo Gore Police (18)
· Suspiria (18) Dario Argento’s Italian masterpiece, followed by a Q&A With Claudio Simonetti, composer of the memorable score
· The Phantom of the Opera (PG) with Live Accompaniment from composer Paul Shallcross
· Make Your Own Damn Movie! A selection of some of the amazingly talented independent filmmakers that the festival has discovered.
· Short Film Competition with a £500 Prize!
· Plus screenings of: Hush (18); Midnight Meat Train (18); 39: A Film By Carroll McKane (18) (European Premier); Witchfinder General (18); Martyrs (18); The Innocents (PG); Doug Bradley’s Spinechillers; My Name is Bruce (15) and more.
So all in all it promises to be a packed weekend of events and activities. Bookings are open now for the weekend and are already selling well, with many fans opting for the ‘Festival Pass’ which gives entry to every event of the weekend. Alternatively tickets can be bought for individual events. Bookings can be made either online at www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre or by calling 01970 62 32 32. Full news of all the latest Abertoir acticvities can be found on the festival website www.abertoir.co.uk.
Abertoir is an initiative of Aberystwyth Arts Centre and is supported by the Film Agency of Wales.
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For more information please contact Louise Amery on 01970 622889 or email lla@aber.ac.uk ABERTOIR HORROR FESTIVAL 2008 Nov 12th – 16th
GUESTS & BOOK EVENTS:
Doug Bradley, most widely known for his role as Pinhead in the Hellraiser films, performs his one-man show and present his new range of visual talking books.
Claudio Simonetti’s band GOBLIN was responsible for some of the most stunning examples of film music, and his work is legendary. His new band DAEMONIA are flying over from Italy for a live concert of his unforgettable horror themes.
Gary Sherman is the director responsible for the classic British horror Death Line, Dead and Buried and many more. He is flying over from Chicago with a new print of Death Line to talk about his work and to give a very special filmmaking masterclass.
Mark Gatiss (The League of Gentlemen, Doctor Who) will be here to talk about his latest book ‘Black Butterfly’, sign copies and answer questions from the fans. (Tickets £1, redeemable off book purchase)
Adele Hartley, Curator of ‘Dead By Dawn’, Scotland’s premiere horror festival, will talk about her series of books ‘Read By Dawn’, a collection of modern horror writing.
Axelle Carolyn presents a fascinating talk about her book ‘It Lives Again!’, a comprehensive analysis and overview of the state of horror cinema at the start of the 21st Century.
Dan Abnett has contributed to the greatest graphic novels, including Warhammer, 2000AD, Marvel, DC and Dark Horse. Dan will be signing books and is happy to chat with fans!
Jim Groom, director, will host a Q&A after his latest film “Room 36”.
Stefan Jakubowski, Horror writer, will be here over the weekend to sign his latest book, Miscreation.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES:
Thurs 13 Nov – 4pm Gary Sherman Masterclass
Director Gary Sherman will present a very special masterclass in filmmaking.
Friday 14 November – 9.30pm Tickets £10 ( or included in the Abertoir Festival pass)
Claudio Simonetti's DAEMONIA Live in Concert
From world renowned group GOBLIN, Claudio Simonetti’s band Daemonia is the culmination of a lifetime of work on some of the genre's most revered and important films. Touring as far as America, Japan and Europe, Claudio’s fantastic credits include the scores to such films as Dawn of the Dead, Suspiria, Profondo Rosso, Demons, Opera and Tenebre. For this very rare UK performance, this is a perfect opportunity to hear these magnificent tracks played live on stage, breathing new life into horror's most legendary music.
Sat 15 Nov - 7.30pm Tickets £10 (or included in Abertoir festival package)
DOUG BRADLEY: AN EVENING WITH DEATH
UK PERFORMANCE PREMIERE
Join horror screen legend Doug Bradley on a journey into the depths of dread! With the help of a handful of writers such as Ray Bradbury and Clive Barker, Bradley’s world-touring show presents us with a stellar collection of classic and modern tales of horror.
FILMS:
15th Nov – 4pm, 16th Nov - 2pm
Short Film Competition - £500 Prize!
Over two sessions, we will be determining the best short film from some of the splendid professional shorts sent to us, with a prize of £500 for the winner!
12th Nov – 5pm
John Carpenter’s Halloween (18)
(John Carpenter, USA 1978, 91mins)
John Carpenter’s terrifying movie is still as powerful today as it was when first released. For its 30th anniversary, we’ve done some digging and managed to find a rare 35mm print!
+ SHORT FILM “RED LINES”
12th Nov – 7.30pm
Hush (18)Adv
(Mark Tonderai, UK 2008)
Driving home along the M1, a couple, Zakes and Beth, stop for a rest at a service station. But when Beth is kidnapped by the driver of a white van, Zakes finds himself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse along the empty motorway…..
12th Nov – 9.30pm
Midnight Meat Train (18)
(Ryuhei Kitamura, USA 2008, 100mins)
Clive Barker’s tale of terror comes as the first adaptation from his
Books of Blood series and follows a photographer who gets drawn into the nightmarish world of a subway murderer who stalks late-night commuters.
12th Nov – 11.45pm
Mystery Grindhouse Screening (18)
We’ve managed to find a beat-up, scratchy and falling apart film from the glorious Grindhouse era that’ll be winding it’s way through our poor projector for this late night mystery screening. We encourage heckling and raucous inappropriate laughter….
13th Nov – 1.45pm
Daddy’s Girl (18) (Screening sponsored by Contender)
(D J Evans, UK 2007, 85mins)
"Daddy's Girl" is a chilling psychological horror feature made by Welsh talent and filmed in Wales. A psychiatrist struggling to hold his life together meets a troubled teenage girl whose sinister behaviour and obsession for cutting herself starts to push the boundaries of teenage angst to a frightening new level. + SHORT FILM “CAM2CAM”
13th Nov – 6pm
Death Line + Q&A With Director Gary Sherman (18)
(Gary Sherman, UK 1972, 87mins)
At the end of the 19th century, a group of workers are trapped and abandoned after a cave-in while working on the construction of the London Underground. A hundred years later, the cannibalistic and mutated descendent of this group is poaching passengers from the busy subway system, and it’s up to investigator Donald Pleasance to discover the true extent of the atrocities. Brand new 35mm print straight from the USA!
13th Nov – 9.30pm
39: A Film By Carroll McKane (18)adv
(Gary Sherman, USA 2007, 90mins)
Carroll McKane's DVcams have recorded the deaths of his 36 past victims. His killing room, a makeshift studio, is the set for the murders of two more victims and the torture of a forensic psychiatrist. European premiere!
13th Nov – 11.45pm
Machine Girl (18)adv
(Noboru Iguchi, Japan 2008, 96mins, Subtitled)
Absurd. Ridiculous. Offensive. Shocking. Ninjas. Sushi. Gore. Tempura.
Guillotine Bra… A Japanese schoolgirl loses her arm while protecting her brother from third-rate Yakuza; replacing it with a machine gun she sets about her revenge in this gloriously over-the-top late night splatter fest!
14th Nov – 6.30pm
Suspiria (18) + Q&A With Claudio Simonetti
(Dario Argento, Italy 1977, 97mins)
An assault on the senses from start to finish, Dario Argento’s masterpiece bombards the viewer with such a visual and aural onslaught that Suspiria remains one of the most prominent and talked about films in horror movie history. Printed using the obsolete three-strip Technicolor process, the film is bathed in a fabulous sea of reds, greens and blues; a remarkable achievement in visual style that is enhanced by Simonetti’s pounding score.
+ Short Film “The Dirt” With Introduction By Simona & Claudio Simonetti. UK Premiere!
15th Nov – 2pm
Witchfinder General (18)
(Michael Reeves, UK 1968, 86mins)
Vincent Price gives the performance of his career as Matthew Hopkins, the 17th century witchfinder who travelled the country extracting confessions from innocent young women. He finds a nemesis in the form of Ian Ogilvy, a soldier in Cromwell’s army whose fiancée falls foul to Hopkins’ treachery. What follows is a campaign of revenge by the soldier destined to put an end to Hopkins’ reign of terror.
15th Nov – 10pm
Martyrs (18)
(Pascal Laugier, France 2008, 97mins, Subtitled)
Given a harsh 18+ rating in France, this extremely controversial shocker follows a young girl who survived a horrific kidnapping and abuse the hands of a sadistic family. 15 years later, she joins forces with another survivor of abuse to track down the people who made her suffer.
15th Nov – Midnight
Tokyo Gore Police (18)adv
(Yoshihiro Nishimura, Japan 2008, 110mins, Subtitled)
Set in near-future Tokyo, a new breed of genetically modified humans are starting to take over, with the ability to sprout new limbs in the form of biological weapons. The literally eye-popping special effects are out of this world; it’s an insane, violent, bizarre, over-the-top and brilliantly subversive film.
16th Nov – 12pm
The Innocents (PG)
(Jack Clayton, UK 1961, 100mins)
An adaptation of Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw, the film is set in Victorian England and follows governess Miss Giddens (Deborah Kerr) who is assigned to look after two orphans at a bleak country estate. Gradually, she becomes convinced that the children are not who they pretend to be, and begins to find herself fighting for her own sanity as the horrible secrets of the house reveal themselves one by one….
16th Nov – 4.30pm
The Phantom of the Opera with Live Accompaniment (PG)
(Rupert Julian, USA 1925, 100mins)
We’re delighted that this particular screening will featuring a live piano accompaniment by composer Paul Shallcross, who has spent this summer creating a brand new score for Lon Chaney’s classic film.
16th Nov – 6.30pm
Doug Bradley’s Spinechillers
An exciting new concept in visual audio books, Doug Bradley will present two examples, HP Lovecraft's: The Outsider, and Edgar Allen Poe's: The Tell-Tale Heart.
16th Nov – 9.30pm
My Name is Bruce (15) adv
(Bruce Campbell, USA 2008)
When threatened by a vengeful monster, a small village decides the only person who can possibly help is ass-kicking hero Bruce Campbell (playing himself). Convinced that it’s all an elaborate birthday present from his agent, Bruce begins to enjoy the spoils of being a movie hero, including free liquor, but is quite unprepared when his target turns out to be far from the usual guy in a rubber suit….
Make Your Own Damn Movie!
In honour of last year’s special guest Lloyd Kaufman, this strand highlights some of the amazingly talented independent filmmakers that we’ve discovered.
13th Nov – 12.00pm Strange Angel (15)Adv (Graham Rich, USA 2006, 71mins)
On the anniversary of their childhood friend's death, Sadie & Camilla discover they are heirs to Helena's fortune. An evening meal in Helena's home is filled with memories but soon spirals into an unexpected nightmare. INTRODUCTION BY WELSH SCREENWRITER NIA EDWARDS-BEHI. + SHORT FILM “THE UNINVITED”.
14th Nov – 12.30pm I Know How Many Runs You Scored Last Summer 18adv (Doug Turner, Stacey Edmonds, AUS 2008, 75mins)
A cricket team are dismissed by a moustachioed serial killer with a razor sharp cricket glove and an arsenal of sharpened stumps. Mass Murder... it's just not cricket.
14th Nov – 2.15pm Bane 18adv (James Eaves, UK 2008, 115mins)
Katherine awakes in an underground cell with three other women. With complete amnesia Katherine and the other women have little time to wonder where they are before the arrival of the sadistic Dr Murdoch. What is the purpose of the experiment and who, or what, is screaming every time the lights go out?
14th Nov – 4.45pm Maldito Bastardo! 18adv (Javi Camino, Spain 2007, 82mins, Subtitled)
"Maldito Bastardo is a gut-devouring virus. Maldito Bastardo is a human distill. Maldito Bastardo is a gratuitous massacre. Maldito Bastardo is a plush God toy. Maldito Bastardo is LOVE." Understand? Neither did we, but we still loved this insanely funny film!
15th Nov – 11am Room 36 (15) (Jim Groom, UK 2005, 90mins)
ROOM 36 is a quirky, black-comedy / noir-thriller, set in the dated, seedy décor of the Midlothian Hotel. Double crossings, assassins, prostitutes, mistaken identity, guns, deaths and perverts all are part of this funny and unique film. Q&A WITH DIRECTOR JIM GROOM.
15th Nov – 5pm Colin (18)Adv (Marc Price, UK 2008, 100mins)
From Welsh director Marc Price comes Colin, one of the first Zombie
movies told entirely from a Zombie’s perspective. Our hero Colin is bitten by a Zombie, returning from the dead we follow him as he wanders through suburbia during the throes of a cadaverous apocalypse. INTRODUCTION BY MARC PRICE
16th Nov – 7.45pm On Evil Grounds (15) adv (Peter Koller, Austria 2008, Subtitled)
House-hunters Romeo and Juliet are a uniquely strange couple whose estate agent turns out to be a serial killer – too bad Romeo and Juliet are anything but docile victims. A dead body and a few shovels of dirt later, Romeo is stuck in trouble virtually up to his neck. Even worse, Juliet is forced to postpone her house-decorating plans to rescue her boyfriend. Very funny film, think Tom and Jerry meets Sergio Leone!
ABERTOIR SCHEDULE
WED 12th Nov
17:00 Red Lines + Halloween (18)
19:30 Hush (18) adv
21:30 Midnight Meat Train (18)
23:45 Mystery Grindhouse Screening (18)
THURS 13th Nov
12:00 Strange Angel + The Uninvited (15) adv
13:45 Daddy's Girl + Cam2Cam (18) SPONSORED BY CONTENDER
16:00 GARY SHERMAN Masterclass
18:00 Death Line + Q&A with Gary Sherman (18)
20:15 Mark Gatiss book event – “Black Butterfly” (Tickets £1, redeemable against book)
21:3039: A Film by Caroll McKane (18) adv
23:45 Machine Girl (18) adv
FRI 14th Nov
12:30 I Know How Many Runs You Scored Last Summer (18) adv
14:15 Bane (18) adv
16:45 Maldito Bastardo! (18) adv
17:30 Dan Abnett book signing (no ticket required, note: concurrent with film screening)
18:30 Suspiria + The Dirt + Q&A with Claudio Simonetti (18)
21:30 DAEMONIA Live in Concert
SAT 15th Nov
11:00 Room 36 + Q&A (15)
12:00 DAN ABNETT book signing (no ticket required, note: concurrent with film screening)
13:00 ADELE HARTLEY book event – “Read By Dawn” (free)
14:00 Witchfinder General (18)
16:00 Short Film Competition part 1 (free)
17:00 Colin (18) adv
19:30 DOUG BRADLEY: An Evening With Death
22:00 Martyrs (18) adv
00:00 Tokyo Gore Police (18) adv
SUN 16th Nov
12:00 The Innocents (12A)
14:00 Short Film Competition part 2 (free)
15:30 AXELLE CAROLYN book event – “It Lives Again!” (free)
16:30 Phantom of the Opera - with live accompaniment (PG)
18:30 Doug Bradley's Spinechillers (free)
19:45 On Evil Grounds (15) adv
21:30 My Name is Bruce (15) adv
SEE WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS.
www.abertoir.co.uk
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
YouTube test. Me tube test? Etc
In the mists of time the old BHF site had a few videos attached to it. This was in the days before broadband and YouTube, when all I had was a VCR connected to an old PC and some simple software to make postage stamp sized video. Anyway, that's all changed, I've got hundreds of DVDs clogging up my attic, and we can now enjoy decent sized video courtesy of those nice people at YouTube. So here's a test, to see if it works...
New Brit horror - be like dad, keep mum
Here's a missive you might be interested in. If they're anything like my parents, they'll be bloody terrifying.
And yes, that is the bloke out of "The Good Guys"...
SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH MUM & DAD ANY TIME, ANY PLACE, ANYWHERE
Revolver launches shocking horror across all formats during the festive season
LONDON. On Boxing Day 26 December 2008 Steven Sheil's uncompromising "Heathrow Chainsaw Massacre" directorial debut MUM & DAD will be the first UK film release to appear in cinemas at the same time as being available on DVD, through Video on Demand, electronic sell-through and rental, it was announced today by award-winning independent film distributor Revolver Entertainment.
"Being the first UK distributor to release day on date across all platforms enables us to be the market leader in offering consumers the ultimate choice to watch the film in the way they choose, whether this is at home or on the big screen – or both," says Revolver Entertainment's Managing Director Justin Marciano.
An entirely digitally produced film, Mum & Dad is the first film to be released from Film London's Microwave scheme. Revolver is also exploring a similar plan for the film in the US around Mother's Day on 10 May 2009.
The film stars Perry Benson (Somers Town, This is England), the father figure of a psychotic family 'unit' living at the end of Heathrow's runway. They live off whatever they scavenge from cargo holds, offices and hotels - including a steady stream of transient workers who populate the airport's soulless hub. When Lena, a young Polish office cleaner, is befriended by them, she gets drawn into a nightmarish world of torture, murder and perversity. Imprisoned in a suburban House of Horrors and designated a 'Mummy's Girl', Lena's only options appear to be to become part of the family - and join them in their insanity - or die.
Mum & Dad received rave reviews at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June where it premiered as part of the Night Moves section and screened as part of the Film4 Frightfest in August.
Monday, 18 August 2008
Webkam teaser pics released
Webkam guy James has sent me some teaser pics of his forthcoming Brummie torture epic, which sounds (and looks) like a right bundle of laughs.
He says:
I have decided to release a couple of teaser pics of our film WEBKAM which is going into the edit this month, and will be available Christmas 2008.
The lead is Eleanor James, second lead is Joanne Gale, and Kim Sonderholm is male lead, the film has been shot entirely in England. The directors name is James Layton.
The film is a story of two lifelong friends, one of which is tested to breaking point when the other is kidnapped and tortured. Do YOU have what it takes to save your best friend from certain death?
He says:
I have decided to release a couple of teaser pics of our film WEBKAM which is going into the edit this month, and will be available Christmas 2008.
The lead is Eleanor James, second lead is Joanne Gale, and Kim Sonderholm is male lead, the film has been shot entirely in England. The directors name is James Layton.
The film is a story of two lifelong friends, one of which is tested to breaking point when the other is kidnapped and tortured. Do YOU have what it takes to save your best friend from certain death?
New book by BHF antho alumnus
The ever-patient Allyson Bird, whose short story "Dissolution" will feature in the soon-to-arrive-I-promise BHF Book Of Horror Vol. III, has a new collection of short stories out. She writes:'Available now - BULL RUNNING FOR GIRLS!
As my publisher, Steve Upham of Screaming Dreams, is very ill at the moment it is up to me to promote BRFG as best I can. So ....
A selection of adventure-horror stories set in many locations, from the excitement and danger of bull running in Pamplona, to small town life in Madison County, U.S. Stories set amidst the bustle of Hong Kong, on The Silk Road in China and under a hunter's moon in Bordeaux. Then there are those which are much closer to home.
Wonderful cover by British Fantasy Society award winning artist 2007, Vincent Chong. Introduction by Gary McMahon.
"There's a great deal to love about Bull Running For Girls, not the least of this being its promise that we've only seen the beginning of a remarkable career.” Laird Barron
On sale now, but to be formally launched at the British Fantasy Society Convention, September 2008 by Screaming Dreams Press.
About Shadow upon Shadow : When Alice Harwood committed adultery, she expected to pay for it one day but the form and the manner of that payment touched the essence of evil. "A dark tale indeed!" — Ramsey Campbell
On In the Wake of the Dead : Set in 19th Century Sligo, where magic and ritual have terrible consequences for the occupants of Elsinore House. "A potent brew of historical facts and gruesome imaginings" — Simon Clark
"Ally Bird's writing is as clean and crisp as a scalpel blade. Her stories have a firm sense of place and verisimilitude; it's as if we can see the locations she writes about through the eyes of a resident. It is also both refreshing and essential to see a female author embrace the dark side with such empathy and unflinching bravery." — Gary McMahon
"Allyson Bird is a powerful and personal writer" - Andrew Hook
You can read a full review by Laird Barron here: http://imago1.livejournal.com/
Or just hop over and buy it from here: http://www.birdsnest.me.uk/bibliography.htm
Monday, 4 August 2008
Hitch book... not just one for the Birds (ho ho)
There's a new book on its way, about some fat bloke who made a few filums ages ago.
Okay, okay, I'm not THAT much of a philistine! There's a new book about Hitch on its way, and while he didn't make a huge amount of BHFs (erm, one at the last count, and that's debateable... okay, two if you count 'The Lodger'. Or one, if you count 'The Lodger' and then discount 'Frenzy').
It's by the people who brought us 'The Hammer Story', and let's face it, that was a mighty fine tome. Here's the details...
A GLORIOUS TRIBUTE TO THE MASTER OF SUSPENSE!
The Alfred Hitchcock Story
“A magnificent book for any connoisseur of the Master of Suspense”
- Total Film
“Lavishly illustrated throughout with rare stills and behind-the-scenes photos… Both a treat to look at and a pleasure to read.”
- Film Review
With 2008 marking the 50th anniversary of the award-winning and twice Oscar®-nominated movie Vertigo, Titan Books is launching a brand new edition of the stunning celebration of the work of Britain’s most eminent director: The Alfred Hitchcock Story [22 August 2008, £24.99].
The first comprehensively illustrated look at the career of Alfred Hitchcock, this hardback volume comes in the tradition of Titan’s acclaimed The Hammer Story, providing an authoritative, film-by-film guide to 'the Master' and his work, from the early silent days of The Lodger, through his classic British period of The 39 Steps, to the Hollywood success of Rear Window, Vertigo, North by Northwest, Psycho and beyond.
Packed with hundreds of stills and posters, with many rare or unseen images, The Alfred Hitchcock Story also includes additional features on the director's famous cameos and is introduced with a foreword by Psycho star, Janet Leigh.
Taking readers on an exploration of the groundbreaking work of a director whose influence remains firmly intact throughout modern cinema, this is the ultimate book for Hitchcock fans and an invaluable resource for any film aficionado.
“[Ken Mogg] perhaps knows Hitchcock and his milieu better than any other film critic.” – Dan Aulier, author of Hitchcock’s Notebooks and Vertigo: The Making of a Hitchcock Classic
“If I had to recommend one book on Hitchcock… this would be the one.”
– Bill Krohn, author of Hitchcock at Work
Ken Mogg is the editor of the highly acclaimed magazine and website The MacGuffin, the foremost source of Hitchcock-related discussion and news on the Internet. He corresponded with Hitchcock and was on the set of his last film. He lives in Melbourne.
# # #
The Alfred Hitchcock Story (Revised Edition)
Ken Mogg. Foreword by Janet Leigh
Titan Books 22 August 2008 • Hardback • £24.99 • 192pp • ISBN-13: 9781845767082
Okay, okay, I'm not THAT much of a philistine! There's a new book about Hitch on its way, and while he didn't make a huge amount of BHFs (erm, one at the last count, and that's debateable... okay, two if you count 'The Lodger'. Or one, if you count 'The Lodger' and then discount 'Frenzy').
It's by the people who brought us 'The Hammer Story', and let's face it, that was a mighty fine tome. Here's the details...
A GLORIOUS TRIBUTE TO THE MASTER OF SUSPENSE!
The Alfred Hitchcock Story
“A magnificent book for any connoisseur of the Master of Suspense”
- Total Film
“Lavishly illustrated throughout with rare stills and behind-the-scenes photos… Both a treat to look at and a pleasure to read.”
- Film Review
With 2008 marking the 50th anniversary of the award-winning and twice Oscar®-nominated movie Vertigo, Titan Books is launching a brand new edition of the stunning celebration of the work of Britain’s most eminent director: The Alfred Hitchcock Story [22 August 2008, £24.99].
The first comprehensively illustrated look at the career of Alfred Hitchcock, this hardback volume comes in the tradition of Titan’s acclaimed The Hammer Story, providing an authoritative, film-by-film guide to 'the Master' and his work, from the early silent days of The Lodger, through his classic British period of The 39 Steps, to the Hollywood success of Rear Window, Vertigo, North by Northwest, Psycho and beyond.
Packed with hundreds of stills and posters, with many rare or unseen images, The Alfred Hitchcock Story also includes additional features on the director's famous cameos and is introduced with a foreword by Psycho star, Janet Leigh.
Taking readers on an exploration of the groundbreaking work of a director whose influence remains firmly intact throughout modern cinema, this is the ultimate book for Hitchcock fans and an invaluable resource for any film aficionado.
“[Ken Mogg] perhaps knows Hitchcock and his milieu better than any other film critic.” – Dan Aulier, author of Hitchcock’s Notebooks and Vertigo: The Making of a Hitchcock Classic
“If I had to recommend one book on Hitchcock… this would be the one.”
– Bill Krohn, author of Hitchcock at Work
Ken Mogg is the editor of the highly acclaimed magazine and website The MacGuffin, the foremost source of Hitchcock-related discussion and news on the Internet. He corresponded with Hitchcock and was on the set of his last film. He lives in Melbourne.
# # #
The Alfred Hitchcock Story (Revised Edition)
Ken Mogg. Foreword by Janet Leigh
Titan Books 22 August 2008 • Hardback • £24.99 • 192pp • ISBN-13: 9781845767082
Monday, 21 July 2008
Within The Woods update... again
Richard Adams has been in touch again about his feature "Within The Woods"...
And just so you know, we DO know about the pedigree of the name "Within the Woods", Luke, the Director, is a massive fan and it's meant as a thanks for inspiration, rather than a steal, as the plot and characters are not related at all to the original short.
You can find more info and our fansite here: www.wtwthemovie.co.uk;
our Facebook site here: www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=12357195189
Myspace here: www.myspace.com/withinthewoodsthemovie
Youtube here: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pqleo1lxHM
We at Green Manalishi Productions have finally finished "Within the Woods" and its amazing. We have already been interviewed by Central News and BBC WM (UK based Radio and TV) and you can find all of the information in the EPK I've attached along with this message. We are also looking for a suitable event where we can premiere the film. We have all territories open at the moment and we are looking at International options (US/ Canada) as well as domestic (UK).
And just so you know, we DO know about the pedigree of the name "Within the Woods", Luke, the Director, is a massive fan and it's meant as a thanks for inspiration, rather than a steal, as the plot and characters are not related at all to the original short.
You can find more info and our fansite here: www.wtwthemovie.co.uk;
our Facebook site here: www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=12357195189
Myspace here: www.myspace.com/withinthewoodsthemovie
Youtube here: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pqleo1lxHM
New Hammer doc DVD
Heyup. It's been a while, but there's been sod all happening in the world of Brit horror recently. Well, not that I'm aware of, anyway. Come on you people, send me your stories and drag me away from this bloody Wii.Anyway, enough of my dancing around the living room with an invisible tennis racquet shenanigans. Rupert Griffiths has been in touch to let me know about his new DVD, which has been lovingly crafted by his good self and features 96 minutes of stuff about everyone's favourite film studio named after a household implement.
It's been endorsed by Hammer illuminatiiationers Jimmy "The Sang" Sangster, Brian "The Clem" Clemens and John "The Houghmeister Generalissimo Count Von Stromberg The Second" Hough, who weirdly all said exactly the same thing, meaning that Rupert could save space on his poster by only quoting them once. But enough of my fatuous remarks (and enough of the "enoughs"). This looks like the bees knees Hammer-wise, so why not buy it? This isn't an endorsement by the way, as I've not seen it. But I can't imagine that Brian Clemens, the man who invented The Professionals, is one to put his name to something he didn't rate.
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
New zombie film... called Colin
Marc Price has been in touch to tell me about his new undead masterpiece.
He says: "I've just finished a low budget zombie film called COLIN. It tells the story of a guy who is bitten by a zombie, dies and returns to wander suburbia during the throes of a cadaverous apocalypse.
"It appears to be the first feature length zombie film told entirely from the zombie's perspective (at least as far as I've been able to tell). We're hoping the film will find its way into a few film festivals here in the UK and in the USFeel"
You can see a clip and the trailer here:
http://www.nowherefast.tv
He says: "I've just finished a low budget zombie film called COLIN. It tells the story of a guy who is bitten by a zombie, dies and returns to wander suburbia during the throes of a cadaverous apocalypse.
"It appears to be the first feature length zombie film told entirely from the zombie's perspective (at least as far as I've been able to tell). We're hoping the film will find its way into a few film festivals here in the UK and in the USFeel"
You can see a clip and the trailer here:
http://www.nowherefast.tv
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
Fame at last!
So, I've chalked up my first appearance on a DVD cover! What a shame it's this... erm... "interesting" little offering from 1978.
Killer's Moon is a film everyone should see at least once, if not for the right reasons. And I'm sure I wrote funnier and pithier stuff in the review, which you can see here http://www.britishhorrorfilms.co.uk/killersmoon.shtml.
Still, a DVD box, eh? How chuffed am I?
By the way, the film is possibly coming out in June this year. Previously it has only been available on pre-cert video, and will never, I promise you, appear on the telly.
Killer's Moon is a film everyone should see at least once, if not for the right reasons. And I'm sure I wrote funnier and pithier stuff in the review, which you can see here http://www.britishhorrorfilms.co.uk/killersmoon.shtml.
Still, a DVD box, eh? How chuffed am I?
By the way, the film is possibly coming out in June this year. Previously it has only been available on pre-cert video, and will never, I promise you, appear on the telly.
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Bradford Fantastic Films weekend - full line-up
Somehow, the people who run the Fantastic Films weekend at Bradford (by gum) have tracked me down on BookFace and sent me the full list of the films being shown over the weekend. And there are tons of BHFs in there!
Friday 12.00 Brain Dead TBC1.00 Count Dracula (Pt 1)2.00 The Nightmare Man (Pt 1)2.00 Spine Tingler!2.15 Vampire Diary3.00 Schalcken the Painter4.00 Black Christmas4.15 Vigilante6.00 Outland 70mm6.15 An American Werewolf in London8.15 The Mist8.45 Val Lewton: The Man in the ShadowsSaturday 11.00 ...And Now the Screaming Starts!11.30 Scars of Dracula1.00 Maelstrom (Episode 2)1.00 The Abominable Dr. Phibes1.30 Malpertuis2.00 The Day of the Triffids (Pt 1)3.00 Dr. Phibes Rises Again!3.00 Z for Zachariah4.00 Savage Streets5.00 Screentalk: Robert Fuest6.00 Poltergeist 70mm6.15 The House That Dripped Blood8.15 Screentalk: Peter Duffell8.30 The Thing 70mm + intro by John CarpenterSunday 10.15 Cat People11.00 The Most Dangerous Game12.00 Short Films12.30 Dracula (digital)1.00 Chiller: Toby2.00 Blood on Satan's Claw2.00 Children of the Stones: Into the Circle2.30 Grindhouse double-bill3.00 Frankenstein4.00 Screentalk: Piers Haggard + Robert Wynne-Simmons5.30 Daughters of Darkness6.15 Terminator 2: Judgement Day 70mm7.30 Screentalk: Harry Kumel8.45 Hell's GroundWeekend Pass £40 (£35 concs)Day Pass £20 (£15 concs)Grindhouse/Dr. Phibes double-bills £10 (£7 concs)BTW. Passes do NOT include IMAX titles
More info available here
http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/fantastic/
Friday 12.00 Brain Dead TBC1.00 Count Dracula (Pt 1)2.00 The Nightmare Man (Pt 1)2.00 Spine Tingler!2.15 Vampire Diary3.00 Schalcken the Painter4.00 Black Christmas4.15 Vigilante6.00 Outland 70mm6.15 An American Werewolf in London8.15 The Mist8.45 Val Lewton: The Man in the ShadowsSaturday 11.00 ...And Now the Screaming Starts!11.30 Scars of Dracula1.00 Maelstrom (Episode 2)1.00 The Abominable Dr. Phibes1.30 Malpertuis2.00 The Day of the Triffids (Pt 1)3.00 Dr. Phibes Rises Again!3.00 Z for Zachariah4.00 Savage Streets5.00 Screentalk: Robert Fuest6.00 Poltergeist 70mm6.15 The House That Dripped Blood8.15 Screentalk: Peter Duffell8.30 The Thing 70mm + intro by John CarpenterSunday 10.15 Cat People11.00 The Most Dangerous Game12.00 Short Films12.30 Dracula (digital)1.00 Chiller: Toby2.00 Blood on Satan's Claw2.00 Children of the Stones: Into the Circle2.30 Grindhouse double-bill3.00 Frankenstein4.00 Screentalk: Piers Haggard + Robert Wynne-Simmons5.30 Daughters of Darkness6.15 Terminator 2: Judgement Day 70mm7.30 Screentalk: Harry Kumel8.45 Hell's GroundWeekend Pass £40 (£35 concs)Day Pass £20 (£15 concs)Grindhouse/Dr. Phibes double-bills £10 (£7 concs)BTW. Passes do NOT include IMAX titles
More info available here
http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/fantastic/
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Ey up... 7th Bradford Fantastic Films weekend
The always-excellent Fantastic Films weekend takes place in June, oop North in Bradford. Which gives me the opportunity to do my joke...
Did you hear about the new drug craze in Bradford? They're grnding up ecstasy tablets and injecting them direct into their mouths.
Yes! It's called "E by gum".
Ithankyew.
Anyway, sorry about the lack of posts recently, I've just swapped from Tiscali to Sky and... you don't want to hear this. Suffice to say, I'm back after more than a fortnight off. What do you mean, you didn't notice?
Here's the press release...
Classics from the vaults, cult guests, rare TV treats and an exhibition direct from the Hammer Horror archive – all at the 7th Fantastic Films Weekend at the National Media Museum
7th Fantastic Films Weekend, Friday 13 - Sunday 15 June 2008
National Media Museum, Bradford
www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/fantastic
0870 7010200
The 7th Fantastic Films Weekend at the National Media Museum promises three packed days of thrills, chills and unique treats for horror and sci-fi fans from across the UK from Friday 13-Sunday 15 June. FFW this year announces The Wicker Man director Robin Hardy as Patron, joining The League of Gentlemen member Jeremy Dyson.
This year’s guest highlights will include an exclusive pre-recorded introduction to The Thing by John Carpenter – followed by a screening of the film in glorious 70mm widescreen, and live interviews with guests including Peter Duffell (director of The House that Dripped Blood), Robert Fuest (director of the Dr. Phibes films), Harry Kümel (Belgian director of 1971 classic Daughters of Darkness) and Piers Haggard (director of Blood on Satan’s Claw).
Classic film screenings will include An American Werewolf in London and Poltergeist in 70mm, the original Hammer Dracula, restored and screened in digital and Black Christmas, a forgotten gem from the NMeM archive. I Am Legend will screen on the Museum’s giant IMAX screen, and contemporary treats will include the original Tarantino/Rodriguez Grindhouse double-bill, Spine Tingler – a tribute to schlock horror maestro William Castle, and Vampire Diary, a fresh take on the lesbian vampire tale. In TV Heaven the chills will continue with rarely seen treats not available on DVD including the1984 version of Frankenstein starring Robert Powell and Carrie Fisher, the classic 1979 Omnibus teleplay Schalcken the Painter, and 1984 Play for Today Z For Zachariah about global terrors and personal dramas.
Hammer horror fans will have the opportunity to explore a unique display of original Hammer make-up direct from the Roy Ashton/Phil Leakey archive at the National Media Museum. The exhibition in the Museum’s Insight archive will include the original fangs worn by Christopher Lee in the Hammer Dracula films.
“The Fantastic Films Weekend is now firmly established as one of the UK’s premier horror, sci-fi and fantasy events,” said Artistic Director Tony Earnshaw. “Housed under one roof at the National Media Museum, it presents a unique line-up of classic films rarely seen on the big screen and gives aficionados the chance to meet and speak with the filmmakers who made them.”
For festival passes, day passes or individual tickets visit www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/fantastic or call the NMeM box office on 0870 7010200. Weekend pass £40 (£35 concs), day pass £20 (£15 concs) (passes do not include Imax titles). Grindhouse/Dr. Phibes double-bills £10 (£7 concs). Single tickets £5.50 (£3.70 concs), Imax DMR £8 (£6 concs).
Did you hear about the new drug craze in Bradford? They're grnding up ecstasy tablets and injecting them direct into their mouths.
Yes! It's called "E by gum".
Ithankyew.
Anyway, sorry about the lack of posts recently, I've just swapped from Tiscali to Sky and... you don't want to hear this. Suffice to say, I'm back after more than a fortnight off. What do you mean, you didn't notice?
Here's the press release...
Classics from the vaults, cult guests, rare TV treats and an exhibition direct from the Hammer Horror archive – all at the 7th Fantastic Films Weekend at the National Media Museum
7th Fantastic Films Weekend, Friday 13 - Sunday 15 June 2008
National Media Museum, Bradford
www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/fantastic
0870 7010200
The 7th Fantastic Films Weekend at the National Media Museum promises three packed days of thrills, chills and unique treats for horror and sci-fi fans from across the UK from Friday 13-Sunday 15 June. FFW this year announces The Wicker Man director Robin Hardy as Patron, joining The League of Gentlemen member Jeremy Dyson.
This year’s guest highlights will include an exclusive pre-recorded introduction to The Thing by John Carpenter – followed by a screening of the film in glorious 70mm widescreen, and live interviews with guests including Peter Duffell (director of The House that Dripped Blood), Robert Fuest (director of the Dr. Phibes films), Harry Kümel (Belgian director of 1971 classic Daughters of Darkness) and Piers Haggard (director of Blood on Satan’s Claw).
Classic film screenings will include An American Werewolf in London and Poltergeist in 70mm, the original Hammer Dracula, restored and screened in digital and Black Christmas, a forgotten gem from the NMeM archive. I Am Legend will screen on the Museum’s giant IMAX screen, and contemporary treats will include the original Tarantino/Rodriguez Grindhouse double-bill, Spine Tingler – a tribute to schlock horror maestro William Castle, and Vampire Diary, a fresh take on the lesbian vampire tale. In TV Heaven the chills will continue with rarely seen treats not available on DVD including the1984 version of Frankenstein starring Robert Powell and Carrie Fisher, the classic 1979 Omnibus teleplay Schalcken the Painter, and 1984 Play for Today Z For Zachariah about global terrors and personal dramas.
Hammer horror fans will have the opportunity to explore a unique display of original Hammer make-up direct from the Roy Ashton/Phil Leakey archive at the National Media Museum. The exhibition in the Museum’s Insight archive will include the original fangs worn by Christopher Lee in the Hammer Dracula films.
“The Fantastic Films Weekend is now firmly established as one of the UK’s premier horror, sci-fi and fantasy events,” said Artistic Director Tony Earnshaw. “Housed under one roof at the National Media Museum, it presents a unique line-up of classic films rarely seen on the big screen and gives aficionados the chance to meet and speak with the filmmakers who made them.”
For festival passes, day passes or individual tickets visit www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/fantastic or call the NMeM box office on 0870 7010200. Weekend pass £40 (£35 concs), day pass £20 (£15 concs) (passes do not include Imax titles). Grindhouse/Dr. Phibes double-bills £10 (£7 concs). Single tickets £5.50 (£3.70 concs), Imax DMR £8 (£6 concs).
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Beyond the Rave
Hammer's long-awaited (it says here) return (it also says here) to the world of films (it sort of says here)... hang on, I've lost my thread. Where was I?
Ah, yes...
Unfortunately, some berk has ressurected the Hammer name and attached it to what, unfortunately, looks like a not-very-good-idea-at-all called Beyond The Rave, which premieres on MySpace in two (count 'em) days. Book your place in front of your laptop now.
Or rather, don't. Why the bloody hell they couldn't have made a decent cinema film which trades on the Hammer name is frankly beyond me. But if you look at this link, and like the look of it, then perhaps you're the audience they're actually looking for, and not me.
Because the video for Pulp's Common People aside, anything with Sadie Frost in it is, frankly, enough to make me want to pull out my own eyeballs and wipe my arse with them. There, I've said it.
Ah, yes...
Unfortunately, some berk has ressurected the Hammer name and attached it to what, unfortunately, looks like a not-very-good-idea-at-all called Beyond The Rave, which premieres on MySpace in two (count 'em) days. Book your place in front of your laptop now.
Or rather, don't. Why the bloody hell they couldn't have made a decent cinema film which trades on the Hammer name is frankly beyond me. But if you look at this link, and like the look of it, then perhaps you're the audience they're actually looking for, and not me.
Because the video for Pulp's Common People aside, anything with Sadie Frost in it is, frankly, enough to make me want to pull out my own eyeballs and wipe my arse with them. There, I've said it.
Captain Kronos returns!
Captain Kronos himself, the great Horst Janson (who obviously has some kind of painting in his attic, judging by the picture here) will be guest of honour at this year's Festival Of Fantastic Films in Manchester.Who knows? This year the FOFF might even be graced by yours truly. But let's not go nuts.
Anyway, you can find out more here:
http://fantastic-films.com/festival/
That saucy brunette from the more laddish end of your Sky programme guide is due to make an appearance too, apparently. Quite why she'd actually want to have a bunch of tubby pale 40-something chaps breathing their lager fumes over her is anyone's guess. Perhaps that's the kind of bloke she goes for...
Yes. Of course she does.
Monday, 7 April 2008
Pushing the envelope
Remember letters, postcards, etc? Well, if you do, you can soon stick a Hammer classic on your envelope. These are some stamps set to come out on June 10, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Carry On Sergeant, which was the first Carry On, and Dracula, which, erm, wasn't the first Hammer horror (that was Curse Of Frankenstein in 1957). So why not produce the Hammer ones last year and the Carry On ones this year? Eh? Eh?Ah, well... with the inclusion of Carry On Screaming that actually makes it four BHFs to two non-BHFs, so nyaaah anyway.
What AM I going on about?
Anyway, you can find out more here.
Welsh BAFTAs have horror content
The Welsh BAFTAs, which seems like a bizarre idea, but anyway, have got a couple of BHF-flavoured nominations. Julian Richards, responsible for the truly dreadful Darklands and the truly terrifying The Last Horror Movie, is up for a gong for his thriller Summer Scars, and Welsh horror Daddy's Girl is too.
You can find out more here.
Friday, 4 April 2008
Beyond Allen
"Star" of Brit horrors Beyond Bedlam and Shallow Grave, professional shouting hairy berk Keith Allen has revealed to the Sun's Bizarre column (so it must be true) that his son Alfie Owen-Allen (yes, really) is a "far better actor than (he'll) ever be".Having sat through Beyond Bedlam, we'd suggest it's a safe bet.
Also a better actor than Keith Allen:
Abi Titmuss;
Heather Mills-McCartney;
Everyone else on the planet, including Craig Fairbrass and Liz Hurley.
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Just one (more) Cornetto
Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz (which was far more of a horror film than expected) creators Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright have announced the name of the third film in their "Cornetto" trilogy, which has the working title "The World's End".
This has prompted people who speculate to speculate that it might be some kind of zombie armageddon film, which would, let's face it, be right up Messrs Pegg and Wright's alleys, as it were. Anyway, if it's half as good as Shaun, and twice as good as Fuzz, it'll be a cracker.
More here:
http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/03/edgar-wright-and-simon-pegg-going-to-the-worlds-end/
This has prompted people who speculate to speculate that it might be some kind of zombie armageddon film, which would, let's face it, be right up Messrs Pegg and Wright's alleys, as it were. Anyway, if it's half as good as Shaun, and twice as good as Fuzz, it'll be a cracker.
More here:
http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/03/edgar-wright-and-simon-pegg-going-to-the-worlds-end/
Within The Woods update
Here at BHF Towers (he said, nicking the TV Cream's idea and then regretting it, so we won't be calling our 30s semi that any more) we've had another missive from Richard Adams, producer of Within The Woods, a smaller-than-usual budget Brit film. And here it is...
I thought I'd put a quick note out to everyone here who has shown interest in the "Within The Woods" project so far.We have finished the first, main section of shooting, which was harrowing, manic and fraught, but ultimately very rewarding and what we have edited so far is looking really promising.
As we are filming straight to Hard Drive, we've been able to check shots on the same night (and when I say night I mean at 5 in the morning when we've been finishing shooting!) and therefore have only two days of pickups scheduled later this month. 95% of the film is now done, with only a few extra locations to be used for a couple of days.
We have been really lucky with crew and actors; lots of up and coming new talent, mainly from a stage background due to the RSC being just down the road from us, but also lots of TV background too. Michelle Webb on makeup has been the real driving force behind the scenes and her previous experience on 3 other zombie horror films has really helped. (Her work on the film Colin will finally get to be seen now as they have a release date now scheduled)I have attached a few links for you to see how things are going:
1) Facebook site - 450 members and growing daily - lots of behind the scenes pictures of cast, crew and SFXhttp://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12357195189
2) Facebook fansite - for actual stills and where the trailers and scenes will be displayed.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Within-The-Woods/8846183916
3) Youtube site - I have attached this rather low quality version of a montage of scenes so you can get a rough idea. This is for PR only and is meant as a way of seeing what we've been up to so far. This is NOT a proper trailer so things will be getting better.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S21e3W9o15I
4) Yousendit - If you want to download the full actual Quicktime file of the above trailer, this is where you can find it, it takes a minute or two to download and will give you a much better idea, although even this is still not graded or filtered properly yet.http://download.yousendit.com/7713BE745F6BFAD7
I will carry on sending these occasional updates to keep everyone in the loop about things; we have a new website being designed as you read this, which will be a much better representation of the amount of time and effort we've been putting into this all. There are three days when people will be able to come to set - 28,29,30th of April, so please let me know as soon as possible so I don't have to turn people away if we get too busy.
We are doing a fair few interviews right now, for local press, TV & radio, national magazines, and fansites so please let me know if you would like to schedule a chat or meeting. We are based in the Midlands, in Warwickshire, and are filming in Oxfordshire, but we travel to London fairly regularly if needed.
I thought I'd put a quick note out to everyone here who has shown interest in the "Within The Woods" project so far.We have finished the first, main section of shooting, which was harrowing, manic and fraught, but ultimately very rewarding and what we have edited so far is looking really promising.
As we are filming straight to Hard Drive, we've been able to check shots on the same night (and when I say night I mean at 5 in the morning when we've been finishing shooting!) and therefore have only two days of pickups scheduled later this month. 95% of the film is now done, with only a few extra locations to be used for a couple of days.
We have been really lucky with crew and actors; lots of up and coming new talent, mainly from a stage background due to the RSC being just down the road from us, but also lots of TV background too. Michelle Webb on makeup has been the real driving force behind the scenes and her previous experience on 3 other zombie horror films has really helped. (Her work on the film Colin will finally get to be seen now as they have a release date now scheduled)I have attached a few links for you to see how things are going:
1) Facebook site - 450 members and growing daily - lots of behind the scenes pictures of cast, crew and SFXhttp://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12357195189
2) Facebook fansite - for actual stills and where the trailers and scenes will be displayed.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Within-The-Woods/8846183916
3) Youtube site - I have attached this rather low quality version of a montage of scenes so you can get a rough idea. This is for PR only and is meant as a way of seeing what we've been up to so far. This is NOT a proper trailer so things will be getting better.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S21e3W9o15I
4) Yousendit - If you want to download the full actual Quicktime file of the above trailer, this is where you can find it, it takes a minute or two to download and will give you a much better idea, although even this is still not graded or filtered properly yet.http://download.yousendit.com/7713BE745F6BFAD7
I will carry on sending these occasional updates to keep everyone in the loop about things; we have a new website being designed as you read this, which will be a much better representation of the amount of time and effort we've been putting into this all. There are three days when people will be able to come to set - 28,29,30th of April, so please let me know as soon as possible so I don't have to turn people away if we get too busy.
We are doing a fair few interviews right now, for local press, TV & radio, national magazines, and fansites so please let me know if you would like to schedule a chat or meeting. We are based in the Midlands, in Warwickshire, and are filming in Oxfordshire, but we travel to London fairly regularly if needed.
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Sangster on stage!
Hammer top man Jimmy "the Sang" Sangster will be interviewed by Marcus "the... Hearnia?" Hearn (author of many-a book on Hammer films) at a special event in London later this month. And no, this is NOT an April Fool. For one thing, it wouldn't be a particularly funny "fool". Apart from my comedy nickname for Mr Hearn. Anyway, here's the details...
Jimmy Sangster evening at BFI Southbank
18.40 Tuesday April 15th 2008
The BFI National Film Archive welcomes Jimmy Sangster to the stage plus two of his best films:
Taste of Fear Taste of Fear (aka Scream of Fear)
UK 1961. Dir: Seth Holt. With Susan Strasberg, Ann Todd, Christopher Lee. 82 mins.
‘More than a taste, it’s a basinful,’ proclaimed one reviewer of this taut thriller. Originally written for Sydney Box at Rank, Sangster’s script was bought by Michael Carreras when Box fell ill. An upmarket cast and location shooting in and around Nice elicited the description ‘Hammer going posh’ and the film’s success (it was one of Columbia’s top earners of 1961) prompted the studio to embark on a series of psychological thrillers. A Taste of Fear also marked Sangster’s first foray into production.
+ A Man on the Beach
UK 1955. Dir: Joseph Losey. With Donald Wolfit, Michael Medwin. 29 mins
Sangster’s first screenplay; another riviera-set drama, in which a thief takes refuge in the house of a doctor after killing his accomplice.
(UK 1963) 18:40 NFT1
Followed by an interview with Jimmy Sangster conducted by Marcus Hearn
Joint tickets for the screenings are £12.50, concessions £9.25 (members pay £1 less)
Tickets can also be purchased for each film; ring box office for prices.
Tickets can be booked from from the BFI Southbank box office.
Members postal booking available now.
Box Office
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road
South Bank
London SE1 8XT
Tel: 020 7928 3232
www.bfi.org.uk
18.40 Tuesday April 15th 2008
The BFI National Film Archive welcomes Jimmy Sangster to the stage plus two of his best films:
Taste of Fear Taste of Fear (aka Scream of Fear)
UK 1961. Dir: Seth Holt. With Susan Strasberg, Ann Todd, Christopher Lee. 82 mins.
‘More than a taste, it’s a basinful,’ proclaimed one reviewer of this taut thriller. Originally written for Sydney Box at Rank, Sangster’s script was bought by Michael Carreras when Box fell ill. An upmarket cast and location shooting in and around Nice elicited the description ‘Hammer going posh’ and the film’s success (it was one of Columbia’s top earners of 1961) prompted the studio to embark on a series of psychological thrillers. A Taste of Fear also marked Sangster’s first foray into production.
+ A Man on the Beach
UK 1955. Dir: Joseph Losey. With Donald Wolfit, Michael Medwin. 29 mins
Sangster’s first screenplay; another riviera-set drama, in which a thief takes refuge in the house of a doctor after killing his accomplice.
(UK 1963) 18:40 NFT1
Followed by an interview with Jimmy Sangster conducted by Marcus Hearn
Joint tickets for the screenings are £12.50, concessions £9.25 (members pay £1 less)
Tickets can also be purchased for each film; ring box office for prices.
Tickets can be booked from from the BFI Southbank box office.
Members postal booking available now.
Box Office
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road
South Bank
London SE1 8XT
Tel: 020 7928 3232
www.bfi.org.uk
Monday, 31 March 2008
New Doctor Who trailer
In the absence of any other updates, and because I am quite excited about it (I just can't help myself), here's the trailer for the new series of Doctor Who...
I know everyone's already seen it loads, but it doesn't half make the new series look good (ooh, Sontarans) and there's a definite dearth of Brit horror news today (just two days into the blog and it nosedives into the shitter...)
I know everyone's already seen it loads, but it doesn't half make the new series look good (ooh, Sontarans) and there's a definite dearth of Brit horror news today (just two days into the blog and it nosedives into the shitter...)
Sunday, 30 March 2008
BHF anthology 3 - those successful so far
Here's a list of the authors and stories whose work has made it into the Third BHF Book Of Horror. There's some genius work amongst this lot...
A Deformed Anatomy by Paul Adams
Calhoun Despairs by Martin J Parsons
Clearing by Alex Guttridge
Dissolution by Allyson Bird
Dracula AD1982 by James Stanger
Missing Persons Report by Sam Dawson
Rango by Ryan Taylor
Slaves Of The Mummy by Matt Finucane
Snow Man by Paul A Freeman
Sunrise by Neil Christopher
The Cleaner's Story by James Brough
The Interview by Jason D Brawn
The Man In Black by Paul Moody
The Uninvited Guest by Julian Jones
The original idea of the anthology (for newcomers) was to give the stories a British horror film theme, however subtle. I've widened this approach slightly so some of the stories haven't necessarily got an overt link to a particular film, but have a similar "feel" to the films of old. Aaanyway, back to the proof reading... I'll give a further updated on submissions soon.
A Deformed Anatomy by Paul Adams
Calhoun Despairs by Martin J Parsons
Clearing by Alex Guttridge
Dissolution by Allyson Bird
Dracula AD1982 by James Stanger
Missing Persons Report by Sam Dawson
Rango by Ryan Taylor
Slaves Of The Mummy by Matt Finucane
Snow Man by Paul A Freeman
Sunrise by Neil Christopher
The Cleaner's Story by James Brough
The Interview by Jason D Brawn
The Man In Black by Paul Moody
The Uninvited Guest by Julian Jones
The original idea of the anthology (for newcomers) was to give the stories a British horror film theme, however subtle. I've widened this approach slightly so some of the stories haven't necessarily got an overt link to a particular film, but have a similar "feel" to the films of old. Aaanyway, back to the proof reading... I'll give a further updated on submissions soon.
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Ferryman out on DVD
New semi-Brit horror The Ferryman was (apparently) released on DVD about a week or so ago (I've got a big backlog here, bear with me). Some info...
Combining the claustrophobic atmosphere of Dead Calm with the edge-of-your-seat suspense of The Shining, THE FERRYMAN is a gripping horror directed by Chris Graham and starring John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings), Kerry Fox (Shallow Grave) and Tamer Hassan (Football Factory, Eastern Promises).
THE FERRYMAN follows a group of twenty something couples as they charter a boat for the trip of a lifetime into the South Pacific. Things take a turn for the worse when the group responds to a distress signal of what first appears to be a deserted boat. As the mystery unfolds, they begin to realise that the boat, and its mysterious crew, are inflicted with a terrible curse. Stranded in the middle of the ocean, with no one within hundreds of miles, they discover that The Ferryman is coming…and payment is due!
Special Features TBC
· Deleted & Alternate Scenes
· On The Set: Walkabout with Tamer Hassan
· Improvisation with John Rhys-Davies
· Bloopers & Out-takes
· Original Casting Audition Tapes
· Behind The Scenes Of The Ferryman Theatrical Trailer
Combining the claustrophobic atmosphere of Dead Calm with the edge-of-your-seat suspense of The Shining, THE FERRYMAN is a gripping horror directed by Chris Graham and starring John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings), Kerry Fox (Shallow Grave) and Tamer Hassan (Football Factory, Eastern Promises).
THE FERRYMAN follows a group of twenty something couples as they charter a boat for the trip of a lifetime into the South Pacific. Things take a turn for the worse when the group responds to a distress signal of what first appears to be a deserted boat. As the mystery unfolds, they begin to realise that the boat, and its mysterious crew, are inflicted with a terrible curse. Stranded in the middle of the ocean, with no one within hundreds of miles, they discover that The Ferryman is coming…and payment is due!
Special Features TBC
· Deleted & Alternate Scenes
· On The Set: Walkabout with Tamer Hassan
· Improvisation with John Rhys-Davies
· Bloopers & Out-takes
· Original Casting Audition Tapes
· Behind The Scenes Of The Ferryman Theatrical Trailer
About is back, apparently
About a month ago now I got an e-mail from Mark H Harris, telling me this:
"It's been gone for a while, but I'm pleased to announce that About.com's Horror/Suspense site (http://horror.about.com) is back -- bigger and better than ever. Now under the iron fist of the creator of BlackHorrorMovies.com (that being me), About.com's horror site features all new, all original content, including news, reviews, photos, trailers, TV schedules, box office charts, conventions, bios, articles, top pick lists and more. So, come on back and check out what's new!"
So now I'm telling you lot.
"It's been gone for a while, but I'm pleased to announce that About.com's Horror/Suspense site (http://horror.about.com) is back -- bigger and better than ever. Now under the iron fist of the creator of BlackHorrorMovies.com (that being me), About.com's horror site features all new, all original content, including news, reviews, photos, trailers, TV schedules, box office charts, conventions, bios, articles, top pick lists and more. So, come on back and check out what's new!"
So now I'm telling you lot.
Latest anthology news
I'm currently working on the third edition of the BHF Books Of Horror (sneak preview of Paul Mudie's excellent cover above, dunno what's happened to the colours during the upload!)
I'm working my way through all the submissions and e-mailing successful authors as I go, so if you've sent me a story and not heard anything, fear not - it's taking a while.
A little night music
Just in case you hadn't noticed (and most people don't seem to have...) the BHF site now has a few MP3s on it for people to download. Most horror websites pick the spooky, atmospheric stuff... but British horror films are different, the BHF is different, so we've gone for the daft stuff.
You can see what's available on the front page.
http://www.britishhorrorfilms.co.uk/index2.shtml
There are just three at the mo, but I'm looking at sticking a few more on...
You can see what's available on the front page.
http://www.britishhorrorfilms.co.uk/index2.shtml
There are just three at the mo, but I'm looking at sticking a few more on...
Within the Woods
Luke Massey has been in touch to tell the BHF about a new film he's working on at present.
"We at Green Manalishi Productions are currently filming a new "zombie" horror movie called "Within The Woods". Named after Sam Riami's original short story before Evil Dead, this is a gritty, stark view of the the potential of the avian flu pandemic and it's effect on two groups of young adults over a 24 hour period. Its not a traditional zombie movie, but has lots of the traits that you'd expect from one, including lots of violent, gory death scenes and a dark, nasty location.
"Set in the West Midlands area of the UK, the film starts with two characters smuggling in wild birds from the Far East, getting infected by a strain of the H5N1 virus that has mutated and can infect humans, first killing them, then turning them into savage, bloodthirsty undead. The cast is mainly unknown outside the UK, but have some very interesting experience and background to bring to the role, including an RSC background for a couple of the cast.The film is being directed by Luke Massey (currently no1 on the uk myspace filmmakers listings) and is his first feature, following on from his BBC and short film background.
"The budget of the film is coming in at under 10,000 pounds due to the unique methods of filming and production that are being used and we are looking for reviews and interviews that would allow us to talk about this in more detail. Filmed on HD, with lots of on-site editing, and crucially, with a distribution deal already in place; this is going to be a big thing this year, watch this space...I have attached the working cover of the film, and you can find some mid-production pictures, stills and behind the scenes on the facebook group that I've set up fo the film as we go forward (actual website to follow) http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12357195189"
Watch zombies, raise cash
Have you ever thought that you LIKE watching horror films, but wish someone would make it a bit more "okay" to do so? Well, if you have, now's your chance to get all high and mighty and tell doubters "well actually, I'm raising money for charity by watching the undead have their brains blown out, so you can fuck right off, mother".
Dominic Brunt e-mails to tell us: "We are holding a 12 hour Zombie film marathon in Leeds city centre on April 20th to raise money for WSPA. An excuse to watch all the classics on the big screen with an open bar. Lovely!"
Find out more at:
http://www.leedszombiefilmfestival.com
Dominic Brunt e-mails to tell us: "We are holding a 12 hour Zombie film marathon in Leeds city centre on April 20th to raise money for WSPA. An excuse to watch all the classics on the big screen with an open bar. Lovely!"
Find out more at:
http://www.leedszombiefilmfestival.com
Last Meal now on-line
RN Millward has e-mailed to let me knoww that LAST MEAL, a short he or she made for the horror channel is now on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbJ9NA5CLrU
Time Bandits free
Just noticed that free with tomorrow's Mail On Sunday is the borderline horror - but-top-film-anyway Terry Gilliam dwarf fest "Time Bandits". Which means it's worth buying that reactionary rag for the first time ever!
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