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...)

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.

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

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.

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...

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

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!