Vegas Outsider

Letterman Comedy Documentary Raises Kickstarter Funding in Record Time

July 16th, 2011 by todd

Checking my email this afternoon, I came across a curious bit of information I wanted to share as soon as I heard. Filmmakers Joke Fincioen and Biagio Messina had recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund their documentary “Dying to do Letterman”’s expenses to be apart of the upcoming DocuWeeks film festival. Setting an initial goal of $37,000, both men had hoped to reach this goal and hopefully earn more to fund a theatrical release run as well.

Well, the movie gods apparently smiled down because their campaign has already netted $40,000 over the first five days of going live. With nearly two months left to go before the campaign ends, one can only hope that even more cash can be raised to organize a national theatrical run. In addition, this funding frenzy has catapulted Dying to do Letterman into the top 100 Kickstarter campaigns of all time. Not too shabby with barely a week’s worth of work put into it. Here’s the original release itself with website info:

“Audiences Flood DocuWeeks selection “Dying to do Letterman” Kickstarter Campaign with $40,000 from 400 backers in One Week.

Filmmakers Joke Fincioen and Biagio Messina blew past their initial goal of $37,000 in just 5 days and 5 hours. In a campaign video, Joke and Biagio laid out their plan to raise enough to cover their costs to be a part of DocuWeeks (New York City August 26th to September 1st and in Los Angeles September 2nd to September 8th) with the hopes of “far surpassing that goal” in order to tour the film across the entire United States. With nearly seven weeks to go in the campaign, “Dying to do Letterman” hopes to join elite Kickstarter projects that have raised over six figures. Currently, the film’s already raised enough money to be one of the top 100 Kickstarter runs of all time.

For more information about events scheduled around the DocuWeeks 2011 screenings of “Dying to do Letterman”in New York and Los Angeles, and to make a contribution to the Kickstarter campaign please visit www.DyingToDoLetterman.com“

Posted in Film, Film Press Releases | 6 Comments »

WORLD PREMIERE OF “SUSHI GIRL” TRAILER, A FEAST FOR THE SENSES, AT JULY 22ND COMIC-CON PANEL

July 12th, 2011 by todd

A collision of cult film stars will commence at the upcoming Comic Con convention as a trailer for the new crime thriller “Sushi Girl” will be formally unveiled to the legions of fan boys and girls in attendance. Featuring known genre legends Mark Hamill, Danny Trejo, Michael Biehn, Tony Todd, and Jeff Fahey alongside The Neverending Story’s Noah Hathaway, one can only imagine who will actually be in attendance. While I myself will be stuck at home for this year’s con, anyone who has the opportunity to do so should take a moment out of their limited edition toy purchasing, and check this one out. The full release and other event information is below:

“(LOS ANGELES, CA—July 12^th, 2011) Revenge is a dish best served cold. “Sushi Girl,” truly a diabolical treat, stars a virtual who’s-who of cult icons in filmmaker Kern Saxton’s directorial feature film debut: Mark Hamill (Star Wars), Noah Hathaway (The NeverEnding Story), Tony Todd (Candyman), Andy Mackenzie (Shoot ‘Em Up),James Duval (Donnie Darko), David Dastmalchian (The Dark Knight), Michael Biehn (The Terminator), Danny Trejo (Machete), Sonny Chiba (Kill Bill Vol. 1),Cortney Palm (Superbad), and Jeff Fahey (Grindhouse).

Directly following the world premiere of the film’s trailer, “Sushi Girl” cast (Hamill, Hathaway, Todd, Mackenzie, Duval, Dastmalchian, Palm and Chiba) will participate in a Q&A at their Comic-Con Panel on Friday, July 22^nd at the San Diego Convention Center in Room 25ABC from 7:00pm – 8:00pm. Director/writer/producer Kern Saxton (Deader Living Through Chemistry), producers Neal Fischer (Shotgun Diaries) & Suren M. Seron (Forever Plaid), and writer/producer Destin Pfaff(Millionaire Matchmaker) will accompany the cast. The film will also have a booth located at Exhibit table J5 in the Exhibit Hall in front of concession stand B.

“Sushi Girl” follows Fish (Hathaway) on his first night of freedom after having spent the last six years in jail keeping his mouth shut not only about the robbery he helped commit, but about his co-conspirators as well. The four men he protected celebrate his freedom with a lavish dinner, comprised of an array of sushi—served off the naked body of a beautiful young woman. The sushi girl appears catatonic, trained to ignore everything in the room—even as things become more dangerous.

Learn more about “Sushi Girl” by visiting the website: http://www.sushigirlmovie.com/

Follow the film on Twitter at @SushiGirlMovie for updates as well as the latest whereabouts of the cast and their Comic-Con Sushi Truck for meet and greet opportunities.”

Posted in Film Press Releases, Press Releases | 8 Comments »

PRESS RELEASE: 2011 DocuWeeks Chooses Comedian’s Quest to Beat Cancer and Perform on Letterman

July 7th, 2011 by todd

2011 DocuWeeks Chooses Comedian’s Quest to Beat Cancer and Perform on Letterman

“Dying to do Letterman” Selected to Join International Documentary Association’s Prestigious 2011 DocuWeeks Securing NY and LA Run

(Los Angeles, CA—July 6, 2011) “Dying to do Letterman,” joins the stellar line-up of 17 feature films for the International Documentary Association’s DocuWeeks 2011 with a theatrical release in New York City August 26th to September 1st and in Los Angeles September 2nd to September 8th. “Dying to do Letterman,” is a festival award-winning independent documentary that tells the story of stand-up comedian Steve Mazan’s quest to beat cancer and achieve his lifelong dream of performing on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” This inspiring documentary feature film is directed and produced by the wife and husband filmmaking team of Joke Fincioen and Biagio Messina under their Joke Productions, Inc. banner and will be the first Kickstarter project to raise funds to qualify for Academy Award® consideration.

The selection for the prestigious DocuWeeks, which provides one-week theatrical runs as well as advertising and publicity support, will allow “Dying to do Letterman” to meet the requirements for consideration for the 84th Academy Awards®.

“Being selected for DocuWeeks is a dream come true,” said comedian and subject of “Dying to do Letterman” Steve Mazan. “When we embarked on this journey, we told ourselves we would be happy just spreading a positive message to people affected by cancer. But to receive this level of recognition and to even be in a position of consideration for the Oscars is beyond our wildest dreams.”

“Dying to do Letterman” starts in 2005 when then 34-year-old Mazan learns he has incurable liver cancer and may only have five years to live. Facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Mazan decides it’s time to dedicate himself full time to the dream he’s held since we was 12 years old – performing stand-up comedy on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” Filmmakers Joke Fincioen and Biagio Messina, follow Mazan through the ups and downs of his five-year journey to perform on Letterman.

From the start, we never wanted to make a depressing cancer movie,” said Biagio, who along with Joke produced, directed, and edited the documentary. The duo also filmed much of the footage themselves.

“Steve’s an amazing guy, and continues to make us laugh and inspire us every day,” Joke said. “We felt the tone of documentary should reflect the guy we know; someone who finds a way to laugh at life’s struggles, including cancer.”

That tone is established early in the film, as Mazan’s “Top Ten Benefits of Catching Cancer” list and much of his stand-up are featured.

Making the film was a six-year process with Joke and Biagio filming for five years, editing for one year, all while putting their life savings into making the film.

“Nobody wanted to fund this documentary,” Joke said, “especially since no one knew if Steve would get on Letterman, or if his health would hold out through his quest. But we believed in Steve and his message that ‘it’s never too late to chase your dreams.’ To have DocuWeeks shine a light on his amazing journey means the world to us.”

Many Kickstarter projects focus on raising funds to make a movie, but filmmakers Joke and Biagio funded the film themselves and finished it before asking for any money to expand the reach of this film and it’s message. While Kickstarter forbids any type of charity fundraising on the site itself, the filmmakers plan to do plenty of charity screenings and comedy shows at hospitals and for cancer patients — much like this comedy benefit show they put together for The Canary Foundation which also featured acclaimed actor Michael Rooker (AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” “JFK”)

http://www.dyingtodoletterman.com/actor-michael-rooker-helps-us-fight-cancer

For more information about events scheduled around the DocuWeeks 2011 screenings of “Dying to do Letterman” in New York and Los Angeles, and to make a contribution to the Kickstarter campaign please visit www.DyingToDoLetterman.com

About Joke Productions, Inc:

Led by this wife and husband team of Joke Fincioen and Biagio Messina, whom are best known in the unscripted world for executive producing “Scream Queens” on VH1, “Rhett & Link: Commercial Kings” on IFC, and the upcoming docu-series “Caged” on MTV. Other credits include “Beauty and the Geek” and “Oh Baby, Now What?” The duo earned their documentary wings under acclaimed filmmaker R.J. Cutler (”The War Room,” “The September Issue”) and honed their reality TV skills working with luminaries like Mark Burnett. Their company, Joke Productions, Inc., is growing fast and Joke and Biagio have built a reputation for being terrific story tellers and hands-on producers.

Posted in Film Press Releases, Press Releases | No Comments »

FILM: Cameron Richardson Joins Shawn Andrews and Virginie Ledoyen Rounding Out Tempestuous “The Last Beat” Love Triangle

April 19th, 2011 by todd

I received a tip earlier today regarding more casting news for upcoming indie rocker “The Last Beat” starring VO favorite Shawn Andrews and French actress Virginie Ledoyen. I figured I’d share for anyone who may be interested :

“Bohemia Group and Writer/Director Robert Saitzyk (“Godspeed”) have found their earthy, yet fiery Valerie Eason in stunning ingénue Cameron Richardson (“Hard Breakers,” & “Harper’s Island”). Virginie Ledoyen will play Clémence, a French Countess involved in a turbulent love triangle between Jay Douglas (Shawn Andrews) and his self-professed “soul mate” Valerie Eason (Cameron Richardson). She joins an incredible cast led by Shawn Andrews (“Fix” opposite Olivia Wilde, “Dazed and Confused” and “City of Ghosts”), César nominated French actress Virginie Ledoyen, (“Tout ce qui brille”, “The Army of Crime” and of course Danny Boyle’s “The Beach”), and the also recently cast Oscar nominated Seymour Cassel (“Big Heart City” and “The Royal Tenenbaums”), Kevin Corrigan (“The Departed,” “Pineapple Express”), Courtney Halverson (“Hamill” and “Godspeed”), and Aasha Davis (fresh off the Sundance hit “Pariah” and American Gun”).

“The Last Beat” explores the life of a world weary self exiled rock star Jay Douglas searching for a more artistic existence as a poet and writer in Paris, with the hope of erasing his tarnished former stardom. The film’s rich storyline will be accompanied by a completely original soundtrack redolent with the influences of the early 70’s ranging from Rock n Roll to French Pop. “The Last Beat” will offer audiences a refreshing view of the turbulent end of the 60’s and early 70’s along with an insightful perspective into the melancholy lifestyle and unerring clarity of a rock star and poet coming to terms with his own end. Production will be shot primarily on location in Paris, France later this year.”

Anything that features the likes of Seymour Cassel, Kevin Corrigan, and Shawn Andrews I’m a sucker for. Definitely can’t wait for this one to make its way to the indie circuit and hopefully to theaters and homes not long after.

Posted in Film | 1 Comment »

FILM: SHAWN ANDREWS AND BRAD HUNT LEAD INDIE FILM CAST TO “THE LAST GAS STATION” FOR CULT DIRECTOR NICK PALUMBO

February 8th, 2011 by todd

Considering my personal admiration for his skill and irritation that he is not headlining major Hollywood productions just yet; I had to let anyone who will listen know about another new project indie actor Shawn Andrews will appear in soon. Already set to appear in the upcoming rock drama “The Last Beat”, Andrews will also spend 2011 appearing before filmgoers in “The Last Gas Station” directed by Neo-Noir filmmaker Nick Palumbo. For more details, check out the release below:

“SHAWN ANDREWS AND BRAD HUNT LEAD INDIE FILM CAST TO “THE LAST GAS STATION” FOR CULT DIRECTOR NICK PALUMBO

Filmmaking Team of Palumbo and Bares Gear Into Pre-Production on Their New Feature “The Last Gas Station”
LOS ANGELES – Writer and Director Nick Palumbo (“Murder-Set-Pieces”) best known for intense genre filming is delving into the Neo-Noir landscape. Palumbo has cast indie film veterans Shawn Andrews, whose credits include the recently announced Robert Saitzyk drama “The Last Beat,” “Fix” opposite Olivia Wilde, “Dazed and Confused” and “City of Ghosts,” Brad Hunt of “Deadwood,” and “Magnolia” fame, as well as Richard Cox best known for his haunting portrayal in William Friedkin’s cult classic “Cruising,” in his Neo-Noir thriller which weaves a terrifying spell of mystery, murder and madness on the foggy streets of San Francisco. Joining Palumbo behind the scenes on this cinematic journey is acclaimed director of photography Laurent Bares (“Hitman” and “Frontier(s)”) and the casting team of Aufiero/Horn Casting.

“This film and talented cast culminate in the cinematic ride of a lifetime,” states Palumbo.

The foggy and malevolent rain soaked city that is San Francisco is the setting of this chilling film noir. “RT” (Shawn Andrews), unable to cope with his haunted past, lives as a lonely short-order cook by day and a rouge drag racer by night. A fateful encounter allows him to save the life of a mysterious beauty that offers “RT” a rare opportunity to escape his lowly existence. What begins as a diabolical plan to steal a masterpiece ends up becoming a hallucinogenic and nightmarish odyssey to stay alive. From the darkest heart of San Francisco to the desolate two-lane blacktops of rural California, cult director Nick Palumbo spins this frightening suspenseful tale of desperate people caught in a calculating web of double and triple crosses that build to an adrenaline fueled climax.

Production is set to commence in late spring 2011 and will be shot primarily across the county.”

2011 is looking to be a good year for Shawn, and we’ll be here to keep you abreast of it .

Posted in Film, Uncategorized | 10 Comments »

FILM: IFC adds another brand to its arsenal with “SundanceNow” VOD Service

December 23rd, 2010 by todd

sundanceselects-sundancenow Over at The Playlist, IFC has announced that they are launching TWO brand new distribution arms because they can’t keep busy enough with IFC Films, IFC Midnight, and just plain old IFC itself apparently. So, being the workaholics they seem to be, they are launching Sundance Selects as a new theatrical arm and SundanceNow in the VOD realm starting next year.

While Selects first began as an on-demand service in 2009, it will upgrade to a full distribution arm encompassing theatrical, VOD, and home video using the Sundance label. Films to be included in the initial slate include Gregg Araki’s “Kaboom”, Werner Herzog’s 3D- documentary “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” and Abbas Kiarostami’s “Certified Copy” to name a few. Overall, Selects appears to be working straight from IFC’s playbook of strong, known-auteur driven fare that would otherwise end up under the IFC Films label.

But hey, I won’t complain what name is slapped on them as long as they come out. Additionally, the SundanceNow service looks to compete directly with the ever-growing streaming services offered by outlets such as Netflix, iTunes, and Hulu by providing subscribers access to independent films from around the globe. According to the article, the platform has already amassed an initial library of three hundred titles with more to be added soon. All in all, not bad developments for independent and foreign cinema fans. All we can do now is see if these brand new channels can deliver as well as they promote.

To read the original Playlist article, click here

To learn more about SundanceNow and sign up for an account, click here

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments »

FILM: Virginie Ledoyen joins Shawn Andrews in “The Last Beat”

December 3rd, 2010 by todd

Keeping busy as any talented actor should, actor and Vegas Outsider interview subject Shawn Andrews will be joined by the award-nominated French actress Virginie Ledoyen in the upcoming rock drama “The Last Beat”. Between the combination of Andrews’ intensity and Ledoyen’s considerable skill and charm, I have a feeling this will be a hard film to screw up, especially if the 70’s Rock and French Pop-inspired original soundtrack is as good as one can hope it will be. This is one I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for as next year’s film festival season begins to warm up.

“Virginie Ledoyen Gives Parisian Stamp of Approval to “THE LAST BEAT “ joining lead Shawn Andrews in the BOHEMIA GROUP FEATURE FILM

Producing Team Bohemia Group Amps Up Pre-Production on Highly Anticipated Feature “The Last Beat”

LOS ANGELES, CA — (November 29, 2010) – Writer and Director Robert Saitzyk (“Godspeed”) dives deeply into the torrid world of rock and roll to craft the realm that is the last days of rock star Jay Douglas in the film “The Last Beat.” Leading the cast in this powerful drama as the famous and tortured Douglas is Shawn Andrews, whose screen credits include the award winning “Fix” opposite Olivia Wilde, “Dazed and Confused” and “City of Ghosts,” and now attached is the César nominated French actress Virginie Ledoyen, who has been seen in films such as “Tout ce qui brille”, “The Army of Crime” and of course Danny Boyle’s “The Beach.” Ledoyen will play Clémence, a French Countess involved in a turbulent love triangle between Jay Douglas and his self-professed “soul mate” — the earthy, but fiery Valerie Eason.

“The Last Beat” explores the life of a world weary self exiled rock star searching for a more artistic existence as a poet and writer in Paris, with the hope of erasing his tarnished former stardom. The film’s rich storyline will be accompanied by a completely original soundtrack redolent with the influences of the early 70’s ranging from Rock n Roll to French Pop. “The Last Beat” will offer audiences a refreshing view of the turbulent end of the 60’s and early 70’s along with an insightful perspective into the melancholy lifestyle and unerring clarity of a rock star and poet coming to terms with his own end.

“We’re thrilled to have Virginie Ledoyen opposite Shawn Andrews as Clémence, creating such an electrifying screen duo,” states Susan Ferris of Bohemia Group.

Saitzyk who is an award winning director with his films “Godspeed” and “After the Flood” recently teamed up with Los Angeles based management and production entity Bohemia Group, who’s specialties are global film and music endeavors. Bohemia principals Susan Ferris and Alison Buck will produce alongside helmer Saitzyk, and in addition they will also take on the duties of music supervisor and casting director respectively. Production is set to commence in late spring 2011 and will be shot primarily on location in Paris, France.”

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

FILM: IFC Midnight to Premiere Four New Films Simultaneously at Fantastic Fest 2010 and on IFC Films’ On Demand

September 14th, 2010 by todd

Being a fan of IFC in general as well as interested in anything going on at Austin’s mecca of weird and awesome movies, Fantastic Fest, it comes as no surprise that I couldn’t have been happier to learn a little while ago that IFC’s new Midnight label is partnering up with Fantastic Fest to premiere four new films both at the fest and on VOD simultaneously.

IFC has employed this day and date festival release strategy before, most recently at SXSW but this is the first time they’re partnering up with what is arguably the US’ premiere genre film festival. Below is the original release with all of the details:

“’Direct From Fantastic Fest’ to Premiere Four New IFC Midnight Acquisitions

Simultaneously at Fantastic Fest and Nationally via IFC Films’ On Demand

New York, NY (September 12, 2010) – IFC Midnight, the new genre label of IFC Films, today announced its first partnership with Austin’s Fantastic Fest, the largest genre film festival in the U.S. which was voted “one of 10 film festivals we love” by Variety. Four brand new IFC Midnight acquisitions will screen at Fantastic Fest (Sept 23-30) and will simultaneously be available nationwide via the movies-on-demand platform of major national cable systems, including Cablevision, Comcast, Cox Communications, Time Warner Cable and Bright House, and will be available in approximately 40 million homes. The films include: Philip Ridley’s demonic thriller HEARTLESS (making its US debut); Abel Ferry’s mountain climbing nightmare HIGH LANE (making its US debut); Josh Reed’s Ozploitation horror flick PRIMAL (making its US debut); and Simon Rumley’s hard-core RED WHITE & BLUE.

Noah Taylor in RED WHITE & BLUE

IFC Midnight will also make three acclaimed films from Fantastic Fest 2009 available on demand as part of this initiative including: Tom Six’s THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE, Kim Ji-Woon’s THE GOOD THE BAD THE WEIRD, and Jake West’s DOGHOUSE. PRIMAL director Josh Reed and RED WHITE & BLUE director Simon Rumley will be in attendance at Fantastic Fest screenings. RED WHITE & BLUE and HEARTLESS will also have select theatrical engagements nationwide in the fall.

Jonathan Sehring, President of IFC Entertainment, said, “Following our successful day-and-date on demand partnerships with SXSW and Sundance, which have included several genre films, a partnership with Fantastic Fest is the next logical step. Tim League has cultivated some of the genre’s most enthusiastic fans, and Fantastic Fest is an ideal festival with which to launch these four amazing films nationwide.”

Tim League, CEO of Alamo Drafthouse and Co-Founder of Fantastic Fest said, “We’re very excited to be a part of this new on demand partnership with IFC Midnight. As a long term friend of Fantastic Fest, IFC Films has an excellent eye for acquiring the very best of genre entertainment and distributing them to viewers in unique and innovative ways. Their new IFC Midnight label is the perfect partner for Fantastic Fest.

Said Simon Rumley, “IFC Films has constantly proved themselves to be innovators in an ever-changing distribution marketplace and has never shied away from working on some of the most interesting and ground-breaking films of our time. Similarly, in a very short period of time, Fantastic Fest has shown itself to be a leader in the world of daring but quality movie programming. To have IFC Films and Fantastic Fest back RED WHITE & BLUE is a natural fit and it’s with much excitement that I anticipate their collective championing and distribution of it.”

The deal for RED WHITE & BLUE was negotiated by IFC Films’ SVP of Acquisitions and Productions Arianna Bocco and Travis Stevens of Celluloid Nightmares. HEARTLESS was negotiated by IFC Films’ Bocco with Cinetic Media. The deal for PRIMALwas negotiated by IFC Films’ Manager of Acquisitions and Productions Jeff Deutchman with Gavin Braxton of AV Pictures. HIGH LANE was negotiated by IFC Films’ Director of Acquisitions and Co-Productions Lizzie Nastro and Cecile Gaget of Gaumont.

IFC Midnight was launched in May as IFC Films’ new home for the very best in international genre cinema, including horror, sci-fi, thrillers, erotic arthouse, action and more. Recent genre cinema from IFC Films include ANTICHRIST, DEAD SNOW, 7 DAYS, THE KILLER INSIDE ME, VENGEANCE and VALHALLA RISING.

ABOUT THE FILMS IN ‘Direct From Fantastic Fest’:

RED WHITE & BLUE (directed by Simon Rumley)

Erica (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER’s Amanda Fuller) is a tough, troubled nymphomaniac with wounds across her soul. For Erica, sleeping with multiple men forms the core of her life, until she meets the mysterious Iraq vet Nate (THE PROPOSITION’s Noah Taylor). Despite his quiet air of danger, Nate’s the only guy who doesn’t immediately want to sleep with her, and the two form a hesitant bond. But in a shocking twist, one of Erica’s earlier sexual encounters, with wannabe rock star Franki (Mark Senter), will have unexpected – and devastating – consequences on both of their lives. Hard-edged and uncompromising, RED WHITE & BLUE, from director Simon Rumley (THE LIVING AND THE DEAD), has already been compared to the works of such disparate filmmakers as Larry Clark and Sam Peckinpah. The film had its US premiere at SXSW, and was produced by Rumley and Bob Portal, and executive produced by Tim League, Judy Lipsey, Doug Abbott, and Adam Goldworm. It is the first film from Celluloid Nightmares, a new partnership between Paris-based Celluloid Dreams and Los Angeles-based XYZ Films, with the shared goal of bringing commercial, elevated genre films to audiences around the world. The film will have several theatrical screenings throughout the US and Canada this fall.

HEARTLESS (directed by Philip Ridley)

Jim Sturgess(21, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE)leads a hugely-talented ensemble cast in this sublime British psychological thriller from cult UK director Philip Ridley (THE REFLECTING SKIN, THE PASSION OF DARKLY NOON), who returns to the screen after a 14-year absence. The film follows Jamie Morgan (Sturgess), born with a disfiguring birthmark across his face, which leaves him an outcast in rough East London. While wandering abandoned yards taking photographs, he comes across a gang of thugs and soon discovers that they are something other than human. He then is led into a Faustian deal that will see him become a party to the terrifying chaos around him. Part DONNIE DARKO, part Guillermo del Toro, this dark urban tale takes its audience to the darkest and most violent corners of the human heart. The filmalso stars Clémence Poésy, Noel Clarke, Joseph Mawle, Eddie Marsan, LukeTreadaway and Timothy Spall, and was produced by Pippa Cross and Richard Raymond. The film recently won the Best Independent Film Award at the Toronto After Dark Festival. HEARTLESS will open at the IFC Center in New York on 11/21 followed by select national dates.

PRIMAL (directed by Josh Reed)

Primordial nature runs amuck in this expertly-played slice of neo-Ozploitation from Australian director Josh Reed. The film follows six friends on a field trip who set up camp in the remote wilderness of Australia. When one person takes a late-night skinny dip in a nearby waterhole, she becomes incredibly feverish and agitated, and soon regresses to a crazed predatory state in which her companions suddenly become the hunted. When another begins the same beastly transition, terror descends on the remainder as they realize it’s now kill or be killed. A frenzied visceral nightmare in the vein of CABIN FEVER, PRIMAL is a hugely enjoyable rollercoaster ride through primitive panic.

HIGH LANE (directed by Abel Ferry)

Towering heights and beautiful vistas turn into a haunting mindtrip in Abel Ferry’s gripping French scarefest that will definitely make you think twice about your next mountain climbing trip. In the film, a group of friends on vacation in Eastern Europe embark on an ambitious mountain expedition along a trail that they discover – way too late – is closed for repair. The thrill of this foolish challenge quickly turns sour as it becomes clear that not only is the path a lot more dangerous than they thought, but also that they are not alone. Fear exposes old traumas and brings up hidden emotions to the surface, and soon, everyone is fighting tooth-and-nail for their survival. “

Posted in Film, Film Press Releases, Press Releases | 1 Comment »

FILM PRESS RELEASE: Joanna Angel horror-comedy goes mainstream VOD / Cable On Demand

September 1st, 2010 by todd

joanna1

Joanna Angel horror-comedy goes mainstream VOD / Cable On Demand

AT&T U-Verse, Verizon Fios, more pick up SLUMBER PARTY SLAUGHTERHOUSE,starring Joanna Angel, numerous Burning Angel girls, Tiffany Shepis, Masuimi Max, more

Los Angeles, CA, September 1, 2010 – The over-the-top campy horror comedy SLUMBER PARTY SLAUGHTERHOUSE hits massmarket VOD and Cable On Demand this month, delivering a ridiculously-unrated, sexy-fun romp (like PIRANHA-3D but on crack), starring punk-porn princess Joanna Angel (NSFW link) and her Burning Angel (NSFW link) porn starlets Daisy Sparks (NSFW link), Whisky (NSFW link), Allister (NSFW link), Cali Nova (NSFW link), Morgan Mae (NSFW link), as well as fetish-supermodel Masuimi Max (NSFW link) and scream queen Tiffany Shepis (link).

According to distributor Gravitas Ventures, the film will be available starting September 1 (except as noted) on numerous carriers including AT&T U-Verse, Verizon Fios (starting Sept 11), Rogers (Canada), Mediacom, Suddenlink, Bresnan, DISH VOD, Blue Ridge, Wave, Click, Atlantic Broadband, Cincinnati Bell, Hargray, RCN, NTELOS, Frontier, HTC, and more.

SLUMBER PARTY SLAUGHTERHOUSE sizzle reel posted here

The story follows Paul Tard, a geek on the eve of his graduation from air conditioner repair school. Paul’s friends are throwing a graduation party complete with hookers, but, when Paul’s ex-girlfriend steals his hooker, Paul is uninvited to the party. Drowning his sorrows, Paul decides to take a bubble bath and bring along his laptop for some internet porn. Of course, the laptop falls in the bathtub and Paul electrocutes himself to death. None of this would have happened if he’d only been invited to the party, so Paul sells his soul to a demon in exchange for the power to take revenge on his former friends.

Initially created as a Halloween prank for five underground movie directors (Doug Sakmann, Matt Pizzolo, Joanna Angel, Kurly Tlapoyawa, Ramzi Abed) to collaborate on short campy-horror films tied together by an interactive DVD-game format of answering slasher movie trivia questions to progress through scenes, the film became an unexpected hit that played across the US theatrically for interactive midnight screenings that mix Rocky Horror-style ‘audience participation’ with pub trivia competition. Although the DVD and live screenings utilize the interactive storytelling style, the VOD version will play as a straight narrative.

Posted in Blue Movies, Film | 14 Comments »

FILM: THE LAST RITES OF RANSOM PRIDE theatrical screening dates annouced

September 1st, 2010 by todd

RansomPride Just announced today are touring theatrical dates for the aforementioned The Last Rites of Ransom Pride, directed by Tiller Russell. The first screenings will be in Los Angeles on Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11 at midnight at the Laemmle’s Sunset 5 Theatre (8000, Sunset Blvd).

The film then heads out for a midnight screenings road show with screenings in Dallas on September 16, Fort Worth on September 17, Denton, TX on September 18, The Arizona Underground Fest September 23 and 24, and finally the Calgary International Film Festival in October (Dates TBA).

For those of you unable to attend these upcoming shows, don’t worry as Last Rites will follow-up this theatrical run with a nationwide DVD release on October 5.

To learn more, go to www.lastritesfilm.com

Posted in Film | 11 Comments »