News

Variety has been given exclusive access to a first-look clip (below) from Simon Ennis’ documentary “The Hobby,” which world premieres at SXSW on Friday. International sales are being handled by Vortex Media.

“The Hobby” is an affectionate, character-driven portrait of the subculture of board games, covering the World Series of Board Games in Las Vegas and reaching back to Ancient Mesopotamia.

The characters portrayed – who include the “Roger Ebert of board games,” a rock-climbing board-game philosopher and a birdwatcher who created an unlikely smash hit – share personal stories of competition, compulsion, creativity and connection.

Ennis says: “One of the most fun and exciting events we visited was the first ever World Series of Board Games held in Las Vegas in 2022. In this clip, one of our main subjects, Dan Corbett is up all night in his hotel room getting ready for his final shot at winning in the [contest]. We then...

Former Brainstorm Media CEO Meyer Shwarzstein has revealed several projects being developed at his new Los Angeles-based development, financing and production company Another Brainy Idea.

In development as a feature is Landfillharmonic, based on a 2015 documentary that won awards at festivals including SXSW. The film, written by José Rivera and directed by Marcos Bernstein, will centre on a teacher who leads an orchestra of children using instruments made from landfill refuse. Producers are Rodolfo Madero, Michael Richter and Shwarzstein. Executive producers include Alejandra Amarilla, Rick Berg and Jonathan Dana.

In development as a drama series is an adaptation of The Talented Ribkins,...

Exclusive: Indie distributor Brainstorm Media is keeping it in the family with the selection of its new CEO.

Michelle Shwarzstein is taking the reins of the company founded in 1995 by her father, Meyer Shwarzstein. Before being elevated to CEO, she had spent more than a decade running Brainstorm’s distribution business and leading the acquisitions and marketing of dozens of films.

After the executive transition, Meyer Shwarzstein, will start a new venture focused entirely on development and production.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled,” Meyer Shwarzstein said. “I’m impressed by Michelle’s team’s vision and their passion for the business.”

Brainstorm’s executive roster also includes Abbey Warner, VP of Marketing and Strategy, who recently joined Brainstorm Media from Gunpowder & Sky; and Alex Peters, who was recently promoted to VP of Sales and Acquisitions.

“Abbey, Alex and I are honored to build on Brainstorm’s legacy,” Michelle Shwarzstein said.

Signature previously acquired UK rights.

Arclight Films has closed a North American deal on The Sinners (formerly The Color Rose) with Brainstorm Media and licensed the teen cult thriller in two major territories.

Company managing director Gary Hamilton also announced on Thursday (January 21) that Defiant has picked up Courtney Paige’s film for Australia, and At Entertainment has taken Japanese rights.

Kaitlyn Bernard, Brenna Llewellyn, and Brenna Coates lead the cast in the story about a clique of young women who start a cult where each of them must embody one of the seven deadly sins.

Meyer Shwarzstein’s Brainstorm...

Exclusive: Fathom Events and Brainstorm Media are teaming on the theatrical release of Recon, the Robert Port military thriller starring Alexander Ludwig, Sam Keeley, Chris Brochu and Franco Nero. They are aiming to premiere the pic, set during World War II and based on a true story, as an exclusive one-night nationwide event November 10, the day before Veterans Day.

So far, the companies have lined up screenings on almost 350 screens at AMC and Regal venues as well as at smaller exhibitors, with an eye on 500 total before the event, which will feature behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew at each screening.

Port, who with Bill Guttentag won the Documentary Short Oscar in 2003 for Twin Towers, adapted Richard Bausch’s 2008 novel Peace about the true war story into Recon and made it his feature debut. The film centers on one long day as four American soldiers stationed in...

There's another Stephen King movie on the way! His novella, The Gingerbread Girl, is the latest story of his to get picked up for a feature film adaptation. The rights to the story were snatched up by Brainstorm Media.

The Gingerbread Girl was originally published in Esquire magazine and was later included in King’s 2008 collection of stories Just After Sunset.

For those of you not familiar with the story, it focuses on a woman named Emily, who is "recovering from a recent loss in a secluded house in the loneliest stretch of New England. She avoids contact with her husband and her father and channels her grief into a grueling daily running regimen. This is doing her all kinds of good, until one day she makes the mistake of looking into the driveway of a man named Pickering. Pickering also enjoys privacy, but the young women he brings to...

Brainstorm Media is getting into the Stephen King business, and has optioned the author’s 2007 novella “The Gingerbread Girl” for film. Brainstorm will handle U.S. and Canadian distribution.

King is set to co-write the script with frequent collaborator Craig R. Baxley, who will also direct. Baxley previously directed television adaptations of King’s novels “Storm of the Century,” “The Triangle,” “Kingdom Hospital,” and “Rose Red.” Casting for “The Gingerbread Girl” is currently underway.

Mitchell Galin will produce “The Gingerbread Girl,” having previously produced adaptations of King’s “Pet Sematary,” “The Stand,” “Thinner,” “The Night Flier,” “The Langoliers,” and “Golden Years.”...

In the debut trailer for the docuseries The Mortified Guide, adults get up onstage to read from their childhood journals, sharing their past insecurities about their nonexistent loves lives, school and maxi pads. 

The docuseries is based on the Mortified stage shows, which take place around the country and have been spun off into books and a podcast.

Mike Mayer directed the docuseries, and also executive produced along with Neil Katcher, Frank Mele, Meyer Shwarzstein, Jeffrey Korchek and Mortified creator David Nadelberg.

The Mortified Guide will have its world premiere at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival in the Indie Episodic program, which is debuting at this...

Exclusive: Canada’s Sepia Films and Germany’s San Cinema are co-producing the project.

Vancouver-based Sepia Films and Stuttgart-based san cinema have signed a deal in Cannes to co-produce a documentary on board games.

Elizabeth Yake (producer of It’s All Gone Pete Tong) will direct and Sepia Films’ Tina Pehme and Kim C. Roberts are producing alongside Sven Schnell of san cinema.

Meyer Shwarzstein of Brainstorm Media will serve as executive producer on the project, which is lined up for an August start and will take a light-hearted look at the surge in popularity of the games.

Films We Like holds Canadian rights and Canadian pay-tv network Super Channel provided development support.

San Cinema’s Sven Schnell said: “I am happy to be part of this great Canadian project not only because of my personal passion for board games but also because Germany has been responsible for the development of many world-renowned games such Settlers of Catan...

Exchanging information after an accident on the road is usually the responsible, smart thing to do… except when the car you collided with belongs to a killer. Ahead of Fender Bender’s June 3rd premiere on the Chiller channel, the official trailer for Scream Factory’s new horror film teases the deadliness of the Driver.

Written and Directed by Mark Pavia (Stephen King’s The Night Flier), Fender Bender stars Makenzie Vega (The Good Wife), Dre Davis (Pretty Little Liars, Scavenger Killers), Cassidy Freeman (Smallville, Longmire) and Bill Sage (American Psycho, We Are What We Are). Evocative of the horror-thriller classics of yesteryear, Fender Bender brings you back to a time when the boxes on the shelf at your local video store beckoned you with masked, knife-wielding maniacs and a twisted sense of morals.

In a small New Mexico town, a 17-year-old high school girl who just got her driver...

*Updated with the official press release.* “It’s just a fender bender, right?” Scream Factory announced a June 3rd premiere date for Fender Bender, their first original horror film that’s written and directed by Mark Pavia (The Night Flier). Ahead of its debut on the Chiller network, a new teaser trailer and poster offers a look at the movie that might make you think twice about exchanging information after a car accident.

Press Release: New York, NY – April 29, 2016 – Chiller and Scream Factory™ announced today that original movie Fender Bender will premiere Friday, June 3 at 9 Pm Et. Written and Directed by Mark Pavia (Stephen King’s The Night Flier), the movie stars Makenzie Vega (The Good Wife), Dre Davis (Pretty Little Liars, Scavenger Killers), Cassidy Freeman (Smallville, Longmire) and Bill Sage (American Psycho, We Are What We Are). Evocative of the horror-thriller classics of yesteryear, Fender Bender brings you back...

Brainstorm Media has acquired North American distirbution rights to James Redford's documentary "Resilience," which is having its world premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival today. The company has also picked up the doc's companion film and predecessor, "Paper Tigers," for DVD and digital release in North America. "Resilience" explores Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) and the effects of Toxic Stress on children. Researchers have recently discovered a dangerous biological syndrome caused by abuse and neglect during childhood. Toxic Stress can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children, putting them at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time and early death. "'Resilience' is personally affecting and inspiring," said Brainstorm Media’s Meyer Shwarzstein in a statement. "Its positive messages will give educators, parents and policy maker’s tools to deal with issues...

After years of providing viewers with high-definition upgrades of beloved fright films, Scream Factory has teamed up with Chiller for an original horror movie called Fender Bender, which began production today with a newly announced main cast:

Press Release: "Los Angeles, CA – November 4, 2015 – Scream Factory™, Shout! Factory’s horror genre entertainment imprint, and Chiller announced today the principal cast for the upcoming original horror thriller Fender Bender, written by writer/director Mark Pavia (Stephen King’s The Night Flier). Makenzie Vega (The Good Wife), Dre Davis (Pretty Little Liars, Scavenger Killers), Cassidy Freeman (Smallville, Longmire), Steven Michael Quezada (Breaking Bad, Element) and Bill Sage (American Psycho, We Are What We Are) are starring in the film. The studios also announced that principal photography has commenced on location in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Pavia is directing the film from a screenplay he has written. Carl W. Lucas and Joshua Bunting of EchoWolf Productions are producing,...

From Halloween II to The Return of Count Yorga, horror fans have enjoyed the new life given to beloved fright films by Shout! Factory's imprint, Scream Factory. Now the company will begin creating original content, beginning with the horror film Fender Bender from writer/directorMark Pavia (1997's The Night Flier).

Press Release: Los Angeles, Calif., October 20, 2015 – Shout! Factory, a multi-platform media company, has acquired all rights to the script Fender Bender, a horror-thriller feature written by writer/director Mark Pavia (Stephen King's The Night Flier). The film is being developed, financed and executive produced by Shout! Factory for Shout’s horror genre entertainment imprint, Scream Factory. This announcement was made today by Shout! Factory’s founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos.

Pavia will direct Fender Bender from a screenplay he has written. He and Nadia Redler (Fear X) will also executive produce the film with Shout! Factory. Shout...

The genre theatrical imprint of Shout! Factory will open the film in select cinemas across top Us markets and on VOD on September 4.

Fran Kranz, Pedro Pascal, Emma Fitzpatrick, Yvette Yates

with Joel Murray and Joey Kern star in the Slamdance 2015 selection about of an office worker who learns a rival colleague is a vampire.

Brian James O’Connell directed from a screenplay by comedy pairing Dr. God and Ryan Mitts.

Fortress Features’ Brett Forbes and Patrick Rizzotti produced in association with Brandon Evans of Maybe This Year Productions, Colleen Hard, and Justin Ware.

Shout! Factory has brought on Ruth Vitale of The Film Collective and Mj Peckos of Dada Films to handle the theatrical launch and Meyer Shwarzstein of Brainstorm Media for VOD roll-out.

Shout! Factory founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos made the announcement on Wednesday.

A soul-sucking job turns into a blood-draining nightmare when a vampire uses macabre motivation on his employees in Scream Factory's Bloodsucking Bastards, which has now been set for a September 4th release in select theaters and VOD.

Press Release: "Los Angeles, CA – (July 1, 2015) – Scream Factory™ Films, a genre theatrical imprint of Shout! Factory, announced today that action-packed horror-comedy Bloodsucking Bastards will open in select cinemas across top U.S. markets and on VOD September 4, 2015. The announcement was made by Shout! Factory’s founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer, and Garson Foos.

Directed by Brian James O’Connell and penned by the popular comedy troupe Dr. God and Ryan Mitts, Bloodsucking Bastards recently made its world premiere as the opening night film at the Slamdance Film Festival 2015 and has since played at numerous film festivals to press acclaim and great audience enthusiasm. The film boasts an all-star cast including Fran Kranz (Cabin...

TrustNordisk has sold the North American rights for Anders Morgenthaler’s drama I Am Here to La-based distributor Brainstorm Media.

The deal was negotiated between Susan Wendt, head of sales at TrustNordisk and Meyer Shwarzstein, president at Brainstorm Media.

Morgenthaler’s drama premiered at Austin’s Fantastic Fest in September and stars Kim Basinger as a successful business executive who sets out on a desperate and perilous quest to realize her dream of motherhood.

The film also stars Peter Stormare, Jordan Prentice and Sebastian Schipper.

Producers are Marie Gade Denessen and Julie Lind-Holm for Zentropa Entertainments32. Co-producers are Maria Köpf for Zentropa Entertainments Berlin, Jamila Wenske and Sol Bondy for One Two Films, with executive producers Peter Aalbæk Jensen for Zentropa, Peter Nadermann for Network Movie/Zdf „Das kleine Fernsehspiel“ in collaboration with Arte, and Jessica Ask for Film i Väst, with support from Danish Film Institute, Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein, Dfff and in...

Screen Australia has committed almost $360,000 in funding to assist 15 filmmaking teams and three new internships.

The announcement, made earlier today, confirmed eight new projects will receive Screen Australia support while another seven teams will benefit from continued funding..

The new projects to receive support include I Am Jack, Confessions of a Super Man, Long Tan, Mulan, Common Foe, and Soundtrack..

Three internships, developed through Screen Australia.s Talent Escalator Project, will send Australian filmmakers overseas to further develop their chosen crafts..

Writer/director Alex Murawski will work alongside Bruce Beresford in Los Angeles for three months on Beresford.s latest production Bonnie and Clyde.

Natalie Lindwall will gain six months experience in the UK working with Ecosse Flims as a development producer, and producer Raquelle David will spend six months in Toronto working with Niv Fichman at Rhombus Media..

Also through the Talent Escalator Program, Screen Australia will assist directors Cris Jones,...

Genre: Documentary | Reality | Horror

Air Date/Time: Sunday, October 28 at 8/7c

Network: Chiller

Summary: On Sunday, October 28 @ 8pm, Chiller presents its first-ever original documentary film, “The American Scream.”

From the same director/producer of the critically-acclaimed hit documentary “Best Worst Movie” (2009), “The American Scream” is an unconventional look at the Halloween cultural phenomenon of homemade haunted houses and the enthusiasts behind the scenes. Filmed in the sleepy enclave of Fairhaven, Ma, The American Scream follows the creative minds behind three local homemade haunts and their spirited, passionate and sometimes harrowing efforts in igniting their town’s Halloween spirit each year.

Prior to premiering on Chiller, “The American Scream” debuted as part of the Fantastic Fest, held September 20-27, 2012 in Austin, Texas.

“The American Scream” is produced by Michael and Lindsay Stephenson, Zack Carlson and Rod Olson for Magic Stone Productions and Meyer Shwarzstein of Brainstorm Media; Michael Stephenson directs.

Trailer:...

This Sunday, October 28th, Chiller TV finally airs the incredible documentary The American Screen (review), and we've got several clips on hand to get you primed for this must-see event!

The American Scream is produced by Michael and Lindsay Stephenson, Zack Carlson and Rod Olson for Magic Stone Productions and Meyer Shwarzstein of Brainstorm Media; Michael Stephenson directs. Look for the film on Chiller TV on October 28th at 8pm.

About The American Scream:

From the same director/producer of the critically-acclaimed hit documentary Best Worst Movie (2009), The American Scream is an unconventional look at the Halloween cultural phenomenon of homemade haunted houses and the enthusiasts behind the scenes. Filmed in the sleepy enclave of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, The American Scream follows the creative minds behind three local homemade haunts and their passionate - and sometimes harrowing - efforts in igniting their town’s Halloween spirit each year.

Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!

Documentary filmmaker Michael Stephenson discusses The American Scream, airing on Chiller TV Sunday, October 28 at 8 Pm Et

Michael Stephenson made the world remember Troll 2 all over again with his hit documentary Best Worst Movie back in 2010. The filmmaker is staying in the 'horror documentary' genre, so to speak, with his latest film The American Scream, debuting on Chiller TV Sunday, October 28 at 8 Pm Et. It will also be screened in limited release through the Tugg platform, where fans can request screenings in their hometown.

This film takes us inside the world of "home haunters," those people who are incredibly obsessed with turning their homes in spooky spectacles for Halloween, spending thousands upon thousands of dollars on just one single night of the year. The American Scream explores three households with the same passion who all live in the same town, Fairhaven, Massachussets. I recently had the chance to speak...

Chiller TV's fantastic documentary The American Screen (review) will be enjoying a theatrical run as well, and we've got the trailer for you right here!

Magic Stone Productions (Magic Stone) and Brainstorm Media along with Chiller Films are pleased to announce that their feature length documentary The American Scream, called "a warm, emotional and touching documentary" (Eric Vespe, Ain't It Cool News), will open in theaters during October in the following locations and theaters, and will also be available through Tugg.com in cities where it does not have a current theatrical engagement.

Current Theatre Listings

October 5 - Hollywood Theater (Portland, Or) October 5 - Music Box Theater (Chicago, Il) October 6 - The Grand Illusion Cinema (Seattle, Or) October 13 & 14 - The Cinefamily (Los Angeles, CA) with Director Michael Paul Stephenson in person October 16 - Roxie Theater (San Francisco, CA) October 19 - Coolidge Corner Theater (Boston, Ma) October 20 - Nitehawk Cinema (Brooklyn,...

Chiller TV's fantastic documentary The American Screen (review) will be enjoying a theatrical run as well, and we've got all the details and a pretty immense stills gallery for you right here!

Magic Stone Productions (Magic Stone) and Brainstorm Media along with Chiller Films are pleased to announce that their feature length documentary The American Scream, called "a warm, emotional and touching documentary" (Eric Vespe, Ain't It Cool News), will open in theaters during October in the following locations and theaters, and will also be available through Tugg.com in cities where it does not have a current theatrical engagement.

Current Theatre Listings

October 5 - Hollywood Theater (Portland, Or) October 5 - Music Box Theater (Chicago, Il) October 6 - The Grand Illusion Cinema (Seattle, Or) October 13 & 14 - The Cinefamily (Los Angeles, CA) with Director Michael Paul Stephenson in person October 16 - Roxie Theater (San Francisco, CA) October 19 - Coolidge Corner Theater (Boston,...

With October on the horizon, as well as that glorious holiday there contained, many of us are gearing up for haunted house season. In many ways the last vestige of the roaming carnival days, companies come in every year, occupy some abandoned retail space, and commence with a nightly regimen of shrieks, jumps, and frights that carries us screaming into November. But what happens when those with the desire to create an effective spook house don’t have the benefit of such monstrous budgets? The more organic, love-labor-intensive community haunted houses are the results of an entire year’s worth of work by blue collar artists and their families. The process by which they transform their own homes into cathedrals to low-budget scares, called home haunts, is the subject of Michael Paul Stephenson’s (Best Worst Movie) latest documentary: The American Scream. A touching, fascinating, and deeply sincere testament to unflappable creative spark, The American Scream...

With Halloween just around the corner, the haunt industry is gearing up, and horror fans are gearing up as well to celebrate our special season, the highlight of which is likely to be the debut of The American Scream on Chiller TV. To help you get primed, here are two TV spots for the flick.

The American Scream is produced by Michael and Lindsay Stephenson, Zack Carlson and Rod Olson for Magic Stone Productions and Meyer Shwarzstein of Brainstorm Media; Michael Stephenson directs. Look for the film on Chiller TV on Sunday, October 28, at 8pm.

About The American Scream:

From the same director/producer of the critically-acclaimed hit documentary Best Worst Movie (2009), The American Scream is an unconventional look at the Halloween cultural phenomenon of homemade haunted houses and the enthusiasts behind the scenes. Filmed in the sleepy enclave of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, The American Scream follows the creative minds...

With Fantastic Fest in full swing you can expect many news stories and reviews heading your way. Up next for you cats is the official one-sheet for the flick The American Scream, and we like! We really, really like!

The American Scream is produced by Michael and Lindsay Stephenson, Zack Carlson and Rod Olson for Magic Stone Productions and Meyer Shwarzstein of Brainstorm Media; Michael Stephenson directs. Check out the poster below courtesy of IGN, and look for the film to air on Chiller TV on Sunday, October 28, at 8pm.

Related Story: Fantastic Fest 2012: Second Wave Announced; New Images from The American Scream, Holy Motors, Sinister, and More

About The American Scream:

From the same director/producer of the critically-acclaimed hit documentary Best Worst Movie (2009), The American Scream is an unconventional look at the Halloween cultural phenomenon of homemade haunted houses and the enthusiasts behind the scenes. Filmed...

This October, Chiller TV gets into the Halloween spirit with two all-new premieres: original movie Dead Souls (Friday, October 12, at 9pm) and original documentary The American Scream (Sunday, October 28, at 8pm).

About Dead Souls:

For his 18th birthday Johnny Petrie is presented with some surprising news: Not only was he adopted, but he has inherited his birth family’s farm in Maine, abandoned for the past 18 years since his natural family died at the hands of his father, the local preacher. Eager for a new life, he leaves home to start over in his new dwelling. However, as he digs into his past, he soon uncovers the horrifying details of his father’s questionable studies. In a frightening revelation he also learns that his return has revived decades-old forces trapped in the home and sets in motion a heart-stopping finale to a ritual that already claimed the lives of his family.

VOD aggregator Brainstorm Media is entering the theatrical distribution field with Todd Solondz’s “Dark Horse,” which it acquired Tuesday. The company plans a limited release beginning June 8 in New York that will expand to other cities. Justin Bartha, Selma Blair, Mia Farrow, Jordan Gelber, Donna Murphy, Christopher Walken, Zachary Booth and Aasif Mandvi star in the story of a deadbeat guy who tries to move out of his junior high bedroom after falling in love with a similarly arrested woman. Tragedy ensues. Solondz's latest drama played at the Venice, Deauville and Toronto film festivals in 2011. Indiewire contributor Ted Hope, who also produced Solondz’s “Happiness,” produced the project with Derrick Tseng. Nick Quested is executive producer. “With this move into theatrical, there’s no better film, producer, or team with whom to work,” said Brainstorm Media president Meyer Shwarzstein. “We have the...

Brainstorm Media has acquired Todd Solondz’s Dark Horse and plans to distribute the film theatrically. Brainstorm, the Beverly Hills-based sales agent and distributor headed by president Meyer Shwarzstein that specializes in aggregating indie films for video-on-demand and new media, has put together a team to handle the movie’s June 8 release in New York, followed by openings in additional cities. It will mark Brainstorm’s entry into theatrical distribution. The company has enlisted Ruth Vitale, who runs the consultancy The Film Collective; Vitagraph Films president David Shultz and head of marketing, publicity and digital strategy Margot Gerber; Barbara

read more...

Chiller is a great channel, hopefully one that you’re getting at home, and maybe even watching Right Now. If you’re not sure if you get it, we have a link for you at the end of this article that will make it easy for you to check. If you don’t get it, start harrassing your cable carrier right now, because they have some great programming coming up this year.

Chiller Announces 2012 Programming Slate

New York, NY – January 9, 2012 – Following another year of successes, including double-digit growth among Adults 18-34 and the premiere of its first-ever original movie, Steve Niles’ Remains, Chiller has unveiled an all-new slate of original programming, it was announced today by Thomas P. Vitale, Executive Vice President, Programming & Original Movies, Syfy and Chiller. These projects join the previously-announced original movie Brian Keene’s Ghoul, currently slated to premiere in early 2012.

Chiller’S 2012 Programming Slate

Original...

Chillier, the 24-hour scary fare channel, already has set one piece of its programming plan for 2012: the original movie Brian Keene’s Ghoul, which is set to premiere early this year. Now Thomas Vitale, Evp Programming & Original Movies at Syfy and Chiller, has announced the rest of the channel’s slate. From the release: Original Documentary Film The American Scream From the same director/producer of the critically-acclaimed hit documentary Best Worst Movie (2009) comes The American Scream: an unconventional look at the Halloween cultural phenomenon of homemade haunted houses, and the enthusiasts behind the scenes. Filmed in the sleepy enclave of Fairhaven, Ma, The American Scream follows the creative minds behind three local homemade haunts and their spirited, passionate and sometimes harrowing efforts in igniting their town’s Halloween spirit each year. Slated for an October 2012 premiere, The American Scream is produced by Michael and Lindsay Stephenson, Zack Carlson...

Instead of just showing endless reruns over and over and over again, Chiller TV is finally finding its footing and is officially ramping up its original content for the new year! Between this and FEARnet, our horror channel prayers may finally be answered.

According to Variety, NBC/Universal horror network Chiller is doubling down on original programming, with the filmmakers behind the 2009 Troll 2 documentary Best Worst Movie prepping a new feature titled The American Scream to debut this year.

In it documentarians Meyer Shwarzstein and Lindsay Stephenson follow haunted house enthusiasts, in much the same way that Worst Movie explored the evolution of 1990 monster movie Troll 2 from a critically maligned flop to a cult favorite.

Just like sister net Syfy caters to science fiction and fantasy aficionados, Chiller aims to tap into different veins of horror fandom with its new slate. Author cred is a big deal at...

[1] Most communities have a creepy house that scares the neighborhood kids. What those communities usually don't have is a normal house which, on Halloween, is transformed into an equally exciting haunted house. Homemade haunted houses are true labors of love and the filmmakers behind Best Worst Movie [2] are looking for the biggest and best to feature in an Untitled Homemade Haunted House Feature Documentary. The film is being produced by NBC Universal and will feature adults who go to incredible lengths to make their own haunted houses. If you know someone, or happen to be someone, who fits that bill, they want to hear from you. The info is after the break. All the information on how to apply to be a part of this film is at www.homemadehaunt.com [3]. Here's the official press release. Magic Stone Productions and Brainstorm Media announced today that they have signed a deal...

Michael Stephenson did something that’s kind of amazing: build a career out of appearing in what might be the worst film of all time. The actor and director toiled in relative obscurity for nearly two decades after the release of Troll 2, until he made the acclaimed documentary Best Worst Movie, which chronicled the history and cult status of the infamous horror debacle. There was word back in February that he’d tackle narrative filmmaking with a movie called Destroy, but he isn’t leaving the documentary format for good.

Collider says that he’s developing a new documentary, centered on homemade haunted houses and the people who make them. A title hasn’t been announced yet, but the name “Homemade House of Horrors” is being used in conjunction with the project, as the picture on the side tells you. I don’t know how everyone else feels, but that sounds perfect to me.

One of my favorite documentaries of 2009 was director Michael Stephenson's Best Worst Movie. I find it funny, interesting, heartbreaking, and life-affirming all at once and, as a result, it's one of the few docs that I find myself going back to again and again. With this anecdote in mind, we have received a press release today announcing that Stephenson will once again get behind the camera to direct an untitled feature documentary about homemade haunted houses and the people who love to create them. Growing up in the Midwest, I can remember patronizing a few homemade haunted houses in my day. That said, I love this concept as I can attest that the people who dedicate their time and resources to this endeavor are definitely characters all their own. Per the press release, Stephenson will direct and produce the film alongside his wife Lindsay under their Magic Stone Productions banner.

Think you have what it takes to be on television? Have a penchant for the macabre? Then you, dearest reader, could be exactly who NBC/Universal is looking for to appear in a new as of yet untitled documentary!

Magic Stone Productions, the team behind the critically beloved Best Worst Movie, is searching for passionate Halloween die-hards who live to scare through creating amateur haunts and would like to share their creations with the world. Casting and submission information can be found by visiting the official Homemade Haunt website.

"October 31 has been the target for mischief, monsters and – above all – Fun. This dedication to Halloween mayhem isn’t just carried out by costumed children and prank-crazed teens. The feature documentary will provide a fun and intimate look into the lives of devoted adults who go to fantastic and frightening lengths to create the ultimate homemade haunted house." Michael Stephenson will direct.

Magic Stone Productions and Brainstorm Media announced today that they have signed a deal to produce a Homemade House of Horrors documentary for an NBCUniversal cable network. The production is currently accepting submissions for documentary cast: clickHere

October 31 has been the target for mischief, monsters and - above all - Fun. This dedication to Halloween mayhem isn't just carried out by costumed children and prank-crazed teens. This feature documentary will provide a fun and intimate look into the lives of devoted adults who go to fantastic and frightening lengths to create the ultimate homemade haunted house.

Magic Stone Productions is searching for passionate Halloween die-hards who live to scare through creating amateur haunts and would like to share their creations with the world. Casting and submission information can be found by visiting homemadehaunt.com

The Homemade House of Horrors documentary is being produced by Meyer Shwarzstein of Brainstorm Media alongside...

Epix, the premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service announced that it is in production on A Liar's Autobiography, a film based on the memoir of the late Monty Python member, Graham Chapman, who died in 1989. The 3D animated feature, made in association with Bill and Ben Productions Ltd., Trinity (UK) and Brainstorm Media, tells the story of Chapman's life in the famously atypical Python style. The film's world television premiere will be in both 2D and 3D on Epix and EpixHD.com in the Spring of 2012 and released theatrically in the UK by London-based Trinity.

The Epix original will feature recordings of Chapman that he made of his book in 1982. Premiering under the newly introduced Epix Pictures banner, the film reunites members of the Monty Python troupe.

"This innovative and modern take on Chapman's comic genius is an exciting event, and Epix is thrilled to premiere A Liar's Autobiography in the United States,...

A harrowing trip to Africa cemented a filmmaker's bond with Facebook and created a new way for human rights activists to spread the word -- while promoting the social networking site's month-old streaming video channel.

A week into Michealene Cristini Risley's trip to the Republic of Zimbabwe in August 2007 to make a documentary exposing sexual abuse by men who believed raping virgin girls would cure their HIV/AIDS, the Bay Area filmmaker was arrested on trumped-up charges and thrown into prison -- putting her in danger of being raped herself.

After three days, an American journalist who read about Risley's predicament on her Facebook page alerted a CIA agent, who made a call to Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe. She was released unharmed and fled the country with her HD footage.

On Sept. 28, Risley will be at Facebook headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif., to thank its employees for the company's...

Joy Bryant, Gina Gershon, Desmond Harrington, Ali Larter and Dominic Purcell will star in Hyperion Pictures' Three Way Split for director Scott Ziehl. The suspense drama will begin shooting June 8 in Los Angeles. The project is based on Gil Brewer's 1963 pulp novel Wild to Possess, described as a darkly comic story of murder, kidnapping, blackmail and sexual deception. Russell Marleau adapted the script, which he will also produce with Christian Mills. This is the first production greenlighted under the first-look producing deal Marleau and Mills signed with Hyperion last year. Hyperion principals Kurt Albrecht, Tom Wilhite and Willard Carroll will executive produce with Brainstorm Media's Meyer Shwarzstein. Richard Middleton is the co-producer.

Unlike Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women", which has been rendered successfully three times by Hollywood (most recently in 1994 with Winona Ryder as Jo), the 1871 sequel "Little Men" has not fared well. The 1935 and 1940 versions are not considered major works, and the current Legacy release is a lonely, family-classic orphan in a cruel, cold boxoffice world.

Faithful to the book, screenwriter Mark Evan Schwartz ("Star Quest") and Montreal-based director Rodney Gibbons (a former director of photography, from "Pinball Summer" to "Screamers") re-create the early 1870s with a good eye for detail and casting, but it's hard to imagine today's computer-age kids flocking to such a straightforward, wholesome tale with gentle humor and many sensible, constructive lessons about life.

Mariel Hemingway is inspired casting as the grown-up Jo, who is married to professor Fritz Bhaer (Chris Sarandon). Together they run a boys boarding school in their large home, with formal classes, fun group activities and strict rules.

The Bhaers are rational and tolerant. When homeless Nat (Michael Caloz) is brought into the warm, communal environment, he's immediately grateful but must learn not to lie. Fritz's unusual form of punishment, making Nat inflict pain, has the desired effect, but the scene is a bit intense for younger viewers.

With new buddies such as egg-gathering Tommy Bangs (Ricky Mabe) and home run-hitting Nan Harding (Gabrielle Boni), Nat never forgets about his former partner in crime Dan Ben Cook), and the little tough guy keeps coming back. Indeed, Dan makes life interesting and more dangerous for all of them, introducing the boys to gambling and fighting and almost burning down the house.

Saving Dan from himself and protecting everyone else from his dark impulses becomes the thrust of the story, and the two adults have plenty of other worries, including everyday finances and what's to become of an untamable horse that's been running wild in a corral since Dan arrived.

While most of the film's humanistic agenda goes down easily enough, Dan tames the bucking horse in a laughable conclusion. The friendly, upbeat narration is read by Kathleen Fee.

Caloz and Cook are little scene-stealers, particularly the latter in his Artful Dodger costume. From the crowded streets of Boston to the Bhaers' cozy lair, "Louisa May Alcott's Little Men" is visually nourishing thanks to Georges Archambault's fine cinematography and Donna Noonan's solid production design.

Louisa May Alcott's LITTLE MEN

Legacy Releasing

Brainstorm Media

in association with Image Organization presents

an Allegro Films production

Director: Rodney Gibbons

Producers: Pierre David, Franco Battista

Screenwriter: Mark Evan Schwartz

Executive producers: Meyer Shwarzstein,

Tom Berry

Director of photography: Georges Archambault

Production designer: Donna Noonan

Editor: Andre Corriveau

Music: Milan Kymicka

Color/stereo

Cast:

Nat Blake: Michael Caloz

Jo Bhaer: Mariel Hemingway

Dan: Ben Cook

Fritz Bhaer: Chris Sarandon

Tommy Bangs: Ricky Mabe

Nan Harding: Gabrielle Boni

Running time -- 98 minutes

MPAA rating: PG...