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On the JoBlo Movies YouTube channel, we will be posting one full movie every day of the week, giving viewers the chance to watch them entirely free of charge. Today’s Free Movie of the Day is director Jonathan Straiton’s 2016 horror comedy Night of Something Strange, and you can watch the movie over on the YouTube channel linked above, or you can just watch it in the embed at the top of this article.

Scripted by Straiton with Ron Bonk and Mean Gene, Night of Something Strange has the following synopsis: Five teenage friends set out for the beach on their Spring Break vacation. Good times are cut short when one of the group, Carrie, contracts a deadly sexual transmitted disease during a bathroom stop. When they stop for the night at an isolated motel, the real terror begins when the Std virus starts running rampant, turning those infected into the living dead.

Stars: James Carolus, Steve Diasparra, Danielle Donahue, Jamie Morgan, Ken Van Sant, Sarah Duterte | Written by Aaron Drake | Directed by Mark Polonia

I think I’ve watched more films by Mark Polonia during this past year in lockdown than I have in the rest of my life. Which is apt given this, his latest film, deals with a global viral pandemic… Though unlike the current one we’re experiencing here in the real world, the virus in Virus Shark comes from a shark. As if I needed to explain that given the title!

Dubbed Shvid-1, the virus has decimated the globe, with millions dying, riots and violence in the streets, martial law declared everywhere. Basically the world has turned to shit. The only thing standing between humanity and what looks to be the end of the world are a group of scientists working 800 metres under the sea, trying to find...

Directed by Tim Ritter, Brad Sykes, Marcus Koch, Ron Bonk, Donald Farmer, Todd Sheets, Chris Seaver, Tony Masiello

This is a tough review to do for two reasons. The first is that it’s not one film, but eight. The second is that I am so far out of the target audience I would simple never have watched this or thought about watching this if I weren’t reviewing it. With that in mind, this won’t be my personal view of what this collection is, but a reflection of what it’s trying to be.

Hi-8: Horror Independent Eight is a project given to eight directors. The idea is to create a short movie using absolutely no technology from the post-Internet age, so no HD cameras, digital effects or found footage. The purpose was to try and recreate the feeling of watching an old style shot on video horror flick from the 80’s,...

Stars: Trey Harrison, Michael Merchant, Wes Reid, Nathan Bonk, Jennie Russo, Samantha Varga, Brett Janeski, Melissa Lamartina, Mary Snell, Nathan Hine, Edward Mastin, John Krenrich, Sarah Noelle, Stacy M. Underwood | Written and Directed by Ron Bonk

Ron Bonk, whose film She Kills played at Horror-On-Sea last year, returns to the festival with his magnum opus House Shark – which tells the story of Frank (Trey Harrison) who finds his happy home under attack by a dangerous but largely unknown breed of shark. To taje on the dealy foe he’s enlists the aid of the world’s only “House Shark” Expert, Zachary (Michael Merchant), and a grizzled former real estate agent, Abraham (Wes Reid), who help him to embark on a desperate quest to destroy the beast and claim back his life.

Ok, so let me get this straight House Shark is a Jaws remake, right..? Frank is Brody, Zachary is [an insane] Hooper,...

A new teaser trailer has debuted for Jonathan Straiton's (Night of Something Strange) Johnny Z. This zombie thriller was penned by horror creator Ron Bonk (She Kills). And, the film stars: Michael Merchant (House Shark), martial arts master Felix Cortes, Ellie Church (Harvest Lake) and many others. In this action thriller, one man holds the cure to a zombie epidemic. Johnny (Merchant) must find a missing doctor, before he can put the undead down (again). Johnny Z was developed by Hurricane Bridge Entertainment. And, a teaser trailer is available now, for the film. This title was funded through a successful Indiegogo campaign. Fully independent, the campaign continues with participants able to pick up lots of perks. A signed Blu-ray is available, along with several other treats. A link to the ongoing project is below. As well, the first teaser trailer shows some of the film's exciting scenarios. One man...

It's every property owner's worst nightmare: You move into a new home only to find yourself under attack from a giant shark lurking from within the walls and the plumbing.

With House Shark — an insane, low-budget comedy and classic Afm fodder — director Ron Bonk has thoughtfully helped bring this growing domestic predicament to light.

Despite swimming amid a rather healthy selection of shark titles terrorizing the halls of the Loews in Santa Monica (Sharkskin, Piranha Sharks and Cage Dive are just a few of the others on offer), House Shark — being shopped by schlock-centered sales and distribution banner Cinema Epoch ...

It's every property owner's worst nightmare: You move into a new home only to find yourself under attack from a giant shark lurking from within the walls and the plumbing.

With House Shark — an insane, low-budget comedy and classic Afm fodder — director Ron Bonk has thoughtfully helped bring this growing domestic predicament to light.

Despite swimming amid a rather healthy selection of shark titles terrorizing the halls of the Loews in Santa Monica (Sharkskin, Piranha Sharks and Cage Dive are just a few of the others on offer), House Shark — being shopped by schlock-centered sales and distribution banner Cinema Epoch ...

A.R.S. films in association with DefTone Pictures Studios Inc, have released the first trailer for director Adam R Steigert’s latest horror opus Fang.

Currently in post-production with an October 2018 release, Fang promises a fresh new tale in the folklore of werewolf films as horror icon Melantha Blackthorne, Patrick Mallette and their faithful caretaker played by Gregory Blair will reinvent everything you think you knew! The film stars Jennie Russo from Ron Bonk’s She Kills, Michael O’Hear (Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1), Jason John Beebe (Sharknado 2: The Second One & Ombis: Alien Invasion), as well as newcomers Melodie Roehrig and Theo Kemp.

After participating in a robbery turned murder, Chloe (Melodie Roehrig) and Joe (Theo Maefs) decided to hide out at a distant relative’s house only to find themselves stalked and hunted by creatures and forces unknown.

Director Adam R Steigert pledges to make the film a gory,...

A.R.S. films in association with DefTone Pictures Studios Inc, have announced that, on the next full moon, May 29th 2018 (how apt) they will be releasing the first full length trailer for director Adam R Steigert’s take on the werewolf mythology, Fang.

Currently in post-production with an October 2018 release, Fang promises a fresh new tale in the folklore of werewolf films as horror icon Melantha Blackthorne, Patrick Mallette and their faithful caretaker played by Gregory Blair will reinvent everything you think you knew! The film stars Jennie Russo from Ron Bonk’s She Kills, Michael O’Hear (Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1), Jason John Beebe (Sharknado 2: The Second One & Ombis: Alien Invasion), as well as newcomers Melodie Roehrig and Theo Kemp.

After participating in a robbery turned murder, Chloe (Melodie Roehrig) and Joe (Theo Maefs) decided to hide out at a distant relative’s house only to find...

“Jaws in a house!” Just when you thought it was safe to go home, a new trailer for House Shark just swam up, along with new artwork for the wide release, coming late this Summer. You can check out the poster to the right and the new trailer below, and then let us know what […]

The post Ron Bonk’s House Shark Gets Suitably Silly New Trailer and Poster appeared first on Dread Central.

Indie director, Adam R Steigert, has shared with us some exclusive stills of his upcoming film, Fang. Fang is set to be released in October this year. I’m always down for a new werewolf film, so this has been put on my list.

From the Press Release

A.R.S. films in association with DefTone Pictures Studios Inc, has announced it will release its official trailer for Director Adam R Steigert’s Fang this May! Until then here is a Behind the Screams feature with lead actress Melodie Roehrig.

After participating in a robbery and unplanned murder, Chloe Romero (Melodie Roehrig) and Joe Spencer (Theo Maefs) set out to hide at a distant relative’s house only to be stalked as prey and hunted by creatures and forces unknown.

Production has wrapped on the horror feature and promises a fresh new tale in the mythology of werewolf films as...

Just when you thought it was safe to go home, you’re gonna need a bigger house! Why? Because Ron Bonk’s House Shark brings the man-eating shark action into you living room – literally! You’re gonna need a bigger house! When Frank (Trey Harrison) finds his happy home under attack by a dangerous but largely unknown […]

The post Ron Bonk’s Positively Bonkers House Shark Ready to Swim Home appeared first on Dread Central.

A.R.S. films in association with DefTone Pictures Studios Inc, have released three new images from director Adam R Steigert’s latest horror opus Fang – which stars Melantha Blackthorne as Doris, the film’s lead antagonist; Jennie Russo from Ron Bonk’s She Kills will also lead as Shelly and will unite with Michael O’Hear (Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1, Johnny Gruesome). Fang also features Jason John Beebe (Sharknado 2: The Second One, Ombis: Alien Invasion) and Gregory Blair as Harold.

After participating in a robbery turned murder, Chloe (Melodie Roehrig) and Joe (Theo Maefs) decided to hide out at a distant relative’s house only to find themselves stalked and hunted by creatures and forces unknown.

These latest images feature Crowley’s tortured subject Eric played by Christopher Burns Jr; the Crowley’s manservant and caretaker Harold Pinter, played by Gregory Blair; and legendary actor Michael...

She Kills is a new exploitation from writer and director Ron Bonk, which played at the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival on Sunday 21st January. I got chance to ask actress Jennie Russo a few questions about what we can expect, what attracted her to the role and her favourite scene.

What can we expect from the film She Kills?

You can expect a lot of laughs and a lot of gore. Men seem especially uncomfortable watching this movie due to how Sadie gets her revenge on their naughty bits.

She Kills is an unusual homage to the exploitation/grindhouse genre, what attracted you to the film when you first read the script?

I really liked the fact that Sadie gets her revenge. She doesn’t play into the victim role she has been forced into.

Can you tell me a little bit about your character?

Sadie starts out very innocent, but...

A.R.S. Films in association with DefTone Pictures Studios Inc, has released its second official teaser trailer for director Adam R Steigert’s Fang.

After participating in a robbery turned murder, Chloe (Melodie Roehrig) and Joe (Theo Maefs) decided to hide out at a distant relative’s house only to find themselves stalked and hunted by creatures and forces unknown.

Production has wrapped on the horror feature and promises a fresh new tale in the mythology of werewolf films, as horror icon Melantha Blackthorne is set to play Doris, the film’s lead antagonist. Check out our exclusive look at Blackthrone as Doris Crowley below:

Director Adam R Steigert (Star [Space Traveling Alien Reject], A Grim Becoming) has been known for his unique methods of storytelling and has been promising a hardcore horror film for years, pledging to make this film a gory, suspenseful thrill ride. Jennie Russo from Ron Bonk’s She Kills...

She Kills is a new exploitation from writer and director Ron Bonk, which has been selected to play at the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival on Sunday 21st January. I got chance to ask Ron a few questions about why he chose to replicate an exploitation style film, what were his influences from the genre and the issue of shooting a low budget feature.

What can we expect from the film?

Generally, insanity. The movie starts semi-crazy and then keeps going off the edge, only to reach another edge and another and it just keeps jumping off. But beyond that and the shocks and humor, there is a message there that I hope resonates with the audience.

Why did you decide to film She kills in the style of a 1970s exploitation/grindhouse?

I always wanted to do a Grindhouse homage. I love those movies, but loved even more what I expected...

A.R.S. films and DefTone Pictures Studios Inc, have released its first official teaser trailer for director Adam R. Steigert’s next film, Fang. Production has begun on the horror feature and promises a fresh new tale in the mythology of werewolf films as horror icon Melantha Blackthorne is set to play Doris, the film’s lead antagonist. Jennie Russo from Ron Bonk’s She Kills will also lead as Shelly, uniting with Michael O’Hear (Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1; Johnny Gruesome) as well as Jason John Beebe (Sharknado 2: The Second One; Ombis: Alien Invasion) and Gregory Blair (Garden Party Massacre) as Harold.

After participating in a robbery turned murder, Chloe (Melodie Roehrig) and Joe (Theo Maefs) decided to hide out at a distant relative’s house only to find themselves stalked and hunted by creatures and forces unknown.

Director Adam R. Steigert (S.T.A.

Seth Metoyer,

MoreHorror.com

Fang, a new werewolf feature film production by A.R.S. Films and DefTone Pictures Studios has gone into production.

Below are a couple behind the scenes looks at one of their gruesome props in addition to still frame from the production.

From The Press Release

A.R.S. films in association with DefTone Pictures Studios Inc, has released its first official framed shot from the production of Fang along with a bloody prop! After participating in a robbery turned murder, Chloe (Melodie Roehrig) and Joe (Theo Maefs) decided to hide out at a distant relative's house only to find themselves stalked and hunted by creatures and forces unknown.

Director Adam R Steigert (A Grim Becoming, Star [Space Traveling Alien Reject]) has reunited with A Grim Becoming star and horror icon Melantha Blackthorne to bring a new version of terror. Director Adam R Steigert has been known for his unique...

Zack Ward and James Cullen Bressack, the minds behind some of the most fun and original horror films as of late, present Circus Kane. A new trailer for the Christopher Douglas-Olen Ray-directed film has been released and stars Jonathan Lipnicki (Jerry Maguire, Interns of F.I.E.L.D.). Also: the short film Dinner, the Blu-ray / DVD release of Night of Something Strange, Horror Haiku Season 5 teaser videos, and Territorial Behavior.

Circus Kane Teaser Trailer Unleashed: Press Release: "Home Entertainment and Theatrical Film Distributor Uncork'd Entertainment has revealed a first look at the highly-anticipated Circus Kane.

Starring Jonathan Lipnicki and directed by Christopher Douglas-Olen Ray, Circus Kane sees a reclusive circus master invite a group of social media stars to his house of haunts. Anyone who can make it out before being scared into submission will earn $250,000 — but the social media stars soon learn they are not only competing for money,...

Night of Something Strange, a homage to 80’s horror directed by Jonathan Straiton (Big Fish in Middlesex) and co-written by Ron Bonk (She Kills), stars Trey Harrison, Rebecca Kasek, Michael Merchant, Wayne Wilbur Johnson and Toni Ann Gambale. It has played major film festivals around the world and secured spots in many top 10 horror movies of 2016 lists; including Fangoria’s Dreadful Ten-Must See of 2016!

Five teenage friends set out for the beach on their Spring Break vacation. Good times are cut short when one of the group, Carrie, contracts a deadly sexual transmitted disease during a bathroom stop. When they stop for the night at an isolated motel, the real terror begins when the Std virus starts running rampant, turning those infected into the living dead. However, there’s more going on at the motel than meets the eye.

Co-produced by Srs Cinema, Night of Something Strange is currently available...

“She Kills” Ready For Revenge With North American Release Ron Bonk’s grindhouse homage is wrapping up a successful Film Festival run. 1/11/17 – Syracuse, NY Srs Cinema has set April 11th, 2017 as date night for the brutal comedy horror flick “She Kills”, from long-time underground producer/director Ron Bonk (“Clay”, “The Vicious Sweet”, “House Shark”). …

The post She Kills Brutal Comedy Horror Flick Set for April first appeared on Hnn | Horrornews.net - Official News Site...

Director Ron Bonk, who has been in the B-Movie business since 1992 and was responsible for distributing some of St. Louis’ own Eric Stanze’s work onto VHS, is trying to get some money together to make an homage to Jaws called House Shark. Not to crib from the campaign of Pieces but, it’s exactly what you think it is. Sure, Burning Bright had a family trapped in a house with a tiger (Awesome flick, if you haven’t seen it) and even Bait, starring You’re Next’s Sharni Vinson, where people are trapped in a supermarket with a shark. House Shark is something entirely different. Instead of taking it seriously like the two previous movies I’ve mentioned, this one is going straight for the absurdity. Hear his pitch below:

Bonk has an IndieGoGo campaign where he is trying to raise $15,000 to get this film made, with a...

Indie filmmaker brings Jaws home-literally-with House Shark! Veteran indie horror and exploitation slinger Ron Bonk,(The Vicious Sweet, Ms. Cannibal Holocaust) contacted us today to alert us to his latest opus, a blend of The Strangers and Jaws called House Shark. We’ve seen SHARKNADOs, Snow SHARKs. Sharktopus’ and every other class of toothy “bad fish” so why…

The post Jaws With a Mortgage: Indie Flick House Shark Prepares to Attack! appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.

The wait is almost over, Ultimate Night of the Living Dead #3 issues will be released on February 24th. Also in this round-up: details on The X-Files UFO event, Shudder's partnership with Sundance Film Festival, two Doctor Who Blu-rays, Yoga Hosers comic, and House Shark.

Ultimate Night of the Living Dead #3: "For those of you that have been looking for our 3rd issues, your patience will be rewarded. Issue 3 Super Packs and individual titles will be released on February 24th, 2016.

Follow as Evans County continues to fall into the grips of an undead invasion. See the invasion from 10 different perspectives.

Sh*t’s about to get real."

---------

The X-Files UFO: "It’s an Out-Of-This-World X-Files Experience That Fans Won’t Want to Miss

Come See the UFO Today in Los Angeles At The Grove (189 Grove Dr., La) from 8:00 Am – 10:00 Pm

Share your Pictures on Your Favorite...

She Kills – 70’s Grindhouse Homage Movie Trailer and Update

Ron Bonk has unleashed the latest trailer for his recently wrapped revenge horror movie “She Kills”. The movie, an homage to Ron’s favorite low budget movies of the 70’s, revolves around Sadie (Jennie Russo), who discovers her nether region holds strange powers during a sexual assault by a gang called “The Touchers”. The gang is ...

Hnn | Horrornews.net - Official News Site...

The horror film Night of Something Strange has release plans. As well, a new poster for this title has been unveiled. In the film, a bit of late night fun leads to an infection, via a strange sexually transmitted disease. The film stars horror vet' Brinke Stevens, along with Nicola Fiore, Kera O'Bryon and Wayne W. Johnson. A preview of the film's launch is hosted here. The poster for Night of Something Strange shows the spreading infection. One woman, set central on the graphic, hosts a strange tentacle, emerging from a vulnerable location. Other characters look infected. And, the Redwood Hotel promises a night of terror. As well, this indie horror title will show at several film festivals. This title will premiere in New York and Virginia. After the premiere, the film will appear at various film festivals, across North America. Fans of creepy tales can preview more of the film below.

As someone who is a horror fan that lives in St. Louis, it was only inevitable that I would come across Wicked Pixel Cinema. My history of the local company goes back to high school when my drama teacher showed me her scene in Savage Harvest. She wouldn’t show the rest of the film but I knew the local video store supported the local movie studio’s work so I rented Savage Harvest along with The Fine Art on VHS. I was fascinated that someone local could make films and get them released in video stores. This was a time where VHS, especially genre films on VHS, would sell regardless. The product was in demand. I then explored the distributor, Sub Rosa (known then as Salt City) via b-movie.com. I later started buying some VHS tapes from Ron Bonk’s company like Strawberry Estates and the latest entry...

Directed by Tim Ritter, Brad Sykes, Marcus Koch, Ron Bonk, Donald Farmer, Todd Sheets, Chris Seaver, Tony Masiello

This is a tough review to do for two reasons. The first is that it’s not one film, but eight. The second is that I am so far out of the target audience I would simple never have watched this or thought about watching this if I weren’t reviewing it. With that in mind, this won’t be my personal view of what this collection is, but a reflection of what it’s trying to be.

Hi-8: Horror Independent 8 is a project given to eight directors. The idea is to create a short movie using absolutely no technology from the post-Internet age, so no HD cameras, digital effects or found footage. The purpose was to try and recreate the feeling of watching an old style shot on video horror flick from the 80’s,...

Wild Eye Releasing has acquired and will release Hi-8, an eight-part anthology that brings together some of the most recognizable names in home video horror of the past 30 years, capturing the creative essence of the golden era of low budget, Sov horror filmmaking.

The directors for Hi-8 are Tim Ritter (Killing Spree), Brad Sykes (Camp Blood), Marcus Koch (100 Tears), Ron Bonk (The Vicious Sweet), Donald Farmer (Demon Queen), Todd Sheets (Zombie Bloodbath), Chris Seaver (Mulva), and Tony Masiello (Sov: The True Independents), who have returned to their classic '80s and '90s style, gore-laced storytelling.

The post It’s a Celebration of Indie Horror in Hi-8 appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.

Night of Something Strange is an indie horror film from writers Ron Bonk and Jonathan Straiton. A trailer for this feature was released late last year. Most recently, a few stills were released for the film; two are hosted here. Fans of indie horror are encouraged to take a look at this zombie horror. The film's story begins with several friends out on vacation. They end up in a seedy hotel and a strange viral infection is spreading from character to character. Once infected, the person turns into a living nightmare. There are no release details for the film currently. But, fans of horror can preview some of the creepy creatures from the film right here. Director: Jonathan Straiton. Writers: Ron Bonk and Jonathan Straiton. Cast: Brinke Stevens, Nicola Fiore, Kera O'Bryon, Wayne W. Johnson and Kirk Lasalle. A trailer for Night of Something Strange is here: ) A fan page...

Post-production on She Kills, from writer / director Ron Bonk, is nearly complete.  This nutty spoof of 70s grindhouse flicks will hit the film festival circuit this summer.  A release date will be announced shortly thereafter.  In the meantime, here is the recently-completed first official preview trailer for the movie.

"She Kills" 70's Grindhouse Movie First Official Trailer Female Revenge Horror Thriller Exploitation )

Story Synopsis:  When Sadie's husband is murdered by a vicious gang called "The Touchers", she finds she possesses a strange hidden power that will aid her in her quest for revenge!  She Kills is a madcap homage to exploitation / martial arts / revenge pictures of the 1970s.

The film is written and directed by Ron Bonk, and produced by Jonathan Straiton.  The movie stars Jennie Russo, Trey Harrison, Michael Merchant, Jody Pucello, David Royal, and Martha Zemsta.

Keep up with the She Kills madness on Facebook.

Ron Bonk has been writing,...

Many years ago my life was changed. Not by some tragedy or epiphany, but by a movie so wretched and boring it lives in infamy as what is no doubt the worst movie I have ever seen. That title is held by Ron Bonk's Strawberry Estates, and now... over a decade later The Bonk Is Back!

Don't get me wrong... Ron is a great guy and a gentleman, and I'm sure he's learned a thing or 10k about filmmaking since that flick was unleashed upon my forever scarred psyche. Even I have to admit his latest effort, She Kills, looks like a boatload of fun.

Judge for yourselves while watching the trailer and digging on the artwork.

Ya know what? Even if She Kills is just okay, it enabled me to write what is probably my favorite headline ever. Well played, Mr. Bonk. Well played.

Written and directed by Bonk,...

Finally the trailer is here for Nightfall Pictures and Twisted Illusions' new anthology film Hi-8 (which stands for Horror. Independent. 8 Filmmakers), and we we have it here for you dripping with indie horror goodness.

From the Press Release

Hi-8 is produced by Brad Sykes, Josephina Sykes, and Tim Ritter. The directors’ lineup is Tim Ritter (Truth or Dare), Brad Sykes (Camp Blood), Marcus Koch (100 Tears), Ron Bonk (The Vicious Sweet), Donald Farmer (Savage Vengeance), Todd Sheets (Zombie Bloodbath), Chris Seaver (Filthy McNasty), and Tony Masiello (Sov: The True Independents).

Producer Brad Sykes got the idea for the anthology while working on Srs Cinema’s upcoming VHS/DVD release of his feature The Pact, which was shot on the Hi-8 format back in 1995 while Sykes was still a college student. He missed those days of carefree filmmaking and approached Tim Ritter with the idea, who already had the Hi-8 title and concept ready to go.

Nightfall Pictures and Twisted Illusions proudly present a new anthology film entitled Hi-8 (which stands for Horror. Independent. 8 Filmmakers), and you can see it in La on November 10 for free!

The filmmakers who collaborated to make this movie will be in attendance at the Jumpcut Café screening (13203 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA). For more information visit the official Hi-8 Facebook page.

From the Press Release

Hi-8 is produced by Brad Sykes, Josephina Sykes, and Tim Ritter. The directors’ lineup is Tim Ritter (Truth or Dare), Brad Sykes (Camp Blood), Marcus Koch (100 Tears), Ron Bonk (The Vicious Sweet), Donald Farmer (Savage Vengeance), Todd Sheets (Zombie Bloodbath), Chris Seaver (Filthy McNasty), and Tony Masiello (Sov: The True Independents).

Producer Brad Sykes got the idea for the anthology while working on Srs Cinema’s upcoming VHS/DVD release of his feature The Pact, which was shot on the Hi-8 format back in 1995 while...

With the demise of the drive-in theater rose the behemoth home video industry – and a torch was passed from one era of low-budget directors and producers to a new batch of underfunded fringe filmmakers. These fresh faces had new technology, and a new distribution game… but a similar reckless abandon and rebellious tenacity as their b-movie forefathers.

Fright fans were introduced to a new breed of horror movies - made for tens of thousands of dollars… or thousands of dollars… or a few hundred bucks and a borrowed video camera. Unpaid amateurs / quasi-professionals made up the bulk of most casts and crews - and often, the directors and producers were quite inexperienced themselves.

Join me for a visit to the heyday of the direct-to-video, micro-budget horror movie. We’ll explore this strange new cinema of the 80s and see how it evolved through the ‘90s. (Be sure to adjust tracking for best picture quality.

Produced by Brad Sykes and Josephina Sykes (Camp Blood, Plaguers) of Nightfall Pictures and Tim Ritter (Truth Or Dare?, Wicked Games) of Twisted Illusions, Hi-8 wil feature segments directed by Brad Sykes and Ritter, along with 100 Tears’ Marcus Koch, Ron Bonk of The Vicious Sweet and Clay, filmmaker/journalist Donald Farmer (Cannibal Hookers, Chainsaw Cheerleaders), Zombie Bloodbath’s Todd Sheets, Low Budget Pictures/Warlock Video’s Chris Seaver (Filthy McNasty) and Tony Masiello (creator of the upcoming documentary Sov: The True Independents). Many of these participants have been in the biz since the early days of shot-on-tape movies, including Sykes.

“At the end of last year, I was working on a VHS/DVD release of my old Sov movie The Pact, made in 1995 when I was in film school and shot on Hi-8 video,” he tells Fango. “While spending time re-editing and re-scoring the movie, I started thinking about how...

Produced by Brad Sykes and Josephina Sykes (Camp Blood, Plaguers) of Nightfall Pictures and Tim Ritter (Truth Or Dare?, Wicked Games) of Twisted Illusions, Hi-8 wil feature segments directed by Brad Sykes and Ritter, along with 100 Tears’ Marcus Koch, Ron Bonk of The Vicious Sweet and Clay, filmmaker/journalist Donald Farmer (Cannibal Hookers, Chainsaw Cheerleaders), Zombie Bloodbath’s Todd Sheets, Low Budget Pictures/Warlock Video’s Chris Seaver (Filthy McNasty) and Tony Masiello (creator of the upcoming documentary Sov: The True Independents). Many of these participants have been in the biz since the early days of shot-on-tape movies, including Sykes.

“At the end of last year, I was working on a VHS/DVD release of my old Sov movie The Pact, made in 1995 when I was in film school and shot on Hi-8 video,” he tells Fango. “While spending time re-editing and re-scoring the movie, I started thinking about how...

After submitting a video audition, Niecy Cerise booked the role of Casparella in "She Kills," a film that pays homage to the grindhouse movies of the 1970s. She found the casting notice for the project, produced by Srs Cinema and directed by Ron Bonk, on BackStage.com. Having been asked to play a scene from the film involving a séance turned exorcism, Cerise had to overcome several challenges."I always love the convenience of filming my own auditions, but at the same time, I hate it because while I'm taping it I actually wear all of the hats," she says. "The sides had an additional character reading with mine, and I couldn't find anyone to read with me." Not to be deterred, Cerise simply recorded the sides herself and acted out the scene with her own voice as the other character. "After I'd submitted my audition, I immediately got great feedback from.

I can already hear Uncle Creepy doing the dance of joy. His favorite filmmaker, Ron Bonk, has a new movie coming to DVD in April. From the maker of all-time classic Strawberry Estates comes Ms. Cannibal Holocaust, a terrifying tale of urban cannibalism and one woman’s violent revenge against these maneaters.

That’s right. Not Cannibal Holocaust. It’s Ms. Cannibal Holocaust. I guess like Ms. 45 except she’s getting revenge against cannibals. I’m no lawyer so I won’t even speculate on the slippery slope legality of that title. Be kind of like making a movie called Ms. Paranormal Activity.

Kellyn Lindsay, Nicola Fiore, and Wes Reid star in Ron Bonk’s tale of a mysterious woman who shows up seeking revenge against a cult of cannibals dressed like Phantom of the Mall terrorizing the tenants of a slum.

Synopsis:

The remaining tenants of a rundown,...

"Movie actor promotes Syracuse talent"

By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

For Kirk Lasalle, who has appeared in films with Nick Stahl and Matt Damon, the City of Syracuse has a wealth of talent that still has yet to be fully utilized by Hollywood casting directors. Rather than waiting for local actors to be recognized in the entertainment industry, Lasalle created a place where they could share their experiences, organize workshops, learn some of the tricks of the trade and find new movie roles.

Kirk Lasalle works behind the camera on a music video. Photo by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.

“As a local actor, I wanted to do more, practice more, study more and become a stronger performer,” Lasalle said. “So I started to do some research and I quickly found that there weren’t any local acting groups - specifically "film actors groups."

After researching...

'B-Movie Film Festival' celebrates 10th anniversary

By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

The City of Syracuse recently hosted the 10th Annual B-Movie Film Festival from Nov. 6 to 8 at The Redhouse and The Gear Factory, two Westside art venues.

As a growing player in the motion picture industry, Central New York has a rich cinema tradition and a thriving independent film culture that is attracting attention from around the world.

Local production companies, filmmakers and actors throughout the region are beginning to unite in their efforts to promote area talent year ‘round, combining their resources through fledgling organizations like the Salt City Actors Group, the Syracuse Film Office and the Syracuse International Film Festival.

This year's B-Movie Film Festival featured two Central New York productions. The intense, action-packed independent horror film by award-winning director Ron Bonk, entitled "Ms. Cannibal Holocaust," premiered at The Redhouse on Nov. 6 to a near sell-out crowd.

It’s time for another update on horror-film screenings for the Halloween 2009 season and beyond; you can track back through our previous items starting here. The most exciting news is the addition of a very special show to the Scary Movies 3 series currently unspooling at New York City’s Lincoln Center: Trick ’R Treat with Michael Dougherty (pictured) in attendance!

The All Hallow’s anthology feature unspools at the Walter Reade Theater (165 West 65th Street, upper level) this Wednesday, October 21 at 8:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A with Dougherty. Trust us: You want to see this one on the big screen. Full details on Scary Movies 3 can be found here. In addition, adventurous genre fans will want to check out Juraj Herz’s The Cremator when it shows as part of Lincoln Center’s The Ironic Curtain: Czech Cinema series on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 9 p.m. This black...