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Void. “A completely empty space”… according to a quick Google search. Well, not so much, when it comes to art. In fact many an artist, whether it be in words, paint, sound, or pictures, have tried to fill it since mankind slithered out of the primordial soup eons ago. The attraction may be it is the blankest canvas of them all. And possibly the darkest…

The Void is the latest leap into the “empty space”, which lands chin deep in B-movie tentacle stew. Cooked up from the minds of Jeremy Gillespie and Steve Konstanski, both on writing and directing duties, and pretty much everything else. Their backgrounds are in art direction and practical effects, and they deftly handle the practical “Lovecraftian” creatures and blood splatter; lovingly dished up from the pages of a John Carpenter inspired recipe book.

The story begins at the dead of night with police officer Daniel Carter...

MoreHorror.com

The little short film that won't quit is still making waves in the horror community.

After tearing up the film festival circuit, Heir has been nominated for a 14th annual Rondo Hatton Award in the Best Short Film category.

You can cast your vote for this year's awards at the official website here.

Heir Synopsis

After connecting with a stranger of similar interests online, Gordon and his young son Paul, embark on an ill-fated road trip in which Gordon aims to indulge a secret passion. Before the day ends a horrible truth will be uncovered and a harsh lesson will be learned.

Starring Bill Oberst Jr (Resolution, Circus Of The Dead, Take This Lollipop) and Robert Nolan (Familiar, Berkshire Country, Silent Retreat), Written and Directed by Richard Powell (Worm, Familiar), Fatal Pictures’ Zach Green and Richard Powell produced (Worm, Familiar) in association with Marc Roussel and Ron Basch from Red Sneakers Media (Remote,...

The short film Heir has been tearing up the festival circuit and now has been nominated for Best Short Film at this years iHorror Awards.

Heir is the fourth short from Fatal Pictures. You can cast your vote for the short film here, as well as vote for other films which make up the 2016 iHorror Awards list. One of your favorite horror films of last year might be there! Vote Now!

Heir Synopsis

After connecting with a stranger of similar interests online, Gordon and his young son Paul, embark on an ill-fated road trip in which Gordon aims to indulge a secret passion. Before the day ends a horrible truth will be uncovered and a harsh lesson will be learned.

Starring Bill Oberst Jr (Resolution, Circus Of The Dead, Take This Lollipop) and Robert Nolan (Familiar, Berkshire Country, Silent Retreat), Written and Directed by Richard Powell (Worm, Familiar), Fatal Pictures...

Richard Powell's Heir will screen at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, Canada tomorrow, and the first teaser suggests that something awfully horrible will be unfolding. Powell and his team have previously made Worm, Familiar, Remote, and The Last Halloween, and Heir looks set to join them as a strong jolt to the system. This practical effects horror short is a monster movie unlike any other, it is a bleak and fantastical examination of one of [society's] darkest taboos that aims to stimulate the mind and wrench the gut with equal power. Bill Oberst Jr (Resolution) and Robert Nolan lead the cast. We've already seen the first images, and the visuals deepen an atmosphere of dread. You can visit the Fantasia site for more...

[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...

The teaser trailer for the critically acclaimed horror short Heir has been released. We have the teaser for you to view below the details.

Heir, the final entry in the "Box Cutter Trilogy" produced by Fatal Pictures in association with Red Sneakers Media will be hitting the festival circuit in the near future.

The final short in the trio of linked shorts each representing “different theories on the origin and operation of sociopaths” sports Practical FX, which should make horror fans cheer. Read our exclusive interview with Heir Writer/Director Richard Powell and Producer Zach Green here.

Check out a larger version of the poster below as well as a couple movie stills and watch for a review on MoreHorror.com soon!

About Heir

Fatal Pictures in association with Red Sneakers Media is proud to announce Heir - A touching tale of father & son from the filmmakers that brought you Worm,...

Fatal Pictures released a teaser trailer for Heir - a horror short film directed by Richard Powell. Also in this round-up: release details for Army of Frankensteins and The Horror Network, as well as news on Tokyo Gore School from Myx TV's Horror Programming.

Heir: Starring the iconic Bill Oberst Jr., Heir will have its world premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival on Tuesday, July 28th:

Press Release: "Fatal Pictures in association with Red Sneakers Media is proud to announce Heir - A touching tale of father and son from the filmmakers that brought you Worm, Familiar, Remote and The Last Halloween. This practical effects horror short is a monster movie unlike any other, it is a bleak and fantastical examination of one of societies darkest taboos that aims to stimulate the mind and wrench the gut with equal power.

Starring Bill Oberst Jr. (Resolution, Circus Of The Dead,...

I was lucky enough to screen Heir a couple months back and I was very taken with it. It was truly shocking in the all the best ways, dealing with taboo subject matter in a way that only horror can do. After three shorts now, I'm definitely curious what director Richard Powell can do with feature material and a budget to match.

You can read my review here.

Synopsis:

A touching tale of father & son from the filmmakers that brought you Worm, Familiar, Remote & The Last Halloween. This practical effects horror short is a monster movie unlike any other, it is a bleak and fantastical examination of one of societies darkest taboos that aims to stimulate the mind and wrench [Continued ...]...

Canada's rich tradition of body horror continues in Heir, a shocking new short from writer/director Richard Powell, whose films Worm and Familiar have been praised for raising horror filmmaking to an art form. Since I've only seen Heir I'll keep the hyperbole to a minimum, but I will say that Powell understands how horror can work to tackle very dark, taboo topics in a way that other forms just can't. And here, Powell supplies some truly repulsive imagery in service of discussing an equal repulsive topic.

Heir begins with a father confirming a "play date" with an unknown, online contact. Shrouded in the shadows as he does this, you know this kind of "play date" is not of the innocent variety. We see him itching at a wound - a malady that can't be soo [Continued ...]...

Release details for Forbidden Empire and Doomsdays, along with a promo video for A&E's Damien and details on the horror short, Heir, are featured in our latest round-up.

Forbidden Empire: Starring Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) and Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Forbidden Empire hits VOD on May 22nd:

"An 18th century explorer sets out on an epic journey to map the forbidden uncharted lands of Transylvania only to discover its dark secrets and dangerous creatures hidden in a cursed, fantastical forest."

------------------

Doomsdays: A pre-apocalyptic comedy, Eddie Mullins' Doomsdays hits theaters on June 5th:

"A pre-apocalyptic comedy, Doomsdays follows the misadventures of Dirty Fred (Justin Rice) and Bruho (Leo Fitzpatrick), a pair of free-wheeling squatters with a taste for unoccupied vacation homes in the Catskills. Their commitment to the lifestyle is challenged, however, when a runaway teen and an aimless young woman join their peculiar tribe.

Reviewed by Kevin Scott

MoreHorror.com

Heir (2015)

Written by: Richard Powell

Directed by: Richard Powell

Cast: Robert Nolan (Gordon), Bill Oberst Jr. (Denis), Mateo D’Avino (Paul), Stacey Campbell (Kid), Ken Austen (Rotting Pedophile), Jane Pokou (Waitress).

If you have heard the buzz around Fatal Pictures’ new film “Heir”, you can rightfully get pretty excited about it. A convergence of two juggernauts actors of independent horror is what it is, plain and simple. Bill Oberst Jr. and Robert Nolan can masterfully wield the ability to take everyman creepy from an innocuous and subtle unsettledness to a menacing and baneful fever pitch right before your very eyes.

It’s only a natural progression that they would inevitably share the screen together. Every time I watch anything with either of them in it, I know that I’m not going to see the normal world in the same comfortable way for a little while after that.

Bill Oberst Jr and Robert Nolan lead the cast of Heir, an upcoming short film from writer-director Richard Powell and the team behind Worm, Familiar, Remote and The Last Halloween. After connecting with a stranger of similar interests online, Gordon and his young son Paul, embark on an ill-fated road trip in which Gordon aims to indulge a secret passion. Before the day ends a horrible truth will be uncovered and a harsh lesson will be learned. As anyone familiar with the production team's previous work will know, these guys are old school all the way and, true to form, this one is being executed with a heavy reliance on practical effects. Check out the official poster art and first images below....

[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...

A killer new poster design for Heir has been released. Looks pretty sick to us!

Heir, the final entry in the "Box Cutter Trilogy" produced by Fatal Pictures in association with Red Sneakers Media is set to hit the festival circuit soon.

The final short in the trio of linked shorts each representing “different theories on the origin and operation of sociopaths” sports Practical FX, which should make horror fans cheer. Read our exclusive interview with Heir Writer/Director Richard Powell and Producer Zach Green here.

Check out a larger version of the poster below as well as a couple movie stills and watch for a review on MoreHorror.com soon!

From The Press Release

Fatal Pictures in association with Red Sneakers Media is proud to announce Heir - A touching tale of father & son from the filmmakers that brought you Worm, Familiar, Remote & The Last Halloween. This practical effects...

Fatal Pictures recently celebrated a successfully funded Kickstarter campaign for their final short film Heir. The film promises to be gory, horrific and monstrous and will showcase practical FX.

We've been sent a few stills from the set and thought we'd share them below. Enjoy!

About Heir

Produced by Fatal Pictures in association with Red Sneakers Media, "Heir" is the final entry in their "Box Cutter Trilogy", a trio of linked shorts each representing “different theories on the origin and operation of sociopaths,”.

The first two shorts, Worm and Familiar have received excellent reviews from around the genre.

Credits

Starring, The Emmy award winning Bill Oberst Jr. (Abraham Lincoln Vs. Zombies, Take This Lollipop & Children Of Sorrow) & Robert Nolan (Worm, Sick, Familiar) Written & Directed by Richard Powell (Consumption, Worm, & Familiar) Produced by Zach Green (Consumption, Worm, & Familiar) Marc Roussel & Ron Basch (Remote, Elusive Man & The Sweetest Hippopotamus) & Richard Powell, Associate Producer Seth Metoyer (Cell Count,...

Writer/director Richard Powell and Zack Green's Fatal Pictures are combining forces for one more remarkable short film. The men who brought you Familiar and Worm are currently preparing to produce Heir.

Currently in the fundraising phase, Heir has an active campaign on Kickstarter. Powell is returning as writer and director and Familiar star Robert Nolan is attached to the picture. In a bold move, the team has acquired the services of prolific horror star Bill Oberst, Jr. to also appear in Heir.

Be sure to 'like' Richard Powell on Facebook for updates on the progress of Heir. More on this one as we get it.

Synopsis

After connecting with a stranger of similar interests online, family man Gordon and his son Paul, embark on an ill-fated road trip in which Gordon aims to indulge in a secret passion. Before the day ends a horrible truth will be uncovered...

We return with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting recent independent horror news sent our way. Today’s massive feature includes a review for Nobody Can Cool, first details on The Night Crew, Heir, and a Doctor Who documentary called Who’s Changing: An Adventure In Time With Fans, a new clip from Muck, trailers for Blood Shed, NightBeasts, and Virginia Obscura, and much more:

[Editor's Note: We want to give a big thanks to our Indie Spotlight manager, Tamika Jones, for her constant work on this weekly feature and putting together our largest Indie Spotlight to date this weekend!]

Indie Spotlight Review: Nobody Can Cool

by Heather Wixson

Nobody Can Cool is the rather impressive directorial debut from up-and-coming filmmaking duo Dpyx, Marcy Boyle and Rachel Holzman, who crafted a blisteringly taut and thoughtful indie crime thriller with a palpable sense of tension from start to finish. A gritty and engaging tale of deceit, violence and desperation, Nobody Can Cool is anchored by a breakout performance by Nick Principe (best known from his work in the Laid to Rest series, Madison County and...

Welcome to the fourth edition of a new monthly feature here on Nerdly – Back This! – where we take a look at some of the cool content taking the crowdfunding route on sites such as Indiegogo, Sponsume and Kickstarter. This month we’re spotlighting the Kickstarter campaign for Heir, a new horror short.

If you’d like us to consider your project to feature in a future edition of Back This!, make sure to drop us a line.

Heir

Heir is a new practical FX driven horror short film starring Bill Oberst Jr. and Robert Nolan. The project comes from Fatal Pictures, the Canadian film production company consisting of writer/director Richard Powell and producer Zach Green, who were responsible for the the critically acclaimed, award winning shorts Consumption, Worm and Familiar.

From the campaign page:

With three successful shorts under our belts the obvious next step is feature films, but...

Fatal Pictures has unveiled a Kickstarter campaign for their final short film Heir. The film promises to be gory, horrific and monstrous and will showcase practical FX.

Produced by Fatal Pictures in association with Red Sneakers Media, "Heir" is the final entry in their "Box Cutter Trilogy", a trio of linked shorts each representing “different theories on the origin and operation of sociopaths,” and is looking to raise $17,000.

The first two shorts, Worm and Familiar have received excellent reviews from around the genre. (Check out our review of Familiar). Also be sure to read our exclusive interview with some of the heavy hitters of Heir here.

Be sure to check out the Heir Kickstarter campaign to see how you can get involved and be part of the making of this film. They are offering some great perks!

Credits

Starring, The Emmy award winning Bill Oberst Jr. (Abraham Lincoln Vs. Zombies,...

by Seth Metoyer, MoreHorror.com

MoreHorror currently had the chance to shoot off a few questions to some of the heavy hitters from the upcoming horror short Heir.

The film is written and directed by Richard Powell, produced by Zach Green, Marc Roussel, Ron Basch and Richard Powell -- and stars Bill Oberst Jr. and Robert Nolan. Check out the Q&A below.

Q&A with Richard Powell

MoreHorror.com: What can you tell us about Fatal Pictures next, and last short film Heir ?

Richard Powell: Heir is going to be a special project for a few key reasons. First, as you mentioned, it will be Fatal Pictures last short film before we attempt to get our feature film debut made. Second, this will be our first attempt at raising funds through a crowd funding platform like Kickstarter. Finally, we are expanding our creative horizons with several new collaborators...

While there’s nothing better than a good horror movie theater viewing, we often forget that short films can be just as rewarding. Think about it – you can typically find them for free online, they usually show some of the best up and coming talents in the genre, and most of the time they can be even more creative and original because the filmmakers are also funding the project themselves. I’ve seen some pretty good horror shorts in my day, and I think it’s time I start sharing them with you all – no sense in being greedy!

For my first of many recommendations, I’m looking at our Canadian friends from Fatal Pictures and their tremendous little body-horror short titled Familiar. Running at about twenty-two minutes, I was able to catch Familiar at the New York City Horror Film Festival back in November, and man was I blown away.

by David Harkness, MoreHorror.com

Fatal Pictures in association with Red Sneakers Media is set to release their final short film “Heir”. Check out the details below.

From Richard Powell and Zach Green’s Fatal Pictures, the company that brought you the critically acclaimed, award winning horror shorts Worm and Familiar, comes their new and final short film “Heir”, a touching tale of father and son. Starring the Emmy award winning Bill Oberst Jr. (Abraham Lincoln Vs. Zombies, Children Of Sorrow, Squeal: Blood Harvest) and Robert Nolan (Sick, Worm, Familiar).

Synopsis

After connecting with a stranger of similar interests online, family man Gordon and his son Paul, embark on an ill-fated road trip in which Gordon aims to indulge in a secret passion. Before the day ends a horrible truth will be uncovered and a harsh lesson will be learned.

About Heir

Combining the best and brightest of our previous film,...

  Toronto-based Fatal Pictures is a independent production company founded by producer Zach Green and writer/director Richard Powell. This award-winning duo have unleashed three unsettling short films: Consumption (2008), Worm (2010), and their latest shocker, Familiar (2012), which was recently added to FEARnet's slate of horror shorts, and you can also watch it at the end of this interview.   Both Powell and Green generously took some time to talk about Familiar, and shed some light on both the past and the future of Fatal Pictures.     Producer Zach Green   FEARnet:  How did you meet collaborator Richard Powell?  What made the two of you "click" in such a way that you could join forces on such uniquely disturbing films?   Green:  Richard and I met at film school in Toronto. I ended up editing a film for Richard and we became very close, and built a great rapport in the editing room. We came to realize...

From the twisted minds who brought forth the excellent shorts Worm and Familiar comes a new tale of terror Heir. This one sounds savage and promises plenty of practical effects. Why not check it out And while youre at it why not check out the brand new poster for the film Heir stars Emmy award winning Bill Oberst Jr. (Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies Take This Lollipop Children of Sorrow) and Robert Nolan (Sick Worm Familiar). Richard Powell writes and directs while Zach Green Marc Roussel Ron Basch and Richard Powell produce.

We return with the latest edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting recent independent horror news sent our way. Today’s feature includes a trailer for The Banshee Chapter, a new episode of Chronicles of the Dead, details on The Crying Dead, and much more:

Heir First Details: “From Richard Powell and Zach Green’s Fatal Pictures, the company that brought you the critically acclaimed, award winning horror shorts Worm and Familiar, comes their new and final short film “Heir”, a touching tale of father and son. Starring the Emmy award winning Bill Oberst Jr. (Abraham Lincoln Vs. Zombies) and Robert Nolan (Sick, Worm, Familiar).

After connecting with a stranger of similar interests online, family man Gordon and his son Paul, embark on an ill-fated road trip in which Gordon aims to indulge in a secret passion. Before the day ends a horrible truth will be uncovered and a harsh lesson will be learned.

We’re back with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting recent independent horror news sent our way. Today’s feature includes release details for A Resurrection, details on a virtual trading card series called Closet Monsters, casting news for Dead Afterlife, a Q&A with Vigilante Diaries’ Christian Sesma, and much more:

A Resurrection Release Details: “Archstone Distribution announces the VOD, Digital Download and DVD release of A Resurrection from Writer/Director Matt Orlando (Barbershop). The film stars Mischa Barton (Fox’s “The Oc”), Devon Sawa (CW’s “Nikita”) Jonathan Michael Trautmann (96 Minutes) and the late Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile). A Resurrection will be available on VOD on July 23, 2013 and on DVD on August 6, 2013. It was released this week for Digital Download on all internet platforms, including iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Xbox Video and Vudu. The announcement was made today by Archstone Distribution’s Brady Bowen.

A Resurrection...

by David Harkness, MoreHorror.com

Fatal Pictures mini masterpiece Familiar (review) is available today on FEARnet -- on TV, On Demand and Online.

You don't want to miss the film we said "kicks your teeth in". If you don't have FEARnet, you can request it b calling 877-fear-247.

Check out the trailer below the synopsis.

More About FEARnet

FEARnet Is Unleashing Over 30 Shocking Short Films In 2013, Featuring Star-studded Festival Favorites, Rarely Seen Gems And Much More!

Familiar Synopsis:

The routine of life can lead some down the dreaded path of madness.

Richard Powell’s film will get under your skin with compelling storytelling, strong acting and amazing, cringe-worthy special effects. Skin will tear and blood will flow.

Through a series of tragic events, a middle-aged man grows to suspect that the negative impulses plaguing his mind may not be his own.

www.FEARnet.com

www.FEARnet.com/shorts/familiar

www.

The anthology horror film is back in the wake of the success of chapter-style horror films like The Theatre Bizarre (2011) and its announced follow-up, V/H/S (2012), the soon-to-be-released sequel V/H/S 2 (2013) and The ABC’s of Death (2012).

While this movement generates a good deal of conversation about the fondly remembered Amicus productions of the 1960’s and 1970’s like Dr. Terror’s House Of Horrors (Freddie Francis, 1965), Torture Garden (Freddie Francis, 1967), The House That Dripped Blood (Peter Duffell, 1971) and Asylum (Roy Ward Baker, 1972) among others, the comparison is not exactly accurate across the board.

While the segments of V/H/S are unified by shared visual style and a wraparound story, The Theatre Bizarre and The ABC’s of Death come off as collections of essentially unrelated horror short films loosely bound by a flimsy wraparound segment in the case of The Theatre Bizarre or a basic concept as...

Taking place this weekend is the CineMayhem Film Festival in Thousand Oaks, California. If you’re a fan of independent horror, there will be a variety of short films, multiple features, including The ABCs of Death, and the world premiere of Roadside:

“(Los Angeles, CA)—In just less than 48 hours, the first-ever CineMayhem Film Fest will be underway at the Muvico Thousand Oaks (166 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA) and to get the fans out there ready, we have a few final details we wanted to share in preparation of our two-day celebration of independent horror this weekend.

CineMayhem sponsor SideShow Collectibles has generously donated four figurines for us to raffle off to attendees at the following screenings on March 2nd and 3rd: Roadside and The ABC’s Of Death on Saturday and K-11 and Resolution on Sunday. Scream Factory, another CineMayhem sponsor, has also kindly donated several of...

If you're in or around Los Angeles and are a horror fan, you should make it your business to attend this weekend's CineMayhem Film Festival in honor of Indie Horror Month! Read on for the skinny on all that's happening!

From the Press Release

In less than 48 hours, the first-ever CineMayhem Film Fest will be under way at the Muvico Thousand Oaks (166 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA), and to get the fans out there ready, we have a few final details we wanted to share in preparation of our two-day celebration of independent horror this weekend.

CineMayhem sponsor Sideshow Collectibles has generously donated four figurines for us to raffle off to attendees at the following screenings on March 2nd and 3rd: Roadside and The ABC's Of Death on Saturday and K-11 and Resolution on Sunday. Scream Factory, another CineMayhem sponsor, has also kindly donated several of their cult classic...

The CineMayhem Film Fest is pleased to announce its final line-up with tickets and festival passes going on sale Today for the two-day celebration of independent horror at the Muvico in Thousand Oaks, CA, this March.

Ticket and Pass prices for the 2013 CineMayhem Film Fest are:

Saturday Pass- $30

Sunday Pass- $30

Individual Movie- $7 per ticket

Tickets and full-day passes can be purchased at the Muvico Thousand Oaks website. The theatre is located at 166 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA.

And don't forget that starting Right Now, you can submit your short film to us, and if gets the most "Likes" via our official CineMayhem Contest Facebook App, it will be shown during the fest. To upload your film for judging, just hit the link and get started.

From the Press Release

Founded this year as a launch event to kick off Dread Central's third annual Indie Horror Month this March by Heather Wixson,...

With Dread Central's Indie Horror Month right around the corner, we have a contest for you indie filmmakers that's sure to get your blood pumping and then hopefully spraying right out of your jugular vein. Read on for details.

Starting Right Now you can submit your short film to us, and if gets the most "Likes" via our official CineMayhem Contest Facebook App, it will be shown during the fest. You can upload your film right now for judging. Hit that link and get started.

The festival runs March 2nd and 3rd at the Muvico Theaters in Thousand Oaks, California.

All shorts must be made and submitted in accordance with the provisions and instructions posted herein. The short must be in the English language or with English subtitles. The short may be no longer than 10 minutes in length, including titles and/or credits, if any. The short must be the contestant’s original work.

Writer Heather Wixson, who you can find tirelessly toiling away at Dread, has founded CineMayhem as a way to celebrate the past, present and future of independent genre filmmaking. The fest will run March 2nd and 3rd at the Muvico Theaters in Thousand Oaks, California and is set to include insane-o anthology The ABCs Of Death, Paul Davis' much buzzed short film Him Indoors and the latest from Hills Run Red director Dave Parker. Here's the rundown, via release:

CineMayhem's diverse line-up includes advance screenings of two highly anticipated genre projects including Magnet Releasing's visceral horror anthology The ABCs Of Death and Breaking Glass Pictures' mind-bending drama K-11 directed by Jules Stewart (Crank: High Voltage, Mortal Kombat).

CineMayhem is also thrilled to announce that it will be hosting the World Premieres of Roadside directed by Eric England (Madison County) and the latest short film from Ryan Spindell (Kirksdale), The Root Of The Problem,...

Writer Heather Wixson, who you can find tirelessly toiling away at Dread, has founded CineMayhem as a way to celebrate the past, present and future of independent genre filmmaking. The fest will run March 2nd and 3rd at the Muvico Theaters in Thousand Oaks, California and is set to include insane-o anthology The ABCs Of Death, Paul Davis' much buzzed short film Him Indoors and the latest from Hills Run Red director Dave Parker. Here's the rundown, via release:

CineMayhem's diverse line-up includes advance screenings of two highly anticipated genre projects including Magnet Releasing's visceral horror anthology The ABCs Of Death and Breaking Glass Pictures' mind-bending drama K-11 directed by Jules Stewart (Crank: High Voltage, Mortal Kombat).

CineMayhem is also thrilled to announce that it will be hosting the World Premieres of Roadside directed by Eric England (Madison County) and the latest short film from Ryan Spindell (Kirksdale), The Root Of The Problem,...

If you're a regular reader of Dread Central, then you know that March is officially Indie Horror Month around these parts. A time when we celebrate our future horror maestros! This year we're kicking it off with a bang!

From the Press Release

Today the first-ever CineMayhem Film Fest was announced by founder Heather Wixson, producer and horror journalist with DreadCentral.com. Created as a launch event to kick off Dread Central's third annual Indie Horror Month this March, CineMayhem will celebrate the past, present and future of independent genre filmmaking at the Muvico Theaters in Thousand Oaks, California, on March 2nd and 3rd.

Created as a way to pay homage to and celebrate the spirit of independent filmmaking and those unafraid to take risks with their storytelling, CineMayhem's diverse line-up includes advance screenings of two highly anticipated genre projects including Magnet Releasing's visceral horror anthology The ABCs Of Death...

Another day, another batch of ooey, gooey shorts to bring you guys from the New York City Horror Film Festival! Have no worries, because the quality was still on kick-ass display, showcasing some bright up and coming horror talent. There’s really no point in wasting time writing an introduction though, let’s just jump to the films!

Rotting Hill

Director: James Cunningham

Ah, love in the time of zombies. Always a romantic and, er, gory tale of spellbound hearts and spending an eternity together with “the one.” Rotting Hill is a cute little love story, and yes I just said cute, about two undead lovers munching their way through the apocalypse. There’s some really cool effects on display and a few good kills, even though I’m not sure why zombies are killing other zombies (hate crime?), but hell, it’s a fun little romp none the less.

I was very kindly invited to be part of the jury selecting the best short films screening at Celluloid Screams 2012. Nothing to it, right? Still, while seventeen films might not seem like that much (particularly for those people who have to whittle countless submissions down to just eighteen), it's quite a handful for a festival that only lasts two and a half days. Three hours of back-to-back screenings in Sheffield Hallam University's The Void lecture theatre (yes, you read that right) and we'd argued it down to three, but with such a varied lineup I thought it might be worth going into the winners as well as the ones that got away. Ready? Let's do this thing.Familiar (Richard Powell, Canada, 2011)Familiar (shown above) started...

If you have read my recent articles on Canadian Horror Filmmakers, then you’ve likely heard of the Fatal Pictures filmmaking team of Richard Powell and Zach Green.

Starting with the short films Consumption (2008), Worm (2010) and then most recently Familiar (2012), they have made series of high quality horror films. I was lucky enough to present the world premiere of Familiar in March of this year at my Fright Nights film series; the film has been running up a mountain of festival awards since. This was no surprise to this writer. In this day and age of anyone being able to pick up a camera, the subtlety, complexity and sophistication of their work is quite unique in horror filmmaking these days. I spoke with director Richard Powell again recently to talk about their film and what they have coming up next.

Take me back to the beginning. How did you both...

Oct. 12

8:00 p.m.

Spectacle Theater

124 South 3rd Street

Brooklyn, New York 11211

Hosted by: InFEST Underground

The InFEST Underground screening series is hosting an epic night of dark and twisted short films, plus the acclaimed Brazilian horror flick Beyond the Grave, directed by Davi de Oliveira Pinheiro.

Beyond the Grave, a post-apocalyptic zombie western, has been tearing it up on the underground film festival circuit the past few years, winning the Best Horror Film award at the Arizona Underground Film Festival, and screening at the Montreal Underground and at the B-Movie, Underground and Trash Film Festival. In the film, a police officer in a desolate wasteland filled with freaks tracks down a possessed serial killer. Watch the trailer below!

But, before the feature presentation, is a 98-minute block of short films from a few of the masters of the form, including Brian Lonano, Kevin Lonano, Carey Burtt and more. The...

From my experience, horror films are always the most interesting but least attended films at smaller film festivals as festival audiences seem to be more interested in stories about losing your virginity than werewolves and zombies. However, two venues in Telluride, Colorado hope to serve that small group of dedicated art-house horror fans with three days of horror films from around the world at the 3rd annual Telluride Horror Show.

Below is the list of films scheduled to screen at the Telluride Horror Show, which takes place on October 12, 13, and 14, 2012.

The 3rd annual Telluride Horror Show is a 3-day “genre fans will experience the latest horror films from all over the world in Telluride’s historic Sheridan Opera House and Nugget Theatre. The festival screens an average of 20 feature films and 25+ short films and hosts special programs, guests, and a party or two. The Telluride Horror Show was named one...

The Telluride Horror Show in Telluride, Colorado will be holding their third annual film festival from October 12-14. We've just gotten the list of the first films scheduled to be included in the fest.

During the Telluride Horror Show, genre fans will experience the latest horror films from all over the world in Telluride's historic Sheridan Opera House and Nugget Theatre. The festival screens an average of 20 feature films and 25+ short films and hosts special programs, guests, and a party or two. The Telluride Horror Show was named one of the 20 Coolest Film Festivals in 2011 by Moviemaker Magazine.

For more visit the official Telluride Horror Show website, "like" Telluride Horror Show on Facebook and follow the Telluride Horror Show on Twitter (@telluridehorror).

First Films Scheduled for Telluride Horror Show

Crawl

Australia | 2011 | 80 min

Director: Paul China

A seedy bar owner hires a mysterious Croatian to commit murder, but a planned double-crossing...

As Sheffield’s premier horror film festival, Celluloid Screams, gears up for its fourth year of delivering the scares this October 26th-28th, we got word on the first batch of announced screenings taking place amidst a packed programme of previews, special guests and more. Check it out!

Feature Films

Special Event: Nightbreed: The Cabal Cut

(UK/USA) – Dir. Clive Barker / Restoration Director. Russell Cherrington

The turbulent production of Clive Barker’s Nightbreed is the stuff of legend, and the film released in 1990 was a far cry from Barker’s original novella, with many significant scenes excised by the film’s producers. Presumed lost for over twenty years, the footage surfaced in the form of two separate workprints and has been integrated with scenes from the original theatrical version to create The Cabal Cut – a fully fleshed-out monster epic that captures Clive Barker’s original vision in vivid detail.

By Seth Metoyer, MoreHorror.com

The creepy little twisted short film Familiar (review) will screen at this years Fantasia International Film Festival 2012.

Familiar was written and directed by Richard Powell (interview here), produced by Zach Green with cinematography and co-produced by Michael Jari Davidson with special F/X provided by Ryan Louagie, Carlos Henriques and Steven Dawley (The Butcher Shop).

Check out the official trailer for "Familiar" below.

For more details about the film, check out the official Fatal Pictures website and IMDb page.

From the Official Press Release

Fatal Pictures is proud to announce Familiar, a new horror short starring Robert Nolan, Astrida Auza and Cathryn Hostick as the seemingly idyllic yet ultimately doomed Dodd Family, has been included in the Fantasia Film Festival 2012 lineup.

Synopsis

Familiar is the story of a series of tragic events leading a middle-aged man to grow to suspect the negative impulses plaguing his...

We just received word that the unique, creepy and highly anticipated short flick, Familiar (review here), has been accepted into Fantasia International Film Festival. Read on for all the details you need to get familiar with Canada!

Dig the official trailer for Familiar and a clip from the film below. To get more information, visit the official Fatal Pictures website and follow Fatal Pictures on Twitter (@fatalpictures).

And for more on the film fest, visit the official Fantasia International Film Festival 2012 website, being held July 19 through August 7 in Montreal, to see what the organizers have planned for this grand annual event.

From the Press Release

Fatal Pictures is proud to announce Familiar, a new horror short starring Robert Nolan, Astrida Auza and Cathryn Hostick as the seemingly idyllic yet ultimately doomed Dodd Family has been included in the Fantasia Film Festival 2012 lineup.

Familiar was written and directed by Richard Powell,...

Directed by: Richard Powell

Written by: Richard Powell

Produced by: Michael Jari Davidson, Zach Green, Ryan Louagie, Richard Powell

Cast: Robert Nolan, Astrida Auza, Cathryn Hostick

"After 45 years of existence, my life is about to begin."

Such are the internal thoughts of a very bitter John Dodd. John is a tired man. He's been married for many years, and has helped to raise a daughter well enough that the girl is about to move out on her own. Unbeknownst to his wife or his daughter, John is exceptionally unhappy, and is looking at this milestone as a moment when his social obligations are complete enough that he can flee for the hills and live out the rest of his life on his own.

Much of this is expressed through internal ramblings through John's mind. In an I Stand Alone style stream of consciousness, we hear just how awful the man's...

Horror has been in Canada's snow for decades now, starting with the classic Cannibal Girls and Black Christmasin the early '70s, through the classic early Cronenberg years of Shivers, Rabid and The Brood in the late '70s. In the '80s, we got films like Prom Night, My Bloody Valentine and The Gate. In the past decade, we've had flicks like the Ginger Snaps series, Cube and PontyPool. In fact, you could even count the last three Dead movies by George A. Romero as Canadian — after all, he is a Canadian citizen now and made all three films in Toronto.

Being both a film writer and a host of a monthly horror film series called Fright Nights at the Projection Booth (based out of Toronto, Canada), I have noticed an incredible renaissance of grindhouse and horror directors coming out of Canada in the past few years. Southern Ontario,...

Few short film writer/directors have caused as much buzz with their work in the genre over the last few years as Richard Powell, the writer/director of the critically acclaimed shorts “Consumption”, “Worm”, and “Familiar'. Alongside his film partner at Fatal Pictures, producer Zach Green, he’s created a series of deeply disturbing works that examine the darker side of human nature and find horror in the all-too-real capacity for evil that people hide inside themselves.

We want to apologize on getting this out late. There was a technical issue with the original mp3. Luckily, I caught the error but I couldn’t fix it in time to publish it on Friday. Forgive me.

This week on the Destroy the Brain Podcast, we talk about Darren Lynn Bousman’s Mother’s Day, the remake (?) of the 1980 Troma film. We also talk about the Rob Zombie The Lords of Salem trailer leak and go over our picks of the week other things as well. Crack one open and get ready for another 90+ minute episode of buffoons talking about horror.

Show Notes:

Intro

What We’ve Been Watching (1:30)

Michael: The Sound of My Voice (Review has been bumped to May 25th), Sherlock, The Stuff

Andy: Familiar (interview with director Richard Powell)

Picks of the Week for May 22nd Releases (12:58)

Michael’s & Andy’s (sort-of) Pick: A...

Title: Familiar Director: Richard Powell (‘Worm’) Starring: Robert Nolan (‘Battleground’), Astrida Auza (‘The Bare Bones’) and Cathryn Hostrick (‘Words of Goodbye’) Horror films involving monsters that invade people’s bodies are often played as comical, and rarely take themselves seriously. The horror short ‘Familiar,’ written and directed by Richard Powell and produced by Zach Green, puts a welcome spin on the idea, showcasing the damaging psychological and physical effects the situation can have on the characters. More horror films should follow in ‘Familiar’s lead, balancing the psychological trauma with the gore and attacks commonly seen in the genre. ‘Familiar,’ which was produced by Powell and Green’s production company Fatal Pictures, follows [ Read More ]...

By Seth Metoyer, MoreHorror.com

The much talked about horror short Familiar (review) has been hitting film festivals and conventions all over the place.

A new clip from the critically acclaimed short has been released and you can watch it below can be seen below.

Familiar will be screening next in Chicago at ChicagoFearFest April 13-14, Dark Bridges Film Festival 2012 May 3-6, Texas Frightmare and Fantaspoa Film Festival (2012).

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with "Familiar" Writer/Director Richard Powell here.

Synopsis

Through a series of tragic events a middle aged man grows to suspect the negative impulses plaguing his mind may not be his own…

Credits:

Written/Directed by Richard Powell, Produced by Zach Green (Fatal Pictures)

Cinematography & Co Producer Michael Jari Davidson shot on Red Digital Cinema. Special FX provided by Ryan Louagie, Carlos Henriques & Steven Dawley (The Butcher Shop). Music & Sound Design by Bernie Greenspoon.

Familiar is an independent short film from a team of Canadian filmmakers — including producer Zach Green and director Richard Powell — with a uniquely dark and intriguing central character. Watch this clip from the film and see why critics are enthusiastic about what this team of filmmakers are bringing to the table. Familiar can be seen in it’s entirety at the following upcoming film festivals…

Chicago FearFest, April 13-14, 2012

Texas Frightmare Weekend, May 4-6, 2012

Dark Bridges Film Festival, May 3-6, 2012...

We’re back with the latest installment of our Indie Spotlight. Today’s feature includes two book reviews from Derek Botelho, Japanese zombie craziness, a scarecrow shirt design, and more:

Mile High Horror Film Festival: Taking place in Denver this October, the 2012 Mile High Horror Film Festival is now open for film submissions:

“The festival is accepting submissions for four categories, including feature length, short films, animated films running less than 50 minutes, and local Colorado films. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit early.

This year’s film festival will run October 5-7, 2012 at Denver FilmCenter/Colfax, located at 2510 East Colfax in Denver, Co. An IMDb-qualifying festival, the festival’s mission is to showcase the best in independent horror film. The 2011 festival featured more than 30 films from 11 countries. Lifetime Achievement for Excellence in Horror Film was given to guest Michael Berryman (“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”, “The Hills Have Eyes...