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"You look like a friendly crowd!" Samuel Goldywn Films recently debuted this official trailer for the new horror thriller titled Psychopaths, which first played at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year. This is also the latest film from Mickey Keating, director of the films Ritual, Pod, Darling, and Carnage Park, which was also released this year. Psychopaths is about seven different serial killers whose paths cross over one single, blood soaked night. This looks flashy and stylish, though it's hard to tell what exactly is going on in this trailer. The ensemble cast includes Ashley Bell, Angela Trimbur, James Landry Hebert, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Jeremy Gardner, Ivana Shein, and Larry Fessenden. If you're into indie horror, and masks, and serial killer films, then this is for you. But if you're not into that, well, maybe not. Have fun. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Mickey Keating's Psychopaths, direct...

Director Mickey Keating is a rising star in the indie horror arena, turning in fantastic films like Ritual, Pod, and the 2016 survival thriller Carnage Park. His most recent film Psychopaths has firmly cemented him in the arena of filmmakers to watch. However, there has been little love and even less discussion of his Darling. Shot […]...

I love Mickey Keating, who is one our favorite genre filmmakers. If you haven’t already seen his black and white masterpiece, Darling, do so immediately. Then check out his “Twilight Zone”-esque Pod, as well as Ritual, with his survival horror Carnage Park also now on VOD. The dude’s been busy, and has yet to disappoint. Next up is Psychopaths, described as a sprawling, psychedelic […]...

With Ritual, Pod, Darling, and Carnage Park under his belt, writer/director Mickey Keating is one of the most consistent and prolific filmmakers working in the independent horror scene today, so it's no surprise that Lionsgate has now acquired Keating's pitch for a new project.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lionsgate has acquired The Faces, Keating's pitch for a new sci-fi thriller that he will write and helm for the production company.

David Engel and Circle of Confusion will produce The Faces. No further details are known at this time, but we'll keep Daily Dead readers updated as more information is revealed.

Following IFC Midnight's recent release of Carnage Park, the next film horror fans can look forward to seeing from Keating is the anticipated Psychopaths, starring Ashley Bell, Larry Fessenden, Jeremy Gardner, Sam Zimmerman, Matt Mercer, and more.

The post Mickey Keating to Write & Direct New Sci-Fi Film...

After playing at Sundance and South by Southwest,Mickey Keating’s “Carnage Park” hit theaters in New York theater on Friday courtesy of IFC Midnight. A new clip offers a sense of the ’70s-set horror thriller’s genre wares; watch it below.

Read More: ‘Carnage Park’ Trailer: Bank Robbers Are the Least of Ashley Bell’s Troubles in Micky Keating’s Sundance Thriller

James Landry Hébert and Michael Villar star as two bank robbers who take Ashley Bell’s character hostage; they’re all of them mere pawns in a game being played by a desert-dwelling sniper who doesn’t take kindly to folks coming anywhere near his secluded hideout. The washed-out scene finds Bell assisting a man get his leg out of a bear trap; once free of his restraints, the troubled-looking fellow shares what little knowledge he has of their dire situation — none of which inspires any confidence...

Hitting the big screen in New York City and VOD platforms on July 1st before making its Los Angeles theatrical debut on July 8th from IFC Midnight, Mickey Keating’s Carnage Park marks his fourth feature film collaboration with acclaimed composer Giona Ostinelli. For our latest Q&A feature, we caught up with Ostinelli to discuss working with Keating, using a wide range of instruments and items (including a nail gun) to create unease in Carnage Park, and much more.

Giona, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for us. Your score for Carnage Park marks your fourth collaboration with director Mickey Keating. What first attracted you to Keating’s work?

Giona Ostinelli: Thanks so much for having me! Yes indeed, Mickey Keating and I have collaborated on four films. Our first film together, Ritual, was acquired by Lionsgate; our second film, Pod, was released theatrically with...

After playing the Sundance and SXSW film festivals, IFC Midnight acquired U.S. rights to Ritual, Darling and Pod director Mickey Keating’s survival horror with Carnage Park (read our review…and another), which is based on a shocking true story. Bloody Disgusting now has some grimy and gritty new images for this 1970s set thriller starring Ashley Bell (The Last Exorcism, The Last Exorcism II), […]...

After playing the Sundance and SXSW film festivals, IFC Midnight acquired U.S. rights to Ritual, Darling and Pod director Mickey Keating’s survival horror with Carnage Park (read our review…and another), which is based on a shocking true story. Bloody Disgusting now has an exclusive look at the theatrical one-sheet for this 1970s set thriller starring Ashley Bell (The Last Exorcism, The Last […]...

If you don’t know who Mickey Keating is yet, you will. Soon. Independent horror fans have seen three of his films over the last year-and-a-half or so, and he’s already finished shooting another one primed for a 2016 festival premiere (maybe?). His latest film, Carnage Park, was my only Sundance 2016 review, but that didn’t stop me from properly catching it again during South By Southwest at Austin’s Alamo Ritz. C’mon, what goes better with a bloody, politically paranoid, Neo-Noir Western than a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Milkshake?!

Being a young critic at the age of 26 myself, our conversation was not solely about Carnage Park. As Keating was making his first film, Ritual, he participated in the same balancing act many writers now have to perfect between a salary job and nightly passions (oh, you think I can make a living doing this?). Cranking out movies isn’t exactly an achievement,...

Casting news for Mickey Keating’s Psychopaths was revealed and we have details on this story and more in today’s round-up. Also: Love is Dead Kickstarter details, a Q&A with Decay director Joey Wartnerchaney, Image Expo guests, and release information for a new young adult Buffy book from Dark Horse.

Psychopaths: Press Release: “(Los Angeles, CA – 16 March 2016) – ScreenDaily broke the exclusive late last night, revealing that Ashley Bell (Carnage Park, The Last Exorcism), Angela Trimbur (Trash Fire, The Final Girls), Mark Kassen (Alone, Jobs), Ivana Shein (Meadowland, The Woods), and James Landry Hébert (HBO’s “Westworld”, Gangster Squad) are to headline Mickey Keating’s fifth feature, which wrapped principal photography Friday, March 4th, in Los Angeles, CA. They join previously-announced cast members Jeremy Gardner (The Battery, Spring), Helen Rogers (Body, V/H/S), and Larry Fessenden (In A Valley Of Violence, You’Re Next) in the latest genre pic from Keating.

Yesterday Screen Daily announced more cast members for Mickey Keating's Psychopaths, his fifth film whch just wrapped up principal photography in Los Angeles. The first cast members already announced included Jeremy Gardner (The Battery, Spring), Helen Rogers (Body, V/H/S), and Larry Fessenden (We Are Still Here, You're Next). Last night's report annoucned that Ashley Bell (Carange Park, The Last Exorcism), Angela Trimbur (The Final Girls), Mark Kassen (Jobs), Ivana Shein (Meadowland), and James Landry Hébert (Carnage Park) are to headline Mickey Keating’s fifth feature. Psychopaths is a sprawling, psychedelic ensemble piece that follows several serial killers over the course of a single night. The film is written and directed by Keating, who previously wrote and directed Ritual (Lionsgate / After Dark Films),...

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

Exclusive: The director of Sundance selection Carnage Park has unveiled the cast on his fifth feature, which recently wrapped principal photography.

Ashley Bell, Angela Trimbur, Mark Kassen, Ivana Shein, and James Landry Hébert (pictured) have joined previously announced Jeremy Gardner, Helen Rogers, and Larry Fessenden.

Keating wrote and directed Psychopaths, which follows several serial killers over the course of a single night.

Jenn Wexler produced alongside William Day Frank, Keating, and Cam McLellan and Al Lewison for Bad Camal. Fessenden serves as executive producer for Glass Eye Pix.

Keating’s most recent film Carnage Park premiered in Park City in January and is sold internationally by Content Media. The film-maker’s credits include Ritual, Pod, and Darling.

Like a speeding bullet through the dry, desert air comes Mickey Keating’s Carnage Park, a masterfully horrific true crime story about a loner psycho (Pat Healy) and the unfortunate woman by the name of Vivian (Ashley Bell), who ends up crossing his path one ill-fated day.

Taut, frenetic and pulsing with a ripened tension from beginning to end, Carnage Park is easily the best work from emerging filmmaker Mickey Keating and features sensational performances from its entire cast. With a sense of swagger and an unflinching pace, Carnage Park is truly a cinematic triumph from top to bottom.

Carnage Park opens with a bank robbery masterminded by the dangerous Scorpion Joe (James Landry Hébert), who decides to hold up a small financial institution in Mackin County with the help of his hapless pal, Lenny (Michael Villar). Things go awry and Joe ends up taking a hostage, Bell’s character Vivian,...

Writer/director Mickey Keating (Ritual, Pod) is both super talented and super busy, and while we wait for a release date for his fourth feature, Darling, today already brings a clip from his fifth. It’s a violent thriller titled Carnage Park,… Continue Reading →

The post Sundance 2016: First Clip Takes You to Mickey Keating’s Carnage Park appeared first on Dread Central.

Mickey Keating’s (Ritual, Pod) newest film Darling had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest this weekend, and it was a trip. Inspired by films such Roman Polanski’s Repulsion and The Tenant with a little bit of David Lynch’s Eraserhead thrown in, Darling tells the story of one woman’s (Lauren Ashley Carter, Jug Face, Pod) descent into total insanity during the course of its brief 78-minute […]...

There is something hiding in the basement, in Mickey Keating's (Ritual) Pod. This film was recently shown at Austin's South-by Southwest Film Festival. Now, this indie horror title is gearing up for an American theatrical launch. To coincide with its next theatrical debut, a new poster and trailer have been released for the title. The clip and graphic reveal a dark inhabitant. The film looks at a trio of siblings. A brother and sister drive out to their brother's home, only to find everything in disarray. Martin (Brian Morvant), a war veteran, appears delusional, but strange sounds emerge from below. The film's launch begins at the end of the month. On August 28th, the film will show in several theatres. A full theatrical showing schedule will come this way soon. For now, horror fans can peer into the darkness, with the film's latest terrifying trailer. Release Date: August 28th,...

A World Premiere out of last month’s SXSW, sci-fi horror Pod has been picked up for day-and-date theatrical and VOD release this fall by Vertical Entertainment. The second feature from young, stylish director Mickey Keating (Ritual), Pod stars Lauren Ashley Carter (Jug Face), Dean Cates and Brian Morvant. The latter plays a veteran holed up…

The post Vertical Takes Keating’s Sci-fi Horror, Pod appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.

Like his debut feature, the straightforward-yet-mega stylized Ritual, Mickey Keating’s Pod is mostly an overnighter. The young, excitable director injects energy into his movies, clearly interested in the propulsive snowball of an extreme situation that only grows more so. Riffing on another classical genre style, Pod switches out Ritual’s desert motel dilemma for the frozen…

The post SXSW Review: Pod is A Manic, Overnight Ordeal appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.

Pod, the latest film from writer/director Mickey Keating (Ritual) is premiering later today at the 2015 SXSW Film Festival and Daily Dead recently had the opportunity to speak with him about the film in advance to get a sense of what fans can expect from his intimate portrait of paranoia amongst a family whose come together to stage an intervention that goes horribly wrong, his influences and why it’s important to keep taking risks with your career.

Thanks for taking the time to chat today, Mickey. The film looks really intriguing and I love that, other than the synopsis, this seems to be a film that’s very hard to pinpoint until you’ve actually seen it.

Mickey Keating: (laughs) Oh yeah. I know that everyone sort of reads the titles and immediately thinks of movies like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but it’s something completely different.

Mickey Keating’s got something going on. It was clear in his debut, the almost overwhelmingly stylish Ritual. That film, released through Lionsgate and After Dark, but far more idiosyncratic than that would lead you to believe, took a simple plot and injected heavy, strange choices around it. It was droning and surreal, like a shoegaze…

The post SXSW 2015: Director Mickey Keating Previews the Misleading Pod appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.

Mickey Keating is a name that all horror fans are becoming increasing familiar with, thanks to films like Ultra Violence and Ritual. Up next he traps a sinister entity in Pod, which premieres next month at SXSW. Check out a… Continue Reading →

The post SXSW 2015: Head into the Basement with Clip from Mickey Keating’s Pod appeared first on Dread Central.

Young filmmaker Mickey Keating debuted in 2013 with Ritual, a film built around a simple idea and which proceeded to go utterly nutty with intense, surreal style. It was a terrific introduction, and I’m excited to see where he heads when second feature Pod premieres as a SXSW Midnighter down in Austin this March. Our…

The post Trailer: Mickey Keating’s SXSW Midnighter, Pod appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.

Up-and-coming genre filmmaker Mickey Keating, who got his start with Glass Eye Pix, is expected to release two new features in 2015, following stylish and strange feature debut Ritual. As Pod and Darling gear up for the festival circuit however, the director is already preparing Carnage Park, a survival horror film he’s been hoping to get…

The post Exclusive: Mickey Keating Readies Survival Horror, Carnage Park appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.

If you missed last year's Jugface, then do yourself a favor... fix that Immediately. Once you do, you'll be equally as excited as we are for the new film from Mickey Keating (Ritual) entitled Pod. Read on for details.

Styd got the earlier word that Keating has cast Jugface star Lauren Ashley Carter (pictured) for his latest foray into terror. She will be joining Ritual star Dean Cates, who will appear in the film with Brian Morvant.

According to Shock, the film is being described as an ensemble family drama that goes horrifically awry in the snowy confines of an isolated lake house. Keating tells the site, "It's a paranoid and violent nod to the original 'Twilight Zone' series, Frankenheimer's Manchurian Candidate, and The Andromeda Strain." Sign us up!

Morgan White, William Day-Frank, and Sean Fowler are serving as producers. Eleanor West and Benjamin Wright co-produce.

More soon!

by Seth Metoyer, MoreHorror.com

If you have 4 minutes to kill (I know you do), check out the creepy and stylish short film Fear, Inc.

Fear, Inc stars the gorgeous Ashlynn Yennie (The Human Centipede) and Dean Cates (Ritual). Click play on the video below the details and enjoy.

From The Press Release

Ashlynn Yennie (The Human Centipede) and Dean Cates (Ritual) star in “Fear, Inc.”, a horror short film released by Lone Suspect Productions today. The film, about a couple who attempts to hire a company to create a custom scare, asks the question “how scared do you Really wanna be?”

“Fear, Inc.” is written by Luke Barnett and directed by Vincent Masciale, whose recent Funny or Die films “A Message to Aaron Sorkin” and “Bud Selig Must Die”, featuring Tony Hale (Arrested Development) and Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), gained viral status and rave reviews from Entertainment Weekly, The Huffington Post,...

We return with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting independent horror news sent our way. Today’s feature includes release details for Zombie, Indiana, a Circus of the Dead teaser trailer, news on the line-up for FearFest Glasgow, an Escaping the Dead trailer, the trailer for Bb, and much more:

Zombie, Indiana Release Details: “The newest novel in Scott Kenemore’s bestselling series, Zombie, Indiana is the tale of a harrowing undead attack on the heartland of America. From the highest echelons of state government—to the gritty world of an eastside narcotics detective—to the elite folds of the state’s most-expensive prep school—this novel explores the impact of an invading zombie horde on a trio of Hoosier protagonists… each of whom has some dark secrets to keep.

Indiana governor Hank Burleson has spent eight years cutting social services, castrating the unions (not literally…yet), and chipping...

In today's edition of Indie Beat, you can watch the entire horror short film, Fear, Inc. and see what all the buzz is about as the filmmakers get hard at work in making it into a feature film. Come inside to have a look!

Here at Cinelinx we like to talk about all aspects of filmmaking and movie news. To that end, we have Indie Beat where we highlight some of the latest news, trailers, and PR releases from the indie filmmaker scene. So if you're an independent filmmaker and want some coverage on our site, be sure to drop us a line at jordan@cinelinx.com .

Ashlynn Yennie (The Human Centipede) and Dean Cates (Ritual) star in “Fear, Inc.”, a horror short film released by Lone Suspect Productions today. The film, about a couple who attempts to hire a company to create a custom scare, asks the question “how...

Check out Fear, Inc., a new horror short, released today by Lone Suspect Productions, which stars Ashlynn Yennie (The Human Centipede) and Dean Cates (Ritual) and follows a couple whose attempts to hire a company to create a custom scare, asks the question “how scared do you Really wanna be?”

Fear, Inc. is written by Luke Barnett and directed by Vincent Masciale, whose recent Funny or Die films A Message to Aaron Sorkin and Bud Selig Must Die, featuring Tony Hale (Arrested Development) and Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), gained viral status and rave reviews from Entertainment Weekly, The Huffington Post, and Perez Hilton, among others.

Lone Suspect is currently in development on a feature length version of Fear, Inc.

Haunted attractions and horror movies just not doing their job of scaring the daylights out of you? Looking for something a bit more terrifying? Be careful what you wish for...

Check out the new short film Fear, Inc., which centers around a company that takes terror to a whole new level. Turn off the lights and turn up the volume, fiends!

From the Press Release

Ashlynn Yennie (The Human Centipede) and Dean Cates (Ritual) star in “Fear, Inc.”, a horror short film released by Lone Suspect Productions today. The film, about a couple who attempts to hire a company to create a custom scare, asks the question “how scared do you Really wanna be?”

“Fear, Inc.” is written by Luke Barnett and directed by Vincent Masciale, whose recent Funny or Die films “A Message to Aaron Sorkin” and “Bud Selig Must Die”, featuring Tony Hale (Arrested Development) and Jon Heder...

Anyone who calls themselves a horror geek knows who After Dark Films is by now -- even if they don't know it. What began as a multi-film release structure (8 horror films on the same day?!?) has now slowed down to a virtual trickle, and the company's most recent releases -- Dark Circles, Red Clover, and the non-horror flick The Getaway -- haven't done much for the outfit's popularity. And now they deliver something called Ritual. It's not very good.

  Clearly inspired by low-key indie horror films (like the ones Ti West makes, so at least writer/director Mickey Keating has good taste in viewing material), Ritual has some decent components in its corner, but its meandering plot, confused narrative structure, and frequently familiar story trappings prevent the "decent components" from gaining much of a foothold. The score, by one Giona Ostinelli, is pretty solid, for example, as is leading lady Lisa Marie Summerscales,...

Ritual is the second directorial effort of Mickey Keating but it seems that his first (titled Ultra Violence (2011)) didnt get any play. How this film ended up being one of the After Dark Films and distributed by Lionsgate is anybodys guess. This one is a stinker but the successful production and distribution seems to have helped Keating secure a couple of upcoming films including writer credits for The Night Stalkers (2014) and The Fixer () and another stab at the directors chair with Fallout Shelter (2014). It would be interesting to get the real story behind this film and its current status as there are a number of microbudget Indies that nobody will ever see and will never get this far and yet are far superior.

The first clip from After Dark Originals' satanic flick Ritual has arrived, and let's just say that it's not very enticing. Unless watching women crying is your thing. In that case this quick look should be right up your alley.

Ritual, which is heading our way December 31st, marks the feature film debut of director and writer Mickey Keating. It stars Lisa Marie Summerscales (Water for Elephants), Dean Cates (You, Only Better), and Derek Phillips (42, "Friday Night Lights").

Synopsis

A long time ago Tom loved Lovely. They were married and everything was perfect, at least for a little while. But that was then and this is now. Lovely has just killed a man in cold blood after he tried to drug and kidnap her in a motel. She calls Tom to help, but now they've found a VHS tape that depicts a satanic ritual in which a woman is murdered.

Ritual is the first horror movie from director Mickey Keating. This title has recently been picked up by After Dark Films as part of its second slate of releases. Lionsgate Home Entertainment is set to release Ritual by the end of the year onto DVD, VOD, and digital outlets. Below you will find the very wicked trailer for Ritual which draws you in, leaving you with the feeling of wanting to see the rest of the story to find out what happens. Very…...

Lionsgate Home Entertainment will be releasing Ritual before the end of the year on DVD, VOD, and digital services. Here’s a look at the box art, official trailer, and additional release details:

“From After Dark Films, the creators of original movies and America’s leading Horror Festival, comes the terrifying tale Ritual, arriving on DVD (plus Digital UltraViolet), Digital HD and Video on Demand December 31st from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Starring Lisa Summerscales (Web Series “Destroy the Alpha Gammas”), Dean Cates (TV’s Freshman) and Derek Phillips (TV’s “Friday Night Lights”), Ritual tells the tale of a young woman and her estranged husband, who become entangled with a horrifying cult and find themselves swept into a world of kidnapping, violence and satanic rituals. The Ritual DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $26.98.

A long time ago, Tom and Lovely were married and everything was perfect.

Right now we have the exclusive trailer premiere for After Dark Originals' satanic flick Ritual. Check out every devilishly ceremonial pixel of it right here free of spells, incantations, and handfuls of chicken bones.

Ritual, which is heading our way December 31st, marks the feature film debut of director and writer Mickey Keating. It stars Lisa Marie Summerscales (Water for Elephants), Dean Cates (You, Only Better), and Derek Phillips (42, "Friday Night Lights").

Synopsis

A long time ago Tom loved Lovely. They were married and everything was perfect, at least for a little while. But that was then and this is now. Lovely has just killed a man in cold blood after he tried to drug and kidnap her in a motel. She calls Tom to help, but now they've found a VHS tape that depicts a satanic ritual in which a woman is murdered. Lovely desperately wants to leave and they do,...

A trailer has arrived for After Dark Originals' satanic flick Ritual, and we have every devilishly ceremonial pixel of it for you right here free of spells, incantations, and handfuls of chicken bones.

Ritual, which is heading our way December 31st, marks the feature film debut of director and writer Mickey Keating. It stars Lisa Marie Summerscales (Water for Elephants), Dean Cates (You, Only Better), and Derek Phillips (42, "Friday Night Lights").

Synopsis

A long time ago Tom loved Lovely. They were married and everything was perfect, at least for a little while. But that was then and this is now. Lovely has just killed a man in cold blood after he tried to drug and kidnap her in a motel. She calls Tom to help, but now they've found a VHS tape that depicts a satanic ritual in which a woman is murdered. Lovely desperately wants to leave and they do,...

There are just a few more days left until Halloween and that means our Halloween Night short film series comes to an end soon.

But it won't end until we introduce you to some more amazing works from a handful of indie filmmakers.

Today, we introduce you to "Halloween is Here" from director Chelsea Peters.  Peters produced the upcoming Ritual and is in development on The Night Stalkers, a feature she intends to direct.

On her short:  "When I was younger my folks recorded a lot of Halloween movies and TV specials on VHS tapes (thanks to the glorious Long Play feature). I recently went back and revisited them and saw a lot of really fun Halloween commercials. We don't really see many Halloween-themed commercials anymore during this glorious season, so I decided to shoot my version of a stylized, late '80s/early '90s commercial advertising Halloween itself.

Okay. You have two weeks left to get into the mood for Halloween. So why not take a moment for a Halloween quickie and watch the short Trick from Ritual director Mickey Keating. Shock Til You Drop begins this year's Halloween Night Short Film series with Keating's short film that starts with a woman tied to a chair. "For the film, I wanted to put a very stylized spin on the old horror trope of the helpless victim tied to a chair, awaiting their doom.  In this case, the doom is in the form of a costumed killer who collects the heads of trick-or-treaters on Halloween night."...

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

There may not be an overload of horror movies making it to theaters this Halloween, but there are plenty of things to get excited about, including classic re-releases on Blu-ray and new movies making their way to VOD. Something else we thought our readers would be interested in is a recently launched short film series, titled “Halloween Night.” The first short film was directed by Mickey Keating (Ritual) and you can watch it right now.

Here’s what Keating had to say about his short, titled Trick: “For the film, I wanted to put a very stylized spin on the old horror trope of the helpless victim tied to a chair, awaiting their doom. In this case, the doom is in the form of a costumed killer who collects the heads of trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.”

This video is courtesy of Shock Till You Drop, who will release additional short...

For ShockTillYouDrop.com, Halloween is felt all year round.  When October rolls around, it's difficult to break out of our normal routine of coverage, however, I think Shock has something truly special for you.

Today, we're kicking of "Halloween Night," a series of short films shot and debuting exclusively here and directed by some terrific indie filmmakers.

That said, allow me to introduce you to Trick by director - and "Halloween Night" mastermind - Mickey Keating.  He completed the feature film Ritual within the last year and it's arriving on DVD from Lionsgate Home Ent./After Dark Films on December 31st.

Read more...

A part of After Dark Films' second series of After Dark Originals, the satanic flick Ritual has just been set for a December 31st release on both DVD and digital platforms. Learn all about it here!

From the Press Release

After Dark Films proudly announces the sixth film in its After Dark Originals 2 series (ADO2), Ritual, a horrific tale that craftily brings you into the world of sadistic satanic rituals.

Ritual marks the feature film debut of director and writer Mickey Keating. It stars Lisa Marie Summerscales (Water for Elephants), Dean Cates (You, Only Better), and Derek Phillips (42, "Friday Night Lights").

"There is a stark and lonely reality to these characters that makes the film so terrifying. We are excited to add this to our line-up." - Stephanie Caleb.

"Ritual is a love letter to pulpy 1970s horror films like Race With the Devil, Punishment Park, and Hardcore. I've...

After Dark Films announced today that it has set a December 31st DVD/digital release date for Ritual, which is being distributed by Lionsgate Home Entertainment.

Starring Lisa Summerscales, Dean Cates and Derek Phillips, Ritual tells the tale of a young woman and her estranged husband,who become entangled with a horrifying cult and find themselves swept into a world of kidnapping, violence and satanic rituals.

A long time ago, Tom and Lovely were married and everything was perfect. But that's over. When Lovely kills a man after he tries to drug and kidnap her, she calls Tom for help and while cleaning up, they find a VHS tape that depicts a satanic ritual in which a woman is brutally murdered. 

Read more...

Ritual is the first horror film from director Mickey Keating. This title has recently been picked up by After Dark Films as part of its second slate of releases. Ritual stars Derek Phillips (Serum), Larry Fessenden (The Last Winter) and Dean Cates. Recently, the official poster art for the film has been released. Ritual tells a tale of Satanic cults and bloody murder. Tom (Cates) and Lovely (Lisa Marie Summerscales) are a couple confronted with a problem. Lovely has just killed a man in self-defence and this victim is part of a secret cult. Now, this cult is looking for Lovely and revenge Fans of horror can preview the film here, with the official artwork for Ritual. A skull is prominent and the graphic alludes to some strange going-ons at an isolated hotel. As well, an early still from the film is below. The photograph shows some of the film's cult members.

After Dark Films has revealed the one-sheet for Ritual, the latest film to join the After Dark Originals 2 series.

Ritual is a horrific tale that craftily brings you into the world of sadistic satanic rituals; it marks the first feature debut for director and writer by Mickey Keating, starring Lisa Marie Summerscales, Dean Cates, and Derek Phillips.

"Ritual is a love letter to pulpy 1970s horror films like Race With The Devil, Punishment Park, and Hardcore. I've loved the works of After Dark Films since their first Horrorfest broke onto the scene and I couldn't be more excited that my movie found a home with them," says Keating.  Head inside for a larger look at the one-sheet!

Read more...

Director Chelsea Peters has unveiled the first teaser for her upcoming horror feature The Night Stalkers.  Head inside for the grisly goods.

Last year, Peters produced Ritual, a film acquired by After Dark Films that was directed by The Night Stalkers scribe Mickey Keating.

In the film, bodies stack high when a group of hooligans break into a tiny unassuming grocery store and end up the newest victims of a family of depraved and sadistic serial killers.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Read more...

Hey, kids! Got nothing on your agenda for May 30th? Interested in what it takes to become a horror filmmaker? Then you may want to tune in to this special horror filmmaking panel streaming live from the La Film School hosted by our own Heather Wixson.

If you want to attend the event Live, click here as Dread Central readers get a 40% discount by entering the code "dreadcentral." Hurry up, though! We only have 75 tickets available for the discount!

Can't make it to the show but still want to take part? Just tweet your questions to @DreadCentral or @ScreenCrafting and use the hashtag #HorrorPanel.

Guests Include:

Andrew Wilson

Manager at Zero Gravity, Andrew represents such legendary horror directors and writers as Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre) and Clive Barker (Hellraiser and Candyman) among many others!

Adam Simon

Writer-director Adam Simon sold his script for The Haunting in Connecticut to Lionsgate,...

Got word this afternoon that Lionsgate has pick up the Us distribution on a interesting sounding project titled Ritual. Deadline got the exclusive of the multi-territory release in which Lionsgate will hand the stateside distribution. It’s the directorial debut for Mickey Keating who also wrote the project.

The film stars Leigh Whannell, Derek Phillips, Lisa Summerscales and Dean Cates.

Synopsis

The radio blares a 24-hour Halloween Weekend Fright Fest as Tom Moses drives … Continue reading →...

Around August of last year was the last time we had a chance to talk about Mickey Keating's directorial debut, Ritual, but with the passage of time comes good things... including distribution news. Read on for details.

According to Deadline, Continental Media has closed multi-territory deals on Ritual, from Eric B. Fleischman’s Ebf Productions and Chelsea Peters’ Chelsea Stardust, through After Dark Films, which will distribute in those markets. Lionsgate has come aboard for the U.S. Continental will shop the remaining territories — including Canada, Germany, Japan, and Spain — next month in Cannes.

The film, written and directed by Keating, stars Leigh Whannell (Saw, Insidious), Derek Phillips (“Friday Night Lights”), Lisa Summerscales, and Dean Cates. Eric B. Fleischman and Chelsea Peters produce. Check out a lengthy plot crunch and some sales art below.

Synopsis

The radio blares a 24-hour Halloween Weekend Fright Fest as Tom Moses drives deeper and deeper into the desert.

After Dark Films and Lionsgate have picked up the indie horror film Ritual, written and directed by Mickey Keating, says Deadline.  The film first came across our radar last fall when shooting commenced with Eric Fleischman and Chelsea Peters producing.

After Dark Film is going to distribute the project, stay tuned for a release date.  The film finds a husband and wife who have a dead occult member on their hands.  

With the clock ticking, they attempt to figure out what to do with the body before the rest of his pals show up.  

Read more...

FM favorite Drew Daywalt, the veteran horror writer and director who has worked on a variety of horror shorts (including Meat, Creep, and the Tale Of Haunted Mike, and the TV film Leprechaun’S Revenge), is jumping back into features.

We at FM are pleased to announce that Drew Daywalt has signed a deal with producer Eric B. Fleischman of Ebf Productions to direct The Hurting Man, based on a script of his own devious devising.

Indie horror guru Larry Fessenden (writer-director of Habit, Wendigo, and The Last Winter) will be executive producing this bad boy.

Check out the all-new poster art for the film (above), and here is the official press release for your perusal and enjoyment:

Los Angeles, CA – February 16, 2013

Horror writer/director Drew Daywalt (Children Shouldn’T Play With Dead Things, Death Valley, Bedfellows) has just inked a deal with producer Eric B. Fleischman of Ebf Productions (Ritual,...