Deadly Indie Catches up with Justin Russell Director of The Sleeper/ Best Slasher of 2012 So far!

1. Who are your favorite directors in the horror genre?

One of my all time favorites is Dario Argento. I love his visual style. I am also a huge fan of George A. Romero & Tobe Hooper.


2.The sleeper is an homage to classic slashers of the heydey 78-83 were you trying to capture that feel & what are your favorite slashers?

78-83 were by far the best years for the slashers. When I set out to make 'The Sleeper' I wanted it to have the same overall feeling as one of the early greats; where atmosphere and tension were in the forefront. New horror is way too gimmicky and relies too heavily on "cheap scares." I wanted 'The Sleeper' to reflect the same pace and style that those early greats had.

My favorite slashers are: Prom Night, Girls Nite Out, Friday the 13th VI, My Bloody Valentine, Slumber Party Massacre & Tenebre.


3. The sleeper reminded me of Black Christmas meets He knows your alone? would i be right in that analogy ?

There is definitely truth in that analogy, but it is definitely not limited solely to those films. With homages there is a fine line between rip off and homage. So in 'The Sleeper' I pulled reference from lots of early slashers. If you listen to my commentary I point out all those moments and the films that inspired the scenes.



4. What advice would you give struggeling filmmakers out there?

It is a great time for independent filmmakers, but it is also a very complicated time as well. Because of the internet and technology we have so many more resources and available outlets for our work. My advice to early filmmakers would be to just create. The biggest thing I run into is filmmakers talking about waiting for the right time, the budget, the actors...forget all that and just make what you can. If you always talk about it, you'll never do it. Take what you have and make something with it. You will learn from the experience and it will make your future projects that much better. My first feature was made for $500. It's definitely not 'oscar worthy,' but I learned more from that film than any other film I've made.


5. The sleeper will have a Vhs release can you tell us how that came about?

I grew up in the heyday of the video store. On weekends that's what we did. We went to the video store and picked out something to watch. I was always too young to rent some of the sleaze I saw in the horror section, but it always enticed me. Slumber Party Massacre's cover always caught my eye, as did countless other VHS boxes. When I was thinking about the release, I thought it would be amazing to do a special edition on VHS. I made a few phone calls and found out that it could actually happen! I worked with my designer to come up with a special box for it. One that would stand out to me as a kid. After all, 'The Sleeper' is trying to re-capture the spirit of those movies and the expereince. I thought a VHS would be a perfect companion to help me achieve that feeling.

**Please Read The Sleeper review below**





6. What other films have you directed besides the sleeper can you tell us about those?

The Sleeper is my third feature. I made a film in college called, "The Gremlin," which was more of a comedy. It is campy and ridiculous, but also a lot of fun. I learned how to shoot a script from that movie, but I definitely wouldn't call it my directorial debut. I would save that for my second feature that was just released last August by Shriek Show, 'Death Stop Holocaust.' This is a really gritty and hardcore slasher film that worked off of the Grindhouse asthetic. It was made super cheap and really quickly and nearly killed me. There was really no crew, besides a few friends there to help out, and I was working full time at a production studio when I made it. It is really different from 'The Sleeper.'

7. Say something to all the fans out there?

I'd like to tell the fans a sincere Thank You. For those that have purchased 'The Sleeper' and have sent me kind e-mails, Thank you. It is extremely humbling when the fans reach out to me and tell me what 'The Sleeper' meant to them. I love slasher films and I really wanted those fans of the sub-genre to have a lost 80's slasher to add to their library.

Death Stop Holocaust Trailer from Justin Russell on Vimeo.

The Burning Moon -Insane gory german anthology from 1997

Released in Germany in 1997 by Filmmaker/ Fx artist Olaf Ittenback, Burning moon is a terrific sick & Twisted shot on video Horror anthology. We start off with a Drugged out partier who likes to fight, returning home after a crazy night only to shoot some dope & tell a lilttle girl some bedtime stories & they are as follows, first up he tells the story of an escaped orphaned lunatic who car jacks somebody in one of the best onscreen car kills I've ever seen, only to later hook up a date with a girl named Julia, After she escapes his grasp the man goes on an awesome killing spree before catching back up to her, i will say that Tom Savini has nothing on the gore effects in this movie they are so good, I wont spoil the rest. Next up for tale number two we have the story of a sick devil worshipping priest who makes it a mission to rid the world of flesh. & last but not least a terrific gorefest zombie piece that will blow your mind. Burning moon is a very impressive anthology and is going to be released by intervision pictures in March I highly recommend this for all horror fans GET THIS DVD! . RANK 9/10

The Sleeper-Best New Slasher Ive seen in years!

Thank God The Sleeper has given me hope that great films can still be made & that the slashers of the golden age dont have to be a thing of the past. A lot of films lately have tried to pay homage to the old school horror classics of the 70's like Houe of the Devil ect..But nothing does a good of a job as the Sleeper. This reminded me a lot of Black christmas meets he knows your alone, the unmasked creepy killer is still convincing & can make some damn creepy phone calls, also the Kills are amazing, good pacing never boring, I reccomend!
Rank 10/10

The Sleeper - Trailer (2012) from Justin Russell on Vimeo.

Rage-Be careful who you Piss Off!

This great movie by Chris witherspoon plays out a lot like Duel & is a lot more of a suspense thriller IMO rather then a Horror film. I thought The filmmakers did a great job at paying homage to the old school stalker flicks & I highly recommend this film, The guy on the Bike is really creepy and the film has a lot of atmosphere & great pacing.. Its really nice to see decent films are still being made by underground unknown filmmakers.
RANK 9/10

Deadly Indie Catches up with Antonello Giallo

1-In July 1979 you completed your first film Pleasures of the Damned, shortly after the films premiere the italian government brought you up on 17 different charges of indecency can you tell us a little about that & the struggles you had to go through just to finally get a proper DVD release?

Those charges were very insulting to me... you see my film deals with many real-life issues which other films did not dare speak of at the time. We were the first to show intestines come out of the poop hole for example. This same thing actually happened to the Italian Prime Minister at the time, Giulio Andreotti, after he pierce his anus on a fire hydrant. That is why the government reaction was so negative, you know?

2. Both of your films are a great homage to such classics as Cannibal Hollocaust & Cannibal Ferrox, can you tell us how you cam to decide you were going to make a cannibal feature?

Let's get one record straight: Ruggero Deodato and Umberto Lenzi take all my ideas after I show them my scripts. That is why my films might seem similar... because they are dirty theives!

3. Who influenced you the most as a director?

Well like the fire hydrant story, most of my ideas come to me from all walks of real life. I never actually watch a whole film all the way through before I direct my first movie, which is why my point of view is very different than every one else.

4. In 1980 you made a follow up to Pleasures of the Damned Called Isle of the Damned yet this time you shot in Argentina and again the Govt came after you for some crazy allegations that the actors may of been harmed during the making of the film? Can you please tell us a little about that?

It is rediculous. Of course no one was hurt on my movie... these are rediculous lies made up by the actors who survived. The shooting was actually very fun being among real cannibal tribes, and the actor who gets sex in the anus from 20 Yamma Yamma actually thanked me personally after we finish the scene.

5. having gone through so many trials and tribulations as a filmmaker yourself can you give any advice to the struggeling filmmaker out there who just wants to make his first feature & may be overwhelmed or want to give up?

Yes, never give up on your dreams! The film business is a horrible bitch godess that thrives on sucking the blood of the true artist. Be true to yourself and you can slay the fowl beast where she stands and have your way with her soulless body.

6. What does the future hold for You? any upcoming films in the works?

Yes, now that Isle of the Damned is done, I make 2 more adventures for Jack Steele. City of the Damned will take him back home to the United States, followed by Planet of the Damned, which take place far in the future... 2006.

7. Please say something to the fans?

Yes, thank you for watching my movies. Just say no to drugs!

TO WIN A COPY OF ANTONELLO GIALLOS LEGENDARY FILMS PLEASE BECOME A FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG TO QUALIFY THEN JUST POST YOUR EMAIL BELOW WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN MARCH 10TH 2012 GOOD LUCK GOREHOUNDS!

Check Out this New Short Film!

Press Release
February 19, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Prospector’s Curse

A western-themed horror film entitled “The Prospector’s Curse” has wrapped production near the remote town of Ponty Pool, Ontario.  Set during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890’s, the darkly comedic short is Written and Directed by Josh Heisie (‘Mail Order Bride’), Produced by Bruno Marino (‘Anything Goes’) and is currently in Post Production in Toronto, Canada.
The talent lineup for “The Prospector’s Curse” includes David Roberts (‘Curious and Unusual Deaths’), Johnny Quinn (‘Mind’s Eye: The Series’), Amanda Ives (‘I Hate Toronto: A Love Story’) and Robert Nolan (‘Worm’).
Rounding out the creative team are Director of Photography Michael Jari Davidson (‘SICK’), and Special Effects Makeup Artist Carlos Henriques (‘Red: Werewolf Hunter’) of The Butcher Shop.
Tagline
There’s blood in them there hills!

Logline
The vengeful corpse of an old prospector haunts two gold thieves as they struggle for salvation.

Synopsis
Theodore “Tubby” Ellsworth and Jack smith are two criminals on the run, lost in the untamed wilderness.  When they stumble across a mutilated Prospector, dying on Indian ground, they promise to give him a Christian burial.  The fugitives break their oath and steal the old man’s gold…but that night, the Prospector’s corpse returns to make them pay!

Scarlet Fry's Junkfood Horrorfest, A Gritty New Anthology of Straight Gore!

STARRING CALICO COOPER (ALICE COOPER'S DAUGHTER)

Deadly Indie Speaks to Alex Pucci Director of Frat House massacre Also Enter to win a free copy on DVD

Alex
1 Who are your biggest influences as a director in the Horror genre?

I def was influence by many of the Italian film makers like Mario Bava, Dario and pretty much any giallo film.
.I def come from the school of having the death well covered and executed and lots of long lingering shots of the characters final moments..watch for the gloved hand killer in FHM

2. Tell us the idea to make a slasher come about are you a fan of slasher films?

I am def a fan of slashers. I always like the concept of payback and punishment for your actions that to me are at the heart of a good slasher With Frat House we really wanted to explore the consequence of peoples actions. I tend to in many of my horror films try to show how lack of responsibility and accountability in peoples personal lives will rain down upon them a relentless slasher who will be more than happy to jam a hunting knife down their throat. Once our writer Draven Gonzales found this old story about a hazing gone wrong we built the story of FHM from there

3. What advice would you give struggeling filmmakers out there who just want to give up?

Never give up..They key is to work harder than the person next to you. Build a team of people around you, care about those people create something together. The joy of film is it takes SO MANY hands , and brains to make it happen. That creative energy is the most amazing part. I think another aspects is to COMPLETE a project before you start the next one..and then make sure people see it..festivals, personal screenings anywhere you can..if it is not SEEN then it is a very expensive home movie. Also don’t be locked into JUST what you want to see. Pay attention to the fans and know your target audience and give them what they want along with the story you want to tell



4. Whats after Frat House massacre any future projects in the works?

We are super busy right now. We have a feature compilation called ROAD HELL that is seeking distribution and in 2012 our latest feature length thriller INDISCRETION starring the beautiful NIKI RUBIN from FHM and star of Italian film and television Paolo Stella will be ready for festival viewing and distribution. Also, currently in post in Violence of the Mind a modern day LA based serial killer with a sexual twist starring Jon Fleming and Ryan Kibby.



5. What is your favorite horror movie & why

Just one? Twitch of the Death Nerve by Bava as it taught Cunningham how to make Friday the 13th is a classic. The original Halloween as it set the bar for relentless killing machine that are painfully human and the more recent film Frailty as its story is so strong and it lesson of who to fear are so ambiguous

6. Please say something to the fans out there?
Just that you are so very much appreciated for your love of the genre and we will continue to always do our best to bring you films that are fun, smart and deliver something that stimulated the brain as well as the eye!
To win a free DVD copy of Frat House Massacre please post your email in the comments & you must be a follower of this blog to be eligable

Seasons in Hell -Evil farmhouse torture Coming to DVD From WWMM

It seemes to me that the filmmakers had to use several tricks in post to cover up for a lot of technical mistakes made during the production of this film. There is a lot of unecessary camera tricks & effects made to look trippy for really no reason really it's there to make the film seem more interesting then it really is, but aside from that Season in Hell is a pretty interesting take on the torture scene for those who like torture Horror films this one is unique. It starts with two stranded motorists who wind up being held captive by a crazy Redneck who houses a group of crazy girls that seem to worship him & there are also a group of captive girls. When the captive group of girls breaks free they do battle with the crazy cult its pretty freaking cool & a bloodbath too. If you can deal with the weird camera stuff then you'll like this film, but if technical mishaps are something that drives you nuts then stay away from it, all in all i give this film a RANK
6.5/10 for a decent story.

The Deadly Indie Speaks To Upcoming Director James Cullen Bressack

1. Tell us about your upcoming DVD release with shriek show My Pure Joy
MY PURE JOY was the first feature film I ever directed. It is essentially SUPERBAD meets American Psycho on a high concept level. It tells the story completely for the killers perspective and goes deep into his psychosis. I don't want to give away too much but I think everyone will have fun with this one.

2. Who are you biggest influences as a filmmakaer
"I am heavily influenced by alot of Korean films and Korean directors, such as Joon-ho Bong and Chan Wook Park. I also am very influenced by the directors and films in the ULTRA GORE 80's."

3. You also have an anthology you are directing & one your producing also coming out soon can you tell us about those?
"I directed one of the segments in Theater of the Deranged 1 and in Theater of the Deranged 2 but every segment is done by a different director. Same with Treasure Chest of Horrors, I didn't direct any of those but its a collaboration between many directors. I think it's awesome because it gets exposure for peoples short films and its one of the only times a few of us indie directors can really collaborate with one another. I think you guys will enjoy these."

4. What advice would you give struggeling filmmakers out there just trying to finnish their first feature?
"FINISH IT! I've learned the worst thing isn't putting out a product that people may not like, but not putting out a product at all. If you never finish the film, how will you ever know if people would like your style? you wont. So you have to just go for it!"

5. What does the future hold for James Bressack
"I am going into preproduction this week for a new feature film. I cant say too much about it but I have a feeling people will like it :)"

6. What do you think of the state of the horror industry today & do you think its still a viable market?
"HELL YEAH. The fans are there and the fans are loyal. Without the fans there is no market, but luckily there are so many loyal fans within the horror genre!"

7. Do you want to say something to the fans
"Thanks for reading everyone. If you ever wanna chat just add me on twitter @jamescullenb I respond to everyone ! take care and keep on rockin!!! "

Deadly Indie talks Horror anthologies with Today Hottest anthology Directors & then tell us your Favorite Horror anthology & why to enter into a drawing to win a Horror anthology DVD extravaganza!

With anthologies on the rise Deadly indie has taken notice & pays tribute to Horror anthologies & celebrates their comeback with a brief history, The fisrt company to really start capitilizing on the trend was Amicus a british sister studio to Hammer Amicus made over 4 anthology films in a row in the 60's and 70's and was responsible for the original Tales from the crypt,

Also amicus released From beyond the grave, Dr Terrors House of Horrors, The House that Dripped Blood, Torture garden & Asylum to name only a few, not to mention Vincent price also did two Horror anthologies tales of terror & Twice told tales Before He Did a whisper to a scream in the 80's. The 80's also saw another comeback for the Horror anthology of course with Creepshow 1-2 both a huge success at the box office and still to this day with old & new Horror fans.

Again anthologies are making a huge comeback with such straight to dvd hits as Chillerama, Drive in Horror Show & Slices of life to even your B-grade Favorites Like Nightmare Alley, Anthologies are here to stay, Tell us what your favorite anthology is & why & be entered to win an anthology from one of these great directors who we asked the same question below, send in your entry here & have a chance to win eiether Slices of Life, Drive In Horror Show or Nightmare Alley!

Anthony G Sumner/Director of Slices of Life speaks:

"From a Whisper to a Scream (AKA The Offspring) (1987)
The film is a really solid horror anthology comprised of a wraparound story starring Vincent Price as an historian who tells of the morbid supernatural goings-on in the town of Oldfield. Each has its own gruesome twist in the vein of horror comics. I like that the film is played straight for horror and does not go for black humor like other horror anthologies.

Campfire Tales (1997)- I really liked the use of common urban legends for each of the tales in this anthology. it has some genuinely scary moments.

Asylum (1972) An applicant for the head doctor position in an insane asylum is given a test: determine which of the patients is actually the former head doctor, who's now gone insane and assumed a new identity. Really fun and twisted, probably my favorite of the Amicus Productions.

Creepshow (1982)
Maintains a perfect balance of scares, humor, camp and gore. The stories are simple and twisted, the performance are perfectly over the top, and the feel is consistantly trippyfrom begionning to end.

I also love Trilogy of Terror (1975) just for the Zuni Fetish Doll segment".

James Cullen Bressack/ Director & Producer Theater of Derrange & The treasure chest of Horror series speaks:

"My favorite horror anthology is Creepshow, but I also Love 3 extremes and Trick R treat. I think anthologies are great because it feels more like an event then just a film. You get to see a bunch of awesome stories all put together. You also alot of the time get to see different stories from different writers and directors which is also kick ass"

Greg Ansin Producer of Drive in Horrorshow Speaks:

"My favorite anthology movie is Creepshow, because it was my first one. There are lots of great iconic moments in the film - the cockroaches in "They're Creeping up on You", Ted Danson coming back to life as waterlogged zombie, and of course "I want my cake!" It's the gold standard by which all other anthologies are judged. The camerawork and effects perfectly create the tone of the old EC comics, the stories are tight and well written, and the cast is great. Of all the anthology films I've seen, this one has had the biggest impact on my own film, "Drive-In Horrorshow".

Now there are lots of other good anthologies out there: Black Sabbath, Asylum, the Tales from the Crypt tv show - I could go on and on. But Creepshow has a special place in my heart. It has yet to be topped".

ENTER TO WIN CONTEST ENDS MARCH 1ST

BANE-THE SURGEON WILL KILL YOU NOW! COMING TO DVD 4/10/12

Bane: An Experiment in Human Suffering

Four women awake in an underground cell with amnesia. The women soon discover that they are part of an experiment with no obvious purpose. They are visited, one by one, by the SURGEON who cuts a four digit number into each woman's skin...the exact time he will return to kill them. Each woman must quickly piece together the dark secret behind the gruesome experiment and somehow survive the Surgeon's nightly visits of pain, torture and grisly murder. Is there any way to escape? What is the purpose of the experiment? And who or what is screaming every time the lights go out? Be prepared for a shocking ending that will leave you breathless! Best Feature Film at the LA Shriekfest Film Festival

"Utterly Horrifying" Paranormal Mag

"Psycholigical horrors, slasher sensibilities and a sci-fi story makes a AWESOME film" Fatally Yours
RANK 7/10

El Monstro -A Fun Grindhouse Classic!

RANK 8/10

Three gorgeous but deadly hired killers, Beretta, Blondie and Snowball, hole up in a small beachside community to keep a low profile. But this town has a dark secret. The local old sea baron, Joseph tries desperately to warn them to never go into the water. but these crazy vixens listen to no one. So the Kraken awakes! Now along with Joseph and his beautiful granddaughter, Hannah, they must fight for their lives against the furious creature of the deep as the sea rises in a tidal wave of blood.

This is a great little piece from australia a Grindhouse Classic & a real breath of fresh air for B-movie lovers & fans of those classic 60's Gore films Like Herschell Gordon Lewis, Steckler You will love El Monstro Highly recommended Roger Corman Would be proud!

TRAILER TRASH: ATTACK OF THE 30FT CHOLA

In the coming months we at Deadly Indie drive in will be posting regular feature columns at contents Trailer trash will be the first of many & it will just be a way for us to bring to you the trashiest & Rarest indie Horror Trailers we can find for you to sink your fangs into & this one looks priceless.

Coming 5/8/12 From Chemical Burn Ent, She's HOT!!

The old legends tell of serpents giving the seed of knowledge to mankind. As time passed, religions emerged around the world that revered and worshiped it above all else. This knowledge was so great and powerful that it was eventually forced underground and replaced with the cross by ruling factions who sought to destroy all those deemed serpent worshippers. But there was a secret prophecy hidden and protected by an elite few. An old parchment battered and worn over time, was kept safe through the ages. It claimed that one day the genesis of the serpent would begin again, because the seed of the serpent cannot die and will be re-born. Eve, an unsuspecting married woman, is selected for the re-birth and transformed into The Lady of the Dark - emerging as a ravenous, instinctual killer who shows no mercy.

This film really doesn't need to be good but it is,honestly i can just sit here for hrs and drool over the star of this film, she is that cute. Lady of the dark is yet another stellar film By Phillip Gardiner (The Stone, Paranormal Haunting) & would probably be safe to say that this would be his ode to the old Hammer films. This movie really reminded me of those old Vampire Hammer Hotties Like Ingrid pit Ect..Although This is no Vampire Lovers its still a great step in the right direction, the Lady in the dark definitely doesn't sparkle thank god. Gorehounds you will get plenty of Blood & Lots of Boobies in this one I highly recommend it unless you prefer your vampires to be cute guys, then stay away from this one, Lady is for real Horror fans!
RANK 7/10