Sorry Kevin!! Kevin of KROQ's Kevin & Bean Show gets clowned for his cameo performance in DARK REEL. Pretty funny. "Excuuuse me" Check it out!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
HorrorHound Magazine Picks DARK REEL as a "Choice Cut"
Check out the March/April issue of HorrorHound magazine on page 17. See the good company that Dark Reel keeps too.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
WHERE TO BUY AND/OR RENT DARK REEL
Because you asked...
Family Video has the best price and super speedy delivery. Google for discount coupons and you'll probably find free shipping too. They also rent Dark Reel.
Tower Video
Movie Web
CD Universe
Amazon
CineGreen
Netflix
Hollywood Video
Blockbuster.com
...and soon at 15,000 Redbox outlets.
Don't know what to say about the Blu-Ray as we're having a hard time finding them as well as you seem to be. Amazon has it but the price is sky high. Will let you know when it's more widely available because it looks and sounds terrific on Blu-Ray.
Family Video has the best price and super speedy delivery. Google for discount coupons and you'll probably find free shipping too. They also rent Dark Reel.
Tower Video
Movie Web
CD Universe
Amazon
CineGreen
Netflix
Hollywood Video
Blockbuster.com
...and soon at 15,000 Redbox outlets.
Don't know what to say about the Blu-Ray as we're having a hard time finding them as well as you seem to be. Amazon has it but the price is sky high. Will let you know when it's more widely available because it looks and sounds terrific on Blu-Ray.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
BILL GIBRON = A Critic Who "Got It"
Check out this latest review of Dark Reel.
The man knows whereof he speaks being a member of two prestigious film critic associations.Here's a taste:
The Product:
With remakes a'plenty and a true dearth of originality, one could argue that the horror film is (once again) on its last legs. Of course, the moment we critics complain about such things, something new and unusual like Asian fright films or torture porn comes along and restocks the fright fuel tanks - at least, temporarily. Still, it seems that over the last few years the genre has been stuck in an endless cycle of revamps, reimaginings, and retardation. So when something like Dark Reel comes along, it's hard to know what to say. On the one side, it's a typical killer on the loose title, a masked madman (or woman) with an unhealthy vendetta and a means of murdering those who wronged him/her. On the other hand, what director Josh Eisenstadt tries to do here is truly novel. He wants to build a believable movie, one motivated by plot, people, and a particular sense of humor instead of inventive deaths. The horror is just a subtext, not the film's sole reason to exist. The result is something truly unusual and entertaining, that is, if you're willing to forgive its occasional flaws.
Thank you for your wise and insightful review, Mr. Gibron. May your tribe increase!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Thought of the Day
We liked this quote and think it has relevance in many aspects of today's world -- not just the world of film.
"Failure, in my book, is someone who lives in the safety of their laptop
taking shots at those who actually achieved what they have been unable
to do."
Monday, March 23, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
MONDO CELLULOID REVIEW
Thanks so much to Logan Crow of the eclectically exotic website Mondocelluloid.com for this well written, thoughtfully considered review of Dark Reel. Logan caught up with us at the Paranoia Horror Film Festival screening last Sunday.
Here's a teaser but make sure to follow the link for the full length review.
DARK REEL
Josh Eisenstadt’s 2008 slasher-horror/ghost story/comedy Dark Reel is a film of many surprises. This tale of a haunted film shoot, in which scantily-clad actresses are picked off one by one by a masked killer (or is it a ghost?), is smarter than your average straight-to-DVD horror flick, and twice as much fun. It is also presents many surprising revelations, smashing a few preconceptions one may have had about films of the genre, and perhaps most interestingly, about some of the genre’s most popular players. To name but a few eye-openers…
Also check out this two-part interview he did with Rena Riffel while aboard the Queen Mary.
Logan Crow -- smarter than your average film critic by a long shot...
Sunday, March 15, 2009
SUNDAY, MARCH 15 Red Carpet Screening Queen Mary
Tonight is the night when Dark Reel will screen at the PARANOIA HORROR FILM FEST aboard the haunted QUEEN MARY in Long Beach, CA.
We are expecting several of the films stars including Tony Todd, Lance Henriksen, Tiffany Shepis and Rena Riffel.
The show begins at 6:00 PM.
The first film is a short ("Eulogy"), followed by a trailer for our own RENA "Det. LaRue" RIFFEL'S 'TRASHERELLA" and then "DARK REEL."
After the screening there's an award ceremony and other gatherings. Should be a ghostly good time!
We are expecting several of the films stars including Tony Todd, Lance Henriksen, Tiffany Shepis and Rena Riffel.
The show begins at 6:00 PM.
The first film is a short ("Eulogy"), followed by a trailer for our own RENA "Det. LaRue" RIFFEL'S 'TRASHERELLA" and then "DARK REEL."
After the screening there's an award ceremony and other gatherings. Should be a ghostly good time!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Dark Reel Scars Magazine Cover
Yeah! That looks good! The first 2009 issue of SCARS is featuring a bevy of DARK REEL beauties on the cover plus interviews with Tony Todd, Tiffany Shepis and Lance Henriksen on the inside. Check out JANUARY on the SCARS 2009 calendar and you'll see Tiffany Shepis starts out the New Year.
GNOME KILLER 2 was shot last weekend and is shaping up in the editing room as we speak. Gnome Killer, the Original, was one of Connor Pritchett's pet projects over at the mythical Spotlight National Films movie studio. If you've already seen Dark Reel in a festival screening, you know what I'm talking about. But if you are like so many others who have been eagerly anticipating the DVD release of the film, you'll have to wait and see. Lucky you! You'll get to catch both GK1 and GK2 at the same time!
I WANT IT I WANT IT I WANT IT...
I know you do. And have it you will with just a little more patience. On MARCH 10 -- that's a TUESDAY -- 2009 you'll be able to pick up your copy/copies of Dark Reel at a store near you. More details to come but mark that date on your new SCARS calendar!!
DARK REEL is the OFFICIAL selection!
DARK REEL is the official selection of
September 16-21, 2008 in Bloomington, Indiana
Don't forget to visit the Dark Reel booth at Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors in Los Angeles. Meet our Cast, Director and Producer! Tiffany Shepis, Tony Todd, Lance Henriksen, Rena Riffel...
DARK REEL at FANGORIA's WEEKEND OF HORRORS!!!
Dark Reel Meets Fango Fans!!
Dark Reel Cast Greets Fango Fans
Tarzana, CA, April 24, 2008 --(PR.com)--
Is it Halloween in April? No, it’s just Fangoria’s Weekend of Horror at
the L.A. Convention Center this weekend. The gorno-horror picture “Dark
Reel” will have a booth there. So this is your opportunity to meet the
talent and get an autograph or photo op.
Fangoria ‘s Weekend of
Horrors is an annual event that boasts eerie exhibitors, vicious
vendors, creepy costumes and more. Get your fill of gore and guts and
check out Dark Reel at Booth 503.
“Dark Reel” is a film within
in film and on top of that, the pre-production is a story in itself.
Take one young man (Director, Josh Eisenstadt) equipped with a UCLA degree, a couple no-budget video features and a zest for film. Add an ex-gang banger
(Producer, David Forline) equipped with nothing more than bravado and
chutzpah. Mix well and several months later – out pops a movie – and a
really good one at that.
This retro-style story combines horror,
romance, a little humor, and surprise - a well-written plot and a
recognizable cast. It's the story about the tragic death of a 50s
starlet "Scarlett May" (Alexandra Holden). Fast forward to modern day,
when real life Scream Queen, Tiffany Shepis, plays fictional Spotlight
National Films Scream Queen, "Cassie Blue." Mix in a horror movie fan
"Adam Waltz" (Edward Furlong) with a walk-on role and several deaths
and dismemberments later, he’s the prime suspect. But is he the “reel”
killer?
This film also stars a bevy of beauties in addition to
Shepis: Mercedes McNab, Rena Riffel Kate Orsini – who will be on site,
as well as Jasmine Worth, Frankie Sin, Nicole Malgarini, and Brooke
Lyons. The actors that round out this superb cast and will be on hand
include Lance Henriksen, and Tony Todd.
So be the first to get movie memorabilia and rub elbows with the stars before the upcoming US theatrical release.
“Dark Reel” was just signed by Spotlight Pictures to represent foreign distribution and will be at Cannes.
####
Jenapher Forline
jen@reapersforge.com
www.darkreel.com
Tarzana, CA, April 24, 2008 --(PR.com)--
Is it Halloween in April? No, it’s just Fangoria’s Weekend of Horror at
the L.A. Convention Center this weekend. The gorno-horror picture “Dark
Reel” will have a booth there. So this is your opportunity to meet the
talent and get an autograph or photo op.
Fangoria ‘s Weekend of
Horrors is an annual event that boasts eerie exhibitors, vicious
vendors, creepy costumes and more. Get your fill of gore and guts and
check out Dark Reel at Booth 503.
“Dark Reel” is a film within
in film and on top of that, the pre-production is a story in itself.
Take one young man (Director, Josh Eisenstadt) equipped with a UCLA degree, a couple no-budget video features and a zest for film. Add an ex-gang banger
(Producer, David Forline) equipped with nothing more than bravado and
chutzpah. Mix well and several months later – out pops a movie – and a
really good one at that.
This retro-style story combines horror,
romance, a little humor, and surprise - a well-written plot and a
recognizable cast. It's the story about the tragic death of a 50s
starlet "Scarlett May" (Alexandra Holden). Fast forward to modern day,
when real life Scream Queen, Tiffany Shepis, plays fictional Spotlight
National Films Scream Queen, "Cassie Blue." Mix in a horror movie fan
"Adam Waltz" (Edward Furlong) with a walk-on role and several deaths
and dismemberments later, he’s the prime suspect. But is he the “reel”
killer?
This film also stars a bevy of beauties in addition to
Shepis: Mercedes McNab, Rena Riffel Kate Orsini – who will be on site,
as well as Jasmine Worth, Frankie Sin, Nicole Malgarini, and Brooke
Lyons. The actors that round out this superb cast and will be on hand
include Lance Henriksen, and Tony Todd.
So be the first to get movie memorabilia and rub elbows with the stars before the upcoming US theatrical release.
“Dark Reel” was just signed by Spotlight Pictures to represent foreign distribution and will be at Cannes.
####
Jenapher Forline
jen@reapersforge.com
www.darkreel.com
Dark Reel Cast
Directed by
Josh Eisenstadt
DREW BERENC ... associate producer
JESSE PATE...associate producer
John and Amy Dowdle ... executive producer
David Forline ... producer
Jenapher Forline ... co-producer
Jenapher Forline ... line producer
Pamela Kunisawa ... co-producer
Cast - in credits order
Edward Furlong ... Adam Waltz
Lance Henriksen ... Connor Pritchett
Tiffany Shepis ... Cassie Blue
Tony Todd ... Det Shields
Alexandra Holden ... Scarlett May
Mercedes McNab ... Tara Leslie
Rick Baker ... First Mate
Kevin Ryder ... Mr. Humphrey
Tracey Walter ... Roy White
Jeffrey Vincent Parise ... Derek Deeds
Emmanuel Xuereb ... Harris Briggs
Jake Grace ... Rhett Johnson
Matt Bushell ... Bandana Man
Rena Riffel ... Det LaRue
Kate Orsini ... Lorraine Wilson
Whit Hertford ... Chef
Nicole Malgarini ... Kelly
Brooke Lyons ... Tanya Kismen
Ethan Kogan ... 1st AD
Rebeka Montoya ... 2 AC
Other credited cast listed alphabetically
Drew Berenc ... Alloicious T. Zims
Lila Dean ... Pirate Wench
Dayna Delux ... 50's Glamours Girl
Dragon Dronet ... Gnome Killer
Cliff Feldman ... 50's Bartender
Barry Ford ... Dale Cross
Damian Steel Forline ... Gnome Killer boy
Tate Hanyok ... Elizabeth Proteggo
Scott Leet ... Officer Willoughby
Julia Lehman ... Waitress
Jacey Margolis ... Cindy
Tracy Mork ... Helga T. Zims
Justin Neill ... Sound Guy
Rouhi Savoji ... Pirate Wench
Frankie Sin ... 50's Waitress
Tony Snegoff ... Shadow Killer
Denise Vaughn ... Newscaster
Daniel Wisler ... Tall Man
Jasmine Worth ... 50's Bar Patron
Cinematographers
Charles Rose
Editors
Rebecca Grace
Casting Directors
Joe Lorenzo
Production Designers
Meg Pinsonneault
Set Decorators
Chris Doremus
Costume Designers
Ivy Thaide
Make Up Department
Dina Marinelli ... key makeup artist
Nicole Michaud ... special effects hair: Prosthetic Make-up Studio
Christine Nelli ... key hair stylist
Second Unit Directors or Assistant Directors
Seth Boston ... second assistant director: second unit
J.D. Denison¹ ... second second assistant director
Travis Gerndt ... second assistant director
Cassandra B. Laymon ... first assistant director
Will Newman ... first assistant director: additional photography
Art Department
Daisy Mullen ... property master
Kevin Senior ... set dresser
Sound Department
Mike Hostettler ... boom operator
Leah Moritz ... sound utility
Ted Phillips ... sound mixer
Visual Effects Department
Tammy Sutton ... compositor
Dan Walker ... compositor
Stunts
Danny Downey ... stunt double: Edward Furlong
Tony Snegoff ... stunt coordinator
Camera and Electrical Department
Gary C. Beaird ... key grip
Tony Bringas ... camera production assistant
David Carstens ... camera loader
Peter Cote ... grip
Joe Crowder ... electrician
Brandon Dolson ... film loader: second unit
Adam Duffy ... electrician
Stan Eng ... gaffer: additional photography
Alex Gordon ... electrician
Jeff Guidry ... camera crane operator
Jeff Guidry ... dolly grip
Carl Helder ... best boy grip
Lochlan M. Hickok ... electrician
David Howard ... underwater first assistant camera: second unit
Marcus Kellum ... additional second assistant camera
Matthew Knudsen ... grip
Erwin Landau ... camera operator
Erwin Landau ... steadicam operator
Sebastian Lumme ... camera crane technician
Brandon Musselman ... additional dolly grip
Brandon Musselman ... grip
Jon Myers ... additional steadicam operator
Michael Parry ... underwater cinematographer: second unit
Dustin Penrod ... gaffer
Felix Salzman ... still photographer
Kenichiro Tanaka ... camera loader
James Vasquez ... second assistant camera
Joseph Walsh ... additional first assistant camera
Brenda Zuniga ... first assistant camera
Casting Department
Lila Dean ... casting associate
Danielle Lenniger ... casting associate
Costume and Wardrobe Department
Tera Struck ... assistant costume designer
Editorial Department
Corinne Bogdanowicz ... digital intermediate colorist
Margherita Di Paola ... first assistant editor
John Dobrich ... assistant editor
Transportation Department
Louis Dargenzio ... transportation coordinator
Jim DePue ... transportation captain
Miscellaneous Crew
Christopher Anderson ... set production assistant
Brian Fertal ... set service
Erin Forrest ... script supervisor
Javier Galaviz ... production assistant
Hillary Hunting ... production assistant
Tiffany J. Johnson ... production assistant
Tiffany Johnson ... production assistant
Steven Luna ... production assistant
Mark Napier ... production coordinator
Lindsey Quintana ... key set production assistant
Kiran Kaur Saini ... additional script supervisor
Daniel Tellez ... production assistant
Josh Eisenstadt
Writers
Aaron Pope Written by
DREW BERENC ... associate producer
JESSE PATE...associate producer
John and Amy Dowdle ... executive producer
David Forline ... producer
Jenapher Forline ... co-producer
Jenapher Forline ... line producer
Pamela Kunisawa ... co-producer
Cast - in credits order
Edward Furlong ... Adam Waltz
Lance Henriksen ... Connor Pritchett
Tiffany Shepis ... Cassie Blue
Tony Todd ... Det Shields
Alexandra Holden ... Scarlett May
Mercedes McNab ... Tara Leslie
Rick Baker ... First Mate
Kevin Ryder ... Mr. Humphrey
Tracey Walter ... Roy White
Jeffrey Vincent Parise ... Derek Deeds
Emmanuel Xuereb ... Harris Briggs
Jake Grace ... Rhett Johnson
Matt Bushell ... Bandana Man
Rena Riffel ... Det LaRue
Kate Orsini ... Lorraine Wilson
Whit Hertford ... Chef
Nicole Malgarini ... Kelly
Brooke Lyons ... Tanya Kismen
Ethan Kogan ... 1st AD
Rebeka Montoya ... 2 AC
Other credited cast listed alphabetically
Drew Berenc ... Alloicious T. Zims
Lila Dean ... Pirate Wench
Dayna Delux ... 50's Glamours Girl
Dragon Dronet ... Gnome Killer
Cliff Feldman ... 50's Bartender
Barry Ford ... Dale Cross
Damian Steel Forline ... Gnome Killer boy
Tate Hanyok ... Elizabeth Proteggo
Scott Leet ... Officer Willoughby
Julia Lehman ... Waitress
Jacey Margolis ... Cindy
Tracy Mork ... Helga T. Zims
Justin Neill ... Sound Guy
Rouhi Savoji ... Pirate Wench
Frankie Sin ... 50's Waitress
Tony Snegoff ... Shadow Killer
Denise Vaughn ... Newscaster
Daniel Wisler ... Tall Man
Jasmine Worth ... 50's Bar Patron
Cinematographers
Charles Rose
Editors
Rebecca Grace
Casting Directors
Joe Lorenzo
Production Designers
Meg Pinsonneault
Set Decorators
Chris Doremus
Costume Designers
Ivy Thaide
Make Up Department
Dina Marinelli ... key makeup artist
Nicole Michaud ... special effects hair: Prosthetic Make-up Studio
Christine Nelli ... key hair stylist
Second Unit Directors or Assistant Directors
Seth Boston ... second assistant director: second unit
J.D. Denison¹ ... second second assistant director
Travis Gerndt ... second assistant director
Cassandra B. Laymon ... first assistant director
Will Newman ... first assistant director: additional photography
Art Department
Daisy Mullen ... property master
Kevin Senior ... set dresser
Sound Department
Mike Hostettler ... boom operator
Leah Moritz ... sound utility
Ted Phillips ... sound mixer
Visual Effects Department
Tammy Sutton ... compositor
Dan Walker ... compositor
Stunts
Danny Downey ... stunt double: Edward Furlong
Tony Snegoff ... stunt coordinator
Camera and Electrical Department
Gary C. Beaird ... key grip
Tony Bringas ... camera production assistant
David Carstens ... camera loader
Peter Cote ... grip
Joe Crowder ... electrician
Brandon Dolson ... film loader: second unit
Adam Duffy ... electrician
Stan Eng ... gaffer: additional photography
Alex Gordon ... electrician
Jeff Guidry ... camera crane operator
Jeff Guidry ... dolly grip
Carl Helder ... best boy grip
Lochlan M. Hickok ... electrician
David Howard ... underwater first assistant camera: second unit
Marcus Kellum ... additional second assistant camera
Matthew Knudsen ... grip
Erwin Landau ... camera operator
Erwin Landau ... steadicam operator
Sebastian Lumme ... camera crane technician
Brandon Musselman ... additional dolly grip
Brandon Musselman ... grip
Jon Myers ... additional steadicam operator
Michael Parry ... underwater cinematographer: second unit
Dustin Penrod ... gaffer
Felix Salzman ... still photographer
Kenichiro Tanaka ... camera loader
James Vasquez ... second assistant camera
Joseph Walsh ... additional first assistant camera
Brenda Zuniga ... first assistant camera
Casting Department
Lila Dean ... casting associate
Danielle Lenniger ... casting associate
Costume and Wardrobe Department
Tera Struck ... assistant costume designer
Editorial Department
Corinne Bogdanowicz ... digital intermediate colorist
Margherita Di Paola ... first assistant editor
John Dobrich ... assistant editor
Transportation Department
Louis Dargenzio ... transportation coordinator
Jim DePue ... transportation captain
Miscellaneous Crew
Christopher Anderson ... set production assistant
Brian Fertal ... set service
Erin Forrest ... script supervisor
Javier Galaviz ... production assistant
Hillary Hunting ... production assistant
Tiffany J. Johnson ... production assistant
Tiffany Johnson ... production assistant
Steven Luna ... production assistant
Mark Napier ... production coordinator
Lindsey Quintana ... key set production assistant
Kiran Kaur Saini ... additional script supervisor
Daniel Tellez ... production assistant
Production Companies
Dark Reel Productions (USA) Tarzana, CA:
PO Box 571342
Tarzana, CA 91357
USA
http://www.darkreel.com
spectersrock@aol.com
reaper@reapersforge.com
Sacramento International Film and Music Festival 2008
Show your support for Dark Reel By clicking on the link below
http://sacfilmandmusic.bside.com/2008/films/darkreel_sacfilmandmusic2008
http://sacfilmandmusic.bside.com/2008/films/darkreel_sacfilmandmusic2008
If you're in the neighborhood, stop on by
AUGUST 16
SATURDAY NIGHT
11:00 PM
for our screening at the prestigious
9th Annual SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL FILM AND MUSIC FESTIVAL!
Expect to see members of the cast and crew as we screen DARK REEL in a fantastic 975 seat
Art Deco Movie Palace 
Thank you Dark Reel Fans!!!!
DARK REEL is DARK CARNIVAL FILM FESTIVAL'S BEST FEATURE FILM!
Bloomington, Indiana
September 20, 2008
Dark Reel wins the Carny Award at Dark Carnival Film Festival forBest Feature Film!!!!!
Early supporters of Dark Reel, David Pruett and Ashley Robison and the crew deserve a round of applause for having organized a great, crowd-pleasing event. Thanks for the hospitality. Bloomington ROCKS!
September 20, 2008
Dark Reel wins the Carny Award at Dark Carnival Film Festival for
Best Feature Film!!!!! 
Early supporters of Dark Reel, David Pruett and Ashley Robison and the crew deserve a round of applause for having organized a great, crowd-pleasing event. Thanks for the hospitality. Bloomington ROCKS!We LOVE the Coveted Carny and Upcoming Festival
Something about these two images looks mighty fine...
If you are anywhere near Chicago (that means YOU Detroit, Cleveland, Toronto, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis) come see us at the CHICAGO HORROR FILM FESTIVAL Friday Night at 7:45 at the Portage Theater. Q&A to follow the screening.
CHECK US OUT AT THE UPCOMING EERIE HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
We are very excited to be a part of the...
...in (you guessed it!) ERIE, Pennsylvania! Check out their films and if you are anywhere between Buffalo to Cleveland, make the effort to show up at the BEAUTIFUL WARNER THEATER. They truly don't build them like this anymore!
OCTOBER 11, SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7:00 PM. Be there or be square!
UPDATE: Just found out that Dark Reel is nominated for BEST FEATURE FILM in EHFF. Good news!
...in (you guessed it!) ERIE, Pennsylvania! Check out their films and if you are anywhere between Buffalo to Cleveland, make the effort to show up at the BEAUTIFUL WARNER THEATER. They truly don't build them like this anymore!
OCTOBER 11, SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7:00 PM. Be there or be square!
UPDATE: Just found out that Dark Reel is nominated for BEST FEATURE FILM in EHFF. Good news!
SHRIEKFEST this weekend!
SHRIEKFEST!!!!!!!!!!
This is going to be a fantastic event! 3 days, 12 feature films and many more shorts at the Chaplin Theater RALEIGH STUDIOS
in the heart o' Hollywood. The Chaplin Theater has been a home away
from home for director Josh Eisenstadt and he is looking forward to
screening there once more on...
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
(this weekend!)
3:30 PM
(which give you lots of time to go out and party later that night)
Q&A with Eisenstadt and several of DARK REEL'S actors (TBA)
(this weekend!)
3:30 PM
(which give you lots of time to go out and party later that night)
Q&A with Eisenstadt and several of DARK REEL'S actors (TBA)
SCHEDULE
Tickets at Shriekfest website or at the door.
Tiffany Shepis best actress award!
TIFFANY 
SHEPIS
won the
BEST ACTRESS AWARD
for her portrayal of
"Cassie Blue"
in
this past weekend at the
Congratulations on this well-deserved prize, Tiff!!!
SHEPIS won the
BEST ACTRESS AWARD
for her portrayal of
"Cassie Blue"
in
this past weekend at the
Congratulations on this well-deserved prize, Tiff!!!
FULL UP TO DATE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
AUGUST 15-17
FRIGHT NIGHT FILM FEST
Louisville, KY
SCREENING: AUGUST 16, 8:00PM
AUGUST 8-17
SACRAMENTO INT'L FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sacramento, CA
SCREENING: SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 11:00 PM
SEPTEMBER 11-13
BOOTLEG FILM FESTIVAL
Glasgow, Scotland
SCREENING: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
SEPTEMBER 1-6
IX SEMANA INTERNACIONAL DE CINE FANTASTICO Y DE TERROR ESTEPONA
Estepona, SPAIN
SCREENING: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 10:00 PM
SEPTEMBER 16-21
DARK CARNIVAL FILM FESTIVAL
Buskirk-Chumley Theater in Bloomington, IN
SCREENING: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 10:00 PM
AWARD NOMINATIONS:
BEST FEATURE FILM UPDATE = WINNER!
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
BEST SCREENPLAY
BEST EDITING
SEPTEMBER 26-28
CHICAGO HORROR FESTIVAL
Portage Theater in Chicago, IL
SCREENING: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 7:45 PM
Q&A to follow
AWARD NOMINATIONS:
BEST FEATURE FILM
BEST ACTRESS (YAAY! Tiffany Shepis!) UPDATE = WINNER!
OCTOBER 2-5
SHRIEKFEST
Raleigh Studios
Chaplin Theater
5300 Melrose Ave.
HOLLYWOOD
SCREENING: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 3:30 PM
Q&A to follow
OCTOBER 9-12
EERIE HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
Warner Theater in Erie, PA
SCREENING: OCTOBER 11, 7:30 PM
AWARD NOMINATION:
BEST FEATURE FILM
OCTOBER 17-19
ARIZONA UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL
The Loft Cinema in Tucson, AZ
SCREENING: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 9:00 PM
WINNER: BEST OF THE FEST
OCTOBER 28-NOVEMBER 2
AMBERG HORROR FEST
Amberg, GERMANY
SCREENING: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 9:00 PM
OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 6
SOUTH AFRICAN HORRORFEST
Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA
SCREENING: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2:00 PM
NOVEMBER 6 - 10
QUEENS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Crown Plaza La Guardia
Queens, New York, NY
SCREENING: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 10:00 PM
JANUARY 16-18, 2009
BOURNE TO DIE FILM FESTIVAL
The Regent Centre in Christchurch, Dorset, England
SCREENING: TBA
FRIGHT NIGHT FILM FEST
Louisville, KY
SCREENING: AUGUST 16, 8:00PM
AUGUST 8-17
SACRAMENTO INT'L FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sacramento, CA
SCREENING: SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 11:00 PM
SEPTEMBER 11-13
BOOTLEG FILM FESTIVAL
Glasgow, Scotland
SCREENING: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
SEPTEMBER 1-6
IX SEMANA INTERNACIONAL DE CINE FANTASTICO Y DE TERROR ESTEPONA
Estepona, SPAIN
SCREENING: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 10:00 PM
SEPTEMBER 16-21
DARK CARNIVAL FILM FESTIVAL
Buskirk-Chumley Theater in Bloomington, IN
SCREENING: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 10:00 PM
AWARD NOMINATIONS:
BEST FEATURE FILM UPDATE = WINNER!
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
BEST SCREENPLAY
BEST EDITING
SEPTEMBER 26-28
CHICAGO HORROR FESTIVAL
Portage Theater in Chicago, IL
SCREENING: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 7:45 PM
Q&A to follow
AWARD NOMINATIONS:
BEST FEATURE FILM
BEST ACTRESS (YAAY! Tiffany Shepis!) UPDATE = WINNER!
OCTOBER 2-5
SHRIEKFEST
Raleigh Studios
Chaplin Theater
5300 Melrose Ave.
HOLLYWOOD
SCREENING: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 3:30 PM
Q&A to follow
OCTOBER 9-12
EERIE HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
Warner Theater in Erie, PA
SCREENING: OCTOBER 11, 7:30 PM
AWARD NOMINATION:
BEST FEATURE FILM
OCTOBER 17-19
ARIZONA UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL
The Loft Cinema in Tucson, AZ
SCREENING: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 9:00 PM
WINNER: BEST OF THE FEST
OCTOBER 28-NOVEMBER 2
AMBERG HORROR FEST
Amberg, GERMANY
SCREENING: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 9:00 PM
OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 6
SOUTH AFRICAN HORRORFEST
Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA
SCREENING: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2:00 PM
NOVEMBER 6 - 10
QUEENS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Crown Plaza La Guardia
Queens, New York, NY
SCREENING: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 10:00 PM
JANUARY 16-18, 2009
BOURNE TO DIE FILM FESTIVAL
The Regent Centre in Christchurch, Dorset, England
SCREENING: TBA
Dread Central Review
Dark Reel (2008)
Reviewed by Melissa Bostaph
Starring Tiffany Shepis, Edward Furlong, Lance Henriksen, Tony Todd, Rick BakerDirected by Josh Eisenstadt
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Every once in a while I come across a cinematic gem that just needs to be doted upon. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, I will do my best to make sure everyone knows about it. They may not agree with me, but I can guarantee they will hear about it at least a hundred times before I’m done…
And then I’ll just start over!
Dark Reel is one such film. When judging submissions for the Eerie Horror Film Festival, I always try to keep my expectations lower than normal because I know I’m watching indie films instead of major productions, but it is always nice to be pleasantly surprised by talent! Josh Eisenstadt hit the nail right on the head with this one and damn near buried it on the first whack!
Adam Waltz (Furlong) is a quirky, down on his luck fan-boy who wins a walk-on role in a local B-movie, but his small part begins to grow as the cast of the film shrinks at the hand of a vicious murderer. Of course because Adam is benefiting from the sudden deaths of his co-actors, he becomes the number one suspect in the crimes. Detective Shields (Todd) and his partner are bound and determined to get to the bottom of the murders, which are beginning to point to an all but forgotten murder case, but are they focusing on the wrong person?
Furlong (T-2, Detroit Rock City) and Todd (Candyman, Hatchet) are joined by Lance Henriksen (Aliens, Pumpkinhead), sexy B-movie scream princess Tiffany Shepis, and even effects wizard Rick Baker in this delightfully wicked dark comedy. All deliver solid performances, although Hendriksen did seem to take his role to just this side of absurd at times. And let me just say that never have I seen Tiffany Shepis shine the way she did in her role as Cassie Blue! It was so refreshing to see her showcased in a way that brought out every ounce of talent and loveliness that all too often gets covered and disguised under too much make-up, cheesy scenarios, and uncomfortable whorish qualities by less competent directors.
This brilliant casting is only made stronger by the cleverly written story, great kills and make-up effects, and fantastic direction. My only “reel” complaints are the slightly lengthy runtime, which could be trimmed down a bit, and the considerably cheesy haunting effects of the long dead Scarlett May. Unfortunately, these ethereal images wind up more ghastly than ghostly.
All in all, though, Dark Reel is a damn enjoyable slasher flick with a sick flair of humor that keeps the audience off guard and guessing to the twisted end. It’s no wonder that it is enjoying a great run on the festival circuit right now, including being a selection of the Eerie Horror Film Festival. Congrats to the cast and crew on your well deserved success!
SHRIEKFEST & NEXT WEEKEND AT EERIE IN ERIE!
Phew! October is the horror film festival season and what a blast we're having!
SHRIEKFEST in Hollywood was fantastic today with Dark Reel cast members Tony Todd, Jeffrey Vincent Parise, Matt Bushell, Jake Grace, Barry Ford, Jim Kaufman (Opiate for the Masses) and writer Aaron Pope showing up for the screening. After -- how long has it been? -- six months without any rain it looked like today would be the day for real weather in LA. The temperature dropped. It drizzled a little in the morning but by showtime, the sun was shining. It's great to have a hometown festival where travel time doesn't involve a trip to LAX. Thanks to Denise and Todd for a well-organized good time and there's still more Sunday!
Next weekend is the well-regarded EERIE HORROR FILM FESTIVAL. Greg Ropp is another special film festival director dedicated to celebrating independent horror films. Dark Reel screens at 7:00, Saturday October 11. For all horror fans in the tri-city area (do they call it that?) of Buffalo, Cleveland, and Erie, you have no choice but to take time out from what you'd otherwise be doing and show up at the magnificent Warner Theater. Do you even realize how fortunate you are to have a classic movie palace like this in your turf? They will have several horror genre greats on hand including Rodrigo Gudino of Rue Morgue and Sid Haig.
See you there!
SHRIEKFEST in Hollywood was fantastic today with Dark Reel cast members Tony Todd, Jeffrey Vincent Parise, Matt Bushell, Jake Grace, Barry Ford, Jim Kaufman (Opiate for the Masses) and writer Aaron Pope showing up for the screening. After -- how long has it been? -- six months without any rain it looked like today would be the day for real weather in LA. The temperature dropped. It drizzled a little in the morning but by showtime, the sun was shining. It's great to have a hometown festival where travel time doesn't involve a trip to LAX. Thanks to Denise and Todd for a well-organized good time and there's still more Sunday!
Next weekend is the well-regarded EERIE HORROR FILM FESTIVAL. Greg Ropp is another special film festival director dedicated to celebrating independent horror films. Dark Reel screens at 7:00, Saturday October 11. For all horror fans in the tri-city area (do they call it that?) of Buffalo, Cleveland, and Erie, you have no choice but to take time out from what you'd otherwise be doing and show up at the magnificent Warner Theater. Do you even realize how fortunate you are to have a classic movie palace like this in your turf? They will have several horror genre greats on hand including Rodrigo Gudino of Rue Morgue and Sid Haig.
See you there!
SOUTH AFRICAN HORRORFEST & QUEENS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
This week brings us acceptance into two more film festivals. The first is the South African Horrorfest in Cape Town, SA. This will be an African premiere and we're excited to be screening on our THIRD continent.
UPDATE: Screening SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2 at 2:00 PM
Here's their description:
• DARK REEL
Starring Lance Henriksen (Aliens), Edward Furlong (Terminator 2), Tony Todd (Candyman), Tiffany Shepis (Nightmare Man), Mercedes McNab (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Rena Riffel (Mulholland Drive), Tracy Walter (The Silence Of The Lambs). A film shoot (which incorporates a fan who won a walk-on role) turns nasty when actors are viciously murdered. Dark secrets from the past start reaching into the present.
are
viciously
murdered.
Dark
secrets
from
the
past
start
reaching
into
the
present.
Next is the Queens International Film Festival in the borough that is home to LaGuardia Airport. Looking at the Google maps, I see it almost across the street from the airport. So any of you with private jets that might like to fly in and walk a short distance can take advantage of the airport proximity. Unfortunately for those of us in Los Angeles, there is no non-stop flight into LaGuardia but who can resist a trip to the Big Apple and environs!
UPDATE: SCREENING FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 at 10:00 PM
UPDATE: Screening SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2 at 2:00 PM
Here's their description:
• DARK REEL
Starring Lance Henriksen (Aliens), Edward Furlong (Terminator 2), Tony Todd (Candyman), Tiffany Shepis (Nightmare Man), Mercedes McNab (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Rena Riffel (Mulholland Drive), Tracy Walter (The Silence Of The Lambs). A film shoot (which incorporates a fan who won a walk-on role) turns nasty when actors are viciously murdered. Dark secrets from the past start reaching into the present.
are
viciously
murdered.
Dark
secrets
from
the
past
start
reaching
into
the
present.
Next is the Queens International Film Festival in the borough that is home to LaGuardia Airport. Looking at the Google maps, I see it almost across the street from the airport. So any of you with private jets that might like to fly in and walk a short distance can take advantage of the airport proximity. Unfortunately for those of us in Los Angeles, there is no non-stop flight into LaGuardia but who can resist a trip to the Big Apple and environs!
UPDATE: SCREENING FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 at 10:00 PM
NEW REVIEW from FATALLY YOURS
Fatally Yours of Fatally Yours Horror Reviews made our day a little brighter yesterday with this killer review!
You always hold your breath before reading a review. It takes time to ease into it. Is it going to be positive? Is it going to be negative? Should you stop before going on...
The opening paragraph told me it was safe to dive in. Thanks FT!
In attendance at the annual Shriekfest Film Festival this year, I was lucky enough to catch the quirky and enjoyable Dark Reel, helmed by first time horror director Josh Eisenstadt and written by Aaron Pope. Dark Reel managed to both skewer big-studio politics as well as thrill viewers with some wonderfully nasty kills!
Read in its entirety here.
SCARS, GNOMES and RELEASE DATE!
Yeah! That looks good! The first 2009 issue of SCARS is featuring a bevy of DARK REEL beauties on the cover plus interviews with Tony Todd, Tiffany Shepis and Lance Henriksen on the inside. Check out JANUARY on the SCARS 2009 calendar and you'll see Tiffany Shepis starts out the New Year.
GNOME KILLER 2 was shot last weekend and is shaping up in the editing room as we speak. Gnome Killer, the Original, was one of Connor Pritchett's pet projects over at the mythical Spotlight National Films movie studio. If you've already seen Dark Reel in a festival screening, you know what I'm talking about. But if you are like so many others who have been eagerly anticipating the DVD release of the film, you'll have to wait and see. Lucky you! You'll get to catch both GK1 and GK2 at the same time!
I WANT IT I WANT IT I WANT IT...
I know you do. And have it you will with just a little more patience. On MARCH 10 -- that's a TUESDAY -- 2009 you'll be able to pick up your copy/copies of Dark Reel at a store near you. More details to come but mark that date on your new SCARS calendar!!
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