News

Back in 2002, I witnessed director Neil Marshall’s werewolf movie Dog Soldiers in a packed theatrical screening at a 24-hour horror marathon where the audience around me laughed and cheered at all the right moments. It was a great viewing experience – and because Dog Soldiers was so cool that it could provide an experience like that, I have been rooting for Marshall ever since. His career has had its ups and downs, but I’m always glad to hear he’s working on something new – so I was pleased to see the Variety report that Outlander actor Graham McTavish has signed on to star in Marshall’s latest action horror survival thriller, Gunn.

Although Marshall usually writes his own films, he’ll be directing this one from a screenplay written by Doug Rao that won the Gold Prize at the Page International Screenwriting Awards a while back. The survival horror...

Neil Marshall, who is best known as the director of Dog Soldiers, Hellboy, and episodes of the HBO fantasy drama series Game of Thrones, has lined up his next project and its lead star. According to Variety, the British filmmaker is taking the reins on a new high-concept survival thriller titled Gunn, which is expected to mix action and horror against the backdrop of a secluded offshore platform. House of the Dragon and Outlander actor Graham McTavish is set to star in the upcoming movie, though his role remains undisclosed for now.

Not much is known about Gunn at this time, other than it having a screenplay written by Doug Rao, who recently stepped out to make his feature film directorial debut with the 2024 psychological thriller Dirty Boy, also starring McTavish in one of the movie's lead roles. The script for Gunn is already lauded as it won the Gold...

Dog Soldiers and The Descent director Neil Marshall is moving onto Gunn, with Graham McTavish signing up for the new survival horror.

Director Neil Marshall is heading to an oil rig it seems for his next movie, as he puts together a new survival horror by the name of Gunn.

Penned by Doug Rao (and his screenplay is an award-winner already), the movie will take place on a North Sea oil rig that’s been overtaken by a religious sect. It sounds a bit The Wicker Man in the middle of the ocean when described like that. Graham McTavish has signed on the dotted line to lead the movie.

Neil Marshall has form in this genre too, of course. Films such as Dog Soldiers and The Descent sit on his curriculum vitae, and he’s also behind movies such as Doomsday and Centurion. More recently, he directed the 2019 take on Hellboy,...

Graham McTavish is set to star in Gunn from director Neil Marshall, Variety reports.

The survival horror film is set against the savage isolation of a North Sea oil rig overtaken by a pagan sect.

Doug Rao wrote the script, which one the Gold Prize at the Page International Screenwriting Awards. Rao recently wrote and directed psychological thriller Dirty Boy, also starring McTavish.

Production is expected to start later this year in Bulgaria and the U.K., with Rao producing alongside Mark Myers and John Hermann.

The project is being packaged in the run up to the Cannes Film Market with sales discussions currently underway.

The post ‘House of the Dragon’ Actor Graham McTavish to Star in ‘Gunn’ from ‘The Descent’ Director Neil Marshall appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Graham McTavish, best known for his roles in “The Hobbit” and “Outlander,” is set to star in “Gunn,” an action-horror film directed by Neil Marshall.

“Gunn,” written by Doug Rao, is a survival horror set against the savage isolation of a North Sea oil rig overtaken by a pagan sect. The screenplay for “Gunn” won the Gold Prize at the Page International Screenwriting Awards.

Rao recently made his directorial debut with the psychological thriller “Dirty Boy” which also starred McTavish and won Best Film at the Maverick Movie Awards. “Gunn” marks Marshall’s return to high concept thrillers such as “Dog Soldiers” and “The Descent.”

Mark Myers will produce under his Citizen Skull banner – whose credits include the recently produced “Northanger Abbey,” “Manson Family Vacation Lair” and “I Hate Myself and Want to Die” — alongside John Hermann (“Standing Up”) and Rao.

The project is currently being packaged in the run...

Mandy Del Rio and Citizen Skull Management (Csp Management) have signed award-winning Actor and Filmmaker Carolyn Bridget Kennedy to theatrical and commercial representation. Carolyn, a comedy and improv maven, appears in the 4th season of the Award-winning Netflix original series “The Umbrella Academy” and in ABC Studios comedy series “How to Die Alone”. Her own projects have garnered over 150 awards from film festivals around the globe, including wins for Leading Actress and Best Actress in a Comedy.

“I am thrilled to expand my representation with Citizen Skull across the board by adding Mandy to my incredible team. She is industrious, tireless and enthusiastic – all wonderful traits to have in a manager”, said Kennedy.

Del Rio is a talent manager with over 10 years of industry experience, including 6 years in casting. Her work spans both sides of the camera giving her a deep understanding of the creative process.

“I’m beyond excited...

A new creature feature is on its way, and it's being helmed by a director with a direct connection to the genre's historic past.

According to Deadline, the infamous Sasquatch is heading to theaters as STX Entertainment and Citizen Skull Productions are putting their support behind the upcoming horror film, Bigfoot. John Asher is set to direct, with a script penned by Jordan Reid. In the upcoming film, "A beast terrorizes a modern housing development in a small mountain town. The attacks lead to the towns new sheriff fighting for her daughters life." There is no word yet on the cast, but filming is expected to begin this fall.

Related A Legendary 93-Year-Old Horror Masterpiece Is Coming to Peacock Next Month

One of horror history's most celebrated movies is coming to Peacock in September.

Asher, director of features such as A Boy Called Po and I Hate Kids, will tackle...

Director John Asher (Diamonds) is headed out into the woods to find Bigfoot, with Deadline announcing the upcoming Sasquatch horror movie in an exclusive report this week.

The site details the STX Entertainment and Citizen Skull Productions project, “In this latest addition to the bigfoot myth, a beast terrorizes a modern housing development in a small mountain town. The attacks lead to the town’s new sheriff fighting for her daughter’s life.”

Jordan Reid wrote the screenplay for Bigfoot.

[Related] The Grandaddy of Found Footage – ‘The Legend of Boggy Creek’ 50 Years Later

Interesting to note, Deadline’s report mentions that John Asher is actually the grandson of E.M. Asher, an associate producer on the classic films Dracula (1931) and Frankenstein (1931).

“Ever since the release of Jaws, moviegoers have been terrified of the water. Once they see Bigfoot, they’ll never go into the forest again,” Asher said in a statement to Deadline.

Exclusive: STX Entertainment and Citizen Skull Productions are behind new creature feature, Bigfoot.

In this latest addition to the bigfoot myth, a beast terrorizes a modern housing development in a small mountain town. The attacks lead to the town’s new sheriff fighting for her daughter’s life.

Pic heralds from director John Asher (Diamonds) and first-time screenwriter Jordan Reid.

The film is slated to shoot this fall in the remote Crystal Mountains of Washington State. Casting is in process.

Asher’s previous directing credits include the indie features A Love Like This, A Boy Called Po, and Miramax’s Diamonds, as well as the TV series One Tree Hill.

Bigfoot marks the filmmaker’s first venture into the horror landscape, a genre he has a family connection to given that his grandfather E.M. Asher was an associate producer on iconic monster movies Dracula (1931) and Frankenstein (1931).

Reid comes to screenwriting...

Los Angeles, CA, July 30, 2024 – Jonathan Reiner and Citizen Skull Management (Csp Management) have signed award-winning Actor and Filmmaker Carolyn Bridget Kennedy for voice over representation. Carolyn, a comedy and improv maven, appears in the 4th season of the Award-winning Netflix original series “The Umbrella Academy” and in the upcoming ABC Studios comedy series “How to Die Alone”. Her own projects have garnered over 150 awards from film festivals around the globe, including wins for Leading Actress and Best Actress in a Comedy.

“Jonathan’s diverse industry experience and intuitive management skills are an important addition to my stellar team. I am delighted to be working with Citizen Skull”, said Kennedy.

Jonathan Reiner is an Emmy-winning writer and producer whose credits include “The Bachelorette” (ABC), “Steve Harvey’s Funderdome” (ABC), and “Gene Simmons: Family Jewels” (A&e). He has a wealth of experience running field and post for major production companies, cable networks,...

Exclusive: Stephen Dorff (True Detective), John Rhys-Davies (The Lord Of The Rings) and Beau Bridges (Matlock) are attached to join true crime action-drama Fruit of the Poisonous Tree.

The trio join Scott Haze, Joel Courtney, Willa Fitzgerald, Dermot Mulroney, Wilson Cruz, Tait Fletcher, Courtney Gains and British singing Hrvy.

Edith Productions is behind the project, which is being lined up to shoot in April in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Veteran director Fritz Kiersch (the original Children of the Corn) and casting director-producer Shayne Hartigan (Slayers) are aboard for the movie which is being made in association with Ken DuBow and Jonathan DuBow of DuBow Media Distribution, which will continuing to discuss the film with buyers at the EFM.

The film will delve into the Operation Powerstroke police file, a detective’s multi-year investigation into a police-protected crime ring.

Kiersch wrote the screenplay. Producer is Hartigan and EP is Mark Myers.

Sonia Nassery Cole to direct drama based on life of ethnomusicologist Dr. Ahmad Sarmast.

Sonia Nassery Cole, director of Afghanistan’s 2010 Oscar submission The Black Tulip, is lining up to direct The Last Piano In Afghanistan for Citizen Skull And Shadowplay Features.

The producers have announced the project in Cannes, where they are meeting with sales agents ahead of a late 2023 shoot in Morocco.

The Last Piano In Afghanistan is based on the life of ethnomusicologist Dr. Ahmad Sarmast, who grew up loving music and relocated from Afghanistan to Australia under Taliban rule, only to return home after the US-led invasion in the early 2000s.

Tegan and Sara hit the beach and bust out their best sad Chris Martin impressions in the video for their new song, “Yellow.”

Directed by Mark Myers, the video pays homage to Coldplay’s own clip for their 2000 hit, “Yellow,” with Tegan and Sara — just like Martin — walking down an empty beach on a gray, drizzly day as they sing their song. Tegan and Sara’s “Yellow” is a dreamy pop tune that balances bits of bubblegum with heart-on-sleeve sincerity: “This bruise ain’t black it’s yellow,” goes the chorus “My sweet heart breaks,...

Exclusive: Andy Palmer has signed on to direct When They Come For Me as his next film, after wrapping production on the comedy The Re-Education of Molly Singer, starring Britt Robertson, Nico Santos, Jaime Pressley and Holland Roden.

The thriller from Citizen Skull Productions tells the story of six trapped locals during a lightning storm at Stonehenge that creates an electrical dome, where survival means fighting off ancient souls trying to take over their bodies.

German actors Werner Daehn and Adrienne McQueen are attached to star in the pic, which will shoot next year in Europe. Patricia Beauchamp, Alix Reeves and Adrienne McQueen wrote the script, with Liz Fuller, Matt Prater, Michael Roesch and Mark Myers set to produce for Citizen Skull.

***

Exclusive: Writer-director Matthew Fifer (Strand Releasing’s Cicada) has wrapped production on Treatment, a new LGBT-themed psychological horror film produced for Shudder,...

Gravitas Ventures has acquired North American distribution rights to At the Ready, the documentary from Maisie Crow that follows three El Paso teenagers who embark on careers in law enforcement as the debates surrounding immigration and police reform in America reach fever pitches. The doc will be released in theaters and on digital platforms October 22.

Crow’s film focuses on students at El Paso’s Horizon High School, 10 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, who are part of a criminal justice club, which includes mock-ups of drug raids and active-shooter takedowns as they eye careers with the Border Patrol and in policing and customs enforcement. They soon discover their choices may clash with the values and people they hold most dear.

Crow, Hillary Pierce and Abbie Perrault are producing. Gravitas previously released Pierce’s immigration doc The River and the Wall.

Gravitas’ Huggins and Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal...

Gravitas Ventures has acquired North American rights to Undergods, a fantasy thriller anthology movie directed by Chino Moya in his feature directorial debut. A May 7 day-and-date release in theaters and on-demand is planned.

The pic is a collection of darkly humorous fantasy tales about failed societies and doomed fortune told via a pair of corpse collectors who roam the desolate streets of an unknown city chatting humorously about their dreams, in which a series of men see their worlds fall apart through a visit from an unexpected stranger.

Geza Rohrig, Johann Meyers, Ned Dennehy, Hayley Carmichael, Michael Gould, Khalid Abdalla, Jan Bijvoet, Eric Godon, Tanya Reynolds, Tadhg Murphy, Katariina Unt, Sam Louwyck, Kate Dickie, Adrian Rawlings and Burn Gorman star.

Gravitas’ VP Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal with Kirk D’Amico of Myriad Pictures, which continues to handle worldwide sales.

***

Veteran TV director Matthew Penn has been set to Badge of Trust,...

A is for Acquisition! Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s company Screen Media has acquired the North American rights to HBO’s Street Gang: How We Got To Sesame Street ahead of its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. Screen Media is set to release the docu in theaters and into the home entertainment market in Spring 2021. The HBO Documentary Film will debut on HBO and HBO Max later in the year.

Inspired by Michael Davis’ New York Times best-selling book and directed by Marilyn Agrelo (Mad Hot Ballroom), the documentary chronicles the improbable origins and expansion of the groundbreaking show that not only changed children’s television programming, but had real-world effects on equality, education, and representation worldwide.

In Street Gang: How We Got To Sesame Street, we are re-introduced to the visionary “gang” of mission-driven artists, writers, and educators that audaciously interpreted radical changes in society...

A documentary about the beloved children’s show “Sesame Street” is coming to HBO Documentary Films called “Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street,” and the film will debut in 2021.

The documentary film is directed by Marilyn Agrelo and follows the work of Muppets creator Jim Henson along with some of the other pivotal voices who helped bring “Sesame Street” to the air in the 1960s and made it a household name for generations.

“Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street” is specifically inspired by the civil rights movement and focuses on the first two experimental and groundbreaking decades of “Sesame Street,” highlighting this visionary “gang” that audaciously interpreted radical changes in society and engaged children in ways that entertained and educated them like never before.

People like media executive Joan Ganz Cooney and Sesame Workshop co-founder Lloyd Morrisett wanted to use television as an educational and impactful...

Cleopatra Entertainment has obtained the North American distribution rights to Get Gone, a thriller starring Lin Shaye (Insidious franchise), Rico E. Anderson (Apple TV+‘s Truth Be Told), Robert Miano (Girls Trip), Adam Bitterman (Chicago P.D.), and Weston Cage Coppola (Lord of War). Written and directed by first-timer Michael Thomas Daniel, the plot centers on a group of Internet hoax busters on a team-building retreat led by a local outdoor guide (Bitterman). Things quickly go sideways when the hoax team crosses paths with the backwoods Maxwell family who’s currently warring with an invasive drilling company. And once the hoax team’s hidden agenda comes to light, things get much worse. Bailey Coppola, Bradley Stryker, and Emily Shenaut also co-star. The pic will be released theatrically in NY, La, and Ohio on January 24 followed by a VOD release on January 28, as well as a DVD/ Blu-Ray...

Focus Features is in advanced negotations to acquire worldwide rights to “Street Gang,” Marilyn Agrelo’s documentary exploring the “Sesame Street” phenomenon. HBO has acquired U.S. streaming and broadcast rights, Variety has learned.

Introduced to buyers at the Afm by the Exchange, “Street Gang” is partly based on Michael Davis’ best-selling book of the same name published in 2008. It charts the creation of the groundbreaking puppet series which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year and has become a cultural and social phenomenon.

“Street Gang” sheds light on the most experimental period of the children’s show, and features behind-the-scene footage, as well as interviews with co-creators Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett, original head writer Norman Stiles, as well as some original cast members and puppeteers including Big Bird puppeteer Caroll Spinney and Prairie Dawn puppeteer Fran Brill.

“Street Gang” is being by produced by Macrocosm Entertainment and Citizen Skull Productions.

Film explores global TV phenomenon.

The Exchange has added worldwide sales rights to Sesame Street documentary Street Gang from Mad Hot Ballroom director Marilyn Agrelo, and will launch sales at the Afm next week.

CEO Brian O’Shea announced the acquisition on Monday (22) and said, “This is a story for all of us. Sesame Street has served as a cultural touchstone for multiple generations of children, in the U.S. and around the globe.”

Street Gang goes inside the hearts and minds of the Sesame Street creators to understand how they produced the show, and what it was like to...

Peter Facinelli, Keir Gilchrist, Aubrey Peeples, Ione Skye, Jimmy Bennett, Felicity Price and Taylor Dearden are cast in Heartthrob, an indie from writer-director Chris Sivertson. The film is described as a teen romance that spirals out of control and becomes a teen thriller, but details of the plot and the characters were not provided. Production is under way on the feature from Citizen Skull Productions, which also features Jimmy Bennett. Mark Myers and Michael Moran…...

Plus: Production begins on Battle Of The Sexes; Cac reports record ad revenues in 2015; FilmRise acquires National Bird; and more

Roughly 69% of the audience for David O Russell’s Joy in the Us was aged 50 and over, while the demographic captured 70% of the audience for The Theory Of Everything.

The data came out of a CinemaCon panel on Wednesday called Movies For Grown-Ups: Films For An older, Loyal And Growing Theatre-Going Audience.

The session include a comment by Russ Collins of Art House Convergence that the group will cease advertising in newspapers later this year because “it’s so ineffective” in the tech-savvy age.

The Us cinema advertising industry reported record revenues in 2015 of $716.4m, according to the Cinema Advertising Council. The result marked a 13.4% year-on-year climb from $631.9m and was announced at CinemaCon on Wednesday.Little Miss Sunshine co-directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris have begun production for Fox Searchlight on Battle Of the Sexes. [link...

Plus: Production begins on Battle Of The Sexes; Cac reports record ad revenues in 2015; FilmRise acquires National Bird; and more

Roughly 69% of the audience for David O Russell’s Joy in the Us was aged 50 and over, while the demographic captured 70% of the audience for The Theory Of Everything.

The date came out of a CinemaCon panel on Wednesday called Movies For Grown-Ups: Films For An older, Loyal And Growing Theatre-Going Audience.

The session include a comment by Russ Collins of Art House Convergence that the group will cease advertising in newspapers later this year because “it’s so ineffective.”

The Us cinema advertising industry reported record revenues in 2015 of $716.4m, according to the Cinema Advertising Council. The result marked a 13.4% year-on-year climb from $631.9m and was announced at CinemaCon on Wednesday.Little Miss Sunshine co-directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris have begun production for Fox Searchlight on Battle Of the Sexes. Steve Carell and [link...

Jane Henriksen has joined Mark Myers as partner of Csp Management, the recently formed management arm of Citizen Skull Productions. The former president of Henriksen Talent Management brings with her veteran actor Lance Henriksen (Aliens), Danielle Bisutti (Insidious: Chapter 2) and Adam Korson (Hot In Cleveland). Citizen Skull Citizen Skull produces films, TV and digital content and is now shooting the indie thriller The Deep End starring The Royals’ Alexandra Park and…...

Jane Henriksen has joined Mark Myers as partner of Csp Management, the recently formed management arm of Citizen Skull Productions. The former president of Henriksen Talent Management brings with her veteran actor Lance Henriksen (Aliens), Danielle Bisutti (Insidious: Chapter 2) and Adam Korson (Hot In Cleveland). Citizen Skull Citizen Skull produces films, TV and digital content and is now shooting the indie thriller The Deep End starring The Royals’ Alexandra Park and…...

Plus: Lisandro Alonso’s Argentinean film Jauja wins at Cinema Tropical; Dell, Adrien Grenier launch short film contest; and more…

Daisy Ridley From Star Wars: The Force Awakens has joined Morgan Spurlock on the executive producer roster for Sundance selection The Eagle Huntress.

Otto Bell directed the Sundance Kids Premiere selection about Aisholpan, a 13-year old Mongolian girl who strives to become the first female eagle hunter in 2,000 years of male dominated history. Aisholpan plans to attend the festival.

“I was deeply moved by Aisholpan’s story and wanted to be a part of this beautiful film,” said Ridley. “I feel audiences and young girls around the world will be as inspired by her story as I was, and I am so proud to share her journey with the world.”

Lisandro Alonso’s Argentinean film Jauja starring Viggo Mortensen won top honours for best Latin American film of the year at the sixth annual Cinema Tropical Awards...

Plus: At Sundance, Dell, Adrien Grenier launch short film contest and Vimeo announces female filmmaker support.

Lisandro Alonso’s Argentinean film Jauja starring Viggo Mortensen won top honoursfor best Latin American film of the year at the sixth annual Cinema Tropical Awards in New York on Thursday night.

Panamanian film Invasion by Abner Benaim was named Best Latin American documentary, while Jayro Bustamante’s Ixcanul was honoured with prize Best First Film.

Chile’s Pablo Larraín was named best director for The Club and Mexico’s Betzabé García best director of a documentary for Kings Of Nowhere. For the full list of awards click here.

Vimeo announced in Sundance an initiative to close the gender-equality gap called Share The Screen. The platform will invest in five projects from women this year and provide marketing support and global distribution via Vimeo On Demand. Saturday Night Live cast member Aidy Bryant’s Darby Forever is the first original short from...

Exclusive: Alexandra Park, who stars on E! original series The Royals, has been tapped to star in the indie thriller The Deep End from writer-director Matt Eskandari. Eskandari and Michael Hultquis co-wrote the pic, about two sisters who become trapped under the fiberglass cover of a public pool. The movie shoots in Los Angeles beginning this month. Mark Myers of Citizen Skull Productions is producing. Park plays Princess Eleanor on E!’s Royals, which was just renewed for…...

Mark Myers’ film and television company has set a January start in and around Los Angeles on Matt Eskandari’s thriller.

Eskandari (pictured) and Michael Hultquis co-wrote The Deep End, about two sisters who become trapped under the fiberglass cover of a public pool.

Manson Family Vacation and Experimenter executive producer Myers will be overseeing the production along with executive producers Fernando Szew, Sharon Bordas and Hannah Pillemer.

Eskandari directed IFC Midnight feature Victim and Lionsgate’s Game Of Assassins. He is represented by Gerry Pass of Chrome Artists and Hultquist with Zero Gravity, who helped broker the deal.

In "Jobs for Rent" - available in its entirety at the bottom of this page courtesy of SnagFilms - filmmaker Michelle Paster explores the issue of 20-somethings finding jobs in today's economy. "Jobs for Rent" Director: Michelle Paster Producers: Michelle Paster, Mark Myers Writers: Michelle Paster, Mark Myers 36 minutes [Disclosure: SnagFilms is the parent company of indieWIRE] The full short, "Jobs for Rent" is available free on SnagFilms (and at the end of this article). This interview with Michelle Paster is part of a new series of SnagFilm filmmaker profiles that will be featured weekly on indieWIRE. So what's the story here? "Jobs For Rent" follows the emotional and financial journeys of three 20-somethings in their endless pursuit for careers amid the economic recession. Enter the world of the overachieving lawyer, struggling artist, and wandering Starbucks employee, knowing you are...

Film: Exit 33 Directed By: Tommy Brunswick Written By: Mark Myers, Norman Koza Staring: Kane Hodder, Antoinette Nikprelaj and Jerry Reid Kane Hodder fans will love Exit 33; he gets a ton of screen time as the star of the film. For the most part Hodder fits the character perfectly until he shows his sensitive side. I like Kane Hodder killing people better, and you do get to see some of that. Another plus to Exit 33 is we get to see the ever so sexy Antoinette Nikprelaj. Despite the few pluses Exit 33 is destined for the bargain bin.

Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood) is taking off the mask to star as Ike in the upcoming indie horror feature Exit 33. This is not a turnpike that you want to take! At the end of this highway lies a serial killer, who likes to treat young women like something out of an anatomy class. Antoinette Nikprelaj as Angie and Maria Hildreth as Eva are tied up, dissected and scalped in all sorts of horrifying ways, in the mature trailer below. Fans of the truly terrifying can pick up this traumatizing tale on DVD August 2nd, through Breaking Glass Pictures and this is the day that Hodder shows all his torture skills from a lifetime of participating in horror films.

The synopsis for Exit 33 is here:

"A few miles off Exit 33 lies Ike’s Last Chance Gas, an old, forgotten hideaway where the...