News

The organizers of Egx 2020 have confirmed their plans to run the event from September 17-20 at London’s Excel center when they hope that the spread of the coronavirus will have been reduced enough to allow such a large gathering to take place.

“We are doing the best we can during this unprecedented time, looking to the future with hope while we work now with diligence, constantly monitoring the situation and following guidance from the UK government,” says David Lilley, head of events for ReedPOP. “This is clearly a situation that will keep evolving and whilst we might not have all the answers right now, we will do all we can to keep everyone informed and updated when we do. In the meantime, we would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our exhibitors and partners who continue to be incredibly supportive of Egx during these challenging times.

We return with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting the recent independent horror news sent our way. Today’s feature includes a trailer for ZombieWorld, casting updates on The Private Eye and Desolation, DVD release details announced for Fantasm, a teaser poster from One Night of Fear, a Q&A with writer, Duncan Ralston, and much more:

ZombieWorld Trailer and DVD Release Details: “ZombieWorld is a horror anthology focusing on survivors across the world as they struggle to overcome horrifying circumstances when a pandemic brings forth a zombie apocalypse. The collection of blood, guts and mayhem will be brought to life by a group of new and up-and-coming directors from around the world that Ruthless Pictures and Dread Central will handpick from short film entries received between April 21, 2014 and May 30, 2014 on Dread Central.com. The work of each chosen director will be featured in the film and will bring...

Qe readers love shorts, so I thought I'd share a bit of news that hit my inbox today. Sideshow Pictures and Harrington Talents have launched The Boneyard, a new online home for free cinematic horrors - offering up a brand new gruesome short film every single Wednesday.

The Boneyard also offers horror fans the opportunity to view a number of Sideshow Pictures' previous acclaimed short films, including Night Of The Pumpkin, The House That Cried Blood, and Children Of The Witch for free - as well as brand new shorts including David Lilley's Rellik - and last Wednesday's new release, George A. Taramas' #Selfie!

Today saw the debut of Home Sweet Home, from Blood Night: The Legend Of Mary Hatchet director Frank Sabatella.

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Creative England has chosen 20 new non-London films for production through its inaugural iShorts programme.

The entry level shorts initiative is aimed at film-makers outside of London who have some experience in self-funded shorts or student films, have written an unproduced screenplay, or have produced work that has not yet attracted financial support from within the industry.

Each project receives £5,000 ($8,400) towards its production budget and ongoing support. They have also received production and development training from Creative Skillset.

Film-makers have been chosen from all over the country, including Exeter, Gateshead and Brighton, with projects that include comedy, horror, magical realism, sci-fi and road movies.

Creative England head of film Chris Moll said: “Over 350 applications went through a rigorous process of assessment that included interviews and workshops at our Talent Centres in Sheffield and Brighton. For the talent we are supporting, we hope this will be a pivotal moment in their filmmaking careers.”

iShorts is supported...

Dancing On Ice star Danny Young's father was sent to jail in 1997 after a pub fight, it has been revealed. According to The Sun, Jack Young, 40, was jailed for 21 months and confessed to manslaughter after a fight with 42-year-old David Lilley. Lilley was left in a coma with a fractured skull and died after 11 days. Lilley's family have now complained about Jack's appearance on the ITV1 ice skating show, where he was seen giving advice to his son about his Rocky-themed routine last week. Jack instructed his son to hit a punchbag and joked that he should pretend (more)...

On Sunday night’s Dancing On Ice, Danny Young was seen being coached by his boxing dad for his Rocky themed routine. It looked like quite a heartfelt moment, full of family bonding but the scenes have prompted complaints to ITV after some suggest that Danny’s dad isn’t quite as nice as he seems.

It turns out that Jack Young was jailed back in 1997 for killing 42 year old David Lilley in a bar room brawl. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

A friend of David’s family told The Sun: “They’re amazed he was allowed on like that.”

David’s brother Keith said: “They know he was a thug. They know he’s been in prison for a killing.

“But they showed him as a boxing trainer and portrayed him as an all-round good guy.”

An ITV spokesman said: “His father...

Vespers is a five minute post-apocalyptic short that takes place in the Victorian era and which takes its name from Christian evening prayers that are often recited in order to protect the soul from things that go bump in the night. Vespers sees its hero pondering his existence as he witnesses death and destruction on a scale never seen before.

Synopsis:

Bristol, England 1880. A mysterious plague has wiped out humanity, the last man alive walks alone looking for survivors. All around him is death and destruction. As he's about to give up all hope, a miracle occurs.

When I first viewed Stephen Gray & David Lilley's short I was struck by the beautiful backdrop of Bristol, particularly the visual appeal of Brunel's famous Clifton Suspension bridge. On the second viewing I better appreciated the irony of the film's ending.

You can watch the entire short after the break.