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The Mayhem Horror Film Festival 2013

Mayhem Horror Film Festival is one of the many current cutting edge events that will bring to the screens the very best in our favourite genre; including both film and television with a showcasing of the best selection of shorts. 

The festival will run from Thursday 31^st October to Sunday 3^rd November 2013, at the Broadway Cinema, in Nottingham; a great start to Halloween. Now the festival is in its ninth year it promises to bring the audiences gut-wrenching and spine tingling horror.  Steven Sheil director of Mum and Dad (2008), who runs the festival (with fellow Nottingham filmmakers Chris Cooke and Gareth Howell) states that there should be 16 films as well as a selection of shorts for us all to enjoy.

"They'll all be preview screenings; they won't have been released in the UK yet, and some of them won't be released until next year." 

And it's not just horror at Mayhem. Steven states that

"We make it quite broad. It's not just ultra-gory stuff; its ghosts to splatter films and everything in between, plus sci-fi and cult. And these are films from around the world. We try to give a snapshot of what's happening in the world of horror and cult cinema at Mayhem every year."

 He adds: 

"We do TV as well. A few years ago we had the cast and crew of Being Human here to talk about the series and introduce the new one. That was quite a big hit."

The event attracts around 2000 people with some attendees - regulars – who will book a holiday off work to attend. There will be premieres, new releases and even previews to cult classics. And of course we can’t forget to mention the special screenings, breakthrough shorts and a host of special guests - usually directors and producers – with a questions and answers session to ask them all you would like to know about their horror film.

This will be a very unique experience- one which I will gladly go through. Mayhem will offer some exciting viewing for the audiences attending across the four days of horrific madness and mayhem.

I have been lucky enough to be given a day pass granting me the opportunity to attend the festival on Saturday 2^nd of November 2013. 

I will be viewing the following films that are sure to delight and disturb…

THE DEMON'S ROOK - Dir. James Sizemore, 2013 (USA) (James Sizemore, Ashleigh Jo Sizemore)

After making a childhood pact with a demon; a grown-up Roscoe returns from the underworld with mystical powers. But three demons pursue him: one who possesses the minds of all she crosses, another who can transform a man into a beast and the third who commands an army of the dead. Utterly hysterical blood-spurting fun - a DIY homage to all pre-CGI gore effects. “Insane.” Dread Central!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3ILJvfXfMw&list=PL3CC5163715E8FE76

 

 

KISS OF THE DAMNED - Dir. Xan Cassavetes, 2013 (USA) (Roxane Mesquida, Joséphine de La Baume)

Having sworn off humans, young vampire Djuna finds peace with her new partner, only for her less hung-up sister to invade their tranquillity and threaten the whole vampire community. An impressively stylish, slyly funny and decadent mix of 70s sexy vampirism: think Tony Scott's The Hunger crossed with Jean Rollin. “Pure kitsch. Sumptuously goofy gothic.” L.A. Times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t994rn3Huzc

 

THE BORDERLANDS with special guests Director Elliot Goldner and Producer Jennifer Handorf

Dir. Elliot Goldner, 2013 (UK), (Gordon Kennedy, Robin Hill)

A couple of Vatican investigators head to an isolated country church to report on supernatural activity and find much more than they bargained for in this chilling tale co-written by Severance Screenwriter James Moran. Is what haunts this remote location fake or horribly real? Expertly using sound to create genuine chills, Goldner slowly moves the story from humour to true horror.

SCARY SHORTS - Dir. Various. 2013 (International)

A stunning showcase of the best new short film talents from across the globe and closer to home, featuring Bio-Cop from Astron-6, the team behind last year’s amazing hit Manborg. This selection brings you a cornucopia of creeps, a menagerie of monstrosity and a smorgasbord of scares.

 

 THE MACHINE with special guests Director Caradog James and Producer John Giwa-Amu

Dir. Caradog James. 2013 (UK), (Toby Stephens, Caity Lotz)

In a near-future cold war, Britain is on the brink of developing a game-changing weapon, ‘The Machine’. But when a programming error causes the prototype to run amok, scientist Vincent McCarthy decides to create a truly conscious killing machine. Incredibly designed and thoroughly human, The Machine is a dazzling triumph of independent British cinema. “Slickly designed and beautiful... radical.” Fangoria.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11gYUqlw9RM

I am genuinely looking forward to seeing what new horror will disturb and excite me. With previous films such as American Mary (which is personally one of my favourites at the minute), there is a lot to be expected. Will Mayhem excite, disturb, tease and inspire our film lovers this year? All shall be revealed…

Posted by Lea Weller 

Back to Derby University For the MA in Horror and Transgression

 

 

 

Well I am enrolled and I have paid my fees so I am all ready to start University...again. The MA in Horror and Transgression is a very unique degree which allows the student to research in depth into horror shown in it's many forms. Combining both taught and research modules the course allows you to explore the many different approaches used in the humanities sector. Within the course there is the chance to undertake various paths of research, whether critical or creative, in fields such as; Film Studies, Media Studies, American Studies, Creative Writing, English Literature and Theatre Studies. What are the boundaries of culture and society? How do we analyse these different limits? A quote from Derby University's website states that

"Through the analysis of culture we understand what defines us collectively 

and individually as humans and what is beyond the human." 

Clive Barker one of the great Horror directors (Hellraiser, Dread, Book of Blood) fully supports the MA in Horror and Transgression saying

 

"Thank you for Raising Hell in Derby!"

Including cinema and literature from different global locations, the MA will enhance your research skills aswell as your knowledge. Those interested in theoretical and/or philosophical developments such as the ideas of Nietzsche to Bataille, Foucault, Kristeva, and Deleuze and transgressive writers, such as Burroughs, Ballard and Burgess.

With the UK rich in Horror history; this MA  seems to be in the perfect position for, as director of Mum and Dad, Steve Sheil states;

"further establishing the genre as a rich source of social, political and cultural significance."

Take a look at the University of Derby. If you need something different then Derby may have just what you need. I for one cannot wait for the semester to start. 

Keep Calm and Watch Horror!

Hellraiser and The University of Derby’s MA in Horror and Transgression

Clive Barker’s British horror classic Hellraiser is rumoured to be getting a makeover; like other classic horror films such as Evil Dead (a remake with some class!) Hellraiser the reboot will keep its hedonistic stories of ultimate pleasure and betrayal; pushing boundaries beyond the imagination of the human mind and even psyche.

Sonar Entertainment is also planning a Hellraiser TV series.  The new CEO Stewart Till said

"I've spent more time in film than in television, and I see that a lot of values of film, which are great writers, great directors, are becoming more and more relevant in television. The gap between an O.K. show and a great show is getting bigger and bigger and our obsession going forward will be to find high quality shows that people really want. If you look at our slate, you'll see shows that have either a great brand name like King Tut or Hellraiser that arrive with a recognition, a build-in marketing platform and/or a great writer like 'MPH' with Steven E. de Souza."

  

 Sonar is co-developing the television series with Eric Gardner from Panacea Entertainment. Gardner will executive produce along with Larry Kuppin, whose own company New World Entertainment is behind the first two "Hellraiser" films.

Synopsis

One of the most successful (and terrifying) franchises in film history is ready for its weekly television debut.

For over 25 years, fans have followed the exploits of an insidious villain named Pinhead, summoned from a nightmarish underworld by an ancient puzzle box. He will seduce you with power and tempt you with fear, until your soul belongs to him.

Now, for the first time, a weekly series set in the fantastic realm of Hellraiser will thrill audiences worldwide.

Yes I did just say that. I personally will be awaiting that one!

 

Let’s hope Clive Barker thinks the same. Talking of Barker; I am due to start a unique master’s degree at The University of Derby and below is a little insight to it. If you like horror you will love this degree!

The UK has a long history of horror and it has become increasingly popular and more acceptable over the past few decades. The MA in Horror and Transgression will examine diverse forms of horror and transgression internationally. Those interested in philosophy and theoretical views and analyses will get a rich source of knowledge from the course, examining theories such as those of Julia Kristeva, Georges Bataille, Michel Foucault and Gilles Deleuze among others.

When undertaking the MA in Horror and Transgression you will not only explore varied approaches in Humanities but you will also be able to develop your own unique skills and investigate your own interests within the field of horror and transgression. There is opportunity to take your research project in a variety of disciplines including English Literature; Theatre, Media or Film studies; Creative writing and American Studies.

This new innovative course at Derby University allows the student to examine their research both critically and creatively using the international expertise of valued writers and academics. Aided by current published researchers you will be able to develop knowledge of your chosen field of research.

The themes of Horror and Transgression explore what our limits consist of and the boundaries of culture and society. 

(Derby University Website, MA in Horror and Transgression)

We have an understanding of the ‘norm’ and when this line of the ‘norm’ is crossed we have transgression. Crossing the limits of set boundaries within society; whether they are moral or social, can cause many problems for the established standard of behaviour. We analyse culture to understand what is ‘human’ and what is ‘not human’.

 

One aspect I am particularly excited about is the fact that the course has the backing of the great horror writer and director Clive Barker (Hellraiser, Dread). Anyone interested in Horror in any form would enjoy this course.

The course is available to study one year full time or two or three years part time. I applied to start this September and I got an unconditional offer and yes I accepted.

Please take a look at the course. If you love horror in any form; not just film, but literature and more - this is the right course for you! 

Please take a closer look by clicking on the links below.

www.derby.ac.uk

 

http://derby.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/humanities-horror-transgression-ma/

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Exclusive Script Pages for Truth or Dare (2013) Directed by Jessica Cameron

As I said before, our Director Jessica Cameron states:

“I’m phenomenally excited to tackle my very first film as a producer and co-writer. If only I could find a director who wasn’t scared of the material. After all, when it comes to the torture porn genre, is there really such a thing as ‘too far’ or ‘too much?’”

Ok so I have been granted special permission to use these exclusive pages of the script for Truth or Dare so enjoy!! Here is part of the official script for the film…

 

EXCLUSIVE SCRIPT PAGES!!!

Meanwhile, the exhausted and terrified group of players are all seated with their hands bound as sweat and tears drip down their faces. The group has all been injured from playing a round of the vicious game and the reality of death looms in the air. A heavy stench of forthcoming pain sits at the forefront of everyone’s minds. They fearfully look at Derik who continues to walk around the circle of players as if he is taking an easy Sunday afternoon stroll. Tony is in a state of disbelief and shock when he is approached by Derik.

 

DERIK (CONT’D)
Back to you, Tony. Truth or dare?

 

TONY
Fuck (beat) Either one really fucking blows (beat). Dare.

 

DERIK
I…dare…you

 

Derik walks towards his bag and retrieves a large combat knife. It glistens in the reflection from the light. Tony’s eyes widen as he takes a good look at the jagged knife.

TONY
(panicked) What the fuck?

 

DERIK
To…cut…both of your nipples off.

 

TONY
(shocked) What?!

 

DERIK
I don’t think you need me to repeat the instructions or the repercussions if you fail in completing
your dare.

 

Derik smirks as he looks at Tony, who tries to shy away from Derik’s twisted demeanor.

DERIK (CONT’D)
It’s like ripping off a band-aid, the quicker you do it, the faster it’s over.

 

Tony looks at the knife on the floor. He slowly picks it up and his hands begin to shake. He starts to profusely sweat and rock back and forth. His nervous system is fried and his vision starts to
blur. Derik points the gun at Tony’s head.

DERIK (CONT’D)
Don’t do anything but the dare. You remember the rules.

 

Tony looks at his teammates to his left and right. His heart pounds inside of his chest as he stands there with the knife in his hand.

DERIK (CONT’D)
(impatient)
Don’t look at them! They have nothing to do with your dare!

 

Tony begins to stand up, but Derik interjects.

DERIK (CONT’D)
Sit back down, there is no need to stand. After all, if you’re standing and you pass out after completing your dare, you could hurt yourself. We can’t have that, can we? We want everyone to play for as long as they can.

 

Tony sits back down, releasing a frustrated sigh as he begins to panic and breath heavily.

TONY
I can’t fucking do it.

 

DERIK
You know what the alternative. One!

 

Derik cocks the gun hammer back.


Tony exhales quickly and rolls his shoulders.

DERIK
(yelling)
Two!

 

Tony starts to lift his shirt up. He places the blade to the outer edge of his nipple and lightly presses into his chest before letting up on the pressure he was applying.

DERIK
(yelling)
Three!

 

TONY
(panicking)
Okay! Okay!

 

A single tear streams down Tony’s face as he hesitates. Tony looks up at the gun aiming at him from across the circle of players and he puts the tip of the knife back on his chest while grabbing his nipple with his other free hand.

DERIK
(yelling louder)
Four!

 

His hand starts to jitter as he shakes his head back and forth, uttering “fuck” as he cannot believe what he is about to do. His entire forehead is gleaming from the light reflecting off the sweat that has completely drenched him. After another moment’s pause; SLICE – Tony pierces his nipple with the knife and immediately removes the blade.

TONY
(yelling and panting)
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

 

Tony thrusts the blade into the other side of his nipple and screams in pain. He gets the knife to penetrate the other side of his nipple, like a sewing needle. Blood pours out of his wound and he whimpers as he cuts into his flesh. His girlfriend Michelle screams as she looks on at her boyfriend damaging his body. Tony starts to move the blade in a saw-like motion and he continues to whimper and scream intermittently. More blood trickles down his chest and seeps into the top of his pants. The knife gets to the end of his nipple and he slides the knife out. Tony takes his other hand and peels the nipple from his chest, removing it. It wiggles like a soggy pepperoni. Tony drops it on the ground and clasps his hand over his mouth out of sheer shock. After a moment of nervously biting his knuckles, he drops his hand to his side.

TONY (CONT’D)
(whimpering)
That’s it. I’m only doing one. You’re not getting the other one!

 

DERIK
Sorry, I’m not interested in doing anything halfway, and you shouldn’t either. Our fans want the full show. The other nipple is coming off. And if you continue to waste my time -

 

Derik aims the gun back at Tony’s head.

DERIK (CONT’D)
Then you are going to permanently sit out.

 

Tony shutters as he reaches for the knife.

Following this lovely piece of creativeness I am including links so you can follow the cast and crew on their journey through the horror genre.

 

Here are the websites for all those mentioned in the previous post.

 

Truth or Dare

Website: www.truthordarethemovie.com 
Imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2762738/?ref_=fn_al_tt_5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthOrDareTheMovie?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FilmTruthOrDare

Jessica Cameron
Imdb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2781723/?ref_=sr_1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActressJessicaCameron?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaCameron_

Devanny Pinn
Imbd: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1922788/?ref_=sr_1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devannypinnonline?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DevannyPinn

Heather Dorff
Imdb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3940718/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actressheatherdorff?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SerenityRising

Brandon Van Vliet
Imdb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3783827/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RestrainingHollywood?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RestHollywood

Ryan Kiser
Imdb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3067547/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiser.ryan?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryanmkiser

Shelby Stehlin

IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3130548/?ref_=tt_cl_t6

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shelby.stehlin

Jesse Wilson

 IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5550425
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swoop22

Grae Drake

IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1024233
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/graedrake
Twitter: http://twitter.com/graedrake

Jonathan Higgins
Imdb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5562722/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.higgins.3766
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriterJHiggins

Buz Wallick
Imdb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3107188/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buzdanger?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BuzDanger

Daniel Krige Script Consultant

IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1269084
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DanielKrigeWriterDirectorActor

Truth or Dare (2013) Directed by Jessica Cameron

From Small Town Girl Productions comes Truth or Dare, Jessica Cameron’s directorial debut. This gritty and terrifying new instalment for the horror genre ensures the audience will gasp in shock and awe. Truth or Dare is said to be a movie made by horror fans, for horror fans.

As well as co-writing the script and producing the film with writer/producer Jonathan Higgins and producer Buz Wallick; Cameron also stars in the film; along with Devanny Pinn, Heather Dorff, Ryan Kiser, Brandon Van Vliet, Shelby Stehlin, and Jesse Wilson. So who are the cast and the characters? Well here is the lowdown on the cast and their characters:

Jessica Cameron is Jennifer Collins, a strong-willed and introverted girl who is highly educated. She is an actress from Ontario and has appeared in over 70 projects ranging from feature films, television shows, and commercials. She is known for last year’s killer Santa slasher “Silent Night,” which was helmed by Steven C. Miller, the Roger Corman produced “Camel Spiders,” which is currently airing on the SyFy Network, and the ever popular “Mr. Hush” which is on Netflix instaview and can be found at numerous Redbox locations. She is also known for her role in season 2 of the TLC network’s hit show “Brides of Beverly Hills” which averaged between 1 and 2 million views per episode.

 

Devanny Pinn is Courtney Steele, a promiscuous girl who flirts with everyone around her, male or female. She is from Houston, Texas and is known for her roles in such films as “The Black Dahlia Haunting,” as well as the award-winning “Vivid,” and the sci-fi thriller “Area 51 Confidential” (available now at Wal-Mart) which she also co-wrote.

 

Heather Dorff is playing the role of Michelle Lucas, a small-town girl with a big heart who puts her friend’s needs in front of her own. She is a Chicago-based actress who got her start with the award winning movie “What They Say” which she starred in, narrated, produced, and wrote. She will next be seen in “Epitaph: Bread and Salt” as well as the Brian Troxell film “Intrusive Behaviour” which she co-starred in with fellow actress Jessica Cameron.

Ryan Kiser is Derik B. Smith, a passionate individual who is so far removed from society that he lives in his own state of delusion. He can be seen portraying Charles Manson in the film “Lie” as well as acting in “I’m Jesus Mommy” and “Potpourri” with fellow actors Brandon Van Vliet and Jessica Cameron.


 

 

Brandon Van Vliet is Tony Lockhart, a dim-witted party boy who’s only goal in life is to find the next free beer. He is from Minneapolis, Minnesota and known for such films as “Potpourri,” “In Harm’s Way” and the upcoming “Insectula!”

 

 

Shelby Stehlin plays the role Ray Austin; former high school sports star that is still has a hot temper at times. Very business-minded and well educated.



 

 

Jesse Wilson plays the role of John Moore; the charming and quick-witted leader of the group.

 

Grae Drake plays the role of Bobbi Craig; a larger than life talk show host with very animated mannerisms.

 

Producer/Co-Writer Jonathan Higgins is a writer from Tucson, AZ. After graduating from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona he was signed with “Gandolfo Helin Literary Management.” His first book, tentatively titled “The Masquerade: The Truth Lies Behind the Mask” will be out later this year. Jonathan’s first script was optioned called “Treechures,” a horror-comedy creature feature set in 1985. He co-wrote his latest script, “Truth or Dare” which he is also producing with actress/producer Jessica Cameron.




 

 

Buz Wallick is from Paradise, CA. After making a leap of faith and moving to Los Angeles, Buz started his career in filmmaking and has done everything from being a production assistant to producing feature films. He is known for producing the “Thirsty” as well as co-producing the feature “The Black Box.”

 

Daniel Krige was born in Cape Town, South Africa but grew up in Australia. He is the script consultant on “Truth or Dare” and is known for writing, directing, and acting in various films. He is best know for directing and writing the bloody extravaganza “Inhuman Resources.”

 and of course our very lovely Director Jessica Cameron...

Jessica states that:

I’m phenomenally excited to tackle my very first film as a producer and co-writer. If only I could find a director who wasn’t scared of the material. After all, when it comes to the torture porn genre, is there really such a thing as ‘too far’ or ‘too much?’

Six students become internet sensations when they film truth or dare videos with a violent theme; but they all seem to have something to hide.
 

The film eludes Saw style gornography or torture porn. The events slowly become unhinged and the truth can kill you; it’s not just a game anymore! This film is unpredictable, with twists in the right places and alluring visual art for the horror and gore fans. Truth or Dare will have you squeaking in your seats.

British Indie Horror cinema is coming through thick and fast now; this will be one to watch out for.

If you like the look of this take a look at their other pages on IMDB,  IndieGoGo to see how you can get involved and take a nosey at their official Facebook and twitter pages.

Here is the teaser trailer and the brand new trailer sent to me this morning.

Enjoy…I know I will.

Teaser Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZccmN004u8

 

New Trailer Full Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8J7qVONFmE

Please share your comments below.

By Lea Weller BA