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Sandy Collora Challenges the Hollywood “Recycle Machine” with NEW Creature Movie

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It seems that Hollywood is only interested in producing movies that are guaranteed money makers in today’s world. You may say that this has always been the way, but you can’t deny there are far less chances taken on new ideas. Remakes, reboots, and recycles are the safe way to make big money, bottom line.  Sure, if you’re Tarantino or Wan then there is no end of wallets waiting to open for your new ideas, but when was the last time you’ve seen a potentially iconic villain comparable to Freddy, Jason, or Leatherface? Or even creatures, such as Predator and Alien?

If you have an idea for a new antagonist and you are not already rubbing shoulders with the big guys, your only realistic shot at getting your story out there are crowd funded communities such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo. A fellow indie lover pointed out a project on Kickstarter by a guy with similar views to my own, and I think it will prove there is still room for new ideas. He has the message, “If Hollywood won’t do it, I will!”

Sandy Collora

Sandy Collora
Collora started his journey on the path to making movies at the young age of 17, where he moved to California and managed to get work at Stan Winston Studios. Working as a Sculptor and Creature Creator, his portfolio includes movies such as Total Recall, The Abyss, and Men in Black. He has had success using Kickstarter to produce two volumes of The Art of Creature and Character Design, and he has experience in the director’s chair, having made the very successful feature film Hunter Prey in 2009.  And even if you haven’t come across any of these projects, you may have heard of his short film Batman: Dead End (2003), which was at the time the most downloaded short film in history. The fact that he is a world-class practical effects artist means that he can make exactly what he wants without the obstacle of relaying his vision to someone else first.

His idea comes from his love of the ocean, the environment, and most importantly, the horror genre.  He believes that when the environment is abused, our damaged ecosystem can become host to creatures that we can not even comprehend.

His Kickstarter intro video shows plenty of footage of his monster, and I am told none of it is for the final movie. It has been shot solely for Kickstarter backers as a concept and to give a preview of the rewards for getting involved. These include resin busts, action figures, and full body Marquette’s of the creature.  However, the horror and sci-fi genres don’t generally get the same attention on Kickstarter as do the documentaries and celeb-based dramas and we normally only see success in small projects. This limits the standard of production in order to tackle the mainstream.  Sandy Collora wants to smash through this ceiling with his project and prove that artists don’t always need Hollywood’s pockets if the public is behind you.  Collora is asking for quite a sum of money in comparison to most projects we have seen, but with the project already raising over $90k and almost 30 days left to go, it doesn’t seem unattainable.

By watching his concept intro video it is easy to see that Collora is experienced, enthusiastic, and passionate. I for one will be happy to back his project knowing my money would be put to good use.

Shot of Creature

Shallow Water by Sandy Collora
Shallow Water tells the story of a seemingly innocent adventure. Six fishermen embark on a fishing trip to a remote and mythical fishing hole nestled deep in the Sea of Cortez. They scour the Baja peninsula to find this magical place, but when they do, they encounter unexpected sea life, which puts them at odds, and it becomes every man for himself. Adds Collora: “It’s Mother Nature versus Human Nature.”

This might be a turning point in indie horror where we see better effects, better production, and more elaborate but achievable content from what was once only available to the wealthy filmmakers. If Hollywood wasn’t paying attention before, they will be with this one!

If you would like to read more about Sandy’s project and maybe get involved click here!

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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