The Dark Cinema Creepercast Exclusive!

On the last episode of the podcast (Creepercast #93: Guest Cheryl Compton joins us to talk about The Dark Cinema!) writer/producer Cheryl Compton discussed working with Bill Oberst Jr. on the short film anthology series pilot “The Dark Cinema,” working in the b-horror genre, and “the three most common issues I’m seeing in the films that have been submitted or that I’ve watched online.” Plus a Creepercast Exclusive in which Cheryl announced the short films that will be in the pilot episode of “The Dark Cinema!”

What is “The Dark Cinema?” What are those films, and, how can you learn more and become a part of the project? Just keep reading!

“The Dark Cinema” is a horror/thriller/sci-fi anthology television series, which will feature the short films of independent filmmakers from around the globe in bite-sized half-hour segments (PRLOG). Bill Oberst Jr. (“Take this Lollipop,” “Abraham Lincoln vs Zombies,” and past Creepercast guest) will act as the host with the most as he introduces, in an undoubtedly creepy fashion, each film. This kind of makes him the Rod Serling, Elvira, or Crypt Keeper to “The Dark Cinema!”

Cheryl Compton is the mastermind/producer of this fledgling series. She’s also the writer of the full length feature “Within the Darkness” (‘the story of a group of friends with aspirations of fame and fortune in the ‘ghost hunting’ business. They set out to shoot a spec pilot for a TV series but are not prepared for what awaits them in the Hewit House’ – Facebook) which is currently in post-production with a hopefully late 2012 release. Plus, she’s working with Bill Oberst Jr. on “Evils Toy” (‘After becoming obsessed with a Ouija Board, a young college woman unwittingly unleashes a demon via the world of social-networking’ – Facebook).

With an over arching theme like “Evil Toys and Possessed Objects” she’s managed to put together quiet an eclectic collection of creepy tales for the pilot episode. Here’s the list of films, filmmakers, and parts of the world represented that Cheryl made exclusive to the Creepercast audience…

Note: Look for a more detailed look at some of these writers/directors, including some of their work, in a future article!

“Transmission” by Brett Young (UK) and YoungBlood Pictures/GoreFx

“When an old transistor radio mysteriously appears in his second hand electrical shop, a lonely old man sets about restoring it to its original condition. As he starts work, he soon realizes the radio transmits something not found on conventional frequencies.” (IMDB)

The film, as do most of those included here, brings to light what it really means to be a low budget picture and yet still look and feel amazing. “Shot on a Canon 550D in 10 hours on a budget of £50,” there is no way you would know. It is written with precise action and no dialogue. The story is creepy in a way that you would never have guessed it was going to work out the way it does. As far as “possessed objects” go it will posses your psyche. Be sure to read HorrorCultFilms review for more and follow Brett, also notice he thanked us!

“The Puzzle” by Davide Melini (Italy)

“A woman refuses to give money to her son, despite of his continuous pressure. One night she decides to relax and forget her troubles with her favorite pastime: making puzzles. However, this simple table game hides strange features that can turn her peaceful night into a nightmare.” (IMDB)

I don’t want to say that just because Melini is Italian it’s obvious that Film Noir, Giallo, and Argento majorly influence this film. I will say it because it is obvious with every second of the story, every film angle, and saturated frame. He also manages to put a whole story with plot points into a five minute box. This only proves that even some of the best problem solving puzzles come with a price! Or as Melini says “Some pieces just don’t fit.” Melini is one these film makers you will here us talk more about very soon! Be sure to read BloodSuckingGeek‘s review for more about Davide!

“O Risco (The Line)” by Jose Pedro Lopes (Portugal) and Anexo82 Productions

“On a remote road, two friends try out a magic chalk that was bought online. According to the site, if someone crosses a line drawn with that chalk, his head explodes. They draw a line and wait for someone to come by… but are they ready to face the consequences if this turns out to be true?” (IMDB)

Here’s a short look…

The concept of this two minute mind blower is “what if that stuff advertised in the back of a comic book or online was real?” and the end result is hilarious! Jose contacted us a few weeks before the show so we promised to keep this little delight under wraps until it was officially announced as part of the project. Now that it’s official you can bet that “O Risco” and his other two films will be mentioned later!

“2:20” by Jason Wingard (UK)

“Dave is handed a pair of broken old glasses by a mysterious woman on the street. He gets two minutes and twenty seconds to figure out what they mean.” (IMDB)

Not only is this film two minutes and twenty seconds (as the title suggests) but that exact time frame is important for another reason as well. We can’t give it away here because it would be far better for you to see it yourself, but those glasses are very reminiscent of a scene in “Terminator.” Jason Wingard is becoming something of a UK marvel as ActOnThis‘s review with Jason implies. You can bet that you will here more from him from us and just about everywhere good horror/psychological thrillers are talked about!

“Out Of Place” by Daniel MacMunn (USA)

“Spencer is fixated on keeping everything in it’s exact, specific place. His obsession is so extreme it has cut him off from the outside world and is now threatening his five year relationship with his girlfriend, Samantha. After Samantha walks out on a romantic dinner he has prepared, he soon becomes a victim of his own obsessive behavior when random objects around his condo mysteriously shift out of place when he’s not looking.” (IMDB)

This is every O.C.D. persons nightmare! Just about anyone’s nightmare really. We all know what’s its like to be so sure where we left something only to find it wasn’t where we thought even though it was seconds before. Usually we then make the excuse that the spirit world is out to drive us crazy when in reality it’s just because our brain stopped working. Or did it? It would explain what happened to that book we’ve been looking for…

Now, of course, if you looked for some of these you might be able to find them online somewhere. But why would you want too? Though they are all fantastic shorts by themselves imagine what Bill Oberst Jr. could add to them! I personally can’t wait to see what kind of Vincent Price twist Bill is going to give to the story telling aspect! I strongly suggest waiting for “The Dark Cinema” before looking for any of them! That much said, how can you be a part of helping to make this project a great success?

Well you can begin by liking “The Dark Cinema” on Facebook, everyone wants to be liked! Then share their page with all your friends so that they can like it too! You want to do more than just like it you say? That’s easy, just visit “The Dark Cinema” Indie Go Go page and decide just how much more you want to like it by pledging to support the project. There’s a lot of awesome incentives up for grabs and, much like the short films mentioned above, they require very little funds to get started!