A few weeks ago, we shared the news that we are teaming up with Slasher Studios to create a new horror film that will explore your strangest fears – “Irrational Fear”!

We are looking for actors to be a part of our production!

“Irrational Fear” is now casting the following roles. Email IrrationalFear2017@gmail.com with the character you’re interested in and we will send sides / details. Filming spring 2017 in WI.

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HELEN (age range: 40-50)— Middle aged, alcoholic housewife. Helen is the kind of woman who realizes her best days are behind her as she turns to the bottle for a trip down memory lane. Hates her husband as she believes she gave up her best years for him. Has a fear of being in or around water.

JAKE (age range: 13-18, if looks younger)—- Preteen boy. Blonde hair, blue eyes, Jake looks like the poster child for a whitening toothpaste commercial. Outgoing and charming, he hides his insecurities by closing doors on his emotions.

NATE (age range: 40-50)— Jake’s father. Much like his son, he is obsessed with personal appearance and order in life. He is a high profile lawyer who has taken this weekend off to be with his son, something that he never lets his son forget. He’s slick and sophisticated with a George Clooney type style.

KELLY (age range: 30s)— Thirtysomething tough, wilderness girl who has grown up around the area and knows the ins and outs of the land. She’s not afraid to get dirty but she has a softer side after she lets her guard down.

CAMERON (age range: 16-24, if looks younger)– Teenage jock, muscles are larger than his brains even though he normally means well. Tries to appear smarter than he actually is but it normally backfires on him. He’s a sweet guy who tries to do what he can to help out others. His biggest fear is choking and he obsessively cuts up his food into the smallest pieces “just in case”.

Thanks for your early support on this project! It will be KILLER!

Be sure to like “Irrational Fear” on Facebook and follow the film on Twitter!

What up horror lovers??

Yesterday, Daily Dead dropped the teaser trailer to Aaron Mento’s dementedly funny Ugly Sweater Party and goddamnit if this doesn’t get you into the holiday spirit, then chug some more eggnog.

I’m very proud to say that I was a producer as well as an actor on this film, and it’s easily one of the wildest projects I’ve ever been a part of.  Our first sneak peek is available now in the form of this super wild, NSFW teaser trailer!

Ocular Migraine Productions presents UGLY SWEATER PARTY, a new holiday horror comedy from writer/director Aaron Mento (Standards of Living, Crypt TVs Choose Their Kill)!  The film was produced by Mento, Charles Chudabala (Death House) and Hunter Johnson (2 Jennifer).

On Christmas Eve, at a bible camp deep in the woods, an ugly sweater party is in full swing. But an outside visitor has unknowingly brought an ancient evil to the yuletide fun. An ugly sweater that is possessed by the ghost of a brutal serial killer…

Mento on the film, “If I had to describe the tone of Ugly Sweater Party, I’d say it’s a mix of John Waters and John Landis. A violent holiday horror comedy that is completely unpredictable, shocking, but also really fun and jolly. Unlimited replay value is the goal.”

UGLY SWEATER PARTY features a cast of horror studs, including Sean Whalen (The People Under the Stairs), Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp), Brad Potts (Puppet Master X, Zombies vs. Strippers), Lara Jean Mummert (Anomaly) & Tiffani Fest (Circus of the Dead). The film also features a wild ensemble including Marv Blauvelt, Emily Dahm, Berna Roberts, Matt Holbrook, Jody Barton and Kevin Caliber as several misfit campers invited to the party.

Mento was particularly thrilled to work with scream queen Felissa Rose.  “Sleepaway Camp was like my gateway drug for awesome oddball horror movies. So having Felissa Rose play a vampy camp counselor in Ugly Sweater Party was a dream come true. I wrote the role specifically for Felissa, and she completely kills it.”  Felissa Rose returns to camp!

Next year, grab your ugliest sweaters and come to the UGLY SWEATER PARTY!  You’ll be dying to be there! Happy Horror Holidays!

Be sure to follow UGLY SWEATER PARTY on Twitter and Facebook!

Everyone has irrational fears, you know, the little things that probably can’t actually hurt you, but they get under your skin and creep you out regardless.  But what if those fears were much more serious than you could even imagine?  What if those fears were so strong, they could kill you?

We are extremely excited to be teaming up with our good friends at Slasher Studios to tackle just this subject in our next feature horror film, “Irrational Fear“!  This film follows six therapy patients that are brought together at a secluded cabin to confront their strangest fears. But these fears won’t just hurt them…they will kill them!

I have been a big fan of Slasher Studios for a few years now.  They have created some incredible indie slasher horror films, several of which we have reviewed here, including short film “Teddy“, and back to back feature films “Don’t Go to the Reunion” & “Dismembering Christmas.”  Now that our film “2 Jennifer” is available, and “Serena Waits” is deep in post, we are extremely stoked to begin the early stages of this next nasty horror project!  Here is some early art with lots more to come!

This film was written by Slasher Studios owner Kevin Sommerfield and myself (Hunter Johnson).  We will be sharing all things “Irrational Fear” right here, so definitely stay tuned!  In the meantime, be sure to “like” the film on Facebook & Twitter!

Happy Halloween, Horror Lovers!

Last month, Horror Society dropped the news that we were going into production on our second feature horror film, “Serena Waits.”  I am extremely happy to say that principal photography has wrapped!  I am extremely excited to get this film completed and available to you sickos – this is one that you do NOT want to miss!

When an alcohol fueled hook up takes a violent and horrifying turn, three college athletes find themselves haunted by the very girl they left for dead…

“Serena Waits” will be a NASTY film that will undoubtably get under the thickest of skins.  Dealing with issues including frat culture, peer pressure and horrifying revenge, “Serena Waits” follows three college athletes as they cope with the terrible decisions they made one drunken night – and also the horrifying repercussions that come soon after.  The film stars Brialynn Massie as the ill-fated Serena, as well as Charles Chudabala, Lara Jean Mummert, Colton Wheeler, David Marlowe, Jennifer Clarke and Emily Dahm.  The film also feature performances from horror vet Tiffani Fest, Gregory Blair and Chris Kato.

Our team was unbelievable on this project, wrapping principal photography on this feature in less than 96 total shooting hours.  The film was produced by myself (Hunter Johnson), Paul Davila, Emily Dahm and Charles Chudabala.  Associate Producers include Alex Napiwocki, Paul Stephen Edwards, Lara Jean Mummert and Brialynn Massie.

We are diving into the post process and anticipate the film to be available in early 2017.  Until then, here are some behind the scenes looks at the production as well as some sneak peeks at the footage!  Enjoy, horror lovers!We will of course keep you posted on all things related to “Serena Waits,” but definitely get ready for this one!  Coming soon…

Keep up with “Serena Waits” by following us on Twitter!  BTS pictures by Mary C. Russell.

Tony Todd has joined the ‘Jennifer’ franchise!

The Hollywood Reporter just dropped the news that horror legend Tony Todd has a role in Frank Merle’s upcoming #FromJennifer!

#FromJennifer is a spiritual sequel to James Cullen Bressack’s “To Jennifer” and our film, “2 Jennifer.”
I’m so excited for everyone to see this film – trust me, it’s AWESOME.  Frank did such a great job, really taking this franchise in a new exciting direction.  #FromJennifer features incredible performances from a baller cast which also includes Danielle Taddei, Derek Mears, Meghan Deanna Smith, Trae Ireland & Aaron Abrams. These guys KILL it!

Keep your eyes peeled tight for this one, you won’t want to miss it. In the meantime, catch up on Bressack’s “To Jennifer” and our film, “2 Jennifer”!

Follow Frank Merle, James Cullen Bressack and LAHorrorcom on Twitter for updates on #FromJennifer!

Who’s hungry?

I always have an appetite for gore, and “Jet Set L.A.,” a new short horror film from Colin Lawrence, satisfied it in a hearty way.  In this story, a young couple stays in their first modern bed and breakfast. Little do they know the proprietors are cannibals looking for their next meal.  The film runs at just ten minutes long, and manages to pack a lot of character, suspense and carnage into the runtime.

“Jet Set L.A.” is also a horror short with some real style.  There’s a couple of really nicely cut sequences that definitely sent a shiver down my spine.  Coupled with some excellent direction and some creative shots, this film felt slick and polished.  As I feel when watching great horror shorts, I didn’t want it to end and would have loved to learn more about these B&B owners and their dinnertime antics.  And while the basic story has been explored in other films before, “Jet Set L.A.” felt fresh and fun, and did a terrific job building tension as the story unfolded.  A highly enjoyable watch for seekers of gross horror.

The cast did a great job with this material and kept me engaged.  It’s always fun to have a couple of characters that you care about be in a situation that you know they probably won’t make it out of alive.  Kevin Reich  gives a particularly intense performance as the highly demented Stuart.  A sequence early on involving a wine glass was surprisingly disturbing and set the tone for the entire film.

If you’re hungry for new horror, then definitely keep your eyes peeled for this film as it’s currently hitting festivals worldwide.  “Jet Set L.A.” has already played at the Burbank International Film Festival and will also be screening on Halloween at Bram Stoker Film Festival in England, with more festival announcements soon.  For all of you L.A. locals, catch the film at El Cid’s Short Horror Film Night on October 26th.

Follow “Jet Set L.A.” on Facebook here for updates and screenings!

Crack open a beer for this one, everybody.  It might save your life.

If you’re a horror lover, then I can reasonably assume you’re a zombie lover.  It goes hand in hand.  And while there are have been lots of different takes on the flesh eating genre, Alex Napiwocki‘s “Drunk Zombies” may be the perfect little zombie film to catch a buzz.

The premise is familiar, you guessed it, zombie apocalypse.  But our heroes in this film are anything but ordinary.  Two guys who happen to be several years sober, trying to turn their lives around, only to find out that flesh eaters are everywhere and that the only safe haven is a bar.  And not because of strong doors or locks, but because in Napiwocki’s world, zombies won’t attack you if you’re stupid, black out drunk.  Spoiler alert:  these guys don’t stay sober for very long.

I laughed out loud during this film several times.  The premise alone gets me – stay drunk, stay alive.  It’s that simple.  Leaning off of other great zombie films before it, “Shaun of the Dead” & “Night of the Living Dead” being two apparent influences, Napiwocki walks the line of telling a familiar story with his own unique spin.  He is aided by the fact that the actors in this film (Napiwocki himself and fellow sober buddy Jerry Pierce), do a fantastic job leading this buddy zombie comedy and keeping it engaging with humor, music & of course slamming tons of beers.  Also some major props go to Noel Jason Scott, who plays one of the lead zombies with ferocity and nastiness.  GREAT zombie acting.

“Drunk Zombies” is the first film from Safety Meeting Productions, helmed by Napiwocki and fellow producer Richard Trejo, and it’s a great first entry to their film cannon.  While “Drunk Zombies” is obviously a labor of love for these two, it feels bigger than it probably  was, and left me wanting to see more of this story.  The cliffhanger ending alone makes me want to find out what happens next, and the production value in this film is fantastic for an ULB short.  Great sets, great make up FX, great performances and plenty of zombies.  What else do you want??

I loved “Drunk Zombies.”  It’s a new take on the zombie sub genre that will get you nice and tipsy.  Fans of horror, zombies and alcohol will no doubt love this film.  It’s funny, unique and features some terrifying flesh eaters.  I do hope to see more of this story down the road as the potential is very strong.  Props to Napiwocki and Trejo for getting this piece done – DEFINITELY keep your eyes peeled for this one.  Cannot wait to see what else is in store for Safety Meeting Productions.

“Drunk Zombies” will be hitting the horror festival circuit soon!  Be sure to “like” the film on Facebook! 

I cannot wait for you all to see our first feature length horror film, “2 Jennifer.”  Our film has dropped!

Watch “2 Jennifer” now!

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Check out what the critics have been saying about the film below as well as some behind the scenes interviews below!

Use #2Jennifer let us know what you think about our film!

Deadline Hollywood Drops “2 Jennifer” Distribution Exclusive!

“…a worthy sequel that is filled with an honest helping of bloody madness.”  –ScreamHorrorMag.com

“2 Jennifer is the perfect horror sequel with massive appeal to those who follow the independent horror scene. It’s well written, chilling and frightening when you think that the scenario pictured within could happen in real life.”  –HorrorSociety.com

“So the performances from the small cast of actors here feel spot on and natural and I was unsure whether there was a scene ad libbed or scripted because it just felt naturalistic.” –MoreHorror.com

“The final moments when Johnson goes off the deep end are horrifying and while 2 Jennifer might not be a perfect film, it is successful in characterizing a psychopath that will get under your skin and haunt you for nights to come after viewing.”  –Ain’t It Cool News

“Successfully recapturing the homemade, down and dirty look and feel of Bressack’s original film, 2 Jennifer is a worthy successor to the iPhone murder crown.”  –Nerdly.co.uk

“I can’t speak highly enough about [Lara Jean] Mummert. Beguiling, sardonic, fierce. I just love her.”  –HorrorFreakNews.com

“From the very first scene to the very last, I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen.”  –9thCircleofHorror.com

“…one the most sick and disturbing films I’ve seen in a long time”  –Sinful Celluloid

“2 Jennifer might be an unexpected sequel but it is certainly a good one.”  –HaddonfieldHorror.com

“As Spencer start to unravel is when the tale begins to pick up a dangerous and unpredictable amount of steam, energizing a massive, ominous train of horror and lunacy that funnels down a twisted tunnel of reality disconnecting tragedy.”  –ItsBlogginEvil.com

“[Hunter Johnson] wears the actor and director hat really well.”  –ZombiesDontRun.net

“I’d implore everyone who is a fan of horror to give this a try, as I’m sure you wont be disappointed!”  –TheSlaughteredBird.com

“Quite a cool movie, actually.”  –SearchMyTrash.com

“I found myself completely riveted.”  –FailedCritics.com

“2 Jennifer is a surprisingly effective exercise in low-budget horror, and a disturbing portrait of a mind in pieces.” –The PC Score Card (*spoilers*)

“All in all, I was highly impressed with 2 Jennifer and have recommended it since watching.  It is very unique and it even had a few disturbing twists and turns that you will totally not expect!”  –NightmarishConjurings.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKtvwC4ph4E

Last year, I had the immense pleasure of being an Associate Producer on Zack Ward‘s debut feature horror film, “Restoration.” The film has been KILLING it on iTunes, sitting in the top 10 horror films for several weeks, and rightfully so. “Restoration” is a fantastic horror film that relies on characters and story over cheap scares and gimmicks, something that is refreshing to see in this genre.

Produced by Ward and indie horror stud James Cullen Bressack, this film has quickly become one of my new favorites. Yes, I understand that I am bias because I worked on the production, but that being said I know a strong horror film when I see one. I knew this film would be good when I first read the script, but now that I have seen the final product I can easily say this is one of the best horror films I’ve ever been a part of.

The driving force behind “Restoration” are the performers. Lead by Emily O’Brien and newcomer Adrian Gaeta, along with a chilling performance from Ward himself, this emotion filled horror flick will definitely get under your skin and truly make you root for the heroes of the film. Gaeta and O’Brien’s chemistry is electric, and isn’t horror so much more fun when you actually care about the characters in these frightening situations?

If you haven’t had a chance to see this one yet, please check it out. I won’t go into the plot as you should discover what happens in this film along with the characters. Trust me, you’re gonna dig it.

Hats off to Ward for an impressive debut. “Restoration” is not to be missed.

Purchase your copy of “Restoration” here! Be sure to follow director Zack Ward on Twitter & Instagram.

We are extremely excited to share that our first feature length horror film, “2 Jennifer,” will be coming to VOD / Digital Streaming services on August 19th through Sector 5 Films!

Watch the trailer here:

Definitely keep your eyes peeled for our film, read what the critics have been saying here, and hashtag #2Jennifer for a shout out on our twitter page!