EVENT: Maine Monsters in Ellsworth!

WHAT: The Twisted Tales of Maine movieshow tour starts up!
WHEN: Friday, February 20 at 7:00pm
WHERE: Ellsworth Grand Theatre, 165 Main Street, Ellsworth, Maine
COST: $10 each double feature ticket (original release states $12 each, but the Grand's website states $10, please consult with them if you have any questions)
FMI: Ellsworth Grand website, or call (207)667-9500, or email emptyhousefilm[at]gmail.com

On Friday February 20th, the Ellsworth Grand Theatre will host the first stop on the "Twisted Tales from Maine" tour of 2009.

Get ready to cover your eyes… To find out what goes bump in the night… To be scared silly! Maine film companies Motion Media Entertainment, Emptyhouse Film and John Lane Films have teamed up to bring you the "Twisted Tales From Maine Tour." The tour consists of an old fashioned "Creature Double Feature" made up of two full-length horror films that were filmed here in the state of Maine, a prop show featuring bloody props from the films, free giveaways, prizes, and just maybe Bigfoot himself!

The first film, "Monster in the Woods" is a horror/comedy featuring one of the cryptid world's greatest mysteries- BIGFOOT! The film stars Maine actors, features Maine musicians and was filmed in Maine in the Summer of 2007.

The 2nd film of the evening is the zombie epic "2", a film that has been getting rave reviews from the horror world. Over 200 zombies were featured in the making of this film. "2" was also filmed in Maine, and stars Maine actors.

On hand for the evening will be the filmmakers to talk about filmmaking in Maine and to answer any audience questions. Prizes will be given throughout the night, and there will be an opportunity to have your picture taken with BIGFOOT! The big guy will be roaming the streets of Ellsworth on the afternoon of the 20th!

It all starts at the Ellsworth Grand on February 20th, starting at 7:00pm. Tickets are $10 for both films and can be purchased at the Grand Theatre lobby or by calling: (207) 667-5911. Tickets and prizes will also be given away by listening to WKIT 100.3.

Trailers for both films can be viewed online and can be found by clicking here:

MONSTER IN THE WOODS

"2"

To read Strange Maine's recent review of the DVD set which features these films among others, just click here.

Review: Twisted Tales from Maine

Those of you who have read my blog for the last few years must be familiar with the name of Emptyhouse Film by now. From zombies to monsters, Olin Smith and Andy Davis have done it all, and produced a stack of feature films in the process, setting them apart from all of us wannabe media mavens. What drives them? The love of what they do plays a huge part in the process.

Their hard work has paid off finally with the limited release of Twisted Tales from Maine, a DVD 4-pack that collects their heaviest hitters thus far, and delivers a promise of things to come.

The films are well-packaged, and production levels are high. The casting is consistently excellent, and in films like Monster in the Woods and MUD it reaches a high point which a lot of Hollywood productions only wish they could attain.

The cinematography is likewise of a very high caliber – the selective eye of the camerawork is without fail interesting, arresting, and frequently quite beautiful. The Maine locations are all carefully chosen and utilized. It makes you wonder why Hollywood movies set in Maine are so rarely filmed here.

Here is a rundown of the 4 movies included in the 4-pack:

2 – This Maine zombie film has received more press and response than any other Emptyhouse film yet. From mass zombie casting calls, to marching undead descending on Portland’s Monument Square, this movie and its fans made themselves known all over the world, from Fangoria to the Riofan Film Festival in Brazil.
It’s hard for me to view this film as a spectator. I worked on it doing makeup support, and I spent a lot of time on the sets and with the people who made it happen. I know all the hard work that went into its making. I listened to the eerie but ear-catching soundtrack as it was being written in my house. The talent and enthusiasm in it are evident to me. So are the bleak streets of a winter-blasted Biddeford and its stark storm-cleared skyline. But even for someone who has seen the footage from all angles, there are genuinely terrifying moments, horribly saddening moments, and wicked gross-outs at the end.

I’m Sorry — I finally got a chance to see this film with the 4-pack DVD release. The trailer hadn’t excited me much, but in watching the movie, I found myself drawn in. Its atmosphere draws heavily from supernatural classics such as 1963’s The Haunting. While the hysterics that appear throughout the middle of the film aren’t really my style, they are offset by the tremendous restraint shown in some truly disturbing, quiet moments, and by the time the main character reaches full-fledged freakout towards the end, it has become real for the viewer.

Monster in the Woods — As serious as I’m Sorry was, Monster in the Woods is off the cuff. Out in the woods, wigged out by wild things, the main characters try to navigate through increasing suspense and human drama, while the mockumentary elements threaded through the film remind us that truth is stranger than fiction. Hello Maine, hello Monster, hello MADNESS! Bring it on. Rumors of a sequel in the works have fans ready for more.

Mud – Before there was a Monster in the Woods, there was the Zamphini Monster. Of all the Emptyhouse productions, this film is the most delicate, even made as it is of harsh elements. Filmed mostly in Porter, Maine, this film captures those tenuous moments when youth meets reality, leaving childhood behind. Will the boys find the remains of magic in the muck of the Ossipee River? Or will the sordid facts of life in a small town take them down? What lurks in the shadows of the woods, and is it worse that what lurks in man?

The cliché of the process of adolescent discovery takes a beating in this film, and manages to turn into something strong and real. Easily my favorite – how this escaped the notice of film festivals and distributors everywhere is beyond me.

If your interest is piqued, you can pick up one of the 250 numbered copies online at:
http://emptyhouse.sabatos.net/dvdoffer.php

The price tag of $49.95 may sound steep, but it’s all going straight to local filmmakers, and you get 4 feature-length DVDs out of it, plus an autographed 16-page booklet! Think of it as an investment for yourself in Maine horror entertainment.

Maine horror film 4-pack release!

4-PACK RELEASE DATE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH!

Those of you who have been waiting to own a piece of Maine horror film history will be thrilled by the news that Emptyhouse Film is finally doing a limited release of 4 of their titles in a single package. On Tuesday, September 30th, they will be releasing 250 special edition copies of their movie four-pack.

Each DVD set will be serial numbered, signed, and will contain a deluxe booklet insert. The films included in the set will be MUD, I'M SORRY, 2, and MONSTER IN THE WOODS. The sets will retail for $49.95 + shipping and will be sold on a first come-first serve basis. In the future they may release more copies of the films, but never in this way again. This is a one-time deal and they wanted to make it special. If you'd like to order, send an email to emptyhousefilm[at]gmail.com

As many of you who know of Emptyhouse are aware, they have been working to attract a distributor for their films, which have meanwhile been making the rounds at international film festivals from Rio de Janeiro to Seattle, to excellent acclaim. Here's your chance to hold the first pressing of these films in your hands, and to say, "I was there!" when someone smart like Anchor Bay or Lionsgate picks them up in the future.

Horror comes home again!

Wisdumb Productions has just announced the emergence of their new partnership with Emptyhouse Film and Motion Media Entertainment to produce the feature-length horror film, "The Wrong House." Production is scheduled to begin in Limerick, Maine, in September.

"Obviously, we're thrilled to have Emptyhouse Film and Motion Media Entertainment on board for this project. Their involvement takes the film to a whole other level," said Wisdumb Production's Shawn French, who will co-direct the film with Emptyhouse Film's Andy Davis. Motion Media Entertainment's Olin Smith will Executive Produce.

"The Wrong House" was written by French after a string of area burglaries in March 2008. It tells the tale of five college-aged friends who break into an isolated house in the Maine woods, which looks like an easy mark to them while they're out camping in the wilderness. The thieves haul away several ounces of marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms in the heist. In the following days, the thieves are visited by the robbed homeowners, who deliver an ultimatum to return what was stolen. Thinking the homeowners won't call police to report stolen drugs, they ignore the warnings. Once the deadline passes, the thieves learn too late that there are far worse things than being arrested—and that they picked on The Wrong House.

A strong narrative structure, increasing tension as the thieves argue whether to return the stolen goods, and a pair of serial killers who believe themselves to be agents of karma combine for a perfect blend of suspense and horror. "Shawn told me the story, and immediately I was hooked. I loved the brutal nature and the structure of the story. I'm really excited to help create this film" said Emptyhouse Film's Andy Davis.

Emptyhouse and Motion Media Entertainment are some of the state's most prolific independent filmmakers, and must be familiar to readers of the Strange Maine blog by now, since we've enjoyed covering the production and release of their other Maine-made films, "Mud," "I'm Sorry," "Monster in the Woods" and the zombie opus "2".

Casting for the film has been ongoing, with roles paid on a lo/no/deferred basis.

Writer/director Shawn French has a decade of experience as a stand-up comic and has appeared in the feature films, “The Miskatonic Acid Test,” “2” and “Monster in the Woods.” “The Wrong House” will be the first film under his new banner, Wisdumb Productions.

Cinematographer Andy Davis of Emptyhouse Film has directed five feature films, including the zombie opus “2” (which Fangoria magazine called “Smart, dark and bold” and Revenant Magazine raved “Incredible. One of the best Indie zombie films in recent history.”) Wisdumb Productions is thrilled to have a filmmaker of Davis’ caliber as cinematographer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Shawn French at Thewronghouse@gmail.com

Paranormal Files debut announced

EmptyHouse Film (a.k.a. Motion Media) announced that its local ghost-hunting series, Paranormal Files, is en route to its final destination -- YOU! They've edited the series down to four episodes that will air each week in October.

The series follows around professional ghost hunters and teaches the viewer about the tools necessary to start hunting your own ghosts. It also explores some of Maine's haunted history, and finishes up the month by following the Ghost Hunters into one of Maine's most haunted places for an official Ghost Hunt. The new episodes will be uploaded to youtube one at a time, each Monday morning starting in October.

It's about time! We here at Strange Maine have been eagerly awaiting its arrival.

You can sample some of the Emptyhouse Film crew's other productions here on YouTube.

Illustration (c)Michelle Souliere. All rights reserved.

VOTE NOW! We're up for a Best of Portland award!

I was just informed that the Strange Maine blog has been nominated for inclusion in the Portland Phoenix's Best of Portland poll, under the Blog/Podcast category! Wheeee!

Click here to see the contenders and VOTE NOW!!!

And while you're at it, please note that Emptyhouse Films is up for best filmmaker, and it wouldn't hurt to fix up the Portland Author category by writing in Loren Coleman. Seriously, I don't think Carolyn Chute lives in Portland. Am I wrong?

Maine Zombies hit Fangoria!

Emptyhouse Film's zombie movie "2" has hit Fangoria for a second time, this time in the form of a very favorable review! Scooter McRae gives the film three skulls, and really takes the time to carefully talk about it in very specific terms, without giving it all away.

...The chilly winter landscape, with visible breath often streaming out of the performers’ mouths, helps set up a bleak environment not often seen in this type of movie, especially one with such a low budget.
...
What sets “2” apart from many other movies with the exact same plot description is its bold willingness to approach the familiar trappings with a creative enthusiasm that generates a genuine sense of audience goodwill. That may seem like a weird way to describe such a bleak-sounding scenario, but it’s a good feeling to trust a movie that seems hell-bent on not succumbing to audience expectations, while at the same time clearly eager to deliver the goods in its own way and at its own pace.

Read the whole review here: [Source]

It's nice to see someone so thoroughly recognize all the different elements of the film that Andy, Olin, and the rest of the production crew put so much work into.

Photo by Michelle Souliere.

All Signs Point to Zombies, Monsters, and Music

Don't miss the big event tonight at Merrill Auditorium. It's billed as A Night of Maine Film and Music, featuring two movies by Empythouse Film - the world premiere of "Monster in the Woods" and a screening of zombie flick, "2" - plus music by local bands Live Studio Audience and Covered in Bees. Don't miss it!

For those of you who missed the Zombie March in Portland last night, shame on you! Here's some photos of the event, where fun was had by all! Luckily it stopped raining by the time the zombies hit the streets.






(all photos (c) Chris Wallace)

You can see more photos from the Zombie March here.

Zombie Bliss

In spite of the cold, and the rain that plagued Portland up until about an hour before the event, the Emptyhouse Film sponsored zombie march was remarkably well-attended, with about two dozen folks present, many in zombie makeup. Channels WMTW-8 and WGME-13, as well as the Press Herald were present. I heard that some other local papers sent reporters, but I'm not sure who else was represented.

Biker zombie and daughter enoy the pretty lights in the trees around the square (photo by Michelle Souliere). See a few more photos here on Flickr, mostly before and after the march (one must try to stay in character during these things!). No word on how the clientele at David's responded.

Fun was had by all, and as the event broke up, happy promises were made to meet again tomorrow night at the big Maine Film and Music extravaganza at the Merrill Auditorium! Ahhh, zombies.

Waterproof Zombies!!!

Andy Davis reminds all zombies that tonight's Zombie March in Portland's Monument Square is a rain or shine event!!!

Spotted in Portland: SASQUATCH!

I happened to be in a car driving down Spring Street just before 3:00pm today, which wound up stopped at the light at the corner of Temple Street and Spring Street. What did I see, but a furry bipedal humanoid sporting about in the freezing cold weather.

I can only hope his furry pelt was protecting him! He was surrounded by paparazzi, catching reaction shots of the citizenry, including myself and my roommate, who just about had a fit, startled as she was by the sight.

What were those crazy guys at Emptyhouse Film up to? Well, whatever it was, they were having fun. *grin* Thanks for making our afternoon so surreal!!!

Don't forget that they're running a premiere showing of their latest Maine-based film, Monster in the Woods at the Merrill Auditorium here in Portland on January 12th. Check out their ad for the event here on YouTube. And keep your eyes peeled for a sasquatch near you!

EVENT: Massive Maine Movieshow @ Merrill!

"MONSTER IN THE WOODS PREMIERES AT NIGHT OF MAINE FILM AND MUSIC2 FILMS, 2 BANDS, AND A FILM FAIR AT THE MERRILL AUDITORIUM

On Saturday January 12th 2008, Motion Media, a Maine Entertainment Company, in association with John Lane Films and Emptyhouse Film, presents "A Night of Maine Film and Music" at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland Maine.

The events of the night include a film fair featuring various vendors from the Maine film and music community. The Film Fair will be followed by a performance by local musicians LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE, then, the world premiere of the horror/comedy MONSTER IN THE WOODS. The film will be followed with a performance by COVERED IN BEES and capping off the night, a screening of the zombie film "2".

"Monster in the Woods" tells the story of two Cryptozoologists sent to the remote backwoods of Maine to try and track down the elusive Bigfoot. All hell breaks loose when a high stakes reward is offered for the capture of the creature- dead or alive, and the Cryptozoologists race against time to try and maintain the beasts' safety. Click here to see a trailer for the film.

The zombie film "2" tells the tale of two survivors of a bio-terrorist attack that has turned everyone around them into zombies. Both films are feature length and contain adult content. Click here to see a trailer for "2".

Further details will be announced soon for "A Night of Maine Film and Music" including surprise guests, giveaways and much more. Stay tuned to www.emptyhousefilm.com, WBLM and WCYY for chances to win prize packs.

Tickets are $19/ADULTS $17.50/STUDENTS & SENIORS and are available through PortTix in person or by mail at 20 Myrtle Street, Portland, Maine 04101. To charge by phone, call PortTix at 207-842-0800. Internet sales at www.PortTix.com!

For more information, contact emptyhousefilm[at]gmail.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
4:30-6:00 PM- FILM FAIR
6:00-6:30 PM- LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE PERFORM
6:45-7:00 PM- FILMMAKERS SPEAK
7:00-8:30 PM- WORLD PREMIERE OF "MONSTER IN THE WOODS"
8:30-9:00 PM- INTERMISSION
9:00-9:30 PM- COVERED IN BEES PERFORM
9:30-9:45 PM- FILMMAKERS SPEAK
9:45-11:00 PM- SCREENING OF THE ZOMBIE FILM "2"

Zombies Invade Biddeford!

Anyone who was in downtown Biddeford on Saturday night may have been alarmed to see small groups of zombies staggering down the street. Thankfully they were not ripping limbs from innocent pedestrians or causing carnage. They were on their way to the City Theatre for the premiere of the new zombie movie, "2", produced by local filmmakers,Emptyhouse Film.

For those who missed the event, here are some photos from the night, including some of the entrants in the zombie costume contest. Those who bemoan the lack of blood should keep in mind that contestants were asked not to douse themselves in blood, as it would not be a good idea to ruin the seats in the theatre.zombie poster art
Andy Davis on the mic
zombie Mr. T. pities the undead fool
zombie couples compete to be the best undead
some of the contestants in the zombie contest
all photos (c) Chris Wallace

more photos from the premiere of "2"

"2" was shot in Biddeford earlier this year involving a cast of more than 100 zombies, who gladly braved the frigid February temperatures to give their best impression of carnivorous stumbling death.

If you'd like to see behind the scenes photos of the making of "2", including makeup, zombie attacks, and lots of blood, here are some links.

photos from the zombie casting call and several days of filming

even more photos from filming

EVENT: Maine Zombie Film "2" Premiere 10/27

For those who have been following the saga of the Maine-filmed zombie movie, "2", or indeed those who are just hearing about it now, the wait is finally over!

To read more about the history of the film, see:

Post about the Fangoria article

"2" music video and trailer

Photos and stories about the filming

The fire that plagued the filming

Photos of the original zombie casting call

On Saturday, October 27th from 6:30 pm- 10:00 pm, the zombie film "2" will have it's world premiere at the City Theater in Biddeford, Maine. The event is open to the general public. Admission is $15/Adults and $10/Students and Senior Citizens.

"2" was filmed earlier this year at various Biddeford locations, including the Riverdam Millyard, Main Street, and the 3-D's Variety Store. Over 200 zombie extras helped create the eerie atmosphere of the film. "We were really surprised how many people from all walks of life came out to be zombies in our film, all the community support we received was amazing. We're very thankful", said Executive Producer John Lane.

On October 27th, the film will be shown in its entirety. The filmmakers will speak before and after the film. Those attending are asked to come dressed as "Zombies" for the pre-movie "Zombie Fashion Show". Prizes will be given for a variety of themes including "Best Zombie" "Best Zombie Couple" and more. "You don't have to come as a zombie, but when are you going to get another chance to come to a film's premiere as a zombie? We really want to make a night of it", said Producer Olin Smith.

"2" stars C. James Roberts and Molly W.B. Roberts as two survivors of a bio-terrorist attack that has turned everyone around them into Zombies. "2" is a feature-length film produced by Olin Smith of Motion Media, Executive Produced by John Lane of John Lane Films, and co-written and directed by Andy Davis of Emptyhouse Film. Music for the film was created by Portland band COVERED IN BEES. The film contains strong graphic content, adult themes and discretion is advised.

For ticket information, please call the Biddeford City Theater at: (207) 282-0849

A commercial for the event can be viewed here.
For information on "2" go to Emptyhouse Film's site.
For information on the Biddeford City Theater, visit their home page.
Email any questions to: emptyhousefilm[at]gmail.com

A limited number of press tickets are available for the screening. Footage and stills are also available to the press. The film's stars and crew are available for interviews. Please contact emptyhousefilm[at]gmail.com for more information.

NOTE TO ZOMBIES: DUE TO THE POTENTIAL STAINING OF FABRIC in the theatre, PLEASE DO NOT COVER YOURSELF IN FAKE BLOOD FOR THE EVENT.
-----------------------

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Doors open at 6:30 pm

Zombie Contest begins at 7:00 pm

Filmmakers speak at 7:45 pm

Film starts at 8:00 pm

Filmmakers speak at 9:30 pm


BE THERE!!!

Casting Call: MONSTER IN THE WOODS

For all of you who've been following the saga of Emptyhouse Films' zombie film, "2," (see preview online now here at YouTube) and who are interested in taking part in their next endeavor, here's your chance to work with a great bunch of folks doing really exciting things right here in Maine! And unlike the below-mentioned movie, "Lake Placid" (a personal favorite of mine), this film WILL actually be filmed here in the state it claims to be taking place in.

CASTING CALL

Motion Media, John Lane Films and Emptyhouse Film are in the process of casting for their fifth feature-length film. The film, tentatively titled MONSTER IN THE WOODS, is a horror/comedy in the tradition of GHOSTBUSTERS, EVOLUTION and LAKE PLACID.

A casting session will be held on Monday, May 14th in Freeport Maine. Interested parties should email a headshot and resume to emptyhousefilm[at]gmail.com. At this time, we are asking that only non-union actors send their headshots to us.

Actors will need to provide their own travel, but food and lodging will be provided. LEAD and STARRING actors will receive payment, at this time there is no money for all other parts.

MONSTER IN THE WOODS is expected to begin shooting around June 10th with a 14 day shooting schedule. If you fit the part, we will email you on or before Friday, May 11th with sides and audition location.

PARTS AVAILABLE:

ARNOLD BRIER- 50-60 MALE "GRIZZLED" FEATURED ROLE

GARY- 20-25 "NERDISH" MALE

CARRIE- 30-40 FEMALE- "GRACEFUL"

KLINE-25-30 MALE- "SARCASTIC" LEAD ROLE

ANNA-20-30 FEMALE- "INTROVERTED" LEAD ROLE

LIONEL- 40-60 MALE- "HARDENED" FEATURED ROLE

REPORTER 1-MALE- STUDIO REPORTER

REPORTER 2- FEMALE- ON THE SCENE REPORTER- FEATURED ROLE

FARMER BUSHILL- "HILLBILLY" 45-60 MALE

BIOLOGY TEACHER- "EGGHEAD" 35-60 MALE

BILLY BOB- "HILLBILLY" 35-45 MALE

MAIL MAN- "HILLBILLY" 20-60 MALE

OLD TIMER- "HILLBILLY" 50-80 MALE

HORACE- "HILLBILLY" 30-70 MALE

JEB- "HILLBILLY" 30-60 MALE

NED- "HILLBILLY" 30-60 MALE

SHERIFF PATTERSON- "HARDENED" 40-55 MALE- STARRING ROLE

MAURA LAPANNE- 7-11 "CREEPY" FEMALE- STARRING ROLE

MAURA'S MOTHER- 25-45 "SINGLE MOM" FEMALE- FEATURED ROLE

ALAN- "HILLBILLY" 35-55 MALE

JACK KILLINGTON- "FULL OF HIMSELF" 30-50 MALE- STARRING ROLE

Please send your headshot and resume to emptyhousefilm@gmail.com please put the name of the character in the subject line.

We are looking forward to hearing from you all. Thank you for your consideration.

Andy, Olin, John

For more information about our projects, please visit www.emptyhousefilm.com

It's ALIIIVE! No, wait... it's UNDEAD!!!

Yep. It's time... the bona fide finished trailer for the Maine zombie movie, "2," is up on YouTube. Music by Covered in Bees.

Bring us your dead!!!

Maine zombies in Fangoria

Fangoria, whose status as the top horror movie magazine is rivaled only by independent Rue Morgue, has taken the time to have a few words with Maine filmmakers Andy Davis and crew over at Emptyhouse Film about their upcoming zombie film. The results are here, in the form of an article on Fangoria's website!

Zombees in Action!

Well, while the rest of us who worked on the Emptyhouse Film movie "2" this February have been going into zombie withdrawal, Andy Davis has been working hard and getting some preliminary work done, including the Covered in Bees' video for their song "Zombees," which is being used on the soundtrack.

But that's not all... over twenty-three hours of footage now has to be cut down into ninety minutes. "The editing process is where we really tell the story that we caught on film. The footage really shines. We really achieved what we set out to create," said Executive Producer John Lane.

To sum up that 23+ hours, which came out of 12 days of production filming, you will want to take into account over five gallons of blood, hundreds of zombie extras, cases of makeup, frigid temperatures, and a fire.

"In the end, 2 has taken on a life of its own, and that's what I like to see with all of our films," said Co-Writer/Director
Andy Davis.

The music video for the song "Zombees" was shot during the production of the movie and can be found at the following link. While you're there, check out the other extras from the filming, including a teaser and some fine footage of zombies singing the National Anthem:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5VwvwWO4oM

Photo by Michelle Souliere 2007.

Thank goodness for zombies!

Well, I've gotta say that getting Friday off from work and going down to Biddeford to slave myself to the zombie masters of Emptyhouse Films was about the best thing I've done yet this year. I've put up a ton of behind-the-scenes photos here on my Flickr.com site. Go now, and feast your eyes on this magnificent horror!


I spent about 6 hours doing makeup, putting white Mehron liquid base foundation on I'd guess around 20 zombies (I seriously lost count). My job was to make sure no sign of living flesh remained -- not an ear, not a neck, not a face, not a hand, certainly not an arm, and not even cleavage. It was a really interesting and gruelling experience. Ross and Kristina did all the fancy stuff -- he put on latex and flesh wounds and basic toning, while she finessed everything and added final shading, blending, and other effects. They kept up with the demanding pace and really worked their fingers to the bone. Bob Dipitriantonio did his own makeup on the remaining segment of the zombies, applying facial appliances to them and generally making some really gross messes out of their formerly pleasing faces. Yech!


Chris Wallace was there all day Saturday when 80+ zombies were rampaging about. She took a ton of great photos and posted many of them on her Flickr.com site as well. Many thanks to Andy Davis and Olin and all the rest of the Emptyhouse Film crowd for fostering such an open and accessible filming experience, and to all the actors and crew who really made the days come together as a whole with all their hard work, even in the most FRIGID of temperatures!


Ross Kearney lets us know that all is well in the land of zombie filmmaking.

All photos by Michelle Souliere.

Genuine Zombie Press Release

It's official!

What? Filming of mass zombie scenes for "2"
Where? 24 Pearl St. Biddeford Maine
When? 6am-9pm Saturday, February 17th, 2007
Who? Everyone who has ever wanted to be a zombie.
How?No need to do your makeup, they'll be ready for you. Wear clothes you don't mind getting gory.
For more information: Contact Andy Davis emptyhousefilm[at]gmail.com

ZOMBIES! ZOMBIES! ZOMBIES! "2" brings zombies to Biddeford!

On Saturday, February 17th over 100 zombies will attack the Riverdam Millyard in Biddeford for the shooting of the zombie horror film "2", a new feature film by Motion Media/John Lane Films/Emptyhouse Film.

The film is being co-produced by Olin Smith (Mud, I'm Sorry) and John Lane, who is currently in the pre-production on "The Novice" starring Chuck Norris. "We've been amazed by the response from the public, it really seems like we have tapped into a zombie pipeline of sorts. We've had people come from 3 hours north and south, just to be a zombie in the film. It's been a great experience." said Executive Producer John Lane.

"2" is a zombie survivalist film co written by published author Al Lamanda (Dunstan Falls) and Andy Davis (Mud, I'm Sorry). "We are a week away from production on 2. Everything has come together nicely and in many cases better than we expected. We have a great cast and crew and the locations are just mind blowing…and did we mention there will be blood?" said writer/director Andy Davis.

"2" tells the story of two survivors of a biological attack that has turned the world upside down and how they deal with their situation. "2" stars C. James Roberts (Mr.Barrington) and Molly Roberts (The Dark). "There is something about zombies that really attracts people to our film. For most of us involved, creating a zombie film is a dream come true. We're pulling out all the stops for this film, from the story and cast, to the locations and effects," said Producer Olin Smith.

The Portland based band "Covered in Bees" is creating soundtrack music. The band was featured on the "Poultrygeist" soundtrack by Troma Films last year. A music video will be shot for the release of "2". The band can be found on the web at www.coveredinbees.net

Zombie extras were pulled from all over New England. On Saturday, they will go through a major transformation under the makeup brush of Robert Dipietrantonio and other talented makeup artists, then will appear in many scenes being shot that day. "2" will be shooting from February 16th-26th in Biddeford at the Riverdam Millyard (http://www.riverdammillyard.com).

More information on "2" including cast/crew bios, a "Zombie Hunting" flash game, "Zombie Contests", pictures and video can be found at: http://emptyhouse.sabatos.net/2-index.php

All interested members of the press should email a letter of interest to: jessica.davis718[at]gmail.com

You can also find new "2" related videos at:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=emptyhousefilmbyandy