Fewer and fewer films are made and released with striking and distinctive voices all their own, and Jim Mickle’s vivid post-apocalyptic road film Stake Land from 2010 is such a picture. Written by its lead actor Nick Damici, who plays a tough vampire slayer of few words named Mister, the film is as American as they come with a stark vision of an apocalyptic future where vicious vampires have decimated the population. Damici’s Mister is a surrogate father and teacher of sorts to a young man named Martin (Conor Paulo), and together they form a special bond as they pick up more allies in a world gone wild. The sequel – Stake Land II (a.k.a. The Stakelander) – picks up years after the events of the original, but Damici is back as a rougher, harder version of Mister, and in this interview he discusses his inspirations for his apocalyptic vision, and where he’s coming from as the creator of these two vivid forays into the post-apocalyptic genre.

Read whole article…

STAKE LAND 2 premieres on Syfy channel TONIGHT at 9/8c!

Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, written by Nick Damici, produced by Peter Phok and Fessenden for GEP, Greg Newman of Dark Sky Films and co-produced by the Syfy Channel.  Damici returns as Mister and Connor Paolo as Martin.

“When his home of New Eden is destroyed by a revitalized Brotherhood and its new Vamp leader, Martin finds himself alone in the badlands of America with only the distant memory of his mentor and legendary vampire hunter, Mister, to guide him. Roaming the wilderness of a steadily decaying country, Martin goes in search of the one man who can help him get revenge. Once reunited, Mister and Martin prepare to battle a now-ravenous Brotherhood and its monstrous overlord. But it’ll take more than the two of them to take down this terrifying new threat, and with more than just their lives now at risk, the stakes are higher than ever before.”

The film saw its world premiere last night at the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival with Berk, Olsen, Phok, and associate producer Chadd Harbold in attendance.

THE STAKELANDER, the follow-up to GEP’s acclaimed action horror hit STAKE LAND, will premiere at the Sitges Film Festival in Spain this October.

THE STAKELANDER is directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, written by Nick Damici, and stars Damici and Connor Paolo. Produced by Peter Phok and Larry Fessenden of Glass Eye Pix, Greg Newman of Dark Sky Films and co-produced by the Syfy Channel, as well as Mark Montague of Berkserker Entertainment.

More at SitgesFilmFestival.com.

Just landed on You Tube: GoodBadFlicks in-depth exploration of Jim Mickle’s Stake Land.

Shooting has wrapped on the STAKE LAND sequel!!! Directed by BODY directors Dan Berk and Robert Olson, written by Nick Damici, who stars alongside Connor Paolo. Produced by GEP & Dark Sky Films. EW has all the details; check it at the link!

From the SundanceTV Website:

You may have seen Larry Fessenden (I Sell the Dead, Wendy and Lucy, Habit) and James Le Gros (Living in Oblivion, Girls) on the red carpet of the Independent Spirit Awards, among other places. Where you won’t see them is on HAP AND LEONARD where you’ll hear them instead. (They guest star in the radio play to which Uncle Chester is listening in Episode 102.) Learn more about Fessenden’s and Le Gros’ longtime collaboration below.

Great news, lycan-thusiasts! LATE PHASES is now available to stream on Netflix!

Directed by Adrián García Bogliano, and starring Nick Damici, Ethan Embry, Lance Guest and more, LATE PHASES follows a blind Vietnam War Vet (Damici) in a fight to save himself and his community.

Check it out now on Netflix!

The wait is over, get your copy today!

“…a sprightly horror movie about finding new purpose in old bones… Robert Kurtzman’s old-school effects produce an endearingly shaggy creature that’s pleasingly tactile and beholden to the laws of physics.” -JEANNETTE CATSOULIS, NY TIMES

It’s hard to hide from something with such a good sense of smell!

“In addition to the careful parceling-out of information and anticipation, the film benefits enormously from Damici’s lead performance: gruff, funny, aggressive, and, of course, commanding sympathy, the character compellingly entices the audience to board this ride.” – ZACHARY WIGON, VILLAGE VOICE

Nevermind the Oscars; LATE PHASES and GEP pals’ THE SACRAMENT have received nominations for Fango’s 2015 Chainsaw Awards!

LATE PHASES:

Nick Damici for BEST ACTOR

Robert Kurtzman, Brian Spears, for BEST MAKEUP/CREATURE FX

THE SACRAMENT:

THE SACRAMENT, directed by Ti West, for BEST LIMITED-RELEASE/DIRECT-TO-VIDEO FILM

Gene Jones for BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Congrats to all the nominees! Check them all out here.

Here’s how to vote:

E-mail your votes (be sure to vote in all categories, and only once per person; personal e-mails only, no mass ballots) to chainsaw@fangoria.com.

Write-in votes are acceptable in all categories. Deadline for ballots is March 10; winners will be announced in Fango #342 and at Fangoria.com in April.