Unspool Hollywood

UNCLE PECKERHEAD Available TODAY on VOD/Digital Tuesday, August 11

Runtime: 1 hr 36 min
Rating: Not Yet Rated
Genre: Horror-Comedy
Written & Directed by: Matthew John Lawrence
Starring: Chet Siegel, Ruby McCollister, Jeff Riddle, and David H. Littleton

A humorous, yet gruesome take on the roadie/band narrative, UNCLE PECKERHEAD is nothing less than a Faustian gorefest, a madcap music and monster movie, and a horror-comedy with heart.

Judy, the bassist of punk-rock band ‘DUH’, dreams of traveling the world and becoming a full-time musician with her two friends, guitarist Max and drummer Mel. But when DUH’s van is repossessed hours before they’re set to embark on their first tour, desperation sets in, and Judy strikes an uneasy alliance with a redneck old-timer by the name of Peckerhead, or ‘Peck’, who offers to drive them in his van in exchange for food and gas.

One night after their first show, Peck mysteriously goes missing. Desperate to get back on the road to make their next show, Judy volunteers to look for him. Regrettably, she finds Peck devouring the brains of the promoter who ripped them off earlier. The band quickly comes to realize their new roadie is a cursed, man-eating hillbilly and the “gig life” they’ve always dreamed of is paved with nightmares and half-eaten bodies.

UNCLE PECKERHEAD celebrated its world premiere at Panic Fest in Kansas City earlier this year, where it was named among the “Best of Fest”. The film also received a Special Jury Award for Narrative Feature Film at the Calgary Underground Film Festival and Audience Choice Award at the Portland Horror Film Festival.

“Uncle Peckerhead is the type of film we don’t come across often, it’s even less often that we see a film with the word “Peckerhead” in the title. Dread couldn’t be more excited to share such a film with you, it’s a really fun ride. “ - Yulissa Morales Epic Pictures and Dread’s Director of Distribution

UNCLE PECKERHEAD will be screening in select theaters on Friday, August 7, 2020 and will be available on VOD/Digital on Tuesday, August 11, 2020.

Facebook: facebook.com/UnclePeckerhead
Twitter: twitter.com/UnclePeckerhead
Instagram: instagram.com/UnclePeckerhead

UNCLE PECKERHEAD is written and directed by Matthew John Lawrence, and produced by Lawrence, Nicholas Payne Santos and Kristy Richman. Cinematography by Kyle I. Kelley and Michael Sutter. Edited by Matthew John Lawrence. Production Designed by Wicky Mendoza. Composed by Christopher Marti and ‘DUH’ Music by Jeff Riddle. A Subtle T-Rex production. https://subtletrex.com/

UNCLE PECKERHEAD will be available on VOD/Digital Tuesday, August 11, 2020:

Fandango Now | DirecTV | Breaker | Redbox TVOD | Alamo On Demand

iTunes Pre-Order: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/uncle-peckerhead/id1523005639

About Epic Pictures

Since the foundation of the company in 2007, CEO Patrick Ewald has grown Epic Pictures into an independent content studio with the mission of delivering the best-in-class genre entertainment “for fans, by fans.” Epic Pictures produces, finances, and distributes approximately twenty-thirty independent genre films a year. In 2013, the company established Epic Pictures Releasing which is its US focused distribution division. In 2017, Epic Pictures acquired the world’s most popular horror website, Dread Central, and launched its unique horror label, Dread, followed by its AVOD channel, DreadTV. In 2019, Epic Pictures started the horror gaming site, DreadXP, with a focus on editorial, reviews, podcasts, and original streaming content. In 2020, DreadXP began a video game publishing division with the launch of The Dread X Collection, an anthology of horror games in collaboration with some of the most innovative developers in the independent gaming space. https://epic-pictures.com/

BEYONCE’S NEW VIDEO ALBUM BLACK IS KING RELEASED ON DISNEY+

An extravagance story of black life and its African lineage and heritage, Beyonce’s new video album began streaming on Disney+ on Friday, July 31, 2020.

The 90 minutes of music from Bey was inspired by the 2019 Lion King theme song, “The Lion King: The Gift. Beyonce was the voice of Nala, Simba’s lady love in the 2019 film. The Lion King is all about uplifting people with valuable life lessons. Lessons of loyalty, love and determination which is expanded upon with Black is King.

A showcase of blackness in all its hues and glory is truly uplifting during this time of racial protest and reckoning. It’s a magnificent reminder of the Kings and Queens from whom we are descendants. Something we should constantly reminded ourselves.

Joining Bey on Black is King are Pharrell Williams and Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Lord Afrixana, Wizkids and her husband Jay-Z. You know the video album would not be complete with an appearance by Blue Ivy.

Black is King is written, directed and executive produced by Queen Bey. Full of wonderful sounds and visual inspiring, Black is King is what we needed.

New Trailer for Dark Star Picture’s ENTWINED

Director’s Minos Nikolakakis new film ENTWINED tells the story of Panos (Prometheus Aleifer), a city doctor, relocates his practice to a remote village and quickly falls for Danae (Anastasia Rafaella Konidi), who lives in isolation with a mysterious skin condition. Determined to find Danae a cure, Panos learns of her dark secret and that all is not what it seems.

ENTWINED, an official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival opens in virtual theaters on Friday, August 28^th in Los Angeles, New York and other major cities. And released on VOD on September 8^th in U.S. and Canada on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Xbox, Vudu, Direct TV, Dish Network and all major cable providers.

Runtime: 89 minutes
Language: Greek with English subtitles
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Horror/ Fantasy
Distributed in North America by Dark Star Pictures

DARK STAR PICTURES

Dark Star Pictures is a new-age North American distribution company, focused on bringing unique and targeted content to audiences across the country. The company is committed to releasing auteur-driven, original cinema in the theatrical, digital and home video space. Dark Star’s goal is to create original marketing campaigns directly catered to audiences who will embrace our brand of thought-provoking cinema. The company also services distribution companies and producers in the theatrical, digital, and festival space.

Dark Star Pictures THE PREY New Trailer

THE PREY a new film by director Jimmy Henderson’s opens in VIRTUAL THEATERS on August 21n 2020 in Los Angeles at Laemmle and in New York on Alamo On Demand and major cities.

On VOD in US and Canada on August 25th. Including on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Xbox, Vudu, Direct TV, Dish Network and all major cable providers.

THE PREY was an official selection at the Busan International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival and Fantasia Film Festival.

Directed by Jimmy Henderson (JAILBREAK) and written by Jimmy Henderson, Michael Hodgson, Kai Miller.

It stars Byron Bishop, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Nophand Boonyai, Vithaya Pansringarm (ONLY GOD FORGIVES), Gu Shangwei

THE PREY is loosely based on Richard Connell’s story of survival and adventure The Most Dangerous Game,

Undercover Chinese cop Xin (newcomer Gu Shangwei), is on a secret international mission when a surprise raid puts him in a remote Cambodian jungle prison that plays by its own rules.Ruthless warden (Vithaya Pansringarm of ONLY GOD FORGIVES ) sells prisoners as human prey for rich hunters looking for thrills in the jungle.

After years of hunting down ruthless criminals, Xin suddenly finds himself running for his life. If Xin manages to survive this sadistic game, he’ll walk out of the jungle the same way he came in: as a free man. If Xin fails, he’s just another hunting trophy.
Runtime: 93 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Language: Cambodian and Chinese (Mandarin) with English subtitles
Distributed by LA-based Dark Star Pictures.

DARK STAR PICTURES

Hollywood Screen Legend Oliva de Havilland Is 104 Years-Young

Call her a Screen Legend, an Old Hollywood Star, a Movie Star, or Star of the Golden Age of Hollywood, Olivia de Havilland is each one of them.

Dame Oliva de Havilland born July 1, 1916 in Tokyo, Japan, to English parents, Walter de Havilland, a patent attorney and, Lilian Fontaine, and actress. She’s the older sister of another star of the Golden Age of Hollywood, actress Joan Fontaine.

She has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress, “To Each His Own (1946) and “The Heiress” (1949).

De Havilland is the last surviving adult that starred in the block buster film “Gone with the Wind” that premiered in Atlanta on December 15, 1939. Olivia de Havilland portrayed Melanie Hamilton Wilkes, Scarlett O’Hara’s (Vivian Leigh) sister-in-law. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for this role. She lost to Hattie McDaniel

She is also remembered for her performance as Maid Marian, opposite Errol Flynn in “The Adventures of Robin Hood” (1938).

Fontaine won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Suspicion” (1941)

Olivia became the Hollywood’s first free agent on August 23, 1943, when she successfully sued Warner Bros and changing the power structure from the movie studios to the actors and actresses. This established what is called the De Havilland Law.

Dame Olivia de Havilland resides in France, where she has made it her home for about 70-years.

Blackstone, Hudson $1.65 Billion Hollywood Film Production Deal

Blackstone Property Partners, an investment group, has bought a 49% stake in Sunset Bronson, 5800 Sunset Blvd., Sunset Gower, 1438 N. Gower Street and Sunset Las Palmas, 1040 N. Las Palmas Avenue, from Hudson Pacific Properties said Chairman-CEO Victor Coleman.

The combined square footage of the three studios is 1.2 million square feet and includes 35 sound stages, all valued at $1.65 billion.

Blackstone looks to expand development at Sunset Gower, Sunset Las Palmas Studios and make additional studio purchases din and around Los Angeles and beyond.

New Trailer Jennifer Hudson in “RESPECT” Aretha Franklin Bio

Academy Award Best Supporting Actress, Jennifer Hudson brings the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin to the big screen in “RESPECT”.

“RESPECT” has a limited release on Christmas Day, December 25^th. Wide release on January 15^th, Martin Luther King Jr Holiday.

Directed by Liesl Tommy, “RESPECT” is his first feature film and written by Tracey Scott Wilson. The cast includes Forest Whitaker as C.L. Franklin, Audra McDonald as Barbara Franklin, Marlon Wayans as Ted White, Aretha’s first husband, Mary J. Blige as Dinah Washington, Gilber Glenn Brown as Martin Luther King Jr.

Lights, Camera, Action! Hollywood Productions Resume June 12, 2020

TCL Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Photo: Yevette Renee

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Order of the Health Officer has released the REOPENING SAFER AT WORK AND IN THE COMMUNITY FOR CONTROL OF COVID-19.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has announced that the Music, film and television production can reopen during Stage 3 on Friday, June 12, 2020. All productions prior to resuming must prepare, implement and post the required Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Reopening Protocol for Music, Film and Television Production.

There are five areas that all productions must address prior to reopening: Workplace policies and practices to protect employee health, Measures to ensure physical distancing, measures to ensure infection control, communication with employees and the public, measures to ensure equitable access to critical service.

Physical Distancing

They suggest any employee that can work from home, should do so. The workplace must provide all personal protective equipment (PPE), all visitors and employees must wear face covering.

All productions and recording sessions are required to have a written protocol before they can start work to ensure six (6) feet or more between people. With only essential cast and crew on or near the set at any time. If cast and musicians are unable to wear face coverings must be a minimum of 8 feet of social distancing. Whenever possible, workspaces are to have one directional traffic. When riding the elevator, the capacity limit is based on the ability to maintain six (6) feet distance. They also suggest easing elevator traffic by opening stairwells for up and down traffic.

All shops shall be by appointment only to prevent lines forming.

Television and film productions are required to give periodic testing to cast and crew, especially those in high-rick scenes requiring close contact without masks.

Infection Control

Ventilation must be increased in all spaces. All contracts, music sheet, scripts and other documents must be distributed digitally or printed and given to everyone. Before and after filming and other sessions, all commonly touched areas must be disinfected at least three times a day. The entire facility must be cleaned daily i.e. sets, production spaces. Minor child actors can be accompanied by up to two adults. Payment portals, props, costumes, set materials, trucks and other vehicles must be disinfected after each use.

All Productions must provide a copy of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health protocol to every person that come on-set or enters the production facility.

The movie extra industry will suffer a major impact with productions being told to avoid large crowd scenes.

Craft services: people will only be able to eat and drink in a designated area. The cast and crew must eat and drink in production set area in staggered schedules.

Food buffets are not allowed as well as no communal food or drink services (no coffee pots). Food must be single serve only. People who bring in their own food cannot share their food.

The date, time and name of the crew currently in session must be recorded to assist in contact tracing when necessary.

Production locations must be completely secure from the public with enough space for everyone stay six (6) to social distance.

Hollywood and Its Response to the Murder of George Floyd and Social Justice

TCL Grauman's Chinese Theatre Boarded Up After George Floyd Protests

TCL Grauman's Chinese Theatre Boarded Up. Photo: Yevette Renee

The Hollywood industry is responding to the murder of George Floyd and social injustice with commitments to civil and social justice organizations.

Some of the entertainment companies putting their money where their mouth is, are:

Universal Music Group commits $25 million Change Fund to advance social justice and racial equality with the new Task Force for Meaningful change (TFMC)

Comcast has a new 3-year $100 million to support social justice. $75 million for cash grants and $25 million in media across Comcast, NBC Universal, and Sky. The organizations to receive the cash grants are Community Justice Action Fund, Equal Justice Initiatives, the National Urban League, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored and the National Action Network.

Sony Music gives $100 million for social justice and anti-racism.

Michael Jordan and Jordan Brands commits $100 million over 10-years to support organizations that focus on racial equality, social justice and access to education. This is in addition to Nike’s four-year, 440 million to address racial inequality around the country and the Jordan Wings Program.

Target and the Target Foundation gives $10 million to support social justice and community rebuilding and recovery. They are also giving essential items like medicine, diapers, etc.

Kanye West gives $2 million to the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. West has also set-up a 529 plan for the college education of Floyd’s daughter Gianna.

URSULA VON RYDINGSVARD: INTO HER OWN Film Review

Von Rydingsvard in her Williamsburg studio on South 5th Street, surrounded by the cedar cast of katul katul, 2002.

Premieres May 29, 2020 at Film Forum in New York

Opens June 5, 2020 in the major cities of Los Angeles, Berkeley, San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia and more cities to be announced.

Director: Daniel Traub
Feature Documentary

Director Daniel Traub’s gives an in depth look at the life of sculptor Ursula Von Rydingsvard in his new film URSULA VON RYDINGSVARD: INTO HER OWN.

A compelling story of her birth in Germany, the five years she and her family lived in a displaced person camp prior to her parents and four siblings moving to the United States, her marriage to her husband of nine-years, who was institutionalized with schizophrenia and her eventual rise as one of the few women who specialize in monument sculptors.

Ona, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, 2013.

It is fascinating to see how Ursula who grew up during the war and lived in poverty and despair as a displaced person was able to rise to such great heights as an artist. Hearing her speak about being in the 3^rd grade and being elected to create posters and other art assignments in school appear to be the spark that ignited her passion for the arts. It is as though the world of art was her calling, her destiny.

One usually thinks of an artist and the creation of their work as an individua effort yet with Ursula, you see her chosen genre of working with large sculptures made out of cedar and eventually working with bronze, requires a team effort. A team she clearly admires and respect. It is a great opportunity for young artist to work and learn from a master of the arts like Ursula. She and her team have lunch together everyday, which gives you a sense of a family unit. That cohesiveness is displayed in the seamlessness of the sculptures that they create together.

Von Rydingsvard drawing cut lines on a 4x4" cedar beam, 2016.

It was intriguing watching as she traveled to Poland for the first time and see the similarities between of the large, neat stacks of wood used for heating their homes and her large stacks of 4x4 cedar blocks used in her sculptures and other Polish items that had been unknowingly created in her art. It provides an innate connection between her and her family’s homeland.

Composer Simon Taufique original scores provides a great backdrop to Ursula’s life journey from Germany to her new life in the United States.

An enjoyable film about the humbly beginnings of a woman determined to be an artist. An artist who chose a genre without many woman role models and excelled.

Production Company: Itinerant Pictures
Run time: 57 minutes
Director: Daniel Traub
Producers: Daniel Traub, Ken Kobland, Simon Taufique
Executive Producer: Morning Slayter
Editors: Ken Kobland, Melody London
Cinematographer: Daniel Traub
Composer: Simon Taufique

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