I get a ton of emails about exciting upcoming indie horror projects and, while I’m unable to showcase them all individually, I’m absolutely thrilled to share them ROUND-UP STYLE! So, without further ado, here are the new & upcoming horror creations from the HorrorFam.com inbox!
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- Inner Child (Film – In Production!)
- Frenzy Moon (Film – Looking for Backers!)
- Witch (Film – Out Now!)
- Sister of Darkness: The Chronicles of a Modern Exorcist by Rachel Stavis (Book – Being Adapted!)
- Fluxx (Film – Looking for Investors!)
- Mothman Baby and Nessie Baby (Toys – Funded/Coming Soon!)
- Simone (Short Film – Out Now!)
- Zombie with a Shotgun 2: Reloaded (Film – In Pre-Production!)
- Jitters (Film – Looking for Backers!)
- Bikers Vs. Werewolves (Film – Coming Soon!)
- Next of Kin by Elton Skelter (Book – Out Now!)
- Eve Valentine (Short Film – Out Now!)
- Waltz (Film – Post-Production!)
- Tales from Candleforth (Video Game – Out Now)
- Midwestern Gothic by Scott Thomas (Book – Coming Soon!)
- Aliens Expanded (Film – Limited Release!)
- Punch (Film – Now Streaming!)
- The Jack in the Box: Rises (Film – Now Streaming!)
- Stasis: Bone Totem (Video Game – Now on Consoles!)
- Your Monster (Film – Festival Premiere!)
- Traction Park Massacre (Film – Starting Production!)
- HWA Specialty & Lifetime Achievement Awards (Live Presentation – June 2024!)
- Puppet House (PC Game – Coming Soon!)
- Anglerfish (Video Game – Now on Consoles!)
- Want YOUR New/Upcoming Horror Project Featured Next Time?
Inner Child (Film – In Production!)
Inner Child is in production as of Spring 2024 and they’ve even released their sizzle teaser (above)! However, director/writer Natalie Rodriguez and her crew are still looking for qualified partners to work with as Inner Child progresses. Please direct all business inquiries to [email protected]
It’s also been confirmed that the following actors are now attached to Inner Child: Isabella Jaimie (The Yorkie Werewolf) as Cassie, Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp, Slashercise) as Christine, John Karna (Scream: The TV Series) as Brayden, Scout Taylor Compton (Laurie Strode in Rob Zombie’s Halloween movies) as Dr. Reid, Hannah Fierman (V/H/S) as Gypsy Rainn, Isabella Fell (Legend of El Cucuy) as Young Cassie, Iliyana Apostolova (Everybody Dies by the End) as Tirsa, and James Duval (Independence Day, Donnie Darko) as a doctor.
Here’s the plot summary, per the email I was sent about Inner Child: “Cassie, a twenty-year-old college student, grapples with recurring night terrors featuring a menacing dark figure. Seeking relief, she turns to her therapist, Dr. Reid, uncovering a disturbing link to her childhood trauma. As Cassie confronts her past, she faces a daunting choice: surrender to her fears or break free from the cycle of terror.”
Frenzy Moon (Film – Looking for Backers!)
FRENZY MOON proof of concept trailer from Gregory Lamberson on Vimeo.
Frenzy Moon is “cabin in the woods”-style werewolf film that director/writer Gregory Lamberson describes as “John Carpenter’s The Thing meets The Howling.” Basically, a group of strangers need to work together to fend off a pack of werewolves from the secluded cabin they’re all staying at… But can all of them be trusted? Is one of them a werewolf mole, working to dismantle the group from the inside??
As of this writing, Frenzy Moon is only $8,800 away from meeting its $30,000 financial goal over on IndieGoGo. And they only have 18 more days to meet their goal! (They intend to spend the funds on practical special effects, the cast and crew, the location fees for the real-life cabin, and more).
According to Associate Producer Amanda R. Woomer, who made me aware of Frenzy Moon, this film is for anyone who’s “a fan of werewolves, practical effects, puppets, badass female characters, and supporting indie horror.” She also mentioned that “Perks start at just $5 (no IGG tip needed)” for those interested in contributing to Frenzy Moon’s IndieGoGo campaign.
Witch (Film – Out Now!)
Witch (2024) is now streaming in the United States on Vudu, Apple TV, and Google Play. If you’re in the UK, you can also watch it on Sky Store!
Here’s a plot summary of Witch, per writer/director Marc Zammit: “Town, England. 1575. William embarks on a journey to prove the innocence of his wife, Twyla, falsely accused of being a witch and will be put to death if found guilty. Please Re-share! Give it a watch!”
Directed by Marc Zammit and Craig Hinde, the cast of Witch includes Russel Shaw (The Lockdown Hauntings) as Thomas, Ryan Spong (Return of the Beast from Outer Space) as William, Sarah Alexandra Marks (Punch, Doctor Who: Fractured Timeline) as Twyla, Fabrizio Santino (Gangsters, Guns & Zombies), and Nick Tuck (Feed Me) as Gastro.
Sister of Darkness: The Chronicles of a Modern Exorcist by Rachel Stavis (Book – Being Adapted!)
Sister of Darkness: The Chronicles of a Modern Exorcist was originally published in 2018, but is currently being adapted for TV! This scripted series has Pamela Adlon (King of the Hill, Grim Fandango, Sgt. Bilko) attached to co-write and executive produce. Belletrist co-founders, Emma Roberts (American Horror Story, Scream Queens) and Karah Preiss (Tell Me Lies, First Kill) are also signed on as executive producers.
Here’s a little more about the book itself, which should provide a little insight into the series that’s being adapted from it: “Rachel (R.H.) Stavis is a world-renowned, non-denominational exorcist who is on a mission to create global change by eradicating darkness from one person or place at a time. A unique look at demonology removed from religious dogma, Sister of Darkness recounts Rachel’s journey to becoming an exorcist and chronicles some of her most extreme cleansing cases, including those that put her and her clients in peril. Going deep into her world, we meet the diverse range of people she has helped — young, old, famous, and not — in gripping stories of danger and sometimes sadness, that are ultimately about redemption. Frightening, eye-opening, and utterly enthralling, Sister of Darkness brings to light a world ruled by destruction, chaos, and fear, and the woman who bravely fights to protect those who seek her out.”
R.H. Stavis’ representation was excited that I’d be making this round-up update on May 3rd because, by pure coincidence, today also happens to be National Paranormal Day! Anyway, I thought that was neat, since I love holidays, and I wanted to mention it. 🙂
Fluxx (Film – Looking for Investors!)
Fluxx, starring Tyrese Gibson (Death Race, Legion) as Calvin, Shelley Hennig (Ouija, Teen Wolf TV series) as Vada, Shiloh Fernandez (Evil Dead 2013) as Trevor, and Henry Ian Cusick (Lost, Fringe) as Detective Culver is currently in post-production, but would appreciate additional investors to cover remaining costs. They’re raising funds on Hulahoop until May 22nd.
Here’s a plot summary, per their fundraising campaign: “Fluxx is a mind-bending thriller, about a Hollywood actress who is intent on finding her famous missing husband, despite the fact that she cannot willingly leave her Malibu home. A nail-biting, non-linear original story with a roller coaster of conflict and emotions from unexpected directions where escaping reality is a necessity… no matter the cost.”
Mothman Baby and Nessie Baby (Toys – Funded/Coming Soon!)
Hazy Dell Press was happy to announce that the Kickstarter campaign for their Mothman Baby and Nessie Baby plush toys was fully funded and that these adorable plushies are becoming a reality! Those who contributed to the campaign last year are being prioritized for the first run of these cuties, but – never fear! – they will be available in retail stores and the Hazy Dell Press web store eventually.
In the meantime, check out the flap books that were the inspiration for the plush toys. Also, Hazy Dell Press wanted me to mention that they’re open to having another Kickstarter campaign in the future if there’s proven interest in Krampus, Banshee, Alien, Sasquatch, and/or Chupacabra plushies. So, let them know if those characters are something you’d love to own in stuffed form!
Simone (Short Film – Out Now!)
Written and directed by Lorenzo P. Adams (LPA Films), Simone is a 15-minute short film starring Fortuna Gebresellasie as the title character.
Simone (2024) takes place during a global pandemic lock down, and follows an artist trapped in quarantine as she experiences unexplainable horrors after the death of her mother.
You can check out Simone on YouTube. And LPA Films’ Michael Myers fan film, Halloween ’63, is going to be hitting festivals Fall 2024.
Zombie with a Shotgun 2: Reloaded (Film – In Pre-Production!)
Hilton Ariel Ruiz is rapidly getting the ball rolling for Zombie with a Shotgun 2: Reloaded, the sequel to Zombie with a Shotgun (2019) — which was the adaptation of the Zombie with a Shotgun web-series, which was the adaptation of his Zombie with a Shotgun comic books.
Keep an eye out on the official Zombie with a Shotgun Twitter/X account for the next IndieGoGo fundraising campaign! In the meantime, Hilton Ariel Ruiz has been keeping the Zombie with a Shotgun YouTube channel updated with zombie-themed music tracks and other fun things.
Braeden Baade is returning in the lead role of Aaron, and Kyle Hester will also be returning as Hank Ray. Zombie with a Shotgun 2: Reloaded has also announced Bill Oberst, Jr. (3 From Hell) will be playing a vampire and Lynn Lowry (Shivers) will be playing a witch. Monique Dupree (AEW Dynamite), Vincent M. Ward (The Walking Dead), and Camden Toy (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) have also been cast in undisclosed roles.
Jitters (Film – Looking for Backers!)
The IndieGoGo campaign for Jitters ends at 12:00AM Pacific tomorrow, May 4, 2024. So, if you’re interested in supporting this one (or getting any of the backer perks): HURRY!!
Here’s the plot synopsis: “Detective Collymore, a single divorced father, stumbles upon a mysterious case involving the death of Tiffany, initially deemed natural. Digging deeper, he discovers Jitters, Where Detective Collymore must outsmart Jitters, Brace yourself for a thrilling film that combines detective intrigue with psychological twists, where the line between reality and illusion is the ultimate puzzle.”
Writer/director Marc Zammit is planning to shoot Jitters in July/August of 2024.
Bikers Vs. Werewolves (Film – Coming Soon!)
From the makers of Death Count and Bloodthirst comes Bikers Vs. Werewolves!
Mahal Empire Productions, helmed by Michael and Sonny Mahal, are making horror films faster than I can keep up!! Bikers Vs. Werewolves is the newest horror-action film they’ve produced, and it will be hitting streaming channels SOON! In the meantime, check out the official trailer above.
Directed by Michael Su and written by Adam Werth, Bikers Vs. Werewolves stars Jake Busey (The Frightners, Starship Troopers) as Sheriff Ray, Robert LaSardo (Death Count, Death Race) as Christos, and James Duval (Independence Day, Donnie Darko) as Miguel.
Next of Kin by Elton Skelter (Book – Out Now!)
This very short review/recommendation for Elton Skelter’s newest horror novel, Next of Kin, was submitted by JXR Reads. I’m still not sure why JXR didn’t opt for submitting a full-length HorrorFam.com guest post (I’m always open to publishing relevant, horror-related reviews!), but some mysteries are never solved. For now, here’s JXR Reads’ thoughts on this brand new horror novel:
“It focuses on a thrill-seeking serial killer named Jacob Mallory, who has lived under the radar and murdered a lot of people over the years. But suddenly a boy who attempted to commit suicide and is currently at a hospital has him listed as his emergency contact. Jacob, naturally curious about what on earth is going on at this one, meets this boy, Nathan McGuire, and they immediately fall into a sort of sadomasochistic, dark and twisted relationship between the two deeply messed up and mentally unstable people. But there are secrets still hidden, and Jacob continues to go out and kill people fairly frequently throughout! What will break their relationship? What will happen by the end? What is Nathan hiding? These are some of the questions you’d ask as you start this one, and they’re all really worthwhile ones. I’m not going to spoil the book, but know… the ending is just as gorgeously dark as the beginning is!”
Eve Valentine (Short Film – Out Now!)
Written and directed by Dean Midas, Eve Valentine is an 18.5-minute short horror film about the return of a serial killer. But who IS Eve Valentine? Or, who is the REAL Eve Valentine?! You’ll have to watch to find out!
You can watch Eve Valentine is on YouTube as of now and, someday soon, you may be able to catch it on Roku as well!
Waltz (Film – Post-Production!)
This was brought to my attention by the film’s special effects artist: Jason Proakis of MoreGoreEffects.com!
Waltz follows a British expat, Alice, who attempts to make ends meet by creating content for a spicy social media site. Unfortunately, one of her viewers becomes utterly obsessed and Alice is then forced to fight for her life as fan-turns-foe!
Post-production is supposed to wrap for Waltz in September of this year and should release sometime after that.
Tales from Candleforth (Video Game – Out Now)
Tales from Candleforth is a brand new horror puzzle game with escape room mechanics. It’s the first game to come from Under the Bed Games and is available to play on Steam, GOG, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series S|X, and Nintendo Switch!
Fully drawn by hand, Tales from Candleforth is a folk horror point & click adventure that follows 16-year-old Sarah as she slowly unfolds the horrifying, occult-laced truths about her family. As she (and you!) uncovers her family’s secrets — including what happened to her missing grandmother! — Sarah’s also expected to run the family apothecary… All while discovering and attuning to powers that only the women in her family inherit! Whewwwww!! (Being a teenager is rough!).
Midwestern Gothic by Scott Thomas (Book – Coming Soon!)
From Scott Thomas, the writer of Kill Creek (2017) and Violet (2019), comes a brand new horror anthology: Midwestern Gothic!
Four novellas for the price of one, Midwestern Gothic has a little a little something for every gothic horror fan — but with a distinctly midwestern flavor. “The Door in the Field” follows a construction worker’s worst day ever, “The Boy in the Woods” is the story of a summer camp gone wrong, “One Half of a Child’s Face” is the chilling story of a painting that calls out to the children living in an apartment building, and “Wear Your Secret Like a Stone” follows a retail worker and how her Halloween display choice accidentally reveals the dark underbelly of her seemingly ideal hometown!
Midwestern Gothic by Scott Thomas will be released in hardcover, paperback, and digital formats on September 17, 2024.
Aliens Expanded (Film – Limited Release!)
CREATORVC, known for their fan-crafted horror film documentaries, has done it again! Aliens Expanded has over four hours of interviews and a one-of-a-kind scene-by-scene analysis with members of the Aliens cast and crew, as well as in-depth commentary from director James Cameron.
Special pre-order packages for Aliens Expanded are available NOW through May 13th! They’re offering limited-run merchandise, limited Blu-ray editions of the film, and (for supporters able to shell out the big bucks) an opportunity to get your name in the credits. Aliens Expanded is slated for limited release in June 2024. Check it out at Aliens-Expanded.com!
CREATORVC is an independent producer of long-form factual content that is funded, inspired, and shaped by a dedicated community of fans. CREATORVC’s documentary projects include the critically acclaimed In Search of Darkness ‘80s trilogy and the upcoming In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994.
Punch (Film – Now Streaming!)
Originally released in the UK in 2023, as of now horror fans in the United States have the opportunity to catch Punch on Tubi!
Directed and written Andy Edwards, Punch is the story of a young woman, Frankie, who’s stalked by a killer in a Mr. Punch mask as she and her friends leave a rave. Will they survive the night or have they had their last dance? Find out!
The Jack in the Box: Rises (Film – Now Streaming!)
Written and directed by Lawrence Fowler, The Jack in the Box Rises is now available via digital streaming and DVD.
The Jack in the Box Rises is the story of Raven, a student at an all-girls boarding school, who accidentally unleashes a demon from a Jack-in-the-box toy she finds hidden in her school. Did she just doom herself and her classmates to death? Obviously. Less obvious: Will ANYONE make it out alive??
Stasis: Bone Totem (Video Game – Now on Consoles!)
If you thought under ground horror was scary, just wait until you experience under water horror!
Dive into a thrilling underwater adventure and solve the spooky mystery of an abandoned oil rig in Stasis: Bone Totem, out NOW on Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch!
Your Monster (Film – Festival Premiere!)
The Lower East Side Film Festival in New York, New York is showcasing a ton of indie films of all genres, but one in particular seemed of interest to HorrorFam.com readers: Your Monster.
I’m based in Los Angeles, so I can’t attend, but if you’re in New York and go, lemme know how it is! Your Monster going to be playing Thursday, May 2nd at 8:30PM Eastern at the Village East Cinema and again at 10:00PM Eastern at The Back Room (which will also feature a party afterwards).
From their email: “Opening night kicks off with director Caroline Lindy’s debut feature, Your Monster, on May 2 at 8:30pm starring Melissa Barrera (In The Heights, Scream). Your Monster is the musically inclined tale of Laura Franco, a soft-spoken actress who finds her voice again when she meets a terrifying, yet weirdly charming Monster living in her closet. Also starring Tommy Dewey, Meghann Fahy, and Edmund Donovan, Your Monster is a fantastical and dark romantic comedy about falling in love with your inner rage. Tickets and festival all-access passes on-sale now.”
Traction Park Massacre (Film – Starting Production!)
Terror Twins, LLC have announced that they’re currently in Atlanta, Georgia filming Traction Park Massacre. Written and directed by Adam Dubin (Murder at the Front Row, A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica) and Douglas diMonda (Drop Dead Rock), Traction Park Massacre is a horror film with comedic elements that pulls inspiration from Friday the 13th, Evil Dead, and Saw.
Plot-wise, Traction Park Massacre revolves around a local waterpark burning to the ground, supposedly killing twin ten-year-olds Otto and Emil Von Metzger giving rise to urban legends. But, fifteen years later, it becomes apparent that the Terror Twins (played by American Horror Story‘s Kai and Bodhi Schulz) are alive and they hunt down anyone who dares to enter the torched remains of the abandoned park.
I was also told that, “The film will feature a soundtrack chock-full of classic metal, and a bold 80’s inspired score from Alex Skolnick of Testament.” In other words: Save a spot on your Spotify playlist for the Traction Park Massacre soundtrack!
HWA Specialty & Lifetime Achievement Awards (Live Presentation – June 2024!)
The Horror Writers Association has announced the recipients of their 2024 Specialty Awards:
- Thunderstorm Books
- Brian Mathews
- Lila Denning
- Lisa Wood
And they’ve also announced the recipients of the HWA’s Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2024:
- Steve Rasnic Tem
- Mort Castle
- Cassandra Peterson AKA Elvira
The awards will be presented to their respective recipients LIVE during the Bram Stoker Awards Presentation at StokerCon 2024 in San Diego, California on on June 1st, 2024. Congratulations to all of the winners!
Puppet House (PC Game – Coming Soon!)
From its most recent trailers, Puppet House looks a little like PT (2014) and seems like a promising Wishlist add. It’s going to be released in late 2024 on Steam, Epic, and GOG.
Here’s the lil plot snippet I was given from the publisher, Gaming Factory: “Enter the Puppet House, where the secrets of a deceased ventriloquist are hidden and demonic power reigns around. Will you be able to survive in the abandoned mansion?”
Anglerfish (Video Game – Now on Consoles!)
If you read my review of Anglerfish but didn’t have a PC to enjoy it with yourself, then rejoice: it’s now available on (most) consoles. As of now, you can play Professional Villains’ Anglerfish on Nintendo Switch and both PlayStation 4 & 5! (Sorry, Xbox players, you still have to wait a little longer).
Also, while I was writing about Anglerfish‘s console debut, I noticed that Professional Villains is coming out with a brand NEW game for later this year called Security: The Horrible Nights! So, check that out as well!
Want YOUR New/Upcoming Horror Project Featured Next Time?
Those are all of the new & upcoming horror projects that ended up in my inbox recently!
If you’d like to have YOUR horror creation show up in the next roundup post, be sure to send me an email and/or send me a message on “X”/Twitter or Instagram (@LoveHorrorFam on both platforms) by August 25, 2024.
Come back on September 6, 2024 for next tri-annual HorrorFam.com inbox roundup! ♥
Images used were provided by their respective owners and used with their permission.