James Ashcroft will direct the feature film adaptation of “Old Haunts.” The “Coming Home In the Dark” filmmaker was tapped for the gig by Awa Studios, the film and television division of Artists, Writers & Artisans (Awa), which published the popular graphic novel that is inspiring the movie.
Ashcroft will direct the “Old Haunts” adaptation from a script by in-demand scribe Aaron Rabin, who is hot off of the newly launched Marvel series, “Secret Invasion.” Zach Studin, president of Awa Studios, will produce the movie.
Since the world premiere of “Coming Home In The Dark” at Sundance, where the psychological thriller made a stir, Ashcroft has become an in-demand filmmaker, lining up projects with Agbo, Legendary and Netflix.
“James Ashcroft is a cinematic force, with an incredible vision for this explosive story that collides the genres of crime and horror,” Studin said. “His ability to capture heart-wrenching performances, while delivering gripping tension,...
Ashcroft will direct the “Old Haunts” adaptation from a script by in-demand scribe Aaron Rabin, who is hot off of the newly launched Marvel series, “Secret Invasion.” Zach Studin, president of Awa Studios, will produce the movie.
Since the world premiere of “Coming Home In The Dark” at Sundance, where the psychological thriller made a stir, Ashcroft has become an in-demand filmmaker, lining up projects with Agbo, Legendary and Netflix.
“James Ashcroft is a cinematic force, with an incredible vision for this explosive story that collides the genres of crime and horror,” Studin said. “His ability to capture heart-wrenching performances, while delivering gripping tension,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Set in Scotland in 1994, the new comic book series The Nasty follows 18-year-old Graeme “Thumper” Connell, who passes the time watching horror movies with his fellow members of The Murder Club and hanging out with his imaginary friend who just happens to be the masked murderer from a slasher film.
With Vault Comics unleashing the second issue of The Nasty on May 10th alongside a second printing of the first issue, we have an exclusive preview of what awaits readers in issue #2 ahead of its release!
Below, you can read our exclusive preview from The Nasty #2, and in case you missed it, read our previous Q&a with writer John Lees and artist Adam Cahoon!
Also, be sure to visit Vault Comics to keep up to date on The Nasty and other horror comic book series!
The Nasty #2: (W) John Lees (A) George Kambadais (A/CA) Adam Cahoon
Thumper...
With Vault Comics unleashing the second issue of The Nasty on May 10th alongside a second printing of the first issue, we have an exclusive preview of what awaits readers in issue #2 ahead of its release!
Below, you can read our exclusive preview from The Nasty #2, and in case you missed it, read our previous Q&a with writer John Lees and artist Adam Cahoon!
Also, be sure to visit Vault Comics to keep up to date on The Nasty and other horror comic book series!
The Nasty #2: (W) John Lees (A) George Kambadais (A/CA) Adam Cahoon
Thumper...
- 5/9/2023
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
What if your imaginary friend was a killer from a slasher film? Set in Scotland in 1994, the new comic book series The Nasty answers this compelling question with blood-splattered results as it follows 18-year-old Graeme “Thumper” Connell, who enjoys watching notorious "video nasties" with his friends in The Murder Club, until one night when they come across a cursed videotape that just might bring its cinematic nightmares to lethal life.
With the first issue of The Nasty coming out on April 5th from Vault Comics, we caught up with writer John Lees and artist Adam Cahoon (who contributed art in the first two issues before stepping in as the main illustrator in issue #3) to discuss the making of The Nasty, including exploring how horror can be comforting, taking a subversive approach to the concept of imaginary friends, and creating their own "video nasties" for this series!
Below, you can check...
With the first issue of The Nasty coming out on April 5th from Vault Comics, we caught up with writer John Lees and artist Adam Cahoon (who contributed art in the first two issues before stepping in as the main illustrator in issue #3) to discuss the making of The Nasty, including exploring how horror can be comforting, taking a subversive approach to the concept of imaginary friends, and creating their own "video nasties" for this series!
Below, you can check...
- 3/3/2023
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Fremantle has deepened its relationship with Artists, Writers & Artisans, Inc. (Awa) by making a minority investment in the company.
Fremantle had struck a strategic development deal with Awa Studios, the film and television division of Awa, last year.
Awa is backed by James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems, Sister, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. In 2021, the company established Awa Studios, helmed by Hollywood veteran Zach Studin as president. Marvel alum Axel Alonso serves as co-founder and chief creative officer overseeing editorial output. Matthew Anderson, co-chair and president and Jon Miller, co-founder and co-chair, lead Awa’s executive team.
The two companies have revealed that the first project on the joint development slate after Fremantle taking a stake in Awa is “Devil’s Highway,” a thriller based on the comic series by Benjamin Percy and Brent Schoonover in which a young woman seeks to unravel a sinister mystery hidden in the dark underbelly of the long-haul trucking industry.
Fremantle had struck a strategic development deal with Awa Studios, the film and television division of Awa, last year.
Awa is backed by James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems, Sister, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. In 2021, the company established Awa Studios, helmed by Hollywood veteran Zach Studin as president. Marvel alum Axel Alonso serves as co-founder and chief creative officer overseeing editorial output. Matthew Anderson, co-chair and president and Jon Miller, co-founder and co-chair, lead Awa’s executive team.
The two companies have revealed that the first project on the joint development slate after Fremantle taking a stake in Awa is “Devil’s Highway,” a thriller based on the comic series by Benjamin Percy and Brent Schoonover in which a young woman seeks to unravel a sinister mystery hidden in the dark underbelly of the long-haul trucking industry.
- 2/14/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Fremantle has taken a minority stake in independent developer Artists, Writers & Artisans Inc.
The company co-led an investment round with James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems alongside new capital from long-term backers of Awa and a “number of strategic individual investors with expertise in production, finance, sports, human rights and technology.” In addition to Lupa Systems, other Awa backers include Lightspeed Venture Partners and Sister.
Awa Studios, Awa’s film and TV arm helmed by Hollywood veteran Zach Studin, will benefit from Fremantle’s strategic input and investment, while also “unlocking the specialist expertise of the global content powerhouse, its infrastructure and its renowned international distribution footprint,” the companies said in a joint release on Tuesday.
The size of Fremantle’s stake was not disclosed.
Also Read:
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ Filmmaker Edward Berger Sets First-Look Deal With Fremantle
The investment builds upon Fremantle and Awa’s partnership forged...
The company co-led an investment round with James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems alongside new capital from long-term backers of Awa and a “number of strategic individual investors with expertise in production, finance, sports, human rights and technology.” In addition to Lupa Systems, other Awa backers include Lightspeed Venture Partners and Sister.
Awa Studios, Awa’s film and TV arm helmed by Hollywood veteran Zach Studin, will benefit from Fremantle’s strategic input and investment, while also “unlocking the specialist expertise of the global content powerhouse, its infrastructure and its renowned international distribution footprint,” the companies said in a joint release on Tuesday.
The size of Fremantle’s stake was not disclosed.
Also Read:
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ Filmmaker Edward Berger Sets First-Look Deal With Fremantle
The investment builds upon Fremantle and Awa’s partnership forged...
- 2/14/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Fremantle, the production unit of Bertelsmann-owned TV giant Rtl Group, has made a strategic minority investment in Artists, Writers & Artisans (Awa), an independent developer of stories from creative talent working across graphic fiction, film and television.
James Murdoch’s investment firm Lupa Systems, an existing Awa backer, co-led the new financial injection, which also included new capital from long-term Awa backers and “a number of strategic individual investors with expertise in production, finance, sports, human rights and technology,” the company said. Financial details and the size of the stake weren’t disclosed.
“This investment signifies a deepening of the initial partnership made between Fremantle and Awa in April 2022, which saw the companies come together to collaborate on co-developing a slate of TV projects based on Awa’s rapidly expanding IP library,” the partners said. “Awa Studios, Awa’s film and TV arm, will benefit from Fremantle’s strategic input and investment,...
James Murdoch’s investment firm Lupa Systems, an existing Awa backer, co-led the new financial injection, which also included new capital from long-term Awa backers and “a number of strategic individual investors with expertise in production, finance, sports, human rights and technology,” the company said. Financial details and the size of the stake weren’t disclosed.
“This investment signifies a deepening of the initial partnership made between Fremantle and Awa in April 2022, which saw the companies come together to collaborate on co-developing a slate of TV projects based on Awa’s rapidly expanding IP library,” the partners said. “Awa Studios, Awa’s film and TV arm, will benefit from Fremantle’s strategic input and investment,...
- 2/14/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fremantle has acquired a minority stake in Artists, Writers & Artisans (Awa), the U.S.-based indie backed by Liz Murdoch’s Chernobyl producer Sister and James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems.
Awa works across film, TV and graphic novels and Devil’s Highway – based on the comic series by Benjamin Percy and Brent Schoonover – is the first fruits of its collaboration with Fremantle, which kicked off last year with a partnership to co-develop a TV slate. Fremantle and Lupa co-led that investment round alongside new capital from long-term backers of Awa and a number of strategic investors.
The Fremantle investment revealed today will aid Awa’s film and TV arm Awa Studios with strategic input.
“We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with Awa. The collaboration is a perfect strategic fit, giving Awa access to our global footprint, distribution infrastructure and production expertise and putting Fremantle at the very forefront of graphic fiction innovation,...
Awa works across film, TV and graphic novels and Devil’s Highway – based on the comic series by Benjamin Percy and Brent Schoonover – is the first fruits of its collaboration with Fremantle, which kicked off last year with a partnership to co-develop a TV slate. Fremantle and Lupa co-led that investment round alongside new capital from long-term backers of Awa and a number of strategic investors.
The Fremantle investment revealed today will aid Awa’s film and TV arm Awa Studios with strategic input.
“We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with Awa. The collaboration is a perfect strategic fit, giving Awa access to our global footprint, distribution infrastructure and production expertise and putting Fremantle at the very forefront of graphic fiction innovation,...
- 2/14/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Elle Callahan To Write And Direct Adaptation Of Graphic Novel ‘Hotell’ As Awa Studios Ramps Up Slate
Exclusive: Awa Studios has tapped Elle Callahan to direct a feature film adaptation of the company’s original graphic fiction series Hotell. She will also co-adapt the script with Anthony Ruff. Awa Studios president Zach Studin is producing.
“I’m very excited to be working with Awa to adapt John Lees’ terrifying graphic novel Hotell,” Callahan said. “I aim to tell stories that push the horror genre in new directions — and my plan for this piece involves a very unique approach to the storytelling. This horror will feel all too relatable, and no doubt keep you up at night.”
The graphic novel presents a story of dread and intrigue and a mosaic of characters, set in the mysterious and frightening backdrop of the Pierrot Courts Hotel. It was written by well-known comic book creator Lees, drawn by artist Dalibor Talajic, and edited by Awa co-founder and chief creative officer Axel Alonso.
“I’m very excited to be working with Awa to adapt John Lees’ terrifying graphic novel Hotell,” Callahan said. “I aim to tell stories that push the horror genre in new directions — and my plan for this piece involves a very unique approach to the storytelling. This horror will feel all too relatable, and no doubt keep you up at night.”
The graphic novel presents a story of dread and intrigue and a mosaic of characters, set in the mysterious and frightening backdrop of the Pierrot Courts Hotel. It was written by well-known comic book creator Lees, drawn by artist Dalibor Talajic, and edited by Awa co-founder and chief creative officer Axel Alonso.
- 6/22/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
In Shops This Week:
Prometheus Omega
Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick
Artist: Agustin Alessio
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $5
Description: Angela and her fellow survivors are stranded on Lv-223, but their mission is not over yet. The answer to their quest could be hidden deep underground, but the strangest nightmare of all stands in their way.
Our Take: Don’t let the Prometheus title fool you, this ties into the Predator and Aliens titles that also comprised the Fire & Stone quadrilogy, which we covered heavily last year. This capstone title entwines the various threads while telling its own story in the capable hands of Fire & Stone mastermind Kelly Sue DeConnick.
Click Here For Preview
The Harvester #1
Writer: Brandon Seifert
Artist: Eric Battle
Publisher: Legendary Comics
Price: $4
Description: Since the dawn of time, mischievous troublemakers have been warned of his wrath, scholars have searched for traces of his existence and evildoers have...
Prometheus Omega
Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick
Artist: Agustin Alessio
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $5
Description: Angela and her fellow survivors are stranded on Lv-223, but their mission is not over yet. The answer to their quest could be hidden deep underground, but the strangest nightmare of all stands in their way.
Our Take: Don’t let the Prometheus title fool you, this ties into the Predator and Aliens titles that also comprised the Fire & Stone quadrilogy, which we covered heavily last year. This capstone title entwines the various threads while telling its own story in the capable hands of Fire & Stone mastermind Kelly Sue DeConnick.
Click Here For Preview
The Harvester #1
Writer: Brandon Seifert
Artist: Eric Battle
Publisher: Legendary Comics
Price: $4
Description: Since the dawn of time, mischievous troublemakers have been warned of his wrath, scholars have searched for traces of his existence and evildoers have...
- 2/12/2015
- by Chris Melkus
- Destroy the Brain
This site is gonna be changing soon, getting a whole new look. It’s a big deal, as it hasn’t done so since I first started reading it two years ago, probably more than that though. But Comic Execution won’t change. I like this format too much. While I’d certainly like to expand my coverage of comics at Destroy The Brain, I think we’re lacking in general coverage as is, so until we have a bit more in the way of contributors, don’t expect much else besides the column and the occasional interview. I’d love to offer things like previews or contests but it’s proving difficult to get publishers to play ball. I really wanted to do a feature on the Alien/Prometheus/Predator crossover but Dark Horse never responded so instead I’m just doing basic reviews. Which is kind of nice...
- 10/3/2014
- by Chris Melkus
- Destroy the Brain
In Shops This Week:
Nameless #1
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Chris Burnham
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3
Description: An astronomer kills his family, then himself, leaving a cryptic warning. A Veiled Lady hunts her victims through human nightmares. An occult hustler known only as ‘Nameless’ is recruited by a consortium of billionaire futurists for a desperate mission. And the malevolent asteroid Xibalba spins closer on a collision course with Earth. But nothing is what it seems-a terrifying inhuman experiment is about to begin. Abandon all hope and experience ultimate horror in Nameless
Our Take: Grant Morrison is deservedly a cult icon in the comic book world and the weird with a capital ‘W’ premise of this unique horror tale holds promise for something we’ve never quite seen before.
Click Here For Preview
Rat God #1
Writer: Richard Corben
Artist: Richard Corben
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $4
Description: Terrible things stalk the forests...
Nameless #1
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Chris Burnham
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3
Description: An astronomer kills his family, then himself, leaving a cryptic warning. A Veiled Lady hunts her victims through human nightmares. An occult hustler known only as ‘Nameless’ is recruited by a consortium of billionaire futurists for a desperate mission. And the malevolent asteroid Xibalba spins closer on a collision course with Earth. But nothing is what it seems-a terrifying inhuman experiment is about to begin. Abandon all hope and experience ultimate horror in Nameless
Our Take: Grant Morrison is deservedly a cult icon in the comic book world and the weird with a capital ‘W’ premise of this unique horror tale holds promise for something we’ve never quite seen before.
Click Here For Preview
Rat God #1
Writer: Richard Corben
Artist: Richard Corben
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $4
Description: Terrible things stalk the forests...
- 1/1/1970
- by Chris Melkus
- Destroy the Brain
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