Through the Lens Entertainment and FANGORIA Studios Partner to Produce Films By Legendary Horror Manga Artist Junji Ito: “Through the Lens Entertainment (TTLE), a prominent player in the entertainment industry known for its innovative approach to film and media, proudly reports a new partnership with FANGORIA, the iconic brand synonymous with horror culture. This strategic co-development and co-production deal, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in manga horror entertainment, promising enthusiasts and new fans innovation, culturally appropriate new manga films and accurate manga adaptations.
The first three mangas that will be co-developed are from the legendary Japanese horror mangaka/manga author and artist Junji Ito: Bloodsucking Darkness and The Mystery of the Haunted House Part 1 and Part 2.
Through the Lens Entertainment’s partnership with FANGORIA is poised to redefine the horror and manga experience, offering fans an immersive journey into the macabre through motion pictures.
Owner and Filmmaker of Through The Lens Entertainment Aditya Chand said:
“Through the Lens Entertainment are thrilled to be working alongside FANGORIA and the legendary Junji Ito on these new films. Having been born in Kobe, Japan, my love for manga and anime runs deep and has a huge significance for me during my upbringing. Working with a visionary manga creator like Junji, alongside a cornerstone platform of horror culture with FANGORIA, pushes the boundaries of what east-west collaboration can achieve in the modern age. Manga adaptation must be adapted in a culturally sensitive way, where there is a balance of Japanese nuance combined with the sensibilities of innovative horror, allowing for a new cinematic experience for enthusiasts and manga fans.
Armen Aghaeian, SVP of FANGORIA Studios said:
“It’s important to recognize the universal appeal of horror stories; there’s no better way to commence our partnership with Through the Lens Entertainment than with the legendary horror author and artist Junji Ito’s stories. After all, everyone screams in the same language.”
Founded in 1979, FANGORIA is a leading authority in the realm of horror that has been captivating audiences with its gripping content, insightful commentary, and unparalleled dedication to the genre. For decades, it has served as a beacon for horror aficionados, showcasing the latest developments, iconic personalities, and timeless classics that continue to define the landscape of fear.
Horror fans can look forward to a thrilling array of projects, partnerships, and initiatives that promise to redefine the genre for generations to come. With a shared passion for all things macabre, Through the Lens Entertainment and FANGORIA are poised to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness. Armen Aghaeian, Tara Ansley, and Abhi Goel will produce under FANGORIA Studios alongside legendary Japanese horror mangaka/manga author and artist Junji Ito, with Yasu Kutami and Tsubasa Yamaguchi of Amuse Group USA and Through the Lens’s Aditya Chand and Jay Van Hoy. The deal was brokered by indie producer Carlos Aguirre who will serve as an Executive Producer on the films.
In addition, this new deal marks the arrival of filmmaker Jay Van Hoy (AMERICAN HONEY; THE LIGHTHOUSE; THE WITCH) to Through the Lens Entertainment, as Chief Producing Officer (CPO) to set up a new Collective of behind the camera talent, and bringing a new way of thinking and a modern eco system to film production.
With a prolific career spanning over two decades, Jay Van Hoy has made significant contributions to the film industry as a producer and executive. His passion for storytelling and commitment to supporting diverse voices align seamlessly with Through The Lens Entertainment’s mission to champion innovative filmmakers and bold narratives – from people who don’t normally fit into the usual Hollywood mold. Van Hoy will be instrumental in establishing and leading a dynamic production collective aimed at nurturing emerging filmmaking talent, excellence in storytelling and democratizing the process of independent film producing today. Having produced the horror cult film THE WITCH, Van Hoy brings a western horror sensibility to the whole producing team (under the TTLE banner) that will support the adaptations of the manga into film. “
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SHUDDER ANNOUNCES THE LAST DRIVE-IN: NIGHTMAREATHON A SPECIAL MARATHON EVENT HOSTED BY JOE BOB BRIGGS: “Shudder announced today an all-new special The Last Drive-In: Nightmareathon, celebrating the conclusion of The Last Drive-In’s supersized sixth season which debuted earlier this year. The special premieres Friday, August 30 at 9pm ET on the Shudder TV and AMC+ TV feeds and will be available on demand on both platforms the following Sunday, September 1.
Joe Bob Briggs, Darcy the Mail Girl, and a few surprise guests are up all night to party like jungle animals for The Last Drive-In: Nightmareathon, a dusk-to-dawn marathon event celebrating 6 years and 6 seasons with 6 killer movies… just like the devil intended.
On The Last Drive-In, Briggs, the world’s foremost drive-in movie critic hosts eclectic horror movies, talking about their merits, histories and significance to genre cinema. Fans can watch new episodes of season six every other Friday night on Shudder and AMC+. The Last Drive-In: Nightmareathon will cap off season six in a way only The Last Drive-In crew knows how, with a special six-movie marathon.
The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs is produced by Matt Manjourides and Justin Martell and directed by Austin Jennings.”
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MAGNOLIA’S GENRE ARM, MAGNET RELEASING, ACQUIRES NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS TO SXSW SCI-FI THRILLER ‘THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT’: “Magnet Releasing, the genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, announced today that they have acquired North American rights to THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT, the feature directorial debut of Michael Felker. Executive produced by acclaimed filmmakers Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead (Marvel’s MOON KNIGHT and LOKI) and David Lawson of Rustic Films (THE ENDLESS, SPRING), the twisty sci-fi thriller follows estranged siblings who, after a robbery, escape to a rural safe house hidden in time and discover they’re not the only occupants. The film, produced by Shane Spiegel, Jacob Rosenthal and Felker, world premiered in the Midnight section at SXSW and stars Riley Dandy, Adam David Thompson, Chloe Skoczen, Justin Benson, Jori Lynn Felker, and Sarah Bolger. Magnet will release the film in theaters and on demand October 4.
When estranged siblings Joseph (Adam David Thompson) and Sidney (Riley Dandy) rendezvous at a local diner after a close-call robbery, they hightail it to an abandoned farmhouse that transports them to a different time in order to escape the law. Their getaway is derailed when an unknown and cryptic metaphysical force emerges and blocks them from returning home. Trapped on the puzzling plot of land, their captor makes it clear that no one can leave until their deadly demands are met. What results from their entrapment not only bends the forces of spacetime —forcing the two to question everything they know about their own reality— but pushes their familial bonds to the breaking point.
“THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT is a wild, mind-scrambler of a movie,” said Magnolia Pictures co-CEO’s Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley. “Stars Riley Dandy and Adam David Thompson are incredibly compelling in director Michael Felker’s audaciously conceived puzzle.”
“Even after 20 years of championing independent film, it’s still worth repeating till the end of time: Magnolia Pictures is a genuine pioneer of innovative cinema, and the entire THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT team feels honored to be welcomed into the Magnolia and Magnet family,” said Felker.
XYZ Films and Rustic Films Present, A Last Life Production. A Felker Film. Directed and written by Michael Felker, THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT is produced by Shane Spiegel, Jacob Rosenthal, Michael Felker. Executive producers are David Lawson Jr., Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead. Cercamon is handling international sales.
The deal was negotiated by Magnolia Pictures SVP of Acquisitions John Von Thaden, and XYZ Films on behalf of the filmmakers.”
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BELIEVER: “A young writer is attacked by a notorious cult leader and mass murderer, a man who exerts inexplicable control over his followers. When she claims no memory of the attack, her family begins to question her motives”
- Directed by: Sheldon Wilson
- Written by: Sheldon Wilson
- Producers: Jonathan Soon-Shiong
- Cast: Lauren Lee Smith, Ella Ballentine, Peter Mooney, Martin Roach, Ilan O’Driscoll, Jonathan Potts, Kris Holden-Ried
- Running Time: 107 minutes
In Theaters and On Demand September 13, 2024
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SCREAMBOX August Streaming Line-Up: “SCREAMBOX has revealed the new films that are joining the horror streaming service in August, including We Are Zombies, The Funeral, and When a Stranger Calls.
The Hollywood dream becomes a nightmare when The Fanatic stalks SCREAMBOX on August 9. Directed by Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst, John Travolta stars in the psychological thriller as a film buff who develops an obsession with a cult movie star (Devon Sawa, Final Destination).
RKSS (Turbo Kid, Summer of 84) introduces the living impaired in SCREAMBOX Original We Are Zombies on August 13. Based on the comic book series The Zombies That Ate the World, the horror-comedy has drawn comparisons to Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, and Warm Bodies.
A pastor seeks vengeance for his daughter’s murder in The Retaliators on SCREAMBOX August 23. It features appearances by hard rock luminaries Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe), Jacoby Shaddix (Papa Roach), Ivan Moody & Zoltan Bathory (Five Finger Death Punch), and Spencer Charnas (Ice Nine Kills).
SCREAMBOX Original The Funeral delivers a love story with bite on August 27. The Turkish slow-burner does for zombies what Let the Right One did for vampires.
Every babysitter’s nightmare becomes real in When a Stranger Calls. Hitting SCREAMBOX on August 30, Carol Kane (Addams Family Values) stars in the 1979 masterclass in suspense from director Fred Walton (April Fool’s Day).
Other August highlights include: British Academy Television Award-winning zombie series In the Flesh; The Call starring horror icons Lin Shaye (Insidious) and Tobin Bell (Saw); Lovecraftian aquatic creature feature Gods of the Deep; female serial killer thriller The Girl Who Got Away; and Christmas-themed supernatural slasher Nutcracker Massacre.
Start screaming now with SCREAMBOX on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Prime Video, Roku, Fire TV, YouTube TV, Samsung, Comcast, Cox, and Screambox.com.”