ThrillerFest has announced that NYT bestselling author Michael Palmer will be joining ThrillerFest VIII. Special guests this year include 2013 ThrillerMaster Anne Rice, 2011 ThrillerMaster R.L. Stine, Michael Connelly, T. Jefferson Parker, Michael Palmer, and more.

CraftFest, one of the convention’s offerings, has lined up some phenomenal teachers, including Steve Berry, John Sandford, Michael Connelly, and T. Jefferson Parker. Learn more about the craft of writing from these NYT bestselling authors. Plus, if you are looking for an agent, there will be over 50 agents at AgentFest, also part of the offerings, who are interested in hearing your pitches. Your thriller could be the next breakout novel!

The Early Bird discount will be in place until midnight on November 30, 2012, so please register soon. Just visit ThrillerFest for more information. Also, don’t forget to book your room at the newly renovated Grand Hyatt to benefit from the group rate.

ThrillerFest VIII will take place from July 10th – July 13th, 2013 at the Grand Hyatt in New York City.

Time to put a stake in 2012′s heart and welcome in the New Year with Horror Realm, Pittsburgh’s modern horror convention and event producer, celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2013.

New Year’s Undead Eve features a DJ, cash bar, door prizes and raffle to benefit Scares That Care, a 501c3 charity that provides money, toys and other items to help sick children. Admission also includes complimentary snacks, nachos bar and champagne toast at midnight.

The party takes place at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South in Bethel Park (164 Fort Couch Road, 15241) on December 31 from 10 PM to 2 AM.

Come dressed in your most ghoulish semi-formal attire (think Carnival of Souls dance or The Shining’s July 4th ball). Prize will be awarded to the Best Dressed Undead.

The party is open to individuals 21 and over. Valid ID is required. Tickets are $25 per person or $45 per couple and may be purchased through Showclix.

A special overnight room rate of $94 + tax is available to party goers. Reservations may be made by calling the Crowne Plaza at 412-833-5300 (mention group code HRN).

Horror Realm has big plans for 2013 including two conventions and a horror themed event every month. The Spring Break Massacre convention has been expanded to three days (March 15-17) and features guests Danielle Harris and Kane Hodder plus an Irish Wake Party. The 5th Anniversary fall convention will be held September 20-22. The Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South serves as home for both shows. Details on the year’s events will be released soon.

About Horror Realm: Horror Realm, established in 2009, produces a spring and fall horror convention each year in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to the conventions, Horror Realm also produces horror-themed entertainment and charity events in the area, including film screenings, author signings and art shows. Charities supported by Horror Realm have included Scares That Care, Fix The Chapel, Friends of the Hollywood Theater, The Bradley Center, Animal Rescue League and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape.

Calling all International Thriller Writers authors. Please sign up for ThrillerFest before February 11, 2013 to be guaranteed a panel spot. They’re working hard to create a fabulous conference this year, including special guests 2013 ThrillerMaster Anne Rice, 2011 ThrillerMaster R.L. Stine, Michael Connelly, T. Jefferson Parker, Michael Palmer, and Silver Bullet Award recipient Steve Berry.

FanFest: Spots are going quickly. Please contact the ThrillerFest Executive Director at kimberleyhowe@me.com to book your chance to host fans at the first ever FanFest!

CraftFest: Come learn the secrets of craft from NYT Bestsellers Steve Berry, John Sandford, T. Jefferson Parker, Michael Connelly, Michael Palmer, John Gilstrap, JT Ellison, Catherine Coulter, and more.

AgentFest: Aspiring authors — don’t miss the chance to pitch your book to over 50 agents at AgentFest. Visit the ThrillerFest website to read about past success stories.

ThrillerFest: Highlights include a special presentation by the FBI and a blockbuster interview of 2013 ThrillerMaster Anne Rice hosted by her son Christopher Rice. Don’t miss it!

Visit ThrillerFest to register.

Spring horror convention grows to three days 

Pittsburgh, PA – February 11, 2013 – Pittsburgh’s modern horror convention expands its spring show to a full weekend in 2013.  Horror Realm’s “Spring Break Massacre” show will be held March 15 to 17 at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South.  Main show hours are Friday from 4 PM to 10 PM; Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM.

The convention features a dealer room with more than 30 vendors selling horror themed merchandise plus celebrity guests, horror film screenings, a VHS viewing room with films that haven’t yet made it to DVD, discussion panels, Q&A sessions, contests and entertainment.

Featured guests for the show include:

·         Danielle Harris - has appeared in “Halloween 4 & 5”, “Rob Zombie’s Halloween”, “Hatchet 2 & 3” as well as non-horror roles in “Roseanne” and “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead” as well as the voice of Debbie in “The Wild Thornberrys”

·         Kane Hodder – actor, stuntman and author best known for playing Jason Voorhees in four of the “Friday the 13^th” films, as well as Victor Crowley in the “Hatchet” film series

·         George “The Animal” Steele – Studio Wrestling and WWF legend who appeared as Tor Johnson in Tim Burton’s biopic “Ed Wood”

·         John Dugan – best known as the Grandfather in the original “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”.  Mr. Dugan’s appearance is sponsored by Boogeyman Collectibles.

·         Night of the Living Dead guests – Kyra Schon (Karen Cooper) and George Kosana (Sheriff McClelland)

·         Dawn of the Dead guests – Bob Michelucci (Scope Zombie) and Jeanie Jeffries (Blonde Zombie – first ever convention appearance)

·         Day of the Dead guests – John Amplas (Fisher) and Barbara Russell (Featured Zombie – appearing Saturday only)

After hours events will include a horror music video party on Friday night sponsored by Monroeville Zombies, and an Irish Wake party on Saturday.

Admission prices are $25 for a weekend pass; $15 for single day (Friday or Saturday) and $10 for Sunday.  Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance atwww.showclix.com/events/HR13SpringBreakMassacre.  Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.  The convention is open to all ages but bear in mind that some content may not be suitable for children.

Crowne Plaza offers a discounted rate of $109 plus tax per night for rooms, which can be reserved by calling 412-833-5300 and mentioning group code HRM.  The Crowne is located at 164 Fort Couch Road in Bethel Park, across from South Hills Village.  Ample free parking is available and the SHV light rail transit stop is ¼ mile from the hotel.

Horror Realm is sponsored in part by Duquesne Beer and Horrorrealmonline.com.

For more information on the event, please email info@horrorrealmcon.com or visit www.horrorrealmcon.com.

About Horror Realm:

Horror Realm, established in 2009, produces a spring and fall horror convention each year in Pittsburgh, PA.  In addition to the conventions, Horror Realm also produces horror-themed entertainment and charity events in the area, including film screenings, author signings and art shows.  Charities supported by Horror Realm have included Scares That Care, Fix The Chapel, Friends of the Hollywood Theater, The Bradley Center, Animal Rescue League, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape and Shepherd Wellness Community.  Horror Realm has been named a 2013 Women in Horror Month Ambassador.   www.horrorrealmcon.com

The Housecore Horror Film Festival will be held in Austin, TX October 25-27.  Bands scheduled to appear are Down, Crowbar, and
Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals.  Additionally, organizers are seeking original film submissions.  Details for the Housecore Horror Film Festival can be found on their website http://housecorehorrorfilmfestival.com/.

What’s better than Halloween?  Why, Halloween in May.  If you find yourself in Orlando May 24-26, you’ll definitely want to check this out.

From the website:

ORLANDO, FL – For the first time ever, three of the biggest names in the horror and haunt industry, Spooky Empire, alongside TransWorld and Netherworld, are bringing a Halloween and Horror event like never before!

For fans of everything scary and – well, spooky – Orlando, Florida plays host to a pair of the most popular themed events in the nation. Produced by Spooky Empire, October’s “Ultimate Horror Weekend” and May’s “May-Hem” stand as the Southeast’s premier destinations for those whose tastes run to the darker side of entertainment. A fully-loaded weekend of all things horror-centric, the Spooky Empire shows have garnered a strong following of fans and attendees who descend upon the Sunshine State twice a year for a heavy dose of madness and macabre.

Spooky Empire’s May-Hem takes place May 24-26, 2013 at Orlando’s Rosen Centre. A high-spirited blend of celebrity appearances, live performers, authors, artists, vendors and exhibitors, May-Hem is all that the discriminating fan could wish for.

Well-known for its unique blend of diverse guests and talent, May-Hem once again gives fans plenty of reasons to spend Memorial Day weekend with the Spooky Empire crowd, beginning with a cast reunion of one of the most beloved cult films of modern cinema, 1979’s “The Warriors”. Fans have an opportunity to meet cast members Michael Back (Swan), Deborah Van Valkenburgh (Mercy), David Harris (Cochise), Terry Michos(Vermin), Bryan Tyler (Snow), Thomas Waites (Fox), and Roger Hill (Cyrus)…can you dig it?

Also at the top of the guest line up is Norman Reedus, known to fans these days as “Daryl Dixon”, from the number one rated show, “The Walking Dead”. Joining Norman Reedus will be Nick Gomez (Tomas) and Theodus Crane (Big Tiny).

The list of fan favorites doesn’t stop there. Also joining this motley crew of celebs is Zach Galligan (Gremlins), Betsy Russell (Saw III, IV, V), Bai Ling (The Crow), Naomi Grossman (American Horror Story)and even a Disney Favorite, Pat Carroll the voice of “Ursula” from “The Little Mermaid”.

Plus don’t miss out on Spooky Empire’s already growing list of events including Q&A’s, panels, movies, Tattoo Festival, Zombie Walk, artists, authors, celebrity charity poker tournament, and a huge vendor room filled with all the horror merchandise and memorabilia you could get your hands on!

As if more incentive was needed to attend in 2013, May-Hem is running concurrently with Halloween Extreme. Halloween Extreme (produced by the haunted house gurus behind Netherworld Haunted House & Transworld Trade Shows) grants unprecedented public access to movie and theme park quality props and effects…available for the first time at the consumer level. Featuring demonstrations, seminars, and panel discussions, this event places you – the general public – among industry experts and kindred spirits for a weekend of information and interactive fun. Whether you’re a professional attraction owner, an avid home haunter, or an enthusiastic fan of everything the season offers, Halloween Extreme has something for everyone.

At long last, EVERYONE will have the tools at their fingertips to make every Halloween (or any day of the year) the most memorable ever.

Get your advance tickets online now! Just $50 for a 3 day May-Hem pass ($60 at the door). VIP and Daily passes available as well. Don’t miss out on either event…advance discounted Spooky Empire / Halloween Extreme combo passes are available now!

Visit spookyempire.com for more information or call the Spooky Empire Hotline at 1-888-690-4695

Contact:
Pete Mongelli
Spooky Empire, Inc.
954-258-7852
http://www.spookyempire.com

From the website:

The Horror Writers Association conducted their annual convention in New Orleans over the weekend of June 14th to June 16th.  As part of the festivities, the annual Bram Stoker Awards were announced at an awards banquet on June 15th.  The winners are:

Superior Achievement in a NOVEL
The Drowning Girl by Caitlín R. Kiernan (Roc)

Superior Achievement in a FIRST NOVEL
Life Rage by L.L. Soares (Nightscape Press)

Superior Achievement in a YOUNG ADULT NOVEL
Flesh & Bone by Jonathan Maberry (Simon & Schuster)

Superior Achievement in a GRAPHIC NOVEL
Witch Hunts: A Graphic History of the Burning Times by Rocky Wood and Lisa Morton (McFarland and Co., Inc.)

Superior Achievement in LONG FICTION
The Blue Heron by Gene O’Neill (Dark Regions Press)

Superior Achievement in SHORT FICTION
Magdala Amygdala by Lucy Snyder (Dark Faith: Invocations, Apex Book Company)

Superior Achievement in a SCREENPLAY
The Cabin in the Woods by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard (Mutant Enemy Productions, Lionsgate)

Superior Achievement in an ANTHOLOGY
Shadow Show edited by Mort Castle and Sam Weller (HarperCollins)

Superior Achievement in a FICTION COLLECTION (tie)
New Moon on the Water by Mort Castle (Dark Regions Press)
Black Dahlia and White Rose: Stories by Joyce Carol Oates (Ecco Press)

Superior Achievement in NON-FICTION
Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween by Lisa Morton (Reaktion Books)

Superior Achievement in a POETRY COLLECTION
Vampires, Zombies & Wanton Souls by Marge Simon (Elektrik Milk Bath Press)

From the press release: 

Pittsburgh, PA – January 28, 2014 – Horror Realm, Pittsburgh’s modern horror convention, presents its second full weekend spring show, dubbed “Spring Break Massacre”, on March 7 to 9, 2014.  The show will be held at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South, which has been home to Horror Realm since 2009.

The spring show is intended as a break from the winter doldrums for horror fans.  It features celebrity guests, a dealer room, film program, VHS viewing room, discussion panels, contests and the return of the Zombie Gras party.

Guests for Spring Break Massacre include:

Lew Temple – The Walking Dead, The Devil’s Rejects, Rob Zombie’s Halloween, The Lone Ranger
Michael Berryman - The Hills Have Eyes, The Devil’s Rejects, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Robert Mukes – House of 1000 Corpses, Weeds.  This is his second-ever convention appearance.
Tom Towles – House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects, Night of the Living Dead (1990)
Eugene Clark – Land of the Dead, Dolan’s Cadillac, TekWars
Dawn of the Dead cast members Sharon Ceccatti, David Crawford, Leonard Lies, Bob Michelucci, Joe Shelby, Nick Tallo
Day of the Dead cast members Jeff Monahan and Mark Tierno

The popular audience participation game “The Horror Match Game” hosted by former Pittsburgh cable TV host Mr. Schlock, also returns this spring.  A new addition to the convention is a Flash Film competition, where filmmaking teams are given 36 hours to produce a short horror film.  There will also be a horror trivia contest sponsored by Post Mortem Press.

The Zombie Gras party will celebrate the spirit of New Orleans with drinks, music (provided by The Musik Machine DJ Service) and dancing.  A costume contest precedes the party. There will be a $50 cash prize for best New Orleans inspired costume. Contestants should think voodoo priests & priestesses, zombies, AHS Coven, Anne Rice’s vampires & witches or get creative with a Mardi Gras themed costume.

Tickets are $25 for the weekend, $15 single day (Friday or Saturday) and $10 for Sunday.  Tickets may be purchased in advance online at http://www.showclix.com/event/HRS14SpringBreakMassacre or in person at any one of Horror Realm’s local ticketing partners.  Weekend passes are available at a 10% discount when purchased at one of the local businesses through February 28.  Visit www.horrorrealmcon.com for details.

Horror Realm has also announced that its fall show has moved to August 15-17 and will feature a Day of the Dead reunion.  Details will be provided after the spring show.

For more information, visit www.horrorrealmcon.com.

About Horror Realm:

Horror Realm, serving the horror community since 2009, produces a spring and fall horror convention each year in Pittsburgh, PA.  In addition to the conventions, Horror Realm also produces horror-themed entertainment and charity events in the area, including film screenings, author signings and art shows.  Charities supported by Horror Realm have included Scares That Care, Fix The Chapel, Friends of the Hollywood Theater, The Bradley Center, Animal Rescue League, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, Community Human Services and Shepherd Wellness Community. www.horrorrealmcon.com; www.facebook.com/HorrorRealmCon; www.twitter.com/HorrorRealmCon; info@horrorrealmcon.com

From the Press Release :

The Stanley Film Festival (SFF), produced by the Denver Film Society and presented by NBC Universal’s Chiller, announced today its Opening Night film and several special event highlights and experiences taking place at the four-day event (April 24-27, 2014).

The Stanley Film Festival celebrates the best in independent horror cinema at the hotel that inspired The Shining. The Festival will host a full slate of films, panels, competitions, and special events – all at the beautiful and historically haunted Stanley Hotel.

The Stanley Film Festival will open Thursday, April 24, with a Gala Presentation of an original documentary from EPiX, Doc of the Dead. Directed by Colorado filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe (The People Vs. George Lucas), the film explores the evolution of the zombie genre in film, television, and literature as well as its impact and influence on pop culture. The film features footage taken at the 35th Starz Denver Film Festival’s “George Romero’s Zombie Town Hall Meeting.”

“We are thrilled to open this year’s Festival with a locally-produced film. The Denver Film Society is excited by the strength of the work we are seeing come out of our home state, and we cannot think of a better way to celebrate the iconic status of the Stanley Hotel than with a film produced right here in Colorado,” says Denver Film Society Festival Director, Britta Erickson.

In addition to the Opening Night film, SFF announced it will host a series of events sure to satisfy even the most dedicated horror fans. Throughout the Festival, “players” of the Horror Immersion Game will use multiple media platforms and game elements to delve deep into a mystery/horror narrative that uses the Stanley Hotel and the Festival as a vehicle to engage its participants in a story that seamlessly exists concurrently with everyday life. On Friday evening, Fangoria Entertainment and ShockTillYouDrop.com will bring their Dead Right Horror Trivia from Los Angeles to Estes Park. Saturday evening, Glass Eye Pix will present The Stanley Edition of TALES FROM BEYOND THE PALE with hosts Larry Fessenden and Glenn McQuaid, featuring two brand new tales performed at the Historic Park Theater in town by special guests with films at the Festival. Additional events include a Murder Mystery Dinner Friday evening, Zombie Crawl Saturday afternoon, and a Big Wheel Death Race on Sunday morning, all at the Stanley Hotel.

“While we are incredibly excited to announce our full film line-up next week, we are just as ecstatic to unveil some of the atmospheric and interactive special events that will immerse our guests completely in the horror experience” says Landon Zakheim, Stanley Film Festival Program Director. “The entire weekend is designed to work as one big dark carnival.”

The Stanley Film Festival will celebrate their programming announcement this evening with an advance screening of the film Oculus at the Reel Mountain Theater in Estes Park. The film will be followed by a post-screening Q&A with director Mike Flanagan, producer and SFF alum Jason Blum, and producer Trevor Macy and an after-party at the Stanley Hotel.

FEATURE PRESENTATIONS:

Doc of the Dead – USA (Director: Alexandre O. Phillipe, Featuring George Romero, Simon Pegg, Bruce Campbell, Max Brooks, Tom Savini, Greg Nicotero, Robert Kirkman) – Could there be a real zombie outbreak? If so, Doc of the Dead can help you prepare. This definitive guide to all things undead delves deep into the evolution of the zombie genre in film and literature, as well as its impact and influence on pop culture, to deliver a comprehensive, fast-paced, highly entertaining look at a contemporary social pandemic of global proportions.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

- HORROR IMMERSION GAME: Bleeding seamlessly into the atmosphere of fear and suspense, we are excited to announce the Stanley Film Festival’s Inaugural Immersive Horror Game, a real horror/mystery narrative using the Festival itself as its medium. Those who follow the clues opt in to the game, becoming the protagonists of an engaging and creepy interactive thriller culminating in an irreproducible climax you can never unsee.

- Glass Eye Pix Presents TALES FROM BEYOND THE PALE – The Stanley Edition: An ongoing series of audio dramas penned by luminaries from the world of contemporary horror from JT Petty (HELLBENDERS) to Simon Barrett (YOU’RE NEXT) and Kim Newman (ANO DRACULA), featuring players from Ron Perlman (HELLBOY) to Angus Scrimm (PHANTASM) and Mark Margolis (“AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM”). The Stanley edition will feature performers culled from the film lineup. Join horror impresarios Glenn McQuaid and Larry Fessenden as they invite you to close your eyes and… listen.

- DEAD RIGHT HORROR TRIVIA HOSTED BY FANGORIA ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOCKTILLYOUDROP.COM: Do you consume horror as voraciously as zombies eat flesh? The hit Los Angeles horror event comes to the Stanley Film Festival! Join Fangoria’s Rebekah McKendry and ShockTillYouDrop.com’s Ryan Turek and test your horror knowledge in eight rounds of terrifyingly titillating trivia. Scare yourself with how much you actually know about horror. Trivia will be held early Friday evening at the Wheel Bar in Estes Park. Come with a team or join one there. All are welcome.

- MURDER MYSTERY DINNER: Murder is afoot at the old Stanley Hotel. Guests of the festival are welcome to register for a night of intrigue and deception unraveling over a wonderful three-course meal as they become their very own detectives.

- BIG WHEEL DEATH RACE: Guests will race through the expansive grounds of the Stanley Hotel on their very own adult sized Big Wheel, just like Danny Torrance. Festival pass holders will have an opportunity to race using adult sized Big Wheels on a course that runs the grounds of the Stanley Hotel. Registration will take place at the guest relations table for teams of four for a relay style race between 32 teams to determine one winner who will walk away with a complimentary stay at the Stanley Hotel.

- EYE HEART BRAINS ZOMBIE CRAWL: When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the Earth. And now you can, too. Converge upon the Stanley Film Festival in style by participating in a good ol’ fashioned Zombie Crawl hosted by Eye Heart Brains, purveyors of the world’s largest zombie gatherings. The death march will move along the Stanley Hotel grounds and through the neighboring streets of Estes Park in search of brains. BRAAAAIIIIIIIIINNNNNS!!

MINIONS OF THE MACABRE AND DAMSELS OF THE DEPRAVED REJOICE AS TORONTO UNLEASHES ITS INAUGURAL ALL HORROR CONVENTION

A very rare circumstance transpires this year as Halloween falls on a Friday. Many of us horror aficionados who celebrate Samhain year round are exhilarated to the point of ecstasy with an additional two days to pay homage to all things horror.

Fangoria and Suspect Video and Culture proudly presents Horror-Rama, Toronto’s only all horror convention Saturday November 1 and Sunday November 2. Located in the heart of downtown, 99 Sudbury Street will host the festivities that will surely create nightmares to cherish forever.

Just a lurking glimpse into the celebrity guest line up and vendors at this spook-extravaganza:

Guests:

Barbara Magnolfi – Italian Horror Star ( Suspiria, Sister of Ursula)
Barbie Wilde – Horror Actress/Author (Hellraiser 2, The Venus Complex)
Tom Savini – Horror Legend (Dawn of The Dead, Creepshow, Friday the 13^th)
Nivek Ogre – Shock Rock Legend (Skinny Puppy, Repoi, Queen of Blood)
Patti Mullen – Exploitation Icon (Frankenhooker)
Michael Slade – Horror Author (Headhunter, Ghoul, Burnt Bones)
Paul Jones – FX Legend (Hellraiser 3, Nightbreed, Silent Hill)
Jovanka Vuckovic – Author/Filmmaker (Jacqueline ESS, The Captured Bird)
Lisa Marie – Actress/Model (Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Mars Attacks)
Alex Kavanagh – Costume Designer (Survival of The Dead, Repoi, Saw)
Lesleh Donaldson – Horror Legend (Curtains, Funeral Home, Deadly Eyes)
George Mihalka – Horror Director (My Bloody Valentine, Eternal Evil)
Lynne Griffin – Horror Actress (Black Christmas, Curtains)
Greg Lamberson – Indie Film Legend (Slime City, Dry Bones)
Brett Kelly – Indie Film Legend (My Fair Zombie, My Dead Girlfriend)

Vendors:

Fangoria – 1^st in Fright since 1979. Come meet editor Chris Alexander and his crew and pick up back issues and more.
Suspect Video – Toronto’s leading source for DVD’s in horror and exploitation.
Twisted T’s – Check out the one of a kind apparel in all its demented splendor.
ZomCom.ca – “Where childhood nightmares are made” Makers of Baby Rots a lot and Trophy Ear Necklaces.
The Gift Crypt – Makers of horror, gothic, rockabilly, pin-up and steampunk items.
Rob Sacchetto’s Zombie Portraits – Zombify your personal portraits with blood curdling results.
Horror Writers Association – Non profit organization of writers and publishers around the world., dedicated to promoting dark literature.
Black Fawn Distribution – Canadian Indie Film distribution selling Discopath, In The House of Flies, Silent Retreat just to name a few.
Pixie Fashions – A wide array of hair accessories, necklaces and housewares and even customized digitizing and embroider of your ghoulish delights.
Steve McGinnis Horror Illustration – Depicting terror imagery his work has donned the pages of Fangoria, Gore Zone, Gore Noir and Heavy Metal Sounds will be debuting his first Graphic Novel at Horror Rama.
Alternate Cinema – Decorated purveyors of such studios as Campmotion Pictures, Shock-O-Rama Cinema, After Hours Cinema and more. Find your rare gems previously elusive to the Great White North.
Zombie Jesus – Acquire all your 13 Flames Empire merchandise such as comic books, graphic novels, t-shirts and more.
Chris Roberts Art – Rare prints, fridge magnets, etc from this rare commodity reuniting with Horror-Rama after several years of seclusion in the convention circuit.
The Vault – Merchandising and marketing of the most obscure scream filled DVD’s, VHS, magazines, masks, CD’s and more.
Eye Sore Cinema – Queen Street’s very own emporium of the eclectic, bizarre and blissfully creepy DVD’s and blurays.
The Blood in The Snow Canadian Film Festival – Announcing its entire line up for Canada’s only homegrown horror film fest this year.
Shock Stock – Jake and James of Vagrancy Films to promote their very own terror and exploitation convention in 2015, London, Ontario.

Special VIP tickets with an onslaught of amenities, keepsakes and chance of a lifetime experiences are available. Individual ticket and weekend passes are also available.

For further event information and inquiries be sure to go to http://www.horrorramacanada.com/

The Horror Writers Association (HWA), the premier organization of writers and publishers of horror and dark fantasy and home of the iconic Bram Stoker Awards®, today announced Jack Ketchum and Tanith Lee as the 2015 recipients of the Bram Stoker Award® for Lifetime Achievement. The HWA presents the award annually to individuals whose work has substantially influenced the horror genre. While the award is often presented to a writer, it may also be given for influential accomplishments in other creative fields.

“We had a wealth of very worthy candidates for this award,” said John R. Little, jury chairperson of the Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA) committee. “After much discussion, we believe we agreed on two exceptional winners this year.”

Jack Ketchum has been one of the premiere authors in the horror field for many years. His novel The Girl Next Door is considered a classic, but he’s written many other equally deeply moving works. Ketchum has won the Bram Stoker Award® four times and been nominated an additional three times, showing the broad appeal to his audience. He was named the Grandmaster at the 2011 World Horror Convention.

Tanith Lee has written more than ninety novels in various fields, including horror, fantasy, and science fiction. She is very popular regardless of the genre she chooses to write in. She has won several World Fantasy and British Fantasy Awards, and in 2013 was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the World Fantasy Convention.

“Jack and Tanith remain extremely popular authors today,” said HWA President Lisa Morton, “and the Horror Writers Association is proud to bestow the Lifetime Achievement Award on them.”

Ketchum will be on-hand to accept the award (Lee will accept via video), on the evening of Saturday, May 9, 2015 as part of a gala banquet and the presentation of the Bram Stoker Awards during the World Horror Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Tickets to the banquet and the convention are on sale to the public at http://www.whc2015.org. The awards presentation will also be live-streamed online for those who cannot attend in person.

The 2015 Lifetime Achievement Committee was chaired by John R Little, and included Maria Alexander, Patrick Freivald, Aaron Sterns and Heather Graham. For more information on the Bram Stoker Awards presentation and the 2015 World Horror Convention, please visit http://www.whc2015.org.

The Horror Writers Association (HWA), the premier organization of writers and publishers of horror and dark fantasy, today announced the recipients of the association’s Richard Laymon President’s Award for Service. HWA’s President Lisa Morton has chosen the publicity team of Doug Murano, Tom Calen, and Brock Cooper to receive the 2014 Richard Laymon Award. Murano, Calen, and Cooper will receive the award at the Bram Stoker Awards® Banquet in Atlanta on May 9th, 2015, held as part of the World Horror Convention.

Instituted in 2000, the award is named in honor of Richard Laymon, who died in 2000 while serving as the Horror Writers Association’s President. As its name implies, it is given by the HWA’s sitting President. The Award is presented to a volunteer who has served HWA in an especially exemplary manner and has shown extraordinary dedication to the organization.

“These three gentlemen have completely re-created HWA’s promotion and publicity, taking it from almost zero to sixty in record time,” Morton said. “Thanks to this amazing trio, we’ve received hundreds of thousands of hits on campaigns like our ‘Horror Selfies’, our press releases have been receiving international attention, and more readers than ever know about the Bram Stoker Awards®. Our former President Rocky Wood held Doug, Tom, and Brock’s work in the highest standing, and I share that admiration and appreciation.”

About Doug Murano, Tom Calen and Brock Cooper

South Dakota native Doug Murano lives somewhere between Mount Rushmore and the mighty Missouri River. Since 2008, his short stories have appeared in a number of venues. He co-edited the Amazon best-selling horror anthology, Shadows Over Main Street, and is an Affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association. He has served on the HWA’s communications team since October 2013, and in 2014, he established the HWA’s Know a Nominee interview series, which provides insights and information into the work of Bram Stoker Award® nominees.

A New York City native, Tom holds a degree in English and spent several years in the business world before abandoning all reason and deciding to write full-time. He is the author of the bestselling horror series, The Pandemic Sequence. His seventh novel, the supernatural thriller Sarah of the Romani, was published earlier this year. In early 2014, Tom moved to Nicaragua, where he is working on his next book. Tom joined the Horror Writers Association as an Active member in July 2014.

Brock Cooper is a native of Illinois, where he lives with his wife, Jessica, and three boys. He studied physics and English at Illinois Wesleyan University, but his calling was always writing in one way or the other. He spent seven years as a journalist before moving into the world of marketing and media relations. His short story, The Devil is in the Details, made it to the preliminary list of the Bram Stoker Awards® in 2010 and has since been optioned for a film.

For more information on the Richard Laymon President’s Award (including a list of former recipients), please visit www.horror.org. For information on the World Horror Convention and Bram Stoker Awards® banquet, visit www.whc2015.org.

From the press release: 

Pittsburgh, PA – January 28, 2014 – Horror Realm, Pittsburgh’s modern horror convention, presents its second full weekend spring show, dubbed “Spring Break Massacre”, on March 7 to 9, 2014.  The show will be held at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South, which has been home to Horror Realm since 2009.

The spring show is intended as a break from the winter doldrums for horror fans.  It features celebrity guests, a dealer room, film program, VHS viewing room, discussion panels, contests and the return of the Zombie Gras party.

Guests for Spring Break Massacre include:

Lew Temple – The Walking Dead, The Devil’s Rejects, Rob Zombie’s Halloween, The Lone Ranger
Michael Berryman – The Hills Have Eyes, The Devil’s Rejects, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Robert Mukes – House of 1000 Corpses, Weeds.  This is his second-ever convention appearance.
Tom Towles – House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects, Night of the Living Dead (1990)
Eugene Clark – Land of the Dead, Dolan’s Cadillac, TekWars
Dawn of the Dead cast members Sharon Ceccatti, David Crawford, Leonard Lies, Bob Michelucci, Joe Shelby, Nick Tallo
Day of the Dead cast members Jeff Monahan and Mark Tierno

The popular audience participation game “The Horror Match Game” hosted by former Pittsburgh cable TV host Mr. Schlock, also returns this spring.  A new addition to the convention is a Flash Film competition, where filmmaking teams are given 36 hours to produce a short horror film.  There will also be a horror trivia contest sponsored by Post Mortem Press.

The Zombie Gras party will celebrate the spirit of New Orleans with drinks, music (provided by The Musik Machine DJ Service) and dancing.  A costume contest precedes the party. There will be a $50 cash prize for best New Orleans inspired costume. Contestants should think voodoo priests & priestesses, zombies, AHS Coven, Anne Rice’s vampires & witches or get creative with a Mardi Gras themed costume.

Tickets are $25 for the weekend, $15 single day (Friday or Saturday) and $10 for Sunday.  Tickets may be purchased in advance online at http://www.showclix.com/event/HRS14SpringBreakMassacre or in person at any one of Horror Realm’s local ticketing partners.  Weekend passes are available at a 10% discount when purchased at one of the local businesses through February 28.  Visit www.horrorrealmcon.com for details.

Horror Realm has also announced that its fall show has moved to August 15-17 and will feature a Day of the Dead reunion.  Details will be provided after the spring show.

For more information, visit www.horrorrealmcon.com.

About Horror Realm:

Horror Realm, serving the horror community since 2009, produces a spring and fall horror convention each year in Pittsburgh, PA.  In addition to the conventions, Horror Realm also produces horror-themed entertainment and charity events in the area, including film screenings, author signings and art shows.  Charities supported by Horror Realm have included Scares That Care, Fix The Chapel, Friends of the Hollywood Theater, The Bradley Center, Animal Rescue League, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, Community Human Services and Shepherd Wellness Community. www.horrorrealmcon.com; www.facebook.com/HorrorRealmCon; www.twitter.com/HorrorRealmCon; info@horrorrealmcon.com

From the Press Release :

The Stanley Film Festival (SFF), produced by the Denver Film Society and presented by NBC Universal’s Chiller, announced today its Opening Night film and several special event highlights and experiences taking place at the four-day event (April 24-27, 2014).

The Stanley Film Festival celebrates the best in independent horror cinema at the hotel that inspired The Shining. The Festival will host a full slate of films, panels, competitions, and special events – all at the beautiful and historically haunted Stanley Hotel.

The Stanley Film Festival will open Thursday, April 24, with a Gala Presentation of an original documentary from EPiX, Doc of the Dead. Directed by Colorado filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe (The People Vs. George Lucas), the film explores the evolution of the zombie genre in film, television, and literature as well as its impact and influence on pop culture. The film features footage taken at the 35th Starz Denver Film Festival’s “George Romero’s Zombie Town Hall Meeting.”

“We are thrilled to open this year’s Festival with a locally-produced film. The Denver Film Society is excited by the strength of the work we are seeing come out of our home state, and we cannot think of a better way to celebrate the iconic status of the Stanley Hotel than with a film produced right here in Colorado,” says Denver Film Society Festival Director, Britta Erickson.

In addition to the Opening Night film, SFF announced it will host a series of events sure to satisfy even the most dedicated horror fans. Throughout the Festival, “players” of the Horror Immersion Game will use multiple media platforms and game elements to delve deep into a mystery/horror narrative that uses the Stanley Hotel and the Festival as a vehicle to engage its participants in a story that seamlessly exists concurrently with everyday life. On Friday evening, Fangoria Entertainment and ShockTillYouDrop.com will bring their Dead Right Horror Trivia from Los Angeles to Estes Park. Saturday evening, Glass Eye Pix will present The Stanley Edition of TALES FROM BEYOND THE PALE with hosts Larry Fessenden and Glenn McQuaid, featuring two brand new tales performed at the Historic Park Theater in town by special guests with films at the Festival. Additional events include a Murder Mystery Dinner Friday evening, Zombie Crawl Saturday afternoon, and a Big Wheel Death Race on Sunday morning, all at the Stanley Hotel.

“While we are incredibly excited to announce our full film line-up next week, we are just as ecstatic to unveil some of the atmospheric and interactive special events that will immerse our guests completely in the horror experience” says Landon Zakheim, Stanley Film Festival Program Director. “The entire weekend is designed to work as one big dark carnival.”

The Stanley Film Festival will celebrate their programming announcement this evening with an advance screening of the film Oculus at the Reel Mountain Theater in Estes Park. The film will be followed by a post-screening Q&A with director Mike Flanagan, producer and SFF alum Jason Blum, and producer Trevor Macy and an after-party at the Stanley Hotel.

FEATURE PRESENTATIONS:

Doc of the Dead – USA (Director: Alexandre O. Phillipe, Featuring George Romero, Simon Pegg, Bruce Campbell, Max Brooks, Tom Savini, Greg Nicotero, Robert Kirkman) – Could there be a real zombie outbreak? If so, Doc of the Dead can help you prepare. This definitive guide to all things undead delves deep into the evolution of the zombie genre in film and literature, as well as its impact and influence on pop culture, to deliver a comprehensive, fast-paced, highly entertaining look at a contemporary social pandemic of global proportions.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

– HORROR IMMERSION GAME: Bleeding seamlessly into the atmosphere of fear and suspense, we are excited to announce the Stanley Film Festival’s Inaugural Immersive Horror Game, a real horror/mystery narrative using the Festival itself as its medium. Those who follow the clues opt in to the game, becoming the protagonists of an engaging and creepy interactive thriller culminating in an irreproducible climax you can never unsee.

– Glass Eye Pix Presents TALES FROM BEYOND THE PALE – The Stanley Edition: An ongoing series of audio dramas penned by luminaries from the world of contemporary horror from JT Petty (HELLBENDERS) to Simon Barrett (YOU’RE NEXT) and Kim Newman (ANO DRACULA), featuring players from Ron Perlman (HELLBOY) to Angus Scrimm (PHANTASM) and Mark Margolis (“AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM”). The Stanley edition will feature performers culled from the film lineup. Join horror impresarios Glenn McQuaid and Larry Fessenden as they invite you to close your eyes and… listen.

– DEAD RIGHT HORROR TRIVIA HOSTED BY FANGORIA ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOCKTILLYOUDROP.COM: Do you consume horror as voraciously as zombies eat flesh? The hit Los Angeles horror event comes to the Stanley Film Festival! Join Fangoria’s Rebekah McKendry and ShockTillYouDrop.com’s Ryan Turek and test your horror knowledge in eight rounds of terrifyingly titillating trivia. Scare yourself with how much you actually know about horror. Trivia will be held early Friday evening at the Wheel Bar in Estes Park. Come with a team or join one there. All are welcome.

– MURDER MYSTERY DINNER: Murder is afoot at the old Stanley Hotel. Guests of the festival are welcome to register for a night of intrigue and deception unraveling over a wonderful three-course meal as they become their very own detectives.

– BIG WHEEL DEATH RACE: Guests will race through the expansive grounds of the Stanley Hotel on their very own adult sized Big Wheel, just like Danny Torrance. Festival pass holders will have an opportunity to race using adult sized Big Wheels on a course that runs the grounds of the Stanley Hotel. Registration will take place at the guest relations table for teams of four for a relay style race between 32 teams to determine one winner who will walk away with a complimentary stay at the Stanley Hotel.

– EYE HEART BRAINS ZOMBIE CRAWL: When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the Earth. And now you can, too. Converge upon the Stanley Film Festival in style by participating in a good ol’ fashioned Zombie Crawl hosted by Eye Heart Brains, purveyors of the world’s largest zombie gatherings. The death march will move along the Stanley Hotel grounds and through the neighboring streets of Estes Park in search of brains. BRAAAAIIIIIIIIINNNNNS!!

An Office Space meets Shaun of the Dead action-packed horror comedy, BLOODSUCKING BASTARDS stars Fran Kranz as Evan Sanders, a low-level, dutiful employee stuck in a boring job at a soul-killing every corporation. Evan’s the kind of guy who does all the work and gets none of the credit, but at least he gets to spend his days with his beautiful co-worker/girlfriend Amanda (Emma Fitzpatrick) and his slacker best friend Tim (Joey Kern).

Unfortunately, it all falls apart in one fell swoop when Amanda breaks up with him and Evan’s boss Ted (Joel Murray) hands his promotion to his college nemesis Max (Pedro Pascal). And it isn’t just their sordid past Evan has to deal with. After his fellow officemates start going through disturbing changes (which, paradoxically, make them better employees) and bodies begin to pile up, Evan learns the horrible truth: Max is a vampire. And even worse… a vamp with a plan.

BLOODSUCKING BASTARDS takes audiences on a hilarious, blood-spattered roller coaster ride in the most terrifying locale of all: the American workplace. Evan must find a way to stop the evil brewing amidst the cubicles, expose Max as the bloodsucking bastard that he is, win back Amanda, and save his pals before his life and career go from dead-end… to just dead.

BLOODSUCKING BASTARDS was developed by Fortress Features and Maybe This Year (MTY) Productions in partnership with Dr. God and director O’Connell. The film was written by Dr. God and Ryan Mitts, financed by Fortress and MTY, and produced by Fortress’ Brett Forbes and Patrick Rizzotti (The Collector and The Collection), MTY’s Brandon Evans and Colleen Hard, and Dr. God’s Justin Ware.

The office-set horror comedy will screen at the Texas Frightmare Weekend on May 2nd at 8pm.

MINIONS OF THE MACABRE AND DAMSELS OF THE DEPRAVED REJOICE AS TORONTO UNLEASHES ITS INAUGURAL ALL HORROR CONVENTION

A very rare circumstance transpires this year as Halloween falls on a Friday. Many of us horror aficionados who celebrate Samhain year round are exhilarated to the point of ecstasy with an additional two days to pay homage to all things horror.

Fangoria and Suspect Video and Culture proudly presents Horror-Rama, Toronto’s only all horror convention Saturday November 1 and Sunday November 2. Located in the heart of downtown, 99 Sudbury Street will host the festivities that will surely create nightmares to cherish forever.

Just a lurking glimpse into the celebrity guest line up and vendors at this spook-extravaganza:

Guests:

Barbara Magnolfi – Italian Horror Star ( Suspiria, Sister of Ursula)
Barbie Wilde – Horror Actress/Author (Hellraiser 2, The Venus Complex)
Tom Savini – Horror Legend (Dawn of The Dead, Creepshow, Friday the 13^th)
Nivek Ogre – Shock Rock Legend (Skinny Puppy, Repoi, Queen of Blood)
Patti Mullen – Exploitation Icon (Frankenhooker)
Michael Slade – Horror Author (Headhunter, Ghoul, Burnt Bones)
Paul Jones – FX Legend (Hellraiser 3, Nightbreed, Silent Hill)
Jovanka Vuckovic – Author/Filmmaker (Jacqueline ESS, The Captured Bird)
Lisa Marie – Actress/Model (Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Mars Attacks)
Alex Kavanagh – Costume Designer (Survival of The Dead, Repoi, Saw)
Lesleh Donaldson – Horror Legend (Curtains, Funeral Home, Deadly Eyes)
George Mihalka – Horror Director (My Bloody Valentine, Eternal Evil)
Lynne Griffin – Horror Actress (Black Christmas, Curtains)
Greg Lamberson – Indie Film Legend (Slime City, Dry Bones)
Brett Kelly – Indie Film Legend (My Fair Zombie, My Dead Girlfriend)

Vendors:

Fangoria – 1^st in Fright since 1979. Come meet editor Chris Alexander and his crew and pick up back issues and more.
Suspect Video – Toronto’s leading source for DVD’s in horror and exploitation.
Twisted T’s – Check out the one of a kind apparel in all its demented splendor.
ZomCom.ca – “Where childhood nightmares are made” Makers of Baby Rots a lot and Trophy Ear Necklaces.
The Gift Crypt – Makers of horror, gothic, rockabilly, pin-up and steampunk items.
Rob Sacchetto’s Zombie Portraits – Zombify your personal portraits with blood curdling results.
Horror Writers Association – Non profit organization of writers and publishers around the world., dedicated to promoting dark literature.
Black Fawn Distribution – Canadian Indie Film distribution selling Discopath, In The House of Flies, Silent Retreat just to name a few.
Pixie Fashions – A wide array of hair accessories, necklaces and housewares and even customized digitizing and embroider of your ghoulish delights.
Steve McGinnis Horror Illustration – Depicting terror imagery his work has donned the pages of Fangoria, Gore Zone, Gore Noir and Heavy Metal Sounds will be debuting his first Graphic Novel at Horror Rama.
Alternate Cinema – Decorated purveyors of such studios as Campmotion Pictures, Shock-O-Rama Cinema, After Hours Cinema and more. Find your rare gems previously elusive to the Great White North.
Zombie Jesus – Acquire all your 13 Flames Empire merchandise such as comic books, graphic novels, t-shirts and more.
Chris Roberts Art – Rare prints, fridge magnets, etc from this rare commodity reuniting with Horror-Rama after several years of seclusion in the convention circuit.
The Vault – Merchandising and marketing of the most obscure scream filled DVD’s, VHS, magazines, masks, CD’s and more.
Eye Sore Cinema – Queen Street’s very own emporium of the eclectic, bizarre and blissfully creepy DVD’s and blurays.
The Blood in The Snow Canadian Film Festival – Announcing its entire line up for Canada’s only homegrown horror film fest this year.
Shock Stock – Jake and James of Vagrancy Films to promote their very own terror and exploitation convention in 2015, London, Ontario.

Special VIP tickets with an onslaught of amenities, keepsakes and chance of a lifetime experiences are available. Individual ticket and weekend passes are also available.

For further event information and inquiries be sure to go to http://www.horrorramacanada.com/

The Horror Writers Association (HWA), the premier organization of writers and publishers of horror and dark fantasy and home of the iconic Bram Stoker Awards®, today announced Jack Ketchum and Tanith Lee as the 2015 recipients of the Bram Stoker Award® for Lifetime Achievement. The HWA presents the award annually to individuals whose work has substantially influenced the horror genre. While the award is often presented to a writer, it may also be given for influential accomplishments in other creative fields.

“We had a wealth of very worthy candidates for this award,” said John R. Little, jury chairperson of the Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA) committee. “After much discussion, we believe we agreed on two exceptional winners this year.”

Jack Ketchum has been one of the premiere authors in the horror field for many years. His novel The Girl Next Door is considered a classic, but he’s written many other equally deeply moving works. Ketchum has won the Bram Stoker Award® four times and been nominated an additional three times, showing the broad appeal to his audience. He was named the Grandmaster at the 2011 World Horror Convention.

Tanith Lee has written more than ninety novels in various fields, including horror, fantasy, and science fiction. She is very popular regardless of the genre she chooses to write in. She has won several World Fantasy and British Fantasy Awards, and in 2013 was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the World Fantasy Convention.

“Jack and Tanith remain extremely popular authors today,” said HWA President Lisa Morton, “and the Horror Writers Association is proud to bestow the Lifetime Achievement Award on them.”

Ketchum will be on-hand to accept the award (Lee will accept via video), on the evening of Saturday, May 9, 2015 as part of a gala banquet and the presentation of the Bram Stoker Awards during the World Horror Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Tickets to the banquet and the convention are on sale to the public at http://www.whc2015.org. The awards presentation will also be live-streamed online for those who cannot attend in person.

The 2015 Lifetime Achievement Committee was chaired by John R Little, and included Maria Alexander, Patrick Freivald, Aaron Sterns and Heather Graham. For more information on the Bram Stoker Awards presentation and the 2015 World Horror Convention, please visit http://www.whc2015.org.

The Horror Writers Association (HWA), the premier organization of writers and publishers of horror and dark fantasy, today announced the recipients of the association’s Richard Laymon President’s Award for Service. HWA’s President Lisa Morton has chosen the publicity team of Doug Murano, Tom Calen, and Brock Cooper to receive the 2014 Richard Laymon Award. Murano, Calen, and Cooper will receive the award at the Bram Stoker Awards® Banquet in Atlanta on May 9th, 2015, held as part of the World Horror Convention.

Instituted in 2000, the award is named in honor of Richard Laymon, who died in 2000 while serving as the Horror Writers Association’s President. As its name implies, it is given by the HWA’s sitting President. The Award is presented to a volunteer who has served HWA in an especially exemplary manner and has shown extraordinary dedication to the organization.

“These three gentlemen have completely re-created HWA’s promotion and publicity, taking it from almost zero to sixty in record time,” Morton said. “Thanks to this amazing trio, we’ve received hundreds of thousands of hits on campaigns like our ‘Horror Selfies’, our press releases have been receiving international attention, and more readers than ever know about the Bram Stoker Awards®. Our former President Rocky Wood held Doug, Tom, and Brock’s work in the highest standing, and I share that admiration and appreciation.”

About Doug Murano, Tom Calen and Brock Cooper

South Dakota native Doug Murano lives somewhere between Mount Rushmore and the mighty Missouri River. Since 2008, his short stories have appeared in a number of venues. He co-edited the Amazon best-selling horror anthology, Shadows Over Main Street, and is an Affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association. He has served on the HWA’s communications team since October 2013, and in 2014, he established the HWA’s Know a Nominee interview series, which provides insights and information into the work of Bram Stoker Award® nominees.

A New York City native, Tom holds a degree in English and spent several years in the business world before abandoning all reason and deciding to write full-time. He is the author of the bestselling horror series, The Pandemic Sequence. His seventh novel, the supernatural thriller Sarah of the Romani, was published earlier this year. In early 2014, Tom moved to Nicaragua, where he is working on his next book. Tom joined the Horror Writers Association as an Active member in July 2014.

Brock Cooper is a native of Illinois, where he lives with his wife, Jessica, and three boys. He studied physics and English at Illinois Wesleyan University, but his calling was always writing in one way or the other. He spent seven years as a journalist before moving into the world of marketing and media relations. His short story, The Devil is in the Details, made it to the preliminary list of the Bram Stoker Awards® in 2010 and has since been optioned for a film.

For more information on the Richard Laymon President’s Award (including a list of former recipients), please visit www.horror.org. For information on the World Horror Convention and Bram Stoker Awards® banquet, visit www.whc2015.org.

Both the vinyl and poster will be available at Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson, TX as part of a 35MM screening with filmmaker and cast in attendance as well as the Texas Frightmare Weekend in Dallas. If this news doesn’t excite you… You’re Already Dead!

The PHANTASM soundtrack returns to vinyl after a long 35-year absence with stunning new art by Phantom City Creative.

Commenting on the enduring appeal of PHANTASM’s iconic score, director Don Coscarelli said, “what amazes me is that the score has continued to gain traction as the decades have passed. I have met literally thousands of fans who continue to praise Fred Myrow & Malcolm Seagrave’s work to this day. I want to thank the terrific crew at Mondo for dreaming up the idea of re-releasing this score in warm analog vinyl despite us all now living in a cold digital world.”

The vinyl and screen print (artwork by Mike Saputo) will be available on Thursday, April 30 at Alamo Drafthouse Richardson’s screening of PHANTASM. Cast members Angus Scrimm, Reggie Bannister, Michael Baldwin, Bill Thornbury, Kat Lester and filmmaker Don Coscarelli will be in attendance. The vinyl and poster will also be available at the Texas Frightmare Weekend and online at a future date.

Texas Frightmare Weekend runs May 1 – 3 at the DFW Hyatt Regency.

Phantasm vinyl soundtrack contents (via Badass Digest):

“Phantasm vinyl
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack LP
Music by Fred Myrow & Malcolm Seagrave
First pressing on Vinyl in over 35 Years!
Featuring new liner notes by Don Coscarelli
Pressed on 180 Gram Vinyl
Artwork by Phantom City Creative

Tracklisting:

01. Main Title (3:55)
02. Welcome to Morningside / Hand in Box (2:41)
03. Mineshaft Chase (2:53)
04. Phantasmagoria / Silver Sphere Disco (3:16)
05. Hearse Inferno
06. Cemetery Spectres (0:56)
07. Spacegate to Infinity (1:08)
08. Jody at Morningside / Just a Dream? (3:03)
09. Phantasm Atmosphere (1:11)
10. The Tall Man on Main Street (1:35)
11. Funeral Organ / Dwarf in Hearse (1:45)
12. Under the Car (2:21)
13. Mike on the Road (1:02)
14. Hearse Chase (1:11)
15. Overturned Ice Cream Truck (2:18)
16. End of the Game (1:13)
17. Or is it? (Outtakes) (3:28)