XLrator Media recently released stills and the official trailer to the upcoming horror film "Banshee Chapter". The film is produced by Zachary Quinto (Star Trek), Corey Moosa, Sean Akers, Neal Dodson (producers on MARGIN CALL, ALL IS LOST) and stars Katia Winter (SLEEPY HOLLOW, DEXTER), Ted Levine (THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS), Michael McMillian (TRUE BLOOD). "Banshee Chapter" is currently available on VOD and hits theaters in limited release on 1/10.

Plot Synopsis:

On the trail of a missing friend (Michael McMillian) who had been experimenting with mind-altering drugs, a young journalist (Katia Winter) – aided by a rogue counter-culture writer (Ted Levine, The Silence of The Lambs) -- finds herself drawn into the dangerous world of top-secret government chemical research and the mystery of a disturbing radio signal of unknown origin. A fast-paced thriller blending fact and fiction,Banshee Chapter is based on real documents, actual test subject testimony, and uncovered secrets about covert programs run by the CIA.

"Banshee Chapter": Official Trailer

With the exception of “Scream of the Banshee”, Steven C. Miller’s films have been very good. Whether it’s his debut “Automation Transfusion” to his last film the remake of the classic horror film “Silent Night”, his films have been entertaining. With his new film “Under the Bed”, I was hoping that this wouldn’t be like “The Aggression Scale”. I liked that film, but I was worried that this might be the same film that I saw a year ago.

The film is about a teenager (Jonny Weston), who is returning home two years later after being exiled following an encounter with a monster that had tragic circumstances. Now living with his nervous father, his new stepmother and his little brother (Gattlin Griffith), he is hoping to get things back to where they were before that fateful night. But it’s not long before the monster returns to terrorize him and his family. Now with his little brother only believing him, he must find a way to kill the monster before it kills him and his family.

The fact that Miller was doing another children in peril so soon after “The Aggression Scale” was going to hurt any chances of me liking this film. Both films has similar theme with children in peril. Instead of hit men, you have a monster causing the danger. But, I was surprised the comparisons stopped there, as “Under the Bed” is a more terrifying and horrific film from his previous film with that subject matter.

Most of that had to do with Steven C. Miller’s direction. He does a very good job making sure the film has a very dark and intense feel to it. Miller does a very good job building the suspense and tension aspects that go along with some of the scenes, especially in the beginning. There was a lot scenes where it had me on edge. Whether it be the jump scares during the film or the final act of the film, the scenes were filmed very well and the action comes off as intense. It helped made some of the scenes come off as scary and not dumb. The other thing that Miller does well was his ability to work with his cast to get the performances that he needs. Like in all of his previous films, the acting was good. He’s able to get his cast to make sure that they make the performances fit the film’s dark tone. It made the characters and the story interesting as the film went along.

The screenplay written by Eric Stolze was surprisingly good considering the expectations that I had with that aspect going into this film. One of the things that makes his screenplay work was the fact that this didn’t feel like your typical monsters under the bed type of story. What he’s able to effectively was making using the elements and making it completely dark with some violence that you don’t see with this type of story. It made the film work very well as a serious horror film. The other thing that I liked was the fact that I liked the main characters a lot. Stolze does a very good job making sure that the relationship between the brothers and the family work. Everything was developed well enough, so that everything made sense in the story department. It helped make the better and I was more into the film than I thought I was going to be.

It’s amazing that I liked this film as much as I did, because I thought the film was going to feel like an episode of an old horror TV show called “Goosebumps”. But with its edginess and very good direction from Steven C. Miller, “Under the Bed” will scare the hell out of you.
Review Rating: Four Stars.

XLrator Media has send us over some stills and the official trailer for "Under the Bed". The film is the latest from horror director Steven C. Miller (Aggression Scale, Automaton Transfusion, Silent Night) and stars Jonny Weston (Chasing Mavericks), Gattlin Griffith (The Green Lantern, Changeling), Peter Holden (The Social Network), Musetta Vander, Kelcie Stranahan. "Under the Bed" is currently available on VOD and hits theaters in limited release on 7/19. The film will also be hitting Bu-Ray and DVD on 7/30.

For more information on this film, you can visit and "Like" the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/underthebedmovie


Plot Synopsis:

Every child knows about the monster under the bed—Neal Hausman's mistake was trying to fight it. Neal (Jonny Weston, Chasing Mavericks) has returned from a two-year exile following his tragic attempt to defeat the monster, only to find his father ticking ever closer to a breakdown, a new stepmother who fears him, and his little brother Paul (Gattlin Griffith, Green Lantern, Changeling), terrorized by the same monster. While Neal and Paul work together to try and fight the nocturnal menace, their parents are taking desperate measures to get the family back to normal. With no support from their parents, the brothers have nothing to rely on but each other, and courage beyond belief.

"Under the Bed": Official Trailer

XLrator Media has acquired all U.S. distribution rights to the political thriller THE CONSPIRACY, written and directed by Christopher MacBride and produced by Lee Kim. XLrator Media CEO Barry Gordon announced the deal today.

“Christopher’s riveting film explores the fascinating world of the Illuminati, conspiracy theorists and secret societies. THE CONSPIRACY is a cinematic thrill-ride that challenges our notion of what is ‘truth,’ and reveals those shadowy forces that will do anything to control it,” said Gordon.

When two young filmmakers (played by Aaron Poole and Jim Gilbert) select a crazed conspiracy theorist as the subject of their new movie, they have no idea the terrifying peril they will put themselves in. When the man disappears without a trace, the filmmakers begin an obsessive quest to uncover the truth that will lead them to an ancient and dangerous secret society. A meticulously researched thriller based on real conspiracy theories, THE CONSPIRACY blurs the line between fact and fiction, news and propaganda.

The film was inspired by actual conspiracy theories, notably those surrounding the Bohemian Club and the Bilderberg Group, both secretive organizations closed to the public and made up of a who’s who of power players in international politics and business.

Canadian writer-director MacBride’s thriller pitch “Echo” was bought earlier this year by 20th Century Fox with Shawn Levy to produce through his Fox-based 21 Laps banner.

THE CONSPIRACY premiered at Fantastic Fest in Austin. The deal was negotiated by Gordon and Michel Urich of XLrator Media with Nate Bolotin and Aram Tertzakian of XYZ Films on behalf of the filmmakers.

“American Mary” is one of my most anticipated horror films of the year. It’s the second feature from sisters Jen and Sylvia Soska. The same duo behind the crazy film “Dead Hooker in a Trunk”. This is a change of pace from that film, as this is a more serious horror film.

The film follows Mary Mason (Katherine Isabelle) a broke medical student who has become more and more disillusioned with her teachings and everything that she liked about becoming a doctor. Then one day, she’s offered an opportunity to do a body modification on a person. This leads to easy money, which she needs. It sends her down a road into the dark world of underground surgery and body modification, which she may never get out of.

Going into this film, I thought it would live up to some of my expectations. Never did I think that this film would be very good enough to be consider as one of the best horror films of 2013, but it did. “American Mary” is one of those rare films that lives up to my expectations and then some.

The direction was very good. Jen and Sylvia Soska both did a very good job with the way that they handled the direction. They made the dark tone of the story work well on screen. From the dark images to the way that they handled their direction, the Soska sisters made everything feel dark and gloomy. Something helps makes this film interesting. But one of the two things that makes this film for me was the performances. The Soska sisters did a very good job with the way that they handle the performances. The performance help keep this film very interesting especially with the subject matter. They make sure the performances of each of the cast made their characters stand out from each other. It helped add to the weird tone of the film and also made them interesting as characters. This was a much more mature effort than their last film.

Speaking of the performances, they were very good. Katherine Isabelle is amazing as the lead character, best performance in horror film that I’ve seen this year. She makes her character very dark and gothic like. The performance helped the tone of the character work, as it made the character more interesting as the film went along.

This is easily her best performance since “Ginger Snaps” back in 2000. The film also has very good supporting performances from Antonio Cupo and Tristen Risk. Both of their performances also helps move the film, as they brought personality to their characters that keeps your interest.

Jen and Silvia Soska’s screenplay is the other thing that stood out for me. It felt original and didn’t feel like the carbon copy horror screenplay. They did a very good job with coming out with a story that had a serious tone while creating characters that stand out. It made the film have its identity. By doing that, it makes everything feel like something that you’ve haven’t seen before. The other thing that made the screenplay good was the way it develops it main character. It focuses on the character, as she goes into the very dark world of body modification and how it affects her and her state of mind. That’s done very effectively, as it makes you interested in the character considering all the twisted stuff that goes on during the course of the film.

“American Mary is clearly in the running along with “The Lords of Salem” as one of the best horror films of the year so far. With a great performance from Katherine Isabelle and very good direction from Jen and Sylvia Soska “American Mary” is a twisted and shocking horror film.

“American Mary” is available through various VOD platforms and in limited release.

Review Rating: Five Stars

Xlrator Media recently announced that they've acquired the U.S. Rights to upcoming film "CBGB". The film is based on the legendary New York rock club that launched many punk rock bands. It features an all star cast that includes “CBGB” features an all-star cast, including Malin Akerman (The Numbers Station), Ashley Greene (Twilight franchise), Johnny Galecki (“The Big Bang Theory”), Rupert Grint (Harry Potter franchise), Justin Bartha (The Hangover franchise), Joel David Moore (Avatar), Freddy Rodriguez (“Six Feet Under”), Donal Logue, Stana Katic (“Castle”), and Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters. With 16 on-camera musical performances, the film features over 60 classic songs by the Talking Heads, The Ramones, Blondie, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, The Police and The Dead Boys, among others.

"CBGB" will be released theatrically to coincide with the fast-growing CBGB Music Festival, which takes New York City by storm October 9-13, 2013 with over 500 bands performing on 175 stages across the city including Times Square and Brooklyn’s Barkley Center.

Press Release:

XLrator Media has acquired all U.S. distribution rights to the film “CBGB,” a rock ‘n roll true story of the legendary New York City club that launched dozens of top bands and is known globally as the home of American Punk Rock music. “CBGB” tells the tale of the famed venue and its iconoclastic founder Hilly Kristal, portrayed by Alan Rickman (Harry Potter series) and directed by Randall Miller (Bottle Shock). The release of the much-buzzed-about film is timed to take advantage of the huge CBGB Music Festival event this Fall and the current mainstream popularity of “PUNK” in the media, art and fashion. The announcement was made today by XLrator Media CEO Barry Gordon.

The film will be released theatrically to coincide with the fast-growing CBGB Music Festival, which takes New York City by storm October 9-13, 2013 with over 500 bands performing on 175 stages across the city including Times Square and Brooklyn’s Barkley Center.

“CBGB” features an all-star cast, including Malin Akerman (The Numbers Station), Ashley Greene (Twilight franchise), Johnny Galecki (“The Big Bang Theory”), Rupert Grint (Harry Potter franchise), Justin Bartha (The Hangover franchise), Joel David Moore (Avatar), Freddy Rodriguez (“Six Feet Under”), Donal Logue, Stana Katic (“Castle”), and Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters. With 16 on-camera musical performances, the film features over 60 classic songs by the Talking Heads, The Ramones, Blondie, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, The Police and The Dead Boys, among others.

“CBGB is one of the most iconic and authentic names in music history, and Randy’s extraordinary film is a raucously entertaining celebration of the music and artists that have defined the culture for decades,” said Gordon. “CBGB is the rare film that will resonate with teens, millennials and legacy fans alike. The whole family can jump in the mosh pit together for this one!”

“I’m thrilled to be working with XLrator Media to bring this film to audiences this Fall. They are passionate and creative marketers who really embrace the potential for CBGB,” said Miller.

“CBGB” looks at New York’s dynamic punk rock scene through the lens of the ground-breaking Lower East Side club started by eccentric Hilly Kristal in 1973 originally as a home for “country, bluegrass and blues” (thus the club’s name) and which showcased cutting-edge bands through its closing in 2006. The Talking Heads, Patti Smith, The Ramones, Blondie, The Dead Boys, Bad Brains, Green Day, Soul Asylum, The Police, Bruce Springsteen, Everclear, George Thorogood, The Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, The Black Crowes, The Flaming Lips, The Goo Goo Dolls, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The B-52s, The Runaways, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Tool and The Wallflowers are just some of the thousands of bands that played the club over the years.

Unclaimed Freight Productions’ Randall Miller and Jody Savin (Bottle Shock, Nobel Son) produced the film along with veteran music publishing executive Brad Rosenberger and Kristal’s daughter Lisa Kristal Burgman. Savin and Miller wrote the screenplay. The deal was negotiated by Gordon on behalf of XLrator Media with Ben Weiss and Meghan Oliver of Paradigm and Jonathan Gardner of Cohen Gardner on behalf of the filmmakers.

Miller & Savin recently announced their next film, a biopic based on Gregg Allman’s New York Times bestseller “My Cross To Bear,” which will begin production this Summer and will be distributed by Open Road Films in the U.S. Open Road is also partnered with XLrator Media for TV sales and other select media in the U.S.

Phase 4 Films and Xlrator Media recently partnered up acquired the North American rights to the crime thriller "James Boy". The films stars Mary-Louise Parker (“Weeds”), James Woods (White House Down), Ving Rhames (Mission: Impossible), Taissa Farmiga (The Bling Ring) and Spencer Lofranco. No release date was announced at this ri

Press Release:

Phase 4 Films (www.phase4films.com) and XLrator Media (www.xlratormedia.com) have partnered to jointly acquire North American distribution rights to the crime thriller JAMESY BOY, starring Mary-Louise Parker (“Weeds”), James Woods (White House Down), Ving Rhames (Mission: Impossible), Taissa Farmiga (The Bling Ring) and introducing Spencer Lofranco and introducing Spencer Lofranco. Based on a true story, the film is directed by Trevor White and written by White and Lane Shadgett. The deal was announced today by Phase 4 Films President & CEO, Berry Meyerowitz, and XLrator Media CEO Barry Gordon.

“JAMESY BOY is a remarkably accomplished and gripping film by first-time director Trevor White with a star-studded cast and a breakout performance by talented newcomer Spencer Lofranco, who is destined for a brilliant career,” said Gordon.

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with XLrator Media to bring this incredible true story and extraordinary film to North American audiences,” said Meyerowitz.

JAMESY BOY is the story of teenager James Burns (played by Spencer Lofranco) who goes from the suburban street gangs to a maximum-security prison cell surrounded by hardened criminals. In prison, he forms a friendship with a convicted murderer (Ving Rhames) who becomes his mentor and helps him turn his life around. In this unlikely setting, James ultimately emerges with hope and a brighter future.

A Synergics Films and Star Thrower Entertainment production, JAMESY BOY is produced by Tim White, Wayne L. Rogers, Steven P. Saeta, Maria Norman, Galen Walker and Scott Mednick. The deal was negotiated by Larry Greenberg of Phase 4 Films and Gordon of XLrator Media with the Paradigm Finance Group on behalf of the filmmakers. Atlas International is handling the foreign sales.

XLrator Media recently released stills for their upcoming release on "American Mary. The film is the latest from "Dead Hooker in a Trunk" directors Jen and Sylvia Soska and stars Katharine Isabelle (‘Ginger Snaps’, ‘Insomnia’, ‘Freddy vs. Jason’), and Antonio Cupo (‘Bomb Girls’, ‘Dark Angel’, ‘Elegy’) star in the film. "American Mary" hits VOD platforms on May 16th and hits LA – Chinese 6, NY – Village East, Austin – Alamo Village, Chicago – Facets and San Diego – Digital Gym Cinema on May 31st.

Plot Synopsis:

From XLrator Media and IndustryWorks Pictures comes one of the most original, subversive and thought-provoking horror films of the year. American Mary tells the story of broke med student Mary Mason (Katharine Isabelle) who grows increasingly disenchanted with medical school and the doctors she once admired. The allure of easy money sends a desperate Mary through the messy world of underground surgeries that leaves more marks on her than her so-called freakish clientele... Smart, sexy, funny and stunning to look at, American Mary features a standout lead performance from horror icon Katharine Isabelle (‘Ginger Snaps’, ‘Insomnia’, ‘Freddy vs. Jason’), and notable performances by Antonio Cupo (‘Bomb Girls’, ‘Dark Angel’, ‘Elegy’), Paula Lindberg (‘Fringe’, ‘Supernatural’, ‘Iron Man the TV series’), David Lovgren (‘Masters of Horror’, ‘Supernatural’, ‘Stargate: Atlantis’) and newcomers Tristen Risk as the disturbingly loveable Beatress and Twan Holliday as Mary’s confidant, protector and bff Lance. A film not to be missed and what and reviewers are calling ‘A true Modern Day Horror’.

"American Mary": Official Trailer

“Thale” has been one of those genre films that has been on my radar for a long time. The film has played at film festivals such as Screamfest LA, SXSW and the Toronto International Film Festival. The film now is finally being released onto DVD and Blu-ray as the second release under Xlrator Media’s new label Screamfest.

The film follows two crime scene cleaners, as they discover a mysterious and mythical female creature that has been trapped in a concealed cellar for a long time. She can never speak to tell her story, but they soon find out the facts to her story. While finding out about her through tapes, the cleaners also discover that she has been kept there for decades for reasons beyond imagination.

Going into this film, I was expecting a film that would be more geared to the horror end of the spectrum. Surprising that wasn’t the case with this film, as there was little of the bloody violence that you see in these types of films. But this was still a
very entertaining film, even though this fall under the grim fairy tale side of things.

One of the reasons that this was very good was Aleksander L. Nordas handling of the direction and cinematography. What makes everything very good was the way that each of the scenes were shot and handled. Nordas does a very good job getting the scenes to look in a way that it feels fairy tale like. It looks very beautiful and it helps make the film stand out especially when you’re viewing it for the first time. That’s what makes the production aspects work. This is very rare for a dark fantasy film of its kind. The other thing that he does so well is getting the performances that he needs. I liked the way that he directs the performance, especially Silje Reinamo performance as Thale. Nordas makes sure the mannerisms of the title character is handled and acted in a way that makes the character interesting, as the character doesn’t speak a word. The performance is essential to this film, as it help make the film have its grim fairy tale feel. If the performance didn’t feel that way, then it could’ve been a disappointing film.

Nordas’ screenplay was also good. One of the things that he does well with the screenplay is that he develops the title character’s backstory through flashbacks. I liked, the way that he creatively tells it. Nordas has those sequences, every time the title touches one of the cleaners. It feels different, because not only you are seeing the backstory but you also feel the character that’s being touched is also along for the ride. It’s a clever way to revel a backstory and have that dark fantasy feel to it. The other thing that makes it good was the way that it focuses on the friendship of the two cleaners. It makes those characters interesting that you care about them, especially during the course of the film. You need characters like that, especially if you’re trying to create a fantasy film of this kind. Nordas does that successfully, because I was interested with both of the crime scene cleaners and happens during the course of the film. It makes the story and film interesting to watch.

This is one of the better looking films that I’ve seen this year. I urge you to check this film out. With great direction and an interesting screenplay, “Thale” is a must see for fans foreign horror and fantasy films.

Review Rating: Five Stars

A film that your truly has been looking forward to. Xlrator Media has send us over information and the official trailer for their upcoming release "American Mary" The film marks the second film from Jen And Silvia Soska, the duo behind "Dead Hooker in a Trunk". Katharine Isabelle (‘Ginger Snaps’, ‘Insomnia’, ‘Freddy vs. Jason’), and Antonio Cupo (‘Bomb Girls’, ‘Dark Angel’, ‘Elegy’) star in the film. "American Mary" hits VOD platforms on May 16th and hits LA – Chinese 6, NY – Village East, Austin – Alamo Village, Chicago – Facets and San Diego – Digital Gym Cinema on May 31st.

Plot Synopsis:

From XLrator Media and IndustryWorks Pictures comes one of the most original, subversive and thought-provoking horror films of the year. American Mary tells the story of broke med student Mary Mason (Katharine Isabelle) who grows increasingly disenchanted with medical school and the doctors she once admired. The allure of easy money sends a desperate Mary through the messy world of underground surgeries that leaves more marks on her than her so-called freakish clientele... Smart, sexy, funny and stunning to look at, American Mary features a standout lead performance from horror icon Katharine Isabelle (‘Ginger Snaps’, ‘Insomnia’, ‘Freddy vs. Jason’), and notable performances by Antonio Cupo (‘Bomb Girls’, ‘Dark Angel’, ‘Elegy’), Paula Lindberg (‘Fringe’, ‘Supernatural’, ‘Iron Man the TV series’), David Lovgren (‘Masters of Horror’, ‘Supernatural’, ‘Stargate: Atlantis’) and newcomers Tristen Risk as the disturbingly loveable Beatress and Twan Holliday as Mary’s confidant, protector and bff Lance. A film not to be missed and what and reviewers are calling ‘A true Modern Day Horror’.

"American Mary": Official Trailer

XLrator Media recently released the official trailer and stills for their upcoming release "Thale". The film has played at various film festivals such as Screamfest and Toronto International Film Festival. "Thale" hits VOD on March 21, 2013 and hits theaters in limited release on April 5th.

Plot Synopsis:

Two crime-scene cleaners discover a mythical, tailed female creature in a concealed cellar. She never utters a word, unable to tell her story, but the pieces of the puzzle soon come together: she's been held captive for decades for reasons soon to surface.

 "Thale" Official Trailer