"In the Grip of Terror" by Amicus Productions - Horror Movie
Created by Lawrie Brewster
Amicus Productions is rising from the grave with its first horror film in over 30 years. With your help, we can bring it back for good!
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Miss Amicus Brings the Spirit of Hazel Court and MORE!
8 months ago
– Tue, Jun 11, 2024 at 06:49:00 AM
So, our very own Miss Amicus (The Meg!) has secured a 48-hour match pledger for her campaign 'Spoiling You', the J-Horror throwback thriller which I believe is going to be amazing. In support of her campaign, I have made a Gothic Medieval Lovecraftian epic (capitalised for extra impact) available as rewards or add-ons.
I have that much faith in Meg, and to show you what I see in her, I'd love to give you a sneak peek into a work-in-progress scene for 'The Reign of Queen Ginnarra'. To me, it evokes something of her personal heroine, Hazel Court, especially her characterisation of Juliana in 'The Masque of the Red Death'.
Rest assured, this film, which runs for about two and a half hours, is perhaps the first ever medieval Lovecraftian epic. It's been in post-production for a while now and is mostly in the hands of the sound team. They live in a cave by the sea, and you can always hear their screaming at night.
Rest assured that Amicus works continue, but right now you'd be looking at pictures of guys painting and sawing things. If you don't want to miss out on that, then head over to the British Horror Studio Patreon, where you can even join as a free member to get access to our daily updates. It's like a local newspaper but for our indie horror efforts!
I've also got to give Meg a plug for this. She directed a samurai-style sword fighting scene in the movie with a bunch of stunt guys in the snow. She loves swordplay herself and can regularly deflect all the empty bourbon glasses I throw at her on a Friday night!
So, to get 'The Reign of Queen Ginnarra', you can pledge for it as a standalone reward in the regular Blu-Ray edition or the Complete Edition on her campaign page for 'Spoiling You'. Alternatively, you can pledge for it as an add-on too, if you want to grab her J-Horror throwback movie 'Spoiling You'—which I heartily recommend! After all, my taste is exquisite and debauched! In fact, I probably have the jaded appetites of an 18th-century aristocrat or a Tory cabinet minister!
Huzzah!
ALSO... You can get producer credits or thank you credits on this movie. So, do check out the add-ons for those, or get in touch with me directly if you have any questions!
Additionally, when my cousin Michael returns from his trip to visit his girlfriend's relatives (oh, the joys, bahaha), he’ll be thrust into producing wonderful photography sets with Megan. Naturally, these will include the Amicus Vampire photo-sets, but also...
They will include, for those who need to test their pacemakers, the Kawaii and Osoroshii photo-sets. Updated, the reward graphic shows some of the costume items Meg has taken delivery of and is preparing to use in the photo-sets. The demonic Osoroshii photo-set in particular promises to be something special, with a characterisation inspired by the goddess Slan from the popular Manga series 'Berserk' and, of course, the anime films of Yoshiaki Kawajiri!
And finally...
For all you Miss Amicus fans, you can now pledge for SIGNED versions of her previous films in which she stars. This includes the supernatural thriller 'Ghost Crew' and our recent Sword and Sorcery 80's throwback 'The Slave and the Sorcerer'. These are now available as add-ons and come signed. Each of them is a beautiful Blu-Ray package stacked with hours of extras and will be dispatched immediately after the campaign!
Meg Brings Gothic Horror to Distant Lands in my NEW MOVIE and MORE!
8 months ago
– Tue, Jun 04, 2024 at 08:11:18 AM
So, this is a big day for me!
Today, I'm announcing a horror film that was in post-production before our Amicus Campaign, shot some time ago. It's an epic Lovecraftian Gothic Medieval saga starring our very own Miss Amicus, (Megan Tremethick).
The Reign of Queen Ginnarra sees Meg give a spirited performance reminiscent of Helen Mirren as Morgana in John Boorman's Excalibur, or Ingrid Pitt as Elizabeth Bathory in Countess Dracula. This very dark, very Gothic, very grim occult medieval horror follows the tumultuous reign of the tyrannical Queen Ginnarra and her mounting obsession to murder her brother, an exiled prince by any means possible - no matter the cost in blood, lives or even souls.
Meg is genuinely disturbing in the title role, and this performance puts her in another league, and in my opinion has to be seen to be believed.
I feel that if the Hammer we remember, were still around today then it might produce something like this if it ventured into more fantastical realms. It certainly has a subversive and adult Amicus quality (think, of the vibe from 'And Now the Screaming Starts').
In this huge two and a half hour minimum length film, kingdoms rise and fall, as eldritch sorcery and horror sweep across a continent. Filled with intrigue, action, murder, occultism and more. I mean, so are my weekdays but...
At the moment, the artwork for the packaging isn't complete but we're making it available early, to support Meg's campaign for her retro Horror 'Spoiling You' because that young lady deserves it by jove. So, our special edition is avaialble exclusively through her campaign, and you can pledge for it as a blu-ray or as a double feature with Spoiling You.
In the add-ons section you can also get thank you credits, and generous pledgers can also get great savings on becoming producers on both movies, with great savings too.
If you've already pledged on Meg's Spoiling you Campaign, you can just use these steps to add 'The Reign of Queen Ginnarra' to your pledge, (in the add-ons are various options, including regular, signed and complete editions).
Click on the "Manage your pledge" button on the Kickstarter campaign page.
Select the "Change your pledge" option.
Choose the same reward tier you initially selected.
You'll then see a list of available add-ons. Select the desired add-ons and confirm your changes.
Costume Arrived for the Kawaii and Osorishii Photo-Sets! Oh My!
Meg is also offering photography sets inspired by Japanese Kawaii, and Osoroshii (well, it means terror doesn't it) basically, Meg's got a demon outfit she's putting together! I mean it's scary but it's also... more likely to give me heart-burn than a mince pastry too early on a Monday morning! So, if you pledge for this get some blood pressure medicine because, she's posted some pics of her costume items arriving.
These photographs, along with the Amicus Photo-Sets are all getting taken together, the very second our awesome photographer (Cousin Michael... as they call him from the streets) makes his return) in just under 2 weeks time.
So, let's expect all the photos this month! To get this exclusive new photo-set though, be sure to pledge for them on Meg's campaign!
For that outfit, Meg's got leathery webbing, a corset, a fantastic-looking demonic choker, and big giant bat wings (some of you can probably guess which film she borrowed those from!).
AMICUS UPDATE
In the meantime lots of young lads were working hard painting the ceilings for our wonderful In the Grip of Terror hospital set! Now, the best way to get daily updates is actually to join our Patreon, which is FREE! Yes, free to read me rambling at you like a drunken uncle, about the progress of our films. So, visit here : https://www.patreon.com/britishhorrorstudio
Rebuilding Gothic Horror & Important Update!
8 months ago
– Tue, May 28, 2024 at 04:56:01 AM
A Word from Miss Amicus
A lovely, and slightly nervous young woman wants to say something to all our Amicus supporters!
I think it is very commendable and respectful towards the backers of our Amicus campaign that our very own Miss Amicus wanted to produce a short video to reach out to all of us personally. In this short video, Meg talks about her love of Amicus and her very first horror project, which we're very proud to support.
As you can see, we've even helped Meg produce a gorgeous looking Blu-Ray Special Edition that will ALMOST be as good as our 'In the Grip of Terror' Blu-Ray Special Edition!
Her film takes inspiration from what can best be described as the uncanny... the creepy... the psychological, and of course, stories with supernatural elements and twists. 'Spoiling You' looks set to be a memorable horror film, but our Miss Amicus needs our support!
We all know how glamorous our Miss Amicus is, following in the footsteps of Hammer Glamour just as much as Amicus! This image of Meg is probably the office favourite, evoking wonderful comparisons to the stunning and remarkable Ingrid Pitt.
Well, in Meg's own campaign for Spoiling You, which takes inspiration from J-Horror, anime pop culture, and the demonic women of anime films such as Wicked City and Ninja Scroll, she's now offering her own wonderful sets of photograph rewards which you can pledge for in her campaign.
In the meantime, we're organising our Amicus Photo-Sets with Meg imminently (blame me) as I've been busy building our Amicus sets – more about that to come!
Okay, okay, Miss Amicus is great, but what about In the Grip of Terror?
Well, we've now got shooting dates sorted for the first two segments! Watcher of the Dead will be filming at the end of June, and The Dead Spake is filming at the end of July. Right now, the team is awaiting some annoying fiddly wooden moulds to finish the main set, so we've all diverted our energy, resources, and time to the second set. The third and fourth segments will be filmed in August and late September/Early October. We're doing post-production along the way and will do our best to meet the estimated deadline, but realistically we might run over a bit as we work hard to make sure this film is completely beautiful.
This involves us creating a retro NHS hospital corridor, circa the 1960s!
Here is a short video to show you the work in progress. Right now, it looks like a dilapidated mess, and to be honest, half the place is rotten. But, we're tearing out the rotten wood and putting in nice new happy wood (in fact, most of that is done) and now we're getting fresh coats of paint on! We've also put lino down (industry strength) though you wouldn't think it under all the dust right now!
It's a building site, but this location will be completed far, far, faaaar sooner than the fancy round room one! Hopefully, this week we'll have it all sorted!
Ah, the fun, when even the skirting just comes away like crumpled, burnt paper at the touch of your hand... so it needs ripping out. But once ripped out, we can... drum roll...
Fit it! Now, it's ready for a coat of paint! See, these are our plans for Amicus Productions, and this goes way beyond just In the Grip of Terror, which indeed is our very important first test.
It's about rebuilding the rich tradition of British Horror Cinema and championing Gothic Horror. But, like this building, it has to be fixed one chunk, one bit at a time!
Do you want daily updates?
You do? Then what are you waiting for? Go visit our Patreon for the 'British Horror Studio' project, which I think will blow you away. Yes, there are paid tiers, but importantly, there are free tiers too, and those give you complete access to all our news and progress.
Miss Amicus Launches Her Kickstarter (Pitch Video is Crazy!) & Amicus News!
9 months ago
– Wed, May 22, 2024 at 06:07:11 AM
Miss Amicus Launches her Kickstarter 'Spoiling You'
I wouldn't normally start an update for a project other than our Amicus project, but in this case, I shall make a rare exception for 'Spoiling You,' which is written and directed by our very own Hazel Court, our Miss Amicus... Megan Tremethick.
I featured in the pitch video and lent a hand, and after seeing how absolutely bonkers and brilliant it turned out, I knew that our wonderful Amicus community would want to see it and would hopefully lend their support to this remarkable young lady and beautiful old soul.
Inspired by a wild mixture of late 90s and early noughties J-Horror (think Audition, Kairo, Ringu, and even anime) as well as Gothic Horror (her character Miss Mutter creeps about in a dungeon at night...), it’s well... I'll let her describe the rest in her own words in her video, which you can watch at the link right here.
So, the final components of the sets that form most of 'In the Grip of Terror' are just about complete, with the main fancy room we've been working on getting a fresh lick of paint next week. Right now, the guys are finishing up some ornate joinery around the skylight. It must be beautiful... oh yes... it must.
With a lick of paint, we'll be ready to shoot our first segment, 'Watcher by the Dead.' It will be filmed in the glorious round room and in a castle dungeon-type set, which looks ideal as the main venue for our horror tale. The underground room, where a character must test their sanity by spending the evening with a corpse... OR IS IT!
I would like to confirm some casting for you on this one! The popular Ambrose Bierce story shall see Dorian Todd performing as Mancher.
Here he is... in Meg's pitch video.
Dorian Todd (who was also featured in our original pitch video for 'In the Grip of Terror')
Rest assured, these young men will be brushed up and trimmed to look immaculate and perfect for our anachronistic Amicus period setting.
The role of Dr. Helberson will be played by eminent Scottish theatre performer and veteran of all things (who was also featured in our original pitch video), Michael Daviot.
Michael Daviot, does look a little more dignified than his younger peers!
So, at the moment, we're looking at Amicus shoots taking place from the end of next month all the way to late October!
AMICUS PHOTO-SETS
Now, I am to blame for this because I keep pulling people away from the shooting dates to do other things. Rest assured, I shall be placing a priority on the sumptuous Gothic Ingrid Pitt photo sets featuring Miss Amicus and some other classic British beauties that may symbolize the golden era of classic British horror and Gothic sensuality!
So, we can expect those sets to be photographed and delivered by mid-month!
For the Glory of Amicus! AND MORE NEWS!
9 months ago
– Tue, May 14, 2024 at 07:07:48 AM
For the Glory of Amicus!
The team has been working like maniacs, and much of that work has involved dusting off feature films in post-production and fulfilling the rewards for our previous campaign, 'The Slave and the Sorcerer'. If only you could see the blisters on their fingers.
And, in the meantime, time permitting, we've thrown ourselves over the top, like some sort of indie-film Battle of the Somme, to complete our main set for 'In the Grip of Terror' — a stunning historic room that features in most segments.
The work goes beyond set filmmaking into the realms of refurbishment, equipping us with a historic interior space that will feature in many... many-many... many-many-many Amicus and Hex Studios feature films to come.
We're now finally at the stage where this space should be completed in the next two weeks! We've done the hard parts ourselves!
Building our own architrave, our own doors... from scratch. Oak... staining... polishing... brass fittings... dados... building our own skirting... ARGhhh.
And where are we at now?
Now, we have a plaster cornice being installed over the previous one, which is literally crumbling (bear in mind, this entire space was crumbling and rotten. We've fixed it all...). After that, we just have some minor bits of decorative joinery to finish.
Then... then... we get another guy to paint it. We've suffered enough, haha. So, once that's done, we'll have our primary set completed and ready to go for the first segment. Other segments that utilise this space will often see it get a paint job, transforming it from a gents' club into another space (such as a late 60s hospital ward).
Ironically, this is actually the hardest part of this production, but one of the most worthwhile. It will give us the untethered access we need to shoot our movie in a great-looking space and, of course, a resource that we'll have for as long as we keep making movies! Just imagine, how we could use it for future films too... films similar to 'The Skull' etc!
You can keep up to date with almost daily updates on our FaceBook Group here!
Miss Amicus is making a movie!
Our very own horror Vivian Leigh, Cornish Hazel Court, Miss Amicus Megan Tremethick, is producing our first horror feature film called 'Spoiling You,' which launches on Kickstarter next week. NEXT WEEK!
She's been a faithful and loyal ally to our revival of Amicus Productions, and her film, which is a startling blend of Gothic and J-Horror, promises to provide a spine-tingling experience with a disturbing air of intensity.
Please join me in supporting Megan Tremethick by hitting the link to visit her campaign and smack that 'get notified' button! It's worth it for all of us to support talented young ladies who adore Gothic Horror and classic British horror cinema!
