Terror Creeps into Philly...AGAIN!!Terror Film Festival has resurrected from its secret crypt to again unleash itself with unbridled lusts for horror, gore, and divine wickedness. For the second year in a row, Terror Film Festival has slithered into the Ethical Society Building in the famous Rittenhouse area of Philadelphia, PA. And this year’s festival was even better than last year. This impressive young fest is led by an experienced and proven group of individuals that have a pristine quality called “showmanship”. The fest is spearheaded by Claw, a film director/screenwriter in his own right, and the event was hosted by its official hostess, Princess Horror, the first ever princess of horror. This stellar quality film festival shined through the darkness like Jack Nicholson smashing through a door with an axe, by providing even more dedication to the films, the filmmakers, and the fans. The reign of terror lasted...(read the entire 8 page article!).
~ Baron Craze, Freelance Journalist, November 16, 2007
Gory, Gory, Hallelujah! Need to satisfy your taste for extreme gore? Philly's second annual Terror Film Festival promises to feed your dark side with six nights of roughly 100 spine-tingling, hair-raising horror flicks from around the globe. There's bound to be a gem or two that'll scare the bejesus out of you. "If it isn't fun, it's a turnoff," says the filmmaker and festival director who goes by the name of "Claw." This year, TFF received twiceas many submissions as last year, and has nearly doubled in length. In addition, many of the entries have shifted away from run-of-the-mill bloodbaths to...films with more developed plotlines. One of Claw's personal picks is Jeff Leroy's Werewolf in a Women's Prison, which involves camp, werewolves and beautiful women. Night of the Hell-Hamsters, directed by Paul Campion (an artist on Lord of the Rings and X-Men: The Last Stand), is also what it sounds like, and features bloodthirsty hamsters taking over the world. "You can see the professional quality to it," says Claw. A Philly native, Claw loves promoting local films. This time around, he's into Temple grad Jenna Serbu's four-minute Kindfeuer. "It takes you on this very artistic joyride," he says...And Halloween II's, Leo Rossi will hold a Q&A session following Wednesday night's screening of Diamond Zero, a comic thriller about celebrities who get crushed into diamonds. The festival's popularity is no doubt growing...[and] all entrants get a picture, project poster and synopsis of their [work] on the TFF Web site just for submitting.
~ Ptah Gabrie, Philadelphia City Paper, October 10, 2007
FILM: REPERTORY: Terror Film Festival. The second year of the October-themed film cavalcade extends the genres to include drama alongside the usual horror, sci-fi and thriller pics, and includes fare from as close as Philadelphia to as far off as Denmark, Italy and Germany. Consult the site for the full lowdown, including such titles as the zombie pic Plane Dead and the doubtlessly genius Werewolf in a Woman’s Prison.
~ Matt Prigge, Philly Weekly, October 17, 2007
The Fest this year was great!! The showmanship is truly unlike any other and it is an event unlike others. A chance to meet filmmakers, directors, screenwriters, actors, up close. And there are the parties and events...truly unique.
~ Baron Craze, Freelance Journalist, October 22, 2007
The Fests Are Yet to Come. While the Terror Film Festival isn’t mentioned in the same breath as Cannes, Sundance, Toronto...it’s gained a rapid notoriety within the festival community—unheard of for a fest whose second year hasn’t even happened yet. As with last year, submissions came from as close as Philadelphia to as far off as Sweden, Japan, Denmark, Africa and South Africa. This, by the way, is with next to no advertising. TFF doesn’t buy space in trade magazines like Variety. “We’re selective in our exposure attempts,” [says Claw]. “When people are submitting...it’s not because they want to give their film to anyone. It’s because they’ve heard something about us and they want in,” [Claw] explains. “We’re geared strictly for submitters and the audience...we’re not doing it for the money or the hype...it’s based on great filmmaking, great screenwriting.” The playlist this year spans horror to sci-fi to thriller to even dark drama—a new addition. Financially, they run the gamut from slick Hollywood fare (like Side Sho...to movies with next to no budget (like Werewolf in a Woman’s Prison, which [Claw] claims is “the most entertaining movie ever). “It’s very much like a rock show...it’s got a lot of charisma. A lot of our personalities go into it.” [says Princess Horror] the fest’s host and spokesperson at the nation’s other horror festivals. [Claw and Princess Horror] both talk about expansion...but [say] they want to keep the personal touch the same.
Here are a few websites that review independent films to help you get some third party press to attach to your project. If you know of more that we don't have listed here, email the URL to us and we'll add it to the list. Get some ink on your project!!!
Grateful ! What a wonderful festival, what a wonderful moment, what a wonderful team ! It really was a pleasure to go through the atlantic ocean, and discover Terror Film Festival of Philadelphia. We really had an amazing time and we were all here for one reason : our passion of the cinema!! Laurent Fabre, Filmmaker (France, "BACCHUS") BACCHUS
WOW! What a great time! Thank you for recognizing our weird little film. You put on such a filmmaker friendly show... We'll try to find something worthy to contribute to what will surely be a kickass 2008 program!!
C. Mark DeGaetani, Director (Maryland, "The Dollhouse") Rudder Post Films official website
well where do I start...thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you! if only every film festival could be like yours, then the world would be a better place. it was wonderful and we had an amazing time. I only wish I could have stayed longer. when are you coming to L.A.?!!
John Faust, Filmmaker (California, "By Appointment Only") By Appointment Only official website
The Fest this year was great!! The showmanship is truly unlike any other and it is an event unlike others. A chance to meet filmmakers, directors, screenwriters, actors, up close. And there are the parties and events...truly unique.
Baron Craze, Freelance Journalist (New Jersey) Baron Craze on MySpace
We are moving forward with distribution deals, and your fest, along with the others, really helped give us a boost. Hope to see you in the coming years at Terror. All the best.
Michael Wallace, Filmmaker (New York, "Arena")
We just wanted to send a big thanks to you and Princess Horror and the entire crew for their hospitality and for making this a comfortable and wonderful experience. What you guys are doing is amazing and I saw, first-hand, the hard and rigorous work that you all put into making it happen. I wish you growing success with the festival. Please give our best to Princess Horror, we did not see her before we left but we wanted to thank her as well. Peace, Love and Best Wishes.
Eddy and Angela, (New York, "Lone Vein") Lone Vein Music
We had a GREAT time at TFF and we want to thank you guys for making it so awesome. It was so memorable and we can't wait to get started on our next project for you guys. Keep warm in Philly!
Taryn Hough, Filmmaker (California, "Night Terrors") Chain Smoking Monkey Productions
The Terror Film Festival was such a great time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting us be a part of it. I will be keeping in touch with you on my new project and you can count on me submitting again to this awesome festival.
Brian Lonano, Filmmaker (New York, "Electrical Skeletal!") Robot Hand Films
I've been on pins and needles since Saturday (Really) and am so happy that Leo won Best Actor for Diamond Zero. I think you have done a terrific job with everything that I've seen. I'm glad there are festivals like yours out there and thanks so much for including us in your lineup! Yours sincerely.
David Gaz, Filmmaker (California, "Diamond Zero") Wilder Gaz Productions
Thank you! Thank you! Thank You! I can't believe that my first ever screenplay won third place! I was thrilled just to be nominated, but to actually win an award!!! I promise I will put the script consultation to good use. I'm already formulating ideas for my next script, and I hope it will yield good things.
Jennifer M. Oaks, Screenwriter (Pennsylvania, "Bloodletter")
I wanted to thank you and everyone else once again for making TFF happen! And for selecting YELLOW as part of the program. You guys have a sincere interest in helping filmmakers succeed. I can't say enough how much I appreciate that! From posting submissions on your website (I don't know of any other festival that does that) to giving out plenty of awards, you folks are truly the best friend of a filmmaker. Thank you very much! Maybe I will have a new film for next year and can then meet you all in person. Thank you again for organizing the best genre film fest!
Semih Tareen, Filmmaker (Washington, "Yellow") Film Music by Semih Tareen
On behalf of everyone involved in Primevil, I want to thank you for letting us be a part of this year's Terror Film Festival. Travis, Davin, Chris and I want to thank you for your hospitality. We had a great time. It was also a good learning experience for me as this was the first film festival that Primevil was accepted and screened at, and my first to attend as a director. We'll see you next year whether or not we have a film to submit.
Mike Turner, Filmmaker (Vermont, "Primevil") Mike Turner Films
It's a really good thing you're doing. Giving all these films maximum exposure. I hope you know just how much we appreciate it. The website looks great!!
Dan Grrrrant, Filmmaker (United Kingdom, "Dark Night") Spiffing Films
“Before I submitted to Terror Film Festival, I called the festival director with a question. It turned out to be the most open and honest conversation I’ve had with a festival director out of the many I’ve dealt with. He truly champions the independent filmmaker. And having attended the opening night, I can honestly say I’ve never seen a more consistently good selection of films in one festival. Truly a great festival, and one that I was proud to be part of.” ~ David Campfield, Writer/Director (New York, "Dark Chamber") Fourth Horizon Cinema
"I wanted to let you know that your handling of festival promotion is terrific. I have never seen a festival so open to promoting all entries as you have done. The website is great. Thanks again, and I look forward to attending!" ~ Mark Daniels, Screenwriter (Kentucky) Screenwriter
"We are really looking forward to this Festival above all others. Thank you for putting together such a first class event. We are proud that our small contribution will be associated." ~ Jayson, Filmmaker (North Carolina) Dirty South Films
"Wow! Your website for this year’s Festival is outstanding. I read the descriptions of the submitted films and screenplays and I’m really looking forward to seeing the films described." ~ Marcia B. (Pennsylvania) Horror Film Fan
"Good morning. I just got back from another film festival and they had a huge 1,200 seat theater, but yet there were only 25 people in the whole audience!! YOUR festival is how it's supposed to be done! It was a great festival and we had a great time. Thanks again for all your efforts. Regards." ~ Arun Vaidyanathan,Filmmaker (New Jersey, "The Seance") Eternal Rainbows, Inc.
"I just wanted to tell you again how much we enjoyed ourselves. We had an absolute blast. The screening, Q&A, and everything, were fabulous. You and your staff were very personable and made us feel right at home. I've been to a few of these fests, but yours was the first I've experienced where the filmmakers truly were THE priority above everything else. You guys did a grade-A job with making us feel like it was all about us. Thanks for that. I also really enjoyed chatting with you at the bar afterwards. It was an awesome experience I won't soon forget. I probably won't have a new film for you by 2007, but I just may have a script. Thanks again for everything and good luck with next year. Talk to ya! Submit your film to this festival, it kicks so much ass!! ~ Robert Harari, Filmmaker (Maryland, "The Murder Game") The Murder Game
"TFF 07 is gonna kick ass!" ~ Dr. Gore, Horror Society HorrorSociety.com
"My film "Project: Adam" won the Claw Award for Best Sci-fi Short at Terror Film Festival in Philadelphia, PA. I also won one of the Writers Boot Camp prizes! Thanks to the festival and everyone who came out." ~ Jake Buchheit, Filmmaker (California, "Project: Adam") Jake Of All Trades Productions
"Wow! Just wanted to say a big thanks. I'm so truly delighted that "The Faeries of Blackheath Woods" won three awards!!! Wish I could have been there to see what kind of a reaction it got! Thanks again for everything and talk to you soon. Best!" ~ Ciaran Foy, Filmmaker (Ireland, "The Faeries of Blackheath Woods") The Faeries of Blackheath Woods
"I think you guys put on a very good show. You had a really cool venue and you were all very nice in person, which counts for something in my book. I wish you the best of luck in year two of TFF. Cheers!" ~ Jason Maran, Filmmaker (New Jersey, "Satan's Whip") Four Reel Films
"I am so sorry we were not able to make it out to the festival. I have contacted the Writers Boot Camp and they're great. I am going to start in February after we are done shooting our most recent project. We're hoping to enter your next festival with the project. Thanks so much for accepting our project "They Must Eat!". I hope all those who attended enjoyed the movie. Thanks again." ~ Tommy Brunswick, Filmmaker (Michigan, "They Must Eat!") The Skeleton Factory
"I just wanted to congratulate you on the festival. It was a lot of fun and the Teddy Scares guys definitely appreciated the consideration and entry into the festival. Thanks!!" ~ Jim Hankins, Writer (Pennsylvania, "Teddy Scares") Teddy Scares
"I think the festival was solid and very well organized. Keep up the good work!" ~ Alex Patsos, Filmmaker (New York, "Tom's Place") Tom's Place
"Thanks for screening my film, The Descendent!! And thanks for the award! I really appreciate it and wish I could have been there. It sounds like the festival was a monster success! Best wishes and see you next year! Sincerely, Bobby." ~ Robert Glickert, Filmmaker (California, "The Descendent") The Descendent
