Production of horror-thriller Before the Darkness

hursday 10 December, 2015

International and local talent to spearhead production of New Zealand horror-thriller Before the Darkness

After a successful launch at the American Film Market of the feature film Broken Vows, Kiwi-American Producer Wendy Benge has signed on to aid in the production of the horror-thriller Before the Darkness, written and to be directed by New Zealander Alex Galvin.

The film has also attached other prominent industry professionals, including Producer Sharon Roggio (House of Cards, Whip It, Red Dawn, Parks and Recreation), Executive Producer David Hillary (American Psycho, The Virgin Suicides, Dog Eat Dog, Broken Vows) and former Weta Workshop wizard Gareth McGhie (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, District 9, The Lovely Bones, Avatar).

Set in a New Zealand forest, Before the Darkness tells the story of two American sisters who are terrorised by a killer. In order to survive they must face their own demons and unleash their most primal instincts against the unspeakable horror.

“This exhilarating, psychological film will keep the audience on the edge of their seat until the end,” says Benge. “Throughout the journey, Galvin ensures you’ll never know who to trust,” states Roggio.

Before the Darkness is the first of several local content-driven projects that Benge and Roggio aim to film in New Zealand.

“We are proud to be part of an initiative that will bring further international exposure to both the talent and beauty this country has to offer, along with creating new avenues to aid the sustainability of New Zealand’s screen economy,” says Benge.

To this end, Benge, Roggio, Hillary and James Agnew (Broken Vows, Rage) will continue to work with James Partridge of Admit One and Screen Wellington, plus other film and government agencies, to offer lectures and seminars that will provide upcoming filmmakers a strong understanding of how to: protect their intellectual property, develop film financing and create effective budgets. They will also provide knowledge of emerging marketing and distribution trends.

Starting with Before the Darkness, and in coordination with the Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec), the producers will seek to inspire and mentor the next generation of filmmakers through an internship - designed to give firsthand experience in various production departments, while exposing participants to international film production.

“WelTec wants to offer students the opportunity to work with top industry professionals. This type of opportunity will not only improve their skills but aid them in developing industry connections both in New Zealand and abroad,” explains Galvin.

Before the Darkness is scheduled to begin pre-production in March/April 2016.

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