Chalice Island: The rebirth of the Dark Shadows Gothic Horror

Some of you know that I am a writer and producer who tried to get the DS rights so I could produce a new feature that was more in line with the series. I wasn't able to get them so I edited out the DS and created a completely new project. Chalice Island can't replace Dark Shadows,. But it will continue the tradition with the same kind of suspense, romance, and wicked cliffhangers.

I would like everyone to like and share its Facebook page so that I can prove to the investor that there is still an audience. https://www.facebook.com/ChaliceIsland/

Chalice Island Synopsis

Ignoring the tribal warning, the Cornwall and Hamilton families moved onto an uninhabited island. Their arrogance and ignorance released an ancient evil. Working together with a Shaman, they were able to again imprison it, but in doing so their families became the key to its confinement.

Decades later, before Mildred could stop him, Alberto Stanford broke the seal and swore allegiance to the evil entity. He sealed the pact with her blood. Devastated by their mother's death, Jacqueline and Jackson's grief quickly turned into a murderous rage. Alberto easily manipulated them into blaming a union soldier. Sacrificing him opened their souls to the Master's evil. Mixing their blood with his in the chalice sealed their allegiance. For nearly 150 years they traveled the world, returning each year to perform the blood ritual, which reaffirmed their loyalty. One always needed to remain on the island to maintain control over the family interests and to protect the chalice.

In 1970, it was Jacqueline's turn to stay behind. Claiming to be her daughter, she came to visit her “cousin” Alberto. After faking his death, he and Jackson left. Instead of moving into the Hamilton Manor, Jacqueline reclaimed her parents home. Although, neglected and badly in need of major repairs, she was drawn to the happy memories of her parents. Her dedication to the restoration intrigued Morgan Cornwall. At first, she sent him away. But his playful flirtation reawakened the girl she had been before finding mother's raped and murdered body. In Morgan's eyes, she found the same love she saw between her parents. Her heart began to heal. The first time she chose to stay, Jackson was curious. The second time, Jackson also remained. He needed to know why she had chosen to age normally instead of reclaiming her youth. After meeting Bailey. he understood and he too began to heal.

Suspicious, Alberto returned. In an attempt to regain control, he uses his black magic to terrorizes the island. The evidence trail led first to Jacqueline and then Jackson. Instead of countering with her black magic, Jacqueline hides chalice. She and Morgan run for their lives. Enraged, the Master gives Alberto the length of this life to retrieve the chalice and bring Jacqueline before him. If he fails, he will face the wrath for all three. Before Jackson could escape with Bailey, Alberto transformed himself into Frank and enchanted Bailey into marrying him. Vowing revenge, Jackson leaves.

Working through others, Frank finally finds Jacqueline and Morgan on a small Reservation. Over the decades, she has earned grace. As long as she refrains from using her powers, she will remain untouchable. Yet, Frank knows her true weakness. His first attempt on her children only served to make Jacqueline more obsessive and controlling over their safety. Her smothering made her son angrier and more resentful of being confined to the Reservation.

As the clock winds down, Frank sends the vampire that he created to bring her son to Chalice Island. Jacqueline and Morgan return to find the past has not been forgotten or forgiven. Frank demands that she return the chalice. If she returns it, he will release the ancient evil. If she refuses, her son will become a vampire that she will either have to kill or force him to live in eternal confinement. If she uses her power to save her son, she forfeits her grace, erasing her life with Morgan, their children, and all the good she had done.

Jackson remains the wild card. Only Bailey knows he has returned. Which side will he take or does he have an agenda all his own.

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Eye of Ra; A Occult Horror Feature Comparable to The Exorcist and Amityville Horror

Katherine was born with the power to control the elements. Her whistle called the winds. Her tears refreshed the earth. She was able to see into the realms where fools and angels fear to tread. Her daughter, Sandra, was born with gift that were complimentary—or they should have been. Sandra had the ability to nurture and heal. Her gifts gave her the ability to see and heal others' pain. She could foresee their destinies and give them the courage to embrace their futures Yet it was not enough for her. Sandra wanted more power—more direct control over the world and the realms beyond. When her daughters' developed the gifts she craved, Sandra's envy turned to hatred. When a voice from the dark void reached out and asked, “What would you do to have their power. Sandra replied, “Whatever it takes.”

Eye of Ra is an occult-horror, which is comparable to The Exorcist and Amityville Horror with the tagline, “when a mother eats her young, no one is safe.”

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Lethal Weapon Meets Lost Boys

Until You Walk The Path, You Won’t Know Where it Goes hosting rising filmmaker Joshua Hall at 1 pm eastern on March 15, 2015 as we talk about the his current projects as well as the changes in the Horror genre.




Wisconsin born filmmaker. Joshua Hall is best known as a his ability to scare the audiences with his work both in front of and behind the cameras. He graduated from Cudahy High School in 1999 and Attended Milwaukee Area Tech College for Creative writing and screen writing. He attended varies internships as well for independent sets. Joshua took part is varies commercials such as Rainbow casino, Harlem Furniture, and few others. Joshua had a bit part on the history Channel as a military missile pilot. His shorts include a vampire film called Crossed, Blur Effect, and New Purpose. His script, An Angel Story has been optioned and he is packaging a Comedy called Chase and Pursuit.










Dark Collective is his current horror project. It’s a vampire film, which is Lethal Weapon Meets Lost Boys

Hall's websites:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1832858619/the-dark-collective
https://www.facebook.com/joshua.m.hall
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2540393/?ref_=tt_ov_wr
https://www.facebook.com/TheDarkCollective

Tune into http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theresachaze on March 15, 2015 at 1 pm eastern to listen as Jushua Hall share his tips about how write and produce horror films.. The phone lines and chat will be available for those who wish to ask questions. The phone number is (347) 838-9927.



The interview will be available after the show in the archives at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theresachaze/2015/03/15/until-you-walk-the-path-you-wont-know-where-it-goes

Love can be a blessing or the curse that destroys an entire town.

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life?

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriller-horror that combines a traditional ghost story with unique twists.

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How to make a profit by investing in films

Amazing films come from a great script being combined with talented actors, who have been cast in the right role, a crew that uses innovation rather than shocking the audiences' senses with sex and violence, and a distributor, who has the vision to give the audiences original content. Never Can Say Good-bye has the romance of Ghost, the suspense of The Others and the plot twists that will satisfy the millions Dark Shadows fans.

We have the interest, but not yet the commitment of a distributor.  The Michigan Film Incentive and product placement will give us a great P & A budget, which will give us better bargaining power with distributors and  Theatrical chains.  We grandfathered it into Section 181 of the Jobs Act.  We will do everything possible to give the investor(s) an active role so they can used the federal tax deduction on both their passive and active income.

We have an amazing cast and crew, who will give Never Can Say Good-bye the highest production standards.  It will touch audiences' hearts as they are scaring their socks off.

Join our team for the opportunity to make a good profit, while being able to be proud of being part of an amazing film

 If you were given a second chance, would you choose love or revenge?




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Love can be a blessing or the curse that destroys an entire town.

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life?

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriller-horror that combines a traditional ghost story with unique twists.

Do you like Ghost Stories?

Love can be a blessing or the curse that destroys an entire town.


Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life?
Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriller-horror that combines a traditional ghost story with unique twists. Much like Ghost, The Others, and the original Dark Shadows series, Never Can Say Good-bye is based on suspense rather than sex, violence, or special effects.

https://vimeo.com/106778610


To learn more please visit our website.
http://cproduction5.wix.com/cosmos-productions-#!page2/cjg9

Never Can Say Good-bye: The reincarnation of Ghost, The Others, and the TV series Dark Shadows

 

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriller, which brings back the suspense and horror of a traditional ghost story. Much like Ghost, The Others, and Dark Shadows, Never Can Say Good-bye is a family friendly film that focuses on suspense rather than gore.

Based on character and plot development, Never Can Say Good-bye is a low budget, family friendly film. Unlike the current trends of big budgets that balance on the reputations of one or two A-listers, we have an ensemble cast of recognizable talent as well as the very talented A-listers of the future. If you are innovative, you don't have to spend a 100 million to make a good film. You just need to start with a solid script and add in talented people both in front of and behind the cameras. 

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life?

Elizabeth was asked by her mentor to teach a writing course at a small college. Since she never forgets a kindness, she reluctantly agrees. Arriving in town, she instantly regrets her decision. She wants to run, but she is honor bound to stay. Even as the ghost of a small child begs her to forgive, the memories of another time arouse feelings of hatred that she doesn't understand and cannot control. When she meets Shane, all of their lives are thrown onto a dangerous collision course from which they can neither run, nor can they hide. The question is, "Can they overcome their tragic past or will they be doomed to repeat it?"

 

To learn more please visit our website by clicking here.

Honky-Tonk Boogie by Bill Hayes: A Snarky Duet for Paranormal Thriller

Bill Hayes wrote Honky-tonk Boggie for Never Can Say Good-bye. He will also be starring as Daniel. Tyana Parr sang the duet with Bill for this video. However, during film the snarky duet will be sung by Lillian Lamour and John Thomassen.









.Never Can Say Good-bye is a traditional ghost story

We have 17 days left on our Indiegogo campaign and we need your support. If you love ghost stories or miss seeing Bill Hayes, please support Never Can Say Good-bye. You have the power to make it happen for all of us.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-ghostly-tale-of-love-revenge/x/94403

 

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Love can be a blessing or a curse.

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life?

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriler-horror that combines a traditional ghost story with unique twists.

Failing Box Office a Symptom of Bad Industry Leadership

Normally, during economic challenging times the entertainment industry continues to do very well. People need the diversion from their personal challenges. Yet, in the last decade, film and television projects have not had the ROI of previous years for three simple reasons.

* Diversification of venues

* Redundancy

* Lack of leadership 

The diversification and increase of venues gives the audiences more options, thereby increasing the competition for the audiences' attention. With every challenge comes opportunity. They are the flip side of the same coin. Yet, instead seeing the possibilities, studios are using it as an excuse for failure. The increasing venues also mean an increased need for content. However, instead of producing a couple of hundred low to medium budget films a year, studios have been gambling the whole pot on one role of the dice. The former spreads the economic risks among many projects and provides content for many venues, which decreases the gamble factor and increases the profitability margin for both the studio as well as the investors. The latter increases the failure rate and lowers profitability, while opening the door for competitors. The venues need content; they will get it from wherever they can.

The industry used to be about innovation and entertainment with 80% original projects and 20% remakes or rehashes. However, those numbers have been reverse. Instead of new films the SOP has become remaking, rehashing, and rerunning old television shows and film--good, bad or indifferent, it doesn't matter as long as someone else did it first it should be a safe bet. But following someone else' s lead means that the projects are always a day late and a dollar short.

Realistically, how many super hero movies to they think the audience will watch? How much gratuitous sex and violence can a film contain before it crosses the line into porn? How many animated features, which are little more than thinly veiled toy commercials, will parents sit through? Could that be why the July 4 box office receipts were down 44% from 2013 to 2014 even with the rainy weather? If it was because of the World Cup as some studio heads claim, why was June box office down 16%?

Thirdly, but more importantly the quality of the projects have become stagnant due to lack of leadership. In order for any company, but especially those industries that are so heavily dependent on the whims of the masses, to be successful the leaders must know their industry enough to know how to push the boundaries and have the courage to do take those risks. Front runners don't follow trends; they create them. That is the difference between Gone with the Wind and Transformers: Age of Distinction, which is latest of the super hero movies.

Early television was a new venue that became successful very quickly because the networks and studios were smart enough to bring on the people from film, vaudeville, and the theater, who knew what they were doing. They had track records for producing, directing, and acting in successful projects. The creative people created the projects; the bean counters followed their lead and took care of the financial details. However, the bean counters have been pushing out the innovative and creative leaders. In their little world of ledgers and spreadsheets, the numbers always add up the same. In accounting, two plus two always adds up to four. The reality is that people aren't so simple. They can't be summed up on a balance sheet. What worked once doesn't guarantee that it will even work once more. The failure of the leadership has been to keep the experts doing their jobs and to keep the budgets in perspective. Creative people don't always make good business people, nor are business oriented people always capable of seeing past the numbers. It is only by working together as a team that projects are successfully produced and make a profit. 

 

 

When promoting our Paranormal Thriller-Horror feature, Never Can Say Good-bye, I compared it to Ghost, Always, and What Dreams May Come. I was advised by a friend to change the comparison, because all three films were so old that no one in the industry remembers them. She advised that I update the list to more current projects so that the younger studio executives would be able identify with our concept. Her advice started me researching. However, with the exception of "The Others", there aren't any current movies that are comparable. Even then the only things Never Can Say Good-bye and The Others have in common are the ghost theme and the unique twist at the end. 

 

 

Part of the issue is that the leaders don't know their industry history. They don't know what has been done, so they don't know what can be done. In 1946, Howard Hughes produced and directed a western called, The Outlaws. Starring Jane Russell as the vamp Rio McDonald, Hughes created an immediate interest and a media flurry when he shelved the film for a year, claiming the censors said it was too racy to be released. By today's standards, the film would be considered tame. Most people think it was a dreadful movie, but it made history because of its presentation. John Carter on the other hand is an excellent movie that cost way too much, but it was horribly marketed. The marketing staff should have been fired along with the head of the studio. The lack of team work and fiscal responsibility turned what could have been very profitable venture into a financial disaster.

Until innovation, leadership, and team work once again become the standard in the industry, the audience will continue to look else where for their entertainment.

Love can be a blessing or a curse.

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life? 

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriler-horror that combines a traditional ghost story with unique plot twists.

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Following the Tradion of The Others, The Haunting, The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County...

My my downright caustic review of the latest Transformers installment caught the attention of Traverse City-based independent filmmaker Theresa Chaze (click here for her website). She is also a published author, experienced video producer, and accomplished communications professional, and she is hard at work launching her new film Never Can Say Good-bye (IMDB page). I was honored when she asked if I would read her script and offer my thoughts.

(And the animal lover in me adores this part of her impressive bio: “As the media specialist for Angel Protectors of Animals and Wildlife, she produced several public service announcements and micro-documentaries. The messages remained informative and promoted positive action to save our nation’s wildlife.” Yes! Another of her potential projects is a TV show about equine therapy for veterans – Horses and Heroes.)

Never Can Say Good-bye reinvents the reincarnation conceit (Christopher Reeve’s/Jane Seymour’s 1980 film Somewhere in Time, Ellen Burstyn’s 1980 film Resurrection in the guise of gothic paranormal psychodrama (Nicole Kidman’s 2001 film The Others, Julie Harris’ 1963 film The Haunting, Deborah Kerr’s 1961 film The Innocents). The plot concerns two families united by a doomed marriage in the 1950s and explores the dissonant legacy that familial discord has had on subsequent generations. (See the Stephen King/John Mellencamp musical Ghost Brothers of Darkland County for another take on this thematic concept.)


I finished reading the script earlier this week. It is so well done and layered and clever. I love the notion of turning a ghost story on its head through the lens of reincarnation. I thought the characters were all clearly and thoughtfully drawn, and the script is definitely a page turner in the best sense. The disparate threads cohere in a denouement that is both chilling and poignant. The dialogue is believable, and the insular college-town setting (somewhere in northern Michigan, I believe) lends a nice chilly, hierarchical vibe.
Different actors are reported to have been attached at various points, including Lauren Holly, Bill Hayes, and Dyan Cannon. Stanley Livingston is connected to direct. Obviously, “name” performers would bring added attention to the project, but I daresay a cast of unknowns would keep audience attention focused on the narrative and the dense web of challenging relationships therein.


And, as in seemingly all creative efforts these days, there is a crowd-source funding campaign afoot through Indiegogo – you can donate here. From the campaign’s page …

We love a good ghost story. How about you? We are not talking about films that gross out the audience or are so dependent of special effects that the producers forgot to give the characters personalities or have plots that are based on clichés or simply don’t make any sense. Much like Dark Shadows, Never Can Say Good-bye is based on suspense and plot twists that will scare the socks off the audience and make them suspicious of the dust bunnies under their beds.

Best of luck, Theresa – hope this script makes it to the silver screen soon – it’s a keeper!

To read the review on its original blog click here.

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Love can be a blessing or a curse.

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life?

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriler-horror that combines a traditional ghost story with unique twists.