MISSION STATEMENT
For the last two years, our cast and crew - as well many others across the world - have dealt with immense loss. With wide spread shutdowns across the film industry, our cast and crew were unable to create their art. Our vision for this film is to create an environment where artists can safely come together to create great horror. We firmly believe healing power of film and are incredibly excited to be back on set.
THE STORY
Executively produced by makeup special effects horror icons, Robert Kurtzman and Marcy King, "October Roses" is an adaptation of a hidden gem from the master of horror himself, Stephen King.
After escaping his rural hometown, a man finds himself confronted with the stark realization that history always repeats itself. Adam, a down-on-his-luck college professor, is hitchhiking through Maine when he is forced to find shelter from a summer downpour. When he takes a seat at a roadhouse bar, an eerily familiar woman entices Adam to accompany her on her path for vengeance.
Adapted from Stephen King's short story "Nona", October Roses explores the strength of the ties that bind.
INSPIRATION
The look for this film is inspired by dark, gritty thrillers such as Dan Gilroy's Nightcrawler, David Fincher's Gone Girl and Denis Villeneuve's Prisoners.
LOCATIONS
We are proud to be filming this project entirely in Ohio. Filming will take place in Richland, Crawford, and Huron counties.
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DOLLAR BABY PROGRAM
Stephen King began the Dollar Baby program in the late 1970's. Under this program, student and independent filmmakers can apply for the rights to adapt a King story. For more information, please visit: https://stephenking.com/dollar-baby/
"NONA"
We combed through each available story offered through the Dollar Baby program and despite being inspired by many, "Nona" was a clear favorite. It was almost as if we knew Adam by the end of the story, and we felt confident in our ability to bring him to life on screen. We urge you to check out "Nona", first published in King's anthology Shadows and later published in the 1985 collection Skeleton Key.
While it was important for us to capture the essence of King's writing - you know the one we search for everytime we crack open a new horror novel - we needed to make this film our own. Our film expands on King's Nona character by constructing her backstory and investigating her motives. In addition, our film makes full use of multiple timelines - allowing viewers to know Adam as he was before Nona and as he is after.
WHY NOW?
As a horror fan, we're sure you've watched a myriad of Stephen King adaptations - from the blockbusters to the made-for-TV versions. We're also willing to bet you've been a little starved for new horror after the slowdown in production due to the pandemic. We are beyond ready to be back on set and bringing fresh horror to your screens!
We've all seen the devastation caused by the pandemic over the past two years and we recognize that many local artists, filmmakers and students have not had the opportunity to create. We are committed to collaborating with filmmakers in our community to provide the opportunity for budding artists to have the opportunity to be back on set and gaining experience with industry professionals.
We are closely monitoring COVID-19 in our community and will take all precautions recommended by health authorities.
OUR GOALS
October Roses will act as a competition piece for some of the biggest genre festivals in the world such as Shriekfest, Fantasia International Film Festival, and the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. Festivals are incredibly important to us - not only to share our film with a wider audience, but to allow us to network with other filmmakers and spread the word about the Dollar Baby program.
YOU
We are wrapping up pre-production and will begin filming mid-August 2022. We have a badass story, an awesome crew, a clear vision - the missing piece is YOU!
By supporting us, you're ensuring we are able to provide necessities for our cast and crew to make production as seamless as possible. Additionally, you are helping us provide career building and potentially life-changing opportunities for local filmmakers!
We are excited for you to join us on this journey and to work together toward creating a terrifying film!
Follow and Share
If you love horror movies and are excited to be involved in the making of this film, PLEASE SHARE! Tell your friends, tell your coworkers, tell everyone you know - even share it in that really annoying group chat you somehow got added to!
Our social media accounts are a great way to stay updated on the progress of the film. Stop by and say hi and SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!
