NEWS
September 2023 - Brad was invited at our Barnes and Nobles location in Studio City aka Bookstar to sign copies of his book "Neon Nightmares" for sale in the store! Thanks to Robin and Chris for being great hosts and supporting a local author. Grab your signed copy, available in the LA History section in the store!
August 2023 - Excited to announce that we will be doing our first Dark Delicacies signing event next month, on Sept. 23! This is a DUAL signing event, where Brad Sykes will be signing both his new book Neon Nightmares: L.A. Thrillers of the 1980s and new movie Hi-Fear. Hi-Fear producer/co-writer Josephina Sykes and star Kristin Lorenz will also be attending.
Thanks to Del Howison and Sue for hosting us. Hope you can make it out next month! Info is below and see you there!
BOOK:
DVD:
https://www.darkdel.com/store/p2906/Sat%2C_Sep_23rd_3_pm%3A_Hi-Fear_DVD.html#/
August 2023 - Prepare to have your mind blown…again!
The second film in the 'HI' Trilogy, HI-DEATH, is being re-released on August 29 as part of Wild Eye Releasing's RAW & EXTREME series.
The DVD features new artwork by filmmaker Tony Goggles and also has a double sided sleeve. Available for preorder now from MVD, Amazon, Deep Discount, Grindhouse Video and many more!
August 2023 - A new and extensive interview with Brad Sykes talking about his upcoming book Neon Nightmares: L.A. Thrillers of the 1980s with Don's Horror World. Here it is:
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July 2023 - Another fun, in depth interview with creators Brad and Josephina Sykes is out! This time around, they talk with PopHorror in depth about the process behind making HI-FEAR and some of other their movies! Give it a read:
July 2023 - "Love Horror" asked Brad to write an essay about his favorite horror movie, so his answer was simple...George A. Romero’s DAWN OF THE DEAD. It’s also the first movie he ever bought on VHS. Some inspiration for HI-FEAR as well. Read on:
July 2023 - It's great to have an in depth article in 519 Magazine about making HI-FEAR and the previous work of its creators, filmmakers Josephina and Brad Sykes. Thanks for the nice piece! Here's the link:
July 23rd, 2023- Our HI-FEAR Premiere in Los Angeles took place amongst crew, cast and friends! Executive Producers Josephina and Brad Sykes were joined by Director Anthony Catanese and Producer Sara Casey from the East Coast! Thanks to everyone who attended, Debora Roventini and Henry Garcia for taking the photos and to Zebulon for hosting us! It was a nice event to remember and enjoyed having the movie play on a big screen!
July 2023 - A new in depth interview with Brad and Josephina Sykes is out, talking about making HI-FEAR with Rue Morgue! Please check it out! Here's the link:
June 2023 - New Interview is Out! Josephina and Brad Sykes chat with Rachel Foertsch from the prestigious cinema site Screen Rant about creating and producing their latest movie HI-FEAR, making a trilogy of horror anthologies and much more. For the full interview, please click here:
https://screenrant.com/hi-fear-brad-sykes-josephina-sykes-interview/
June 2023 - While taking a trip back to native Romania in April, Producer Josephina Sykes visited UCIN (The Union of Filmmakers) in Bucharest where she is still a Member. She was interviewed by Dana Medar, the Film Journalist from All About Romanian Cinema about her recent film activity, HI-FEAR, making horror movies and working during the pandemic among other topics. Thanks to Dana for the nice chat and to Nick Cara for the photography. Special Thanks to Mr. Lucian Pricop who was Josephina Production Professor in film school (that Brad got to meet) for hosting us at the UCIN headquarters where we shot the interview!
Here's the Link to her Interview (In Romanian):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwqxN5P7oIA
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Link to Josephina's Filmmaker Page at AArc (in English):
http://aarc.ro/en/personalitate/view/josephina-wesselly-sykes
June 2023 - New interview with Josephina and Brad Sykes talking HI-FEAR is up at Promote Horror! Give it a read!
http://promotehorror.com/2023/06/10/brad-and-josephine-sykes-talk-hi-fear/
June 2023 - Brad's second book, NEON NIGHTMARES: L.A. THRILLERS OF THE 1980s will be published in September by BearManor Media!
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From the back cover: "Between 1980 and 1989, Los Angeles was the world’s most popular location for thriller movies, providing the perfect setting for gritty neo-noirs, buddy cop actioners, cautionary tales, vigilante flicks and apocalyptic science fiction. During this ten-year period, over two hundred L.A. Thrillers were produced and released, including Hollywood blockbusters like Die Hard and The Terminator, crime dramas like To Live and Die in L.A. and 52 Pick-Up and exploitation epics like Vice Squad and Savage Streets.
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Brad Sykes’ Neon Nightmares: L.A. Thrillers of the 1980s is the first comprehensive study of the City of Angels’ most outrageous cinematic decade. Hundreds of films, from studio megahits to cult obscurities, receive in-depth reviews. The book also examines the L.A. Thriller’s origins and development while focusing on key production companies, actors and filmmakers. Written with insight gleaned over twenty-five years living and working in Hollywood and filled with rare stills, Neon Nightmares sheds new light on some of the most popular and controversial movies ever made."
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Thanks Ben Ohmart for publishing it and Rod Lanham for designing the cover.
You can preorder here: Paperback!
Hardback!
June 2023 - Epic new interview Brad did about Hi-Fear and more is up at The Hamityville Horror Podcast. He had a great time talking film with Clint Myers and cohost Tim Hatch. Give it a listen...if you dare!
June 2023 - HI-FEAR LA Premiere!
When: July 23 (Sunday) at 4 PM
Where: Zebulon Cafe Concert
Some Cast and Crew will be present! Your chance to see our movie on the Big Screen! Free and Open to the Public! Check Out Link Below for Details!
June 2023 - New interview that Writer/Director & Executive Producer Brad Sykes did with The Movie Elite about Hi-Fear, discussing the special challenges of writing, directing and producing anthology films. Check it out here:
Thanks to Movie Elite for chatting with Brad!
June 2023 - One of the first reviews for HI-FEAR is in LA Times!
“Hi-Fear” is the third in a series, following 2013’s “Hi-8” and 2018’s “Hi-Death.” All three films exemplify and pay tribute to the kind of unapologetically bloody and raunchy micro-budget splatter flicks that genre fans used to have to get from cult video stores or through mail order...this film is a kind of cinematic habitat: a place to linger for a while if you have fond memories of watching DIY gore-fests shot on consumer-grade videotape." LA Times
Click link and scroll down to read full review:
June 2023 - New interview for ThatMomentIn with Producer Josephina Sykes abour her new movie HI-FEAR, streaming revenue and other industry hot topics. Here's the link:
Thanks to Lain Williams for the great article!
June 2023 - Great Frightening News for Nightfall!
The DVD artwork for our Horror Anthology HI-FEAR is out! Hope you like it! The street date is July 11th from Wild Eye Releasing! You can pre-order your copy here:
https://mvdshop.com/products/hi-fear-dvd
Don't be fearful!
June 2023 - Thanks to Fantasm Magazine for the nice 2 page article on Brad's movie "Scream Queen" and his experience working with legendary Linnea Quigley on this cool independent horror movie that will be released soon on Blu-Ray by Visual Vengeance Video!
May 2023 - Brad's first "Made in Hollywood " movie "Scream Queen" starring Linnea Quigley played at Nitehawk Cinema in New York. Brad did a Q&A via Zoom. More details about an upcoming Blu-Ray release soon!
February 2023 - Exclusive interview with Writer/Producer Josephina Sykes about her horror anthology HI-FEAR who just played at Horror on Sea Film Festival! Thanks to Blazing Minds in UK for promoting true indie horror! You can check it out here:
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https://blazingminds.co.uk/exclusive-interview-hi-fear-writer-producer-josephina-sykes/
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February 2023 - New interview with Writer/Director Brad Sykes over at Blazingminds in UK. Brad gets the chance to talk about creating his latest horror anthology HI-FEAR, and not only. Thanks to Philip Rogers. Give it a read here:
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https://blazingminds.co.uk/interview-with-hi-fear-writer-director-brad-sykes/
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February 2023 - Who made the last issue of Horror Magazine "Any Last Words" dedicated to Women in Horror Month? Nightfall's Josephina Sykes discusses in a career interview the fun and the challenges of producing indie horror movies nowadays. There is also more about her background amd her latest movie, HI-FEAR! Thanks to Jo Gonsalves for the article!
January 2023 - We are starting the year right at Nightfall Pictures! HI-FEAR has its official UK Premiere at Horror on Sea Film Festival on this upcoming Friday the 13th, at Noon! It is bloody great to be part of such a cool line up!
December - We created a VHS cover for HI-FEAR designed by Rod Lanham for Horror on Sea Videoclub! They will have a display in the lobby at the festival representing movies that are part of the official selection! What a cool idea to show them off!
November- Great news!HI-FEAR has been selected by Horror On Sea Film Festival in UK, for its 10th year anniversary edition! Thanks to Paul for supporting real indie horror movies and selecting our movie! Also, thanks to Vanda, Guy and everyone at the festival for promoting our movie and the filmmakers!
October - Tiny Terror Con here we come! You can catch Hi-FEAR on Oct. 15th at 3 pm as part of their Film Festival selection in Hickory, NC! Thanks y'all for showing our movie!
October - Halloween 🎃 sale for Brad's book TERROR IN THE DESERT! 25% off with code HORROR22 on McFarland Publishing's official site:
https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/terror-in-the-desert/
Treat yourselves with a good book about horror movies set in the Southwest!
October - Fun news! Brad's SOV movie The Pact is coming out this month on Blu Ray! You can pre-order it at Vinegar Syndrome's official site:
https://vinegarsyndrome.com/products/the-pact
This a a romantic Gothic feature that Brad shot on his summer break from college with friends in Virginia Beach on Hi-8! Check it out!
October - Another Official Selection for HI-Fear! This time around at CinemaWasteland as part of their Film Festival. It was an honor to have had our movie playing here on Oct. 1st at this major horror convention. Grateful to Ken for this opportunity!
August - HI-Fear played as part of the line up for Slash and Bash Horror & SciFi Film festival held at Topeka Arts and Performance Center in Kansas City. Director Todd Sheets and some of his cast and crew were able to attend. Thanks to Keith for selecting our movie!
May - HI-FEAR played at a Drive in! Thanks to Brandon Yates for selecting our movie in his cool IndieSinsations line up for this year at Skyline Drive In! It was a fun screening in Shelby, Indiana on May 25th!
May - HI-Fear made its debut in Europe at Weekend of Fear Horror Film Festival in Erlangen, Germany. Our screening took place on May 14th at the festival. We want to say "Thank You" to Elmar Berger for supporting and selecting our movies, we appreciate his love for indie horror and our directors!
April - HI-Fear had its Premiere at the New Jersey Con and Film Festival in Atlantic City with director Anthony Catanese and some of his cast and crew in attendance. Thanks to Brandon E. Brooks for taking the photos during the screening!
March - Exciting news! HI-FEAR will make its World Premiere at New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival on April 9th at 4:18 PM! Thanks to the organizers for inviting us back and making us to be part of a cool line-up! Mark your calendar!
March 2022 - New Year, New Movie, New Poster!
We are excited to share the freshly off the press poster for our latest movie, HI-FEAR! Thanks to Tony Goggles for the design, to artists Scott Fry and Vincent Kukua for creating and coloring the comic book. It was fun working alongside everybody to create it!
Looking forward to start the Film Festivals Circuit soon!
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August 2021 - We polished our wraparound segment, finishing the last editing session on "What Are You Afraid Of?" Thanks to our editor Brad Jacques for completing another movie with Nightfall Pictures!
August 2021 - Ready for their close-up! Last pick up for "What Are You Afraid Of?", our wraparound for horror anthology HI-FEAR was wrapped!
August 2021 - We have spent long hours in the studio but the final mix on "Day Out of Days",
our segment for HI-FEAR is done! Thanks to our Sound Designer/Re-Recording mixer Rich Hyland
for his nice contributions. It was fun seeing the movie coming to life!
August 2021 - Cool prop for the wraparound for our latest horror anthology HI-Fear! An actual comic book cover! A creative dream came true! We worked on it with talented artists Scott Fry & Vincent Kukua. We won't reveal much plot wise 'cause you will have to watch the movie!
June 2021 - Finally on streaming! This is an indie film Josephina and Brad produced alongside our good friend, director Garrett Clancy. Back then it was called "Cold Ones". Upon releasing it was "Dead Letters". Now it's rereleased as "Lake of the Woods". That can happen to independent movies. You can watch it on Amazon, Tubi, Vudu, etc. It has a cool cast starring C. Thomas Howell and an interesting story. Check out this hybrid drama/thriller when you have a chance. It's shot on 35 mm !
May 2021 - The full length interview that Writer/Director Brad Sykes did with the Indie Filmmaking site Film Courage is out!
"Harsh Truth About Being A Horror Filmmaker" contains a lot of tips, experiences, advice, stories, all coming out of Brad's career in the Horror Genre. Below is the link. Enjoy!
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May 2021 - HI-FEAR is getting closer to completion. We've had some hurdles along the way but all the segments are finished now and we are entering the final stage of postproduction. It's turning out awesome and if you liked HI-8 or HI-DEATH, you'll enjoy this final part of the trilogy. We have such sights to show you!
May 2021 - PRICE DROP!
If you haven't had a chance to pick up a copy of Brad's book "Terror in the Desert" yet, now might be a good time. The cover price has just been discounted by the publisher from $39.95 to $29.95.
Amazon has a few copies left and it's also available from McFarland Publishing.
https://www.amazon.com/Terror-Desert-Cinema.../dp/1476672415
April 2021 - Offering any type of advice always feels awkward since everyone has their own journey based on their personal circumstances, connections, talent and, of course, luck. But Brad Sykes gave it his best shot in this new video from Film Courage. Here's the interview link for : "Advice To Filmmakers Who Are Just Starting Out":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G3XXeHNjSs&t=2s
Hope it helps!
March 2021 - More press this month for Nightfall Pictures! A new interview with Writer/Director Brad Sykes is out! You can listen the Episode 57 at Rudehorrorpodcast where Brad reveals fun stories about filming his movies Death Factory, Camp Blood, Plaguers and his new one, Hi-Fear! The episode is out on many platforms such as Spotify, Itunes. You can also follow the link:https://anchor.fm/rudehorrorpodcast/episodes/EP-57--DIRECTOR-BRAD-SYKES-CAMP-BLOOD-HI-FEAR-DEATH-FACTORY-esf9ac?fbclid=IwAR2Xl92ngw1zST9mZx8dkimhYPmcavmVmYX19s7FQYWW6lu2zTp3d7veg4s
to listen to it and for more info!
It was a fun discussion with the cool host of the podcast, Marcus Rude!
recently published a new interview with Producer Josephina Sykes, speaking about her experiences which led up to her producing her first films up till our recent movie HI-FEAR and the challenges indie filmmakers, especially women, face nowadays. Thanks Don Anelli!
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For the full length interview, please go to:
https://donshorrorworld.blogspot.com/2021/03/wihm-special-josephina-sykes.html
February 2021 - Fresh Off .... Film Courage's Official Channel, a few more interviews with Producing Partners Josephina and Brad Sykes.
Brad addresses our fame obsessed culture that we deal with nowadays, and how he portrayed the Reality Show world in his movie "Within the Woods" aka "Camp Blood 3", a horror satire as timely as ever.
So..... 15 Minutes Of Fame Isn't Enough. Here's the link!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBveF3Zdtrw
Another interview with Brad with an interesting theme: What If Your Next Movie Was Your Last?
Brad shares how he would shoot and create "a last movie" if that would be the case. Intrigued? This is the clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yus35wEfqh0
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We've been sharing all the interviews done with Film Courage over the last couple of years. Their hard working team put together the full Interview with Josephina Sykes, a lengthy, instructive piece about her challenges of producing independent movies, especially in the horror genre, about starting out again in Hollywood, being a Romanian transplant in Los Angeles, working as a female producer and much more. The title is: Reality Of Producing Horror Movies:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIJxTS5kRNk
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Hope you'll enjoy her journey!
January 2021- The New Year starts with a lot of posted interviews that Indie Filmmakers Josephina and Brad Sykes did with Film Courage about various issues and challenges making horror movies and more!
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In his first interview of the year, Writer/Director Brad Sykes discusses the challenges of running a film set in this video: Toxic Crew Members Who Want To Overthrow The Director
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ-9HfstlMg
At the end of the day, as Brad says: "The Movie is in Charge!"
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How Do You Know You are Ready to Find Investors? Producer Josephina Sykes shares her personal experiences and filmmaking tips for everyone who is starting out in : How A Filmmaker Knows They Are Ready For Investors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CemfdBCtCU
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Do You trust movies with CGI? Brad offers his opinions about the VFX taking over nowadays in cinema! Here the link to the clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo2rHDo7Tr8
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Josephina has been taking risks as a Producer, it is part of Filmmaking. So when do you know you're ready to make your first film? She offers advice in the piece called:
You Don't Need Permission to Make the Movies You Want To Make
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfzGCvpe--A
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Have Film Distribution Deals Gotten Worse For Filmmakers?
Writer/Director Brad Sykes discusses the evolution of the indie film distribution world in the last years. For more about it, watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XK8W7Uq8tI
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Since Josephina Sykes created and executive produced horror anthologies HI-8 and HI-DEATH alongside Brad, she shares tips, ideas and approaches for making a unique horror anthology nowadays, part of her interview with Film Courage. Here's : How To Make a Horror Anthology Series
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXJd86I5Izg
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December 2020 - Look what Santa (our distributor Wild Eye Releasing) brought Nightfall Pictures for Christmas! A Toy Action Figure version of Plaguer Rubini, specially made for us! We must have been good! Happy Holidays!
December 2020 - In another interview with Film Courage, Josephina discusses her latest challenges with distribution: censorship on Amazon, a block on indie distribution on Netflix, piracy on Youtube and low revenues on streaming! Here's the Video For:
3 Things Filmmakers Should Know About Distribution
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBQDc3kfhEk
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December 2020 - It isn't easy to work in the Film Industry, it could be exhausting at times, you could feel like you have reached a dead end or get tired of rejection. Not to mention of the daily stress of Production or Post-Production. How do we deal with all of the above at Nightfall Pictures? Producer Josephina Sykes addresses it in this video interview with Film Courage, titled: A Cure for Depression. Here's the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBLRdwJc2LI
November 2020 - That's a wrap on "What Are You Afraid Of?", the wraparound segment for our new horror anthology movie HI-FEAR. In it, a comics illustrator's worst fears come to life when she begins work on a sinister new project.
We wanted to shoot this back in March, but pushed it first to the summer, then the heat wave and fires we had in LA pushed it to the fall...so it was a relief to finally get it in the can. This past weekend's shoot was our first COVID era filming experience, and we were still able to get some great footage with a stripped down crew (just Josephina and I), talented actresses Kristin Lorenz and Charlie Parker and some awesome artwork from illustrator Scott Fry.
More HI-FEAR news coming soon!
October 2020 - What's your favorite "Desert Terror" movie?
Check out Brad's 'Top Ten' list of Desert Terror films along with this new video for The Autry 's "What is a Western?" video interview series, where he discusses his book TERROR IN THE DESERT and the various subgenres of Desert Terror films, like hitch-hiking horror and Native American ghost stories.
Oct. 2020 -We would like to welcome two new actresses to the cast of HI-FEAR. Kristin Lorenz and Charlie R. Parker have been cast in the wraparound segment "What Are You Afraid Of?"
Kristin has been previously seen in EVIL EYES, PRIMITIVE and BLISS.
Kristin in HI-FEAR
Charlie can be seen in OUIJA 3 and KILLER PARTY.
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Charlie in HI-FEAR
October 2020 - Sometimes, having a lot of credits in the horror genre can be a double edged sword. In this new video for Film Courage, Brad Sykes talks about how filmmakers at every level can be trapped in a genre (and a budget level) and lose other types of work because of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyS8ApbWy2w
The game has changed a lot since Brad Sykes started making movies over twenty years ago, but one thing has stayed the same: reviews.
In this interview for Film Courage, Brad talks about the critical reception that CAMP BLOOD had when it was first released in 2000, the success it had (especially overseas) that led to us making a sequel the following year, and the importance of pursuing your passion regardless of what anyone - whether friends or critics - thinks about your work.
October 2020 - Breaking News! Nightfall's own Josephina Sykes did several live interviews and recordings all though the year for Romanian news channel Digi24 where she talked about the latest COVID-19 developments locally in California and in the U.S. She also discussed the production situation in Hollywood during the pandemic. We all have found new skills this year and Josephina discovered that she's got some foreign correspondent game!
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In October 2020, PLAGUERS are invading Shelby, Indiana in time for Halloween! You can see PLAGUERS on the big screen at Skyline Drive-In as part of Indie Sinsation cool series! When? On October 7th, starting at 7:30 pm! Thanks to Brandon Yates for including us in the selection!
Sept. 2020- More clips were unleashed from the prestigious Film Courage! These are part of longer interviews with Writer/Director Brad Sykes and Producer Josephina Sykes about their experiences in the indie horror film arena!
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In this video, Brad shares tips about writing the first draft of the screenplay!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE4Zi4AzCR4
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Josephina remembers her film school experiences in France and Romania and advice for anyone who moves to America and wants to re-start their film career in Los Angeles. Watch the clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrjlH6N2rio
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In this video, Brad encourages everyone to go out there and make their movie, despite negativity, bad reviews and other challenges. To learn more, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSZLwAxTuG4
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2020 - August - Our poster for the segment DAY OUT OF DAYS is out! This is our Sci-Fi/Horror oriented segment for our new horror anthology, HI-FEAR, and the poster was created by Tony Goggles. A quick glimpse inside the world of the movie created by Brad and Josephina Sykes that is currently in post-production!
You can watch it entirely at:
2020 - In June, more clips from interviews Brad and Josephina Sykes did with Film Courage come out!
Brad discusses his experiences when he was being sequelized: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV1yuB1kfd4
He also talks about characters specifics to horror genre:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxb5NKM6wuA
Josephina address dealing with financing and investors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CG6RxJImU5k
Josephina talks about watching movies in communist Romania, censorship and creative freedom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DzRYV3USUM
2020 - In May, PLAGUERS comes out on another cool format - VHS, in a limited edition for collectors! The retro style cover is our original poster from a while back!
2020 - A cool new "Raw and Extreme" DVD release of HI-8 hits stores everywhere in April! Presented in its original 4:3 aspect ratio and with new artwork, this gives fans another chance to see this acclaimed Indie Horror Anthology!
2020 - In February, Brad Sykes hosts another screening at the Autry Museum of Steven Spielberg's iconic first feature DUEL, in conjunction with his book, TERROR IN THE DESERT!
2019 - December was a busy press month launching PLAGUERS Special Anniversary Edition!
Here are some links to interviews Brad and Josephina Sykes did together:
https://www.aintitcool.com/prometheus-plaguers-tenth-anniversary-interview-82670/
A few links to new interviews where Writer/Director Brad Sykes discusses PLAGUERS:
https://lrmonline.com/news/brad-sykes-interview-the-cult-film-plaguers-returns/
http://promotehorror.com/2019/11/30/interview-with-plaguers-writer-director-brad-sykes/
Interview Producer Josephina Sykes did to announce PLAGUERS being re-released:
https://www.thatmomentin.com/producer-josephina-sykes-talks-with-us-about-the-re-issue-of-plaguers/
Enjoy!
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2019 - The 10th Anniversary PLAGUERS Blu Ray and DVD from Wild Eye Releasing comes out nationwide! Both discs feature a brand new commentary, transfer and many new extras! PLAGUERS can be found all over the country, in retail stores like Walmart, Target, Amoeba Music and available online on Amazon, Tubi and many other streaming platforms.
2019 - Another well received screening at the Autry Museum hosted by our own Brad Sykes in conjunction with his book TERROR IN THE DESERT. This time around, John Carpenter's VAMPIRES was a hit with the Halloween crowd and garnered a nice writeup in L.A. Weekly.
2019 - That's a wrap on DAY OUT OF DAYS, the segment directed by Brad Sykes for HI-FEAR. Alongside Brad, Josephina is a co-writer of the segment and she also produced it on location in Frazier Park, CA! We had a wonderful crew and a great cast: Ingrid Hansen, Patrick Brescia and scream queen Julie Ann Prescott (AS NIGHT FALLS).
2019 - Nightfall Pictures is proud to officially announce that HI-FEAR, the third and final film in the HI-8 series, is now in production. Like HI-8: HORROR INDEPENDENT EIGHT and HI-DEATH, HI-FEAR is executive produced by Brad Sykes and Josephina Sykes of Nightfall Pictures. The film will feature all-new stories written and directed by Tim Ritter (TRUTH OR DARE, KILLING SPREE), Todd Sheets (BONEHILL ROAD, DREAMING PURPLE NEON), Brad Sykes (CAMP BLOOD, PLAGUERS) and Anthony Catanese (SODOMANIAC, HI-DEATH). Sykes, Ritter and Sheets have been with the series from the beginning and have written and directed segments for all three films. This time around, the filmmakers have been challenged to explore their deepest fears. What are you afraid of?
2019 - Another Official selection for HI-DEATH at the Slash and Bash Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival!
2019 - New format - VHS release for our movie, HI-DEATH. The gore, the merrier!
2019 - Brad and Josephina Sykes are interviewed by the prestigious site Film Courage in conjunction with their HI-DEATH release! These videos have specific themes, based on their experiences.
Brad advises young filmmakers to work on sets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhoFSLMOBeY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFyMBrf_NCY
He also discusses the hardship of making movies that turn out well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZvaM0wh8Ko
Josephina discusses making movies in one grenre only : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UepRkh1kxZY
She also talks about pre-production: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7HgVRBZcyo
2019 - Producer Josephina Sykes did a few interviews to discuss her new movie, HI-DEATH and her film career. Here are a few links to check out:
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http://themovieelite.com/interview-with-josephina-sykes/
https://www.hvy.com/meagan-j-meehan/hi-death-interview-with-executive-producer-josephina-sykes
2019 - HI-DEATH is released worlwide by Wild Eye Releasing, enjoying a cool DVD package and a plethora of streaming avenues!
2019 - Brad Sykes continues his series WEIRD WESTERNS at the Autry Museum in conjunction with his book TERROR IN THE DESERT by showing the Universal classic CURSE OF THE UNDEAD and meeting fans of his book.
2019 - The Official L.A. Premiere of HI-DEATH is hosted by the cool Zebulon Cafe Concert. The event was attendend by members of the cast and crew for a Q&A with the audience, including executive producer/co-writer Josephina Sykes, co-writer/director Brad Sykes, writer/director Tony Goggles, and producer Sara Casey, Supervising Editor/Co-Producer Chris Lorusso and actress Fabiana Formica. It's always great to see your movie on a big screen!
2018- For Halloween, Hi-DEATH enjoys a special screening at Fright Nights Film Festival in Vienna, Austria.
2018 - Brad Sykes, in conjunction with Autry Museum of the American West, starts a new screening series called WEIRD WESTERNS inspired by movies covered in his book, TERROR IN THE DESERT, available at the museum's store. The series debuts with a modern horror western, GHOST TOWN.
2018 - HI-DEATH is showcased in a few more film festivals, all over USA, among them, Tampa Bay Screams in Florida and Indie Horror Showcase Ohio.
2018 - Brad Sykes has the official book launch and signing event and party of his book TERROR IN THE DESERT: DARK CINEMA OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST at the famous Book Soup in West Hollywood!
2018 - HI-DEATH playing at a Drive-In? Yep, in Shelby, Indiana at Indie SINsations.
2018 - Our own Brad Sykes authored a cool film book, TERROR IN THE DESERT: DARK CINEMA OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST, published by McFarland and Co. It started to hit bookstores including our local Skylight Books in Los Feliz.
2018 - The World Premiere of HI-DEATH is marked by the official selection at Paracinema Weekend Film Festival in UK, shortly followed by the screening at Weekend of Fear Film Festival in Germany.
Producer Josephina Sykes was interviewed by Dana Medar from AARC while she was visiting her native Romania. AARC is the most prestigious online cinema magazine in the country, belonging to the Union of Filmmakers, of which Josephina is a member. She discusses the challenges of adjusting to the Los Angeles cinema scene and also making independent movies in Hollywood. The interview was recorded at Mihai Orasanu's sound studio, whom Josephina met while in film school. Thanks to everyone at MDV Audio for hosting us.
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Here are the links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78mbtsEO87k
http://aarc.ro/articol/interviu-cu-josephina-wesselly-sykes
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Josephina was also invited by Nasul TV channel as a guest of the talk show "Romania 2050". She was interviewed by Codrut Pinzaru, Producer and Host of the show about the independent filmmaking situation in Hollywood and producing movies in US in general.
2018 - HI-DEATH is completed and makes its debut screening at the New Jersey Horror Con and Film Fest to an enthusiastic crowd, with co-director Anthony Catanese and his cast and crew in attendence.
2017 - Nightfall completes shooting on TERROR TOUR, the HI-DEATH wrapararound starring Kate Durocher and Kristen Adams. The shoot took place in various famous locations in Hollywood: Bronson Cave, Barnsdall Park, and Hollywood Boulevard.
2017 - Nightfall Pictures wraps COLD READ, the segment directed by Brad Sykes for HI-DEATH, produced by Josephina Sykes, starring Fabiana Formica (star of CEMETERY MAN). The shoot took place in Los Angeles, CA following an actress to an audition that goes wrong!
2016 - Nightfall Pictures is proud to announce the start of production on HI-DEATH, the sequel to the popular indie horror anthology HI-8, once again executive produced by Brad and Josephina Sykes.The directors’ lineup features a mixture of returning filmmakers from HI-8 as well as some new filmmakers. Like HI-8, HI-DEATH places a strong emphasis on personal creativity and back to basics filmmaking, working on location, using practical special effects, and bare bones equipment packages. Unlike its predecessor, HI-DEATH is shot entirely in HD, and the segments with darker subject.
2016 - HI-8 is an Official Selection at Horror Hour Film Festival that was held at the Silent Movie Theater in Los Angeles, CA. Josephina and Brad Sykes are in attendance and the movie is awarded the "Contribution to Horror Genre Filmmaker" Award!
2016 - The Egyptian Theater, home of the prestigious American Cinematheque in Los Angeles, shows a special screening of COLD ONES, that Josephina and Brad Sykes were Producers on. The Nightfall team was in attendance alongside director Garrett Clancy and some cast and crew.
2015 - More festivals program HI-8 around the globe, including the Weekend of Fear International Film Festival in Germany and Medonho International Film Festival, Brazil.
2015 - BURYING THE EX, based on the short film that which Brad produced, is released in theaters nationwide. Brad co-executive produced the feature, which stars Anton Yelchin and Alexandra Daddario and was directed by Joe Dante. The Premiere took place at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood.
2014 - Wild Eye Releasing launches HI-8 on Dec. 16 on DVD and streaming worldwide! Our movie gathers plenty of praise in the horror indie circuit, making many "Best of the Year" lists and garnering articles in Rue Morgue and Fangoria magazines.
2014 - HI-8 conquers a new format, being released first in USA on VHS just in time for Halloween! Our distributor, Wild Eye Releasing, has more formats in store!
2014 - HI-8 continues the festival circuit in world, at Alicante Horror Film Festival in Spain, Pollygrind in Las Vegas, HorrorHound in Ohio, Nashvile Comic&Horror Film Festival, Scare-A-Con in New York, Fright Nights in KY, Festerror in Spain!
2014 - Josephina and Brad Sykes attend the cool Horrible Imaginings Film Festival in San Diego to present HI-8 to an enthusiastic audience. There was a Q&A, an after party and awards. HI-8 won on 3rd place for Best Overall Feature Film and 2nd place for Best Feature Film to use Extremely Limited Resources!
2014 - HI-8 begins its long and succesful international film festival circuit by premiering at Cutrecon in Madrid, Spain in January!
2013 - HI-8 is completed and enjoys its L.A. Premiere in November at Jumpcut Cafe in Studio City! Alongside Brad and Josephina, we had in attendance some of the cast: Alexis Codding, Mark Sadr, Baker Chase, and crew: Supervising Editor Chris Lorusso and composer Terry Huud. There was a Q&A, trivia and giveaways! Thanks to everyone attending!
2013 - In May, Nightfall Pictures contiunes shooting for HI-8, this time around, completing the wraparound NO BUDGET FILMS PRESENTS for the anthology through various locations in Griffith Park, CA
2013 - In April, Nightfall Pictures completes principal photography on THE SCOUT, the segment for HI-8 directed by Brad Sykes and produced by Josephina. The shoot took place in the visually inspiring Mojave Desert, CA.
2013 - This year, Nightfall Pictures has been hard at work producing a new movie, HI-8 aka HORROR INDEPENDENT EIGHT. This new horror anthology is executived produced by Brad & Josephina Sykes alongside Tim Ritter. 8 Indie Horror Directors. 8 Segments. 8 Simple Rules. As Yahoo Movies wrote: "Watch out VHS, there's a new format in town".
2012 - PLAGUERS is released theatrically at the NoHo Indie Theater in Los Angeles, CA, a cool local venue. The Premiere had a Q&A session with Writer/ Director Brad Sykes, Producer Josephina Sykes, Editor Brad Jacques, Production Designer Scott Enge, alongside some of our cast: Paige La Pierre, Stephanie Skewes & David P. Johnson. Fun get together!
2011 - PLAGUERS conquers Australia, enjoying a new release on this side of the world!
2010 - PLAGUERS is selected to play in Official Competition at CineFantasy Film Festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil getting nice reviews!
2010 - PLAGUERS continues to make the festival rounds, this time in competition at FRIGHT NIGHTS Horror Film Festival in Vienna, Austria
2009 - PLAGUERS is acquired by Image Entertainment and released in USA and Canada on Dec. 8, appearing in many rental outlets like Blockbuster and Netflix!
2009 - COLD ONES is released worldwide, re-titled as DEAD LETTERS starring C. Thomas Howell by Leo Films.
2009- Another Official Selection for PLAGUERS at Celludroid Fantasy Film Festival in South Africa all the way to CapeTown!
2008- PLAGUERS is acquired by Spotlight Pictures for foreign sales. AFM marks its market debut. Plaguers was sold in over 20 territories including UK, Japan, Germany, Hong Kong, Brazil, and many more.
2008 - PLAGUERS continues playing the festival circuit, wins Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Feature at the Mid-Ohio Con Film Festival, and the Larry Stanley Movie Award and Best Actor for Steve Railsback at Shockerfest International Film Festival.
2008 - PLAGUERS has its world premiere at Estepona Fantasy and Horror Film Festival in Spain where it won the Silver Unicorn for Best Screenplay and is very well received by an enthusiastic audience. It was nice to see Brad Sykes receiving the award, at the podium, during the Awards ceremony!
2007 - Brad produces the short horror/comedy film BURYING THE EX, starring Danielle Harris and John Francis Daley. Josephina was the production manager and assisted with various aspects of the shoot. The short played many Film Festivals, among them, ComicCon and Screamfest!
2007 - Nightfall Pictures helped the completion of COLD ONES, a drama we produced that's starring C. Thomas Howell, Kim Darby and Geoffrey Lewis. The movie started the indie film festival circuit through US.
2007 - Nightfall Pictures is hard at work on post-production for PLAGUERS, creating a world in space through sound work, visual effects and original soundtrack.
After VFX
Before
One angle of the cockpit
The other angle with VFX
Before
After VFX
2007- Grindhouse Release! Nightfall Pictures first two movies, WITHIN THE WOODS and MUTATION enjoy another release in this cool packaging. Grab your popcorn!
2006 - It's a Wrap! Principal photography on PLAGUERS is completed on time and on budget. The movie was shot at Laurel Canyon stages in Arleta, on HD with a great cast and crew. The movie continues its journey into post-production.
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2006 - Nightfall Pictures starts pre-production on PLAGUERS, a sci-fi horror movie shot on soundstages in Arleta, CA where we build sets, miniatures, special props, costumes, special FX creating a world from scratch. The movie stars Golden Globe nominee Steve Railsback (THE STUNT MAN, LIFEFORCE).
2006 - Our movie MUTATION is released worldwide by Razor Digital Ent. It was great to see it distributed through the world and get several mentions in Entertainment Weekly!
2006 - Brad Sykes' CAMP BLOOD TRILOGY is released! The best way to watch the CAMP BLOOD movies written and directed by Brad in a new, fun DVD package! Beware of the Clown!
2006 - Brad and Josephina Sykes, alongside the cast of WITHIN THE WOODS, are invited to promote the movie and sign autographs at Wizard World Convention in Los Angeles, CA. It was nice meeting fans!
2005 - MUTATION, the 2nd Nightfall Pictures production, was shot at the end of the year. The movie stars Kickboxing Champs Brian Schwartz and Eddie Croft and marks the film debut of Katie PARANORMAL ACTIVITY Featherston.
2005 - Josephina and Brad Sykes are Producers on COLD ONES, a drama written and directed by Garrett C. Clancy and starring C. Thomas Howell, Geoffrey Lewis and Kim Darby among others shot on 35mm on location, in Frazier Park, CA.
2005 - The very first movie produced through Nightfall Pictures was WITHIN THE WOODS, aka CAMP BLOOD 3. The movie was shot and released the same year! A marathon! Challenging but fun shoot with a talented cast and crew and a nice DVD release from Razor Digital Entertainment!
2004 - Brad and Josephina Sykes always dreamt of making movies together. In 2004, the husband and wife team decided it was time to found Nightfall Pictures, their own production company, a creative outlet that led to many horror, sci-fi, fantasy features they have made since. Their company logo was inspired by a pumpkin carved during a Halloween night shoot on the set of one of their movies.
