As anthologies are one of rages as of late it takes something special for it to really stand out. Novel concepts like the ABCs of Death or V/H/S series have worked out well for everyone involved. But more times than not fantastic film anthologies seem to focus on Halloween more than any other season. That is not a bad thing at all, but surely we can take the piss out other holidays like Easter, Christmas and Mother's Day?
According to the announcement over at Deadline the new anthology Holidays is looking to step in to fill that void. XYZ Films and the brand new genre-label Distant Corners Entertainment have begun production on this new anthology that will take jabs at such celebrations. Why should Halloween have all the fun? Distant Corners is headed up by John Hegeman, producer of horror films like Darkness Falls and Haunt.
"Holidays is a great opportunity for some of the most creative and twisted minds in the genre space today to really let loose and have fun," said Hegeman.
And who is on board may you ask? Kevin Smith is teaming up with XYZ Films again after Tusk and Yoga Hosers. While Dracula Untold director Gary Shore looks toward his next film he will direct a segment. Matt Johnson, director of The Dirties and the upcoming moon landing conspiracy film Operation Avalanche, will have a go. Dennis Widmyer and Kevin Kolsch the directors of the Hollywood hopeful horror film Starry Eyes will combine their powers for good. I look forward to see what The Midnight Swim director Sarah Smith brings to the table. Anthony Scott Burns, the Canadian director whose short film work like Manifold has him directing sci-fi flick Alpha, under Brad Pitt's production banner, is in. Rounding off the list of directors announced so far is Priest and Legion's director Scott Stewart and The Pact's Nick McCarthy. There are still more directors to come.
XYZ Films will launch global sales at EFM this week during Berlindale.
(Todd Brown, ScreenAnarchy's lord and master, is also a partner at XYZ Films. Mr. Brown had no influence on the content of this article, though I am sure he appreciates the plug)