Zombie Undead has been selected for repeat screenings at the Buenos Aires Rojo Sangre festival. This is a distinction for Zombie Undead as the Rojo Sangre is the only specialized and bizarre fantasy film festival held in Argentina. Furthermore Zombie Undead, alongside Attack The Block,  is one of only a handful of foreign films in selection at the festival. Established in December 2000 the festival was recently declared of Cultural Interest by the Legislature of the City of Buenos Aires. It festival presents films in fantastic, bizarre, science fiction and horror genres.

HIVE FILMS are pleased to announce that Jinga Films have sold the Scandinavian and French rights for ‘ZOMBIE UNDEAD’. Sales agents Jinga Films confirmed today that Zombie Undead has sold to CCV Movies in Scandinavia and Elephante Films in France.

Speaking of this, Hive Films director Rhys Davies says: ‘This is amazing news. Selling to METRODOME in the UK was merely the beginning. To see releases of ZOMBIE UNDEAD in worldwide territories is fantastic.’

The distribution deals were negotiated for JINGA FILMS by Head of Acquisitions, Julian Richards and Sales and Acquisitions Lead, Rosana Coutinho. JINGA FILMS are experts in the fantasy and horror genre and continue to push Zombie Undead to market worldwide. Negotiations are continuing with furthur European and worldwide territories.

Release dates for both territories are to be confirmed.

Zombie Undead has been selected for the opening Saturday of the Another Hole In The Head festival. After the success at Fantasporto in Portugal ZU heads across the Atlantic to San Francisco. The 8th Annual Another Hole in the Head is presented by SF IndieFest, which will also present in 2011 the 13th Annual SF Independent Film Festival and the 10th Annual SF Documentary Festival. The genre festival drew over 5000 people in 2010 and received great press. Hole in the Head presents the finest in contemporary horror, horror-comedy, sci-fi and dark fantasy with a collection of films from America and abroad, all the mayhem that fits on a celluloid print.

HIVE FILMS are delighted to announce that METRODOME DISTRIBUTION have picked up UK and Eire rights for ‘ZOMBIE UNDEAD’.

Jezz Vernon, Head of Distribution for METRODOME says: ‘We are excited to have acquired the rights to Zombie Undead and warmly look forward to working with Rhys as we approach the release.’

Speaking of this, his debut feature film, Rhys Davies says: ‘All we had at the start was the vision of producing a high quality feature film and a mad-keen enthusiasm for classic British horror. Securing this distribution deal vindicates the dream. HIVE FILMS and everyone involved with Zombie Undead is delighted to be working with METRODOME, a distributor keen to support British independent films.’

ZOMBIE UNDEAD will be released on DVD and VOD from May 2011.

The distribution deal was negotiated for METRODOME by Head of Acquisitions and Production, James Brown and Head of Business Affairs, Kate Edwards, with director/producer Rhys Davies and actor Christopher J.Herbert handling negotiations for HIVE FILMS.

ZOMBIE UNDEAD has been selected for screening on the opening night of FANTASPORTO, one of the world’s top film festivals. The festival opens on 25th February and Hive Films are being flown out to introduce the movie.

Described in “Variety” magazine as one of the 60 top film festivals of the world, and the best as far as the fantasy genre is considered 2011 marks the 31st FANTASPORTO festival. Previous years have seen films by directors such as the Coen brothers, David Cronenberg and Quentin Tarantino with the festival averaging 110,000 visitors a year and is widely covered in the international media. It has a reputation for screening major releases from Hollywood studios as well as independent movies.

Rhys Davies of Hive Films: “Competition is fierce this year, so to be selected is fantastic. But to get a 9pm slot on the opening night is a real honour.”

Well here we are. ZU is finished. Job done? The cast and crew drift away, the euphoria of screenings echo in the distance, and we’re left with a great film. So what happens now? Well there is choices, more so now with the ‘digital revolution’ – a lazy phrase i know – than ever before. Other platforms have opened up which may offer extra revenue; the internet in its vast possibilities, more tv channels, mobile phones and portable devices. But with more films being made then ever before due to this same digital expansion are we all looking for smaller slices of the pie?

Zombie Undead has received interest from distributors and screeners are being sent out as we speak. It will be interesting to see what response we get from these. I have also spoken to several sales agents and distributors in person. These are all organisations which have been recommended to me personally.

Jon Reiss in his book Thinking Outside The Box Office talks of the new 50/50. This isnt in terms of net profits but allocation of resources. 50% to making the film, 50% to marketing and distribution. Wow – just when you thought it was all over.

Well its been a long time coming but here it is. ZU graded in its final cut and by Jove its looking/sounding awesome! And to celebrate, of course,we have some screenings lined up for you including the premiere.

Premiere screening on Friday 15th January at 8pm followed by a Q & A by writer Kris Tearse, SFX lead Gav Pate and myself, Rhys Davies, Director and Producer. Further screenings on Saturday 16th January at 5pm and Sunday 17th January at 1pm. For more information see the above link or ring the Box Office: 0116 2422800. Phoenix Square, Midland Street, Leicester, LE1 1TG

I’ll use this post to thank everyone who has helped make this dream come true. Its been a momentous journey and one which i wouldn’t change for anything. As both a learning ground and a showreel the experience has been invaluable. Heres to the next film!

Finally check out the Facebook ZU Premiere page here and the YouTube channel.

This it people. Its real now. Can’t describe how good this feels.

Wow – how pleased are we? The test version is finally complete. Due to unforseeable circumstance ( theres always some isnt there ) this last week has been more stressful than it needed to be but hey its done. Farid, Dave and Kris have done a stunning job of the sound. Together with the fine visuals we couldnt be more proud. First test screening coming up – its been a long journey but we’re nearly there.

Captured the last scenes today – a milestone and a relief… Nearly finished the visual edit – down to sound now.