VERTICAL ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES AWARD-WINNING MEDIEVAL HORROR FILM “THE HEAD” AHEAD OF AFM 

New Project from Filmmaker Jordan Downey Awarded “Best Overall Feature Film”

and “Best Cinematography” at Nightmares Film Festival

Feature Film Premiered to Solid Reviews and Sold Out Crowd at Sitges Film Festival

Vertical Entertainment announced today that it has acquired the worldwide distribution rights to medieval horror movie “The Head” ahead of the American Film Market next week.  The independent feature, already receiving acclaim from critics, screened at select festivals to sold out crowds this month, kicking off with a packed World Premiere at the renowned Sitges Film Festival in Spain.  The film also picked up awards for “Best Overall Feature Film” and “Best Cinematography” at Nightmares Film Festival last weekend.  The project hails from cult favorite filmmaker Jordan Downey (“ThanksKilling”) who co-wrote and directed and Kevin Stewart (“Unfriended: Dark Web”) who co-wrote and was the cinematographer.  Downey and Stewart are producers along with Ricky Fosheim (“Uneasy Lies the Mind”) and Erin Moody serves as associate producer.

“The Head” follows the lonely, twisted trek of a bounty hunter who seeks vengeance on the monster that slayed his only daughter.  One of the only true medieval horror films ever made,“The Head” was shot almost entirely in Portugal and is the film debut of rising star Christopher Rygh (“The Last Kingdom”, “Medieval”). The original score is from composer Nick Soole. A new poster designed exclusively for the movie’s festival run by esteemed artist Christopher Shy was also released (attached).

“The first time we watched ‘The Head’ we immediately knew it was a special, unique project that would resonate with horror fans,” said Josh Spector, Vice President of Acquisitions and Distribution at Vertical Entertainment.  “We are excited to be working with groundbreaking filmmakers like Jordan who are still finding new ways to thrill audiences.”

“Audiences are going to see something truly one-of-a-kind with ‘The Head’ and it was always important to us that we find the right partner who believed in its unique voice” saidwriter/director Jordan Downey. “Vertical Entertainment has a keen eye for finding breakout projects and we couldn’t be more thrilled that ‘The Head’ is joining their impressive roster.”

The deal was negotiated by Josh Spector on behalf of Vertical Entertainment and Ricky Fosheim of Detention Films on behalf of the filmmakers.  

About Vertical Entertainment

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique combination of full-service marketing and sales services. Dedicated to providing highly-effective and collaborative solutions, Vertical leverages unparalleled relationships to maximize revenue across all streams. The marketing and sales expertise from Vertical’s seasoned team gives content partners a wealth of experience minus the studio costs.

Last year Vertical won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in “Other People” and the film won a GLAAD Award for “Outstanding Film Limited Release” as well.  Vertical also had four other Indie Spirit nominations last year – three more for “Other People” (Best Lead Actor for Jesse Plemons, and Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay for filmmaker Chris Kelly) and one for Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s “Under the Shadow,” which was also the official UK submission for the 2017 Oscars, in addition to winning one BAFTA Award and three British Independent Film Awards as well.

Upcoming titles include Amma Asante’s “Where Hands Touch” starring Amandla Stenberg, Abbie Cornish and George MacKay; Trevor White’s “A Crooked Somebody” starring Rich Sommer, Clifton Collins Jr, and Joanne Froggatt; “Cruise” starring Spencer Boldman and Emily Ratajkowski; “Welcome Home” starring Aaron Paul, Emily Ratajkowski, and Riccardo Scarmarcio; and Barry Avrich’s documentary “The Reckoning”.  Recent 2018 releases include Rob Reiner’s “Shock and Awe” starring Woody Harrelson, James Marsden, Milla Jovovich, Jessica Biel, and Tommy Lee Jones; Kevin Connolly’s “Gotti” starring John Travolta, Kelly Preston and Chris Mulkey. For more information, please visit www.vert-ent.com andwww.facebook.com/vertent.

About Brayne Studios

Brayne Studios is a new venture from filmmakers Jordan Downey and Kevin Stewart, the minds behind the fan favorite “ThanksKilling” and festival hits “Techno Western” and “Critters: Bounty Hunter”.  The production company’s focus is on making one-of-a-kind narratives in the horror and sci-fi genres, with emphasis on heart and character against a gritty genre backdrop.

About Detention Films

Detention Films is a Los Angeles based development and production company founded by Ricky Fosheim. The company produced the SXSW movie “Uneasy Lies The Mind” which was the world’s first feature film to be shot entirely on an iPhone. With over a decade of experience, Detention Films is able to walk the fine line between art and commerce by telling powerful stories on shoestring budgets.  

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