Jenna Jade Rain is Claire in 48 HiP

Want to show the world you have what it takes to face your inner demons?

That was the beginning of a completely crazy viral experience what seems like many moons ago. Since then 48HiP was shot not once, but TWICE.

And as we finally near the release of Skeleton Key’s first feature-length film, we’re launching a contest that’s been two years in the making and sure to stir up some controversy.

Introducing the SKG 48 Hour LIVE Lockdown. Two entrants will be chosen based on submissions (more on that later) to enter a 48 hour lockdown similar to what the characters in 48HiP experience. 48 straight hours alone in a small room with your ghosts, on camera, streamed live over the web for the world to see.

The experience will include interaction with ACTUAL MEMBERS of the crew from 48 Hours in Purgatory, a realistic purgatory experience at a mystery location, and the opportunity to interact occasionally with those watching on the world wide web.

To enter you must submit a youtube video in response to our call for entries (below), explaining why you would be perfect for the “experiment.” Should you not have access to such technology, you can submit an essay or link to a blog entry via our contact form. Comments will not be accepted as entries.

There is no entry fee and submissions will be accepted up until January 25th, 2012.

Winners will also receive signed copies of 48 Hours in Purgatory, the novel “Skinless Jazz” (follow up to the story told in the film), a chance to meet cast members Andrew Roth and Emily Alatalo, an SKG prize-pack including a t-shirt and a pass to see our new film, Inspiration, at a private screening.

So get to work on those submissions and ask yourself… do you have what it takes to face your inner demons?

While a firm date hasn’t been set, February 2012 looks like the month and we have a great look at what will be included.

Besides the film, the DVD will include all the standard goodies: commentary by writer/director Jason Armstrong, a digital copy of the film, some behind the scenes footage and a photo gallery.

Special features will include:

• A “Pop-Up Video” version of the film with quirky facts, FX info, and background details.
• Footage from the original version of the film (never completed) that flesh out the stories taking place OUTSIDE of the lockdown, focusing on Jagt (Sean Saska), Kristen Chalmers (Stephanie Christiaens), and Mark “Bones” Terginian (Sean Szutka).
• Footage and commentary from the Viral Campaign “Hurts To Heal”
• The original opening scene of the film.

At the same time, we’re excited to announce the release of the novel “Skinless Jazz,” which is the story that unfolds in the aftermath of the film. Written by Jason Armstrong, prior to the original filming of “48 Hours in Purgatory,” the novel fleshes out the mystery of “Ambrosia” and takes us on a wild journey through the chaos with a mentally shattered Brody Hawkins.

The first people to get their hands on these will be the winners of the Live Lockdown Contest, so make sure you enter, if you think you can handle it!

Stay tuned here for more details as they come available!

We’re also announcing a sweet contest! Send us your name, mailing address, and before Midnight, Friday, November 18, 2011, and you could win a limited Skeleton Key Films art pack. Included are artistic representations of critical scenes from ALL past, current, and upcoming SKG releases, along with quotes from the creators of each story about what inspired it! Three entrants will be drawn at random once the deadline has passed! Don’t miss out, hit the contact form now or email us at: skgfilms@skgfilms.com

Visit our FB page! www.facebook.com/skgfilms

And now the reel!

UPDATE: The contest has closed and the winners are Alyson Barlow, Will Fallows, and Lyn Armstrong!

Line for Abolition @ Fantasia 2011

It’s been a long time since we’ve posted any Abolition news. Let’s rectify that, shall we?

First of all, Abolition had its world-premiere in August at the 2011 Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal. The screening went amazing and and there was an incredible article written in the program magazine by Fangoria’s Chris Alexander.

Click to enlarge Fantasia programme article.

Mitch Davis, Tony Timpone and the rest of the staff at Fantasia were very supportive. The fest was a success and a great experience for myself, writer Chris Lawson and Director of Photography, Nick Matthews.

Secondly, SKG Films is proud to announce that Abolition has signed a distribution deal with American company R Squared. This means that the film will be released on DVD in the USA by R Squared (date TBA). R Squared will also act as the international sales rep. for the film. That means you can look forward to similar announcements regarding the release of Abolition in Canada and other countries soon!

One of two official posters for Abolition

We’re looking forward to another busy fall for Skeleton Key Films as we finish up post on Inspiration and dive into a few more big projects.

By the way, if you want to know how you can get your hands on previous SKG projects, news is coming soon on that as well!

Keep your e-dial tuned here. Autumn welcomes football, cold weather and a whole new batch of goodies from SKG films.

Mike Klassen
September 13, 2011

Emily Alatalo is Samantha Kingsley in "Inspiration"

March fourth was the one-year anniversary of the first public screening of “48 Hours in Purgatory”, the very first SKG feature-length film. Since then we’ve shot a financing trailer (Bitter), completed a feature (Abolition) and… oh, yeah! Shot ANOTHER feature! What?!? I can tell you I didn’t see all that coming when we stepped into a crowded restaurant in the hours before the 48 HiP screening.

Maynard (Andrew Roth) and Melanie (Jennifer Polansky)

So what’s this other feature, you might be wondering? Well, as we’ve been working away at “Bitter” (it’s a needy little sucker), we couldn’t just sit around doing nothing. Post on Abolition had been done for HOURS and we weren’t shooting anything. That’s NONSENSE! So we rounded up some of our best film buddies (and a few new cohorts) and headed into the great white north to shoot the film we seem to be calling “Inspiration”. Don’t be surprised if the name changes, but I have to admit, it’s getting sticky.

Lena (Valerie Morrisey)

Ok, so what’s it about? Samantha (Emily Alatalo) is a failing romance author trying to revive her career, even as her personal life is caving in. When the opportunity to return to writing the horror story that made her a success presents itself, she takes it. That decision, coupled with the downward spiral of her personal affairs, sends her far north in search of peace and inspiration. What she finds, however, is that Madness and the Muse live together.

Eyes of fire.

Shooting this movie was an interesting, intense experience. Everyone had multiple jobs and worked together SO WELL, making things run pretty smoothly (considering the insane approach we took to the film). I’m deeply grateful to everyone involved, (especially for traveling far and braving some hardcore elements) whether you had a big role or a small one. I considered naming names, but I think I’d better not head down that path, lest I forget someone. That’s for another write-up, anyway.

Cleanliness is next to... what the crap?!?

We’re deep into the editing phase, so you can expect lots of news to trickle out over the next few months. Meanwhile, enjoy the frame-grabs and feel free to spread wild-and-crazy rumors about how many beavers were trapped during the making of this flick!

In the meantime, be excellent to each other.

Jason Armstrong
March 25, 2011

Elissa, Andrew, Caroline and Chuck

That’s right ladies and gents, after just over a year from its inception SKG’s second feature film is finally completed! It’s been awhile since we’ve updated, but we’ve been busy finishing the film and of course, in classic SKG fashion, working on a few more projects at the same time. What this means is updates galore in the coming months! We’ll keep you updated with screening news, festival appearances, and all of those wonderful things.

Mario (Exec), Chris (Writer), Reggie (Matthew), Karlis (Exec), Mike (Director)

We spent many days and nights at Fourgrounds Media in St. Catherines, Ontario, where we did most of the post on the film. Kristen and Adrienne have treated us well and we’re very pleased with how the film turned out!

There have been some closed screenings and so far the film has gotten a great reaction. Nothing is written in stone regarding a public premiere, but keep your dial here on SKG for that news and more Abolition treats and goodies!

Andrew Roth on the set of Abolition

As I write this, I am up north…WAY up north taking some time off to visit my wife and look at all the footage we shot as our Picture Editor Marcus Barrie works on the first cut of the film. Myself and Jason apologize for not updating here in the last month but of course if you are reading this you know we have been busy. And with the Bitter trailer shoot and post on both the trailer and Abolition wrapping up before Christmas, things don’t show any signs  of slowing down.

Elissa Dowling on the set of Abolition

The Abolition shoot was one of many emotions for me; a lot of weird extremes. Like feeling very sad because I knew I wouldn’t be directing again for quite some time and also a sense of relief…because I knew I wouldn’t be directing again for quite some time!  Over all, I know we did something incredible.  The people that supported me throughout this process has just been incredible.  From other film makers to the cast and crew.  Everyone rallied behind this film – and me – and it’s something that I will never forget. No one forgets their first time…and Abolition is no exception.

Behind the scenes on Abolition

Jason was on set for a lot of the shooting, taking pictures and video for a behind the scenes documentary that will be released with the film (hopefully…if it’s not 14 hours long). We have already released some pics to Arrow in the Head and have included a few more here for your viewing pleasure. We will try to release some more goodies as we get closer and closer to a final product!

In the meantime, check out the concept art for the film and pass it around!

Also if it hasn’t already reached your ears, below is some of the key production crew:

Chantelle Kadyschuk: Producer
Jason Armstrong: Producer
Colin Campbell: Production Manager
Nick Matthews: Director of Photography
Sarah Malden: Production Designer
Diana Young: Art Director
Dave Senior, Jr: First Assistant Director
Mitchell Stacey: Practical Special Effects Artist
Niki Schiafone: Special Effects Make-Up
Kyle Scheib: First Assistant Cameraman
Tyler Schaafsma: Gaffer

Production begins on September 1st, 2010!

If you like Gabe’s style and work please feel free to contact him at  gabe.sapienza@gmail.com and check out his online portfolio – http://gabrielsapienza.carbonmade.com