Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters

[BluBonnet]

Could not find a thread for this, but it looks like a fairly compelling documentary...

Kaleidoscope Film Distribution Secures Worldwide Sales Rights For ‘Hammer: Heroes, Legends And Monsters’ Doc

Kaleidoscope Film Distribution (KFD) has acquired worldwide sales rights for Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, the documentary about British studio Hammer Films we first told you about in August.

Narrated by Charles Dance, the doc explores Hammer Films, which turned 90 this year, through the eyes of its actors, filmmakers and fans. The film traces the history of the production house, which has created classics like The Curse of Frankenstein, Dracula and The Quartermass Xperiment, and will be on show at the upcoming American Film Market.

The doc features Tim Burton, John Landis, John Logan, John Carpenter, Joe Dante and Axelle Carolyn, sharing about the influence that the studio had on them and their careers. It will also showcase rare footage and expert insights on many of Hammer’s horror classics.

Directed by Benjamin Field, co-founder of Deep Fusion Films, the doc is also produced by Field with Jamie Anderson of Hammer Films, and exec produced by John Gore, CEO and Chairman of Hammer Films. The film will premiere in the UK on Sky Arts on Halloween.

The deal was penned between Spencer Pollard, CEO of KFD and Jonathan Lack of Hammer Films. Hammer Films boss Gore had initially planned to manage the international sales rights outside of the UK. KFD will present the film for all territories, excluding the UK, at the AFM.

“We are very excited to be working with Hammer Films and Deep Fusion on the international launch of this fabulous documentary,” said Pollard. “Hammer has a place in so many film fans’ hearts that we can’t wait for buyers to enjoy with us this wonderful documentary about a magical piece of film history.”

Benjamin Field, the film’s director and executive producer at Deep Fusion Films, said: “It’s been an honor to be entrusted with telling the unexpectedly dynamic and emotional story of one of the world’s most iconic studios. We are thrilled that through Kaleidoscope, this untold story will be available to film fans around the world.”

[BluBonnet]

Peter Cushing Becomes Latest Icon To Be Given AI Resurrection In Sky Hammer Films Doc

Fans of Peter Cushing are in for a Halloween treat, with the iconic Frankenstein star the latest to be resurrected by AI.

In Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, a Sky doc airing in two days’ time, viewers will be treated to a “powerful and poignant reveal of Hammer royalty,” Sky said, with what is being described as a “special homage” to Cushing.

Cushing, who died in 1994, played Doctor Van Helsing in five Dracula films and Baron Frankenstein in six movies from that franchise. He will be the latest celebrity given the AI resurrection treatment. Yesterday, the doc’s producer Deep Fusion Films unveiled a “world first” podcast hosted by a replica of the late chat show presenter Michael Parkinson.

Narrated by Charles Dance, the doc is celebrating Hammer Films‘ 90th birthday and will track its progression from a back office in London’s Regent Street to its iconic status within the horror film genre. We first revealed news of the doc in August.

This isn’t the first time Cushing has been resurrected. His likeness was revived as Grand Moff Tarkin for 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and a high court legal battle over the use of the image was recently ruled by a judge to go to trial.

Ben Field, who runs Deep Fusion, said the Hammer doc resurrection has secured all necessary permissions. The decision to resurrect Cushing is “tied to his significance to the Hammer legacy,” he added. “As a figure central to Hammer’s success, Cushing’s presence is crucial to telling the story authentically,” he added. “His work, particularly alongside Christopher Lee, was instrumental in shaping the brand and legacy of Hammer Films. Including him allows the project to honor the spirit and impact he had on the studio and its fans, creating a connection between the past and this new exploration.”

The use of deepfake technology has been approached with “great care,” Field added. “The team’s intent is not to manipulate or sensationalize but to use technology as a tool to bring audiences closer to the history of Hammer Films in an engaging and reverent manner.”

Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters will follow other influential figures from the horror genre such as Lee. Tim Burton, John Carpenter, Joe Dante and John Logan will also feature. Through a series of fateful turns, the film will reveal how Hammer’s distinct visual style and storytelling continue to shape modern horror and inspire filmmakers around the world.

The doc will be given a limited theatrical run and launch on Sky Arts on Halloween. Last week, we revealed Kaleidoscope Film Distribution had secured global rights.