An Introduction

by Lawrie Brewster

Greetings, esteemed readers. I extend a warm welcome to the second edition of the British Horror Studio Newsletter. I am delighted to share a magnificent announcement, which I believe might be the greatest endeavour of my lifetime, and certainly one of which I am immensely proud.

Today, I extend a call from our grassroots to all who have supported our project thus far, aiming to resurrect a retro British Horror Studio inspired by legendary names such as Hammer, Amicus, and Tigon. Words falter when I try to convey the depth of my emotion regarding this news. I am both humbled and proud to announce my forthcoming role as the president of Amicus Productions, which is poised to rise once again and reclaim its distinguished place within the annals of British Horror.

Rest assured, this is not a solitary endeavour. I am in close collaboration with the family of the late Milton Subotsky, the visionary founder and creative force behind Amicus Productions. Together with Sergei Subotsky, Dmitri, their mother, and Milton's widow, Dr. Fiona Subotsky, we've devised a plan to rejuvenate an institution that holds a cherished place in all our hearts.

Milton Subotsky's pioneering spirit enabled Amicus Productions to gift us with some of the most iconic British Horror Films, including 'Dr. Terror's House of Horrors' (1965), 'Tales from the Crypt' (1972), and 'Asylum' (1972).

Pictured from left to right: Sergei, his father Milton, mother Fiona, brother Dmitri, and the notable addition of... Vincent Price.

The Resurrection of Amicus

by Lawrie Brewster

Presented: Lawrie Brewster, the new President of Amicus Productions.

The film shall be titled ‘In the Grip of Terror’, a portmanteau feature film comprising four segments based on classic horror stories by H.P. Lovecraft, Ambrose Bierce, and E.F. Benson, all centered around the theme of medical macabre.

"In the Grip of Terror" was, in fact, a title shared with me by Sergei, from a list of contenders compiled by his father decades ago. It is fitting that we are building upon the foundation of his imagination and genius. Interestingly, three out of the four stories we are adapting were suggested by none other than his wife, Dr. Fiona Subotsky – a renowned and accomplished author, known for her work "Dracula for Doctors: Medical Facts and Gothic Fantasies. 

Our Kickstarter Campaign Image echoes the spirit of Patrick MacGee and features Megan Tremethick and Laurence R. Harvey outside our cursed medical establishment.

'In the Grip of Terror' has yet to announce its full roster of cast, but so far, we've secured several UK horror icons, including Laurence R. Harvey (Human Centipede II), as well as upcoming talents like Megan Tremethick (Ghost Crew) and Jonathan Hansler (The Devil's Machine).

We Need Your Help

by Lawrie Brewster

I am seeking the support of classic horror enthusiasts through a crowdfunding initiative to propel the project's first stage forward. The funds will be directed towards the production of 'In the Grip of Terror,' covering the creation of expansive sets, the crafting of original practical effects, and the recruitment of top-tier talent. The campaign is set to launch on September 12th, and eager fans can preregister to receive further details and be promptly notified when the campaign commences.

My ultimate aim is to reinstate Amicus Productions as an independent British Horror Studio that both treasures its history and cherishes its fanbase. Our primary objective is to birth a new film that captures the essence and style that defined Amicus Productions as an icon. By championing atmospheric storytelling, practical effects, and a profound respect for the genre, I envision transporting audiences back to the golden age of British horror. The restoration of Amicus is not solely about reviving a film studio; it's about reigniting passion, paying homage to a storied legacy, and reminding the world of the potency of independent filmmaking.

What Can You do to Help?

by Lawrie Brewster

We need to raise a significant amount of money to secure the necessary budget for our inaugural Amicus Productions Horror film. These funds will also contribute to the re-establishment of the company.

This entails garnering support from individuals around the world who are willing to register on our Kickstarter Campaign Page. The metric of "followers" on our main campaign page serves as a clear indicator of our campaign's potential success and helps determine the appropriate moment for transitioning from the pre-launch phase, where we accumulate "followers," to the official launch stage. At that juncture, horror enthusiasts worldwide can pre-order the first Amicus Productions Horror film in over thirty years.

However, achieving this goal necessitates everyone signing up on that page and contributing whatever they can when the time is right. Additionally, we require assistance in spreading the word, such as sharing campaign page links on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter.

Furthermore, we are actively seeking individuals who can volunteer their expertise in post-production, especially in video editing. Your generous contribution of time and energy would help us craft compelling short promotional videos that capture the essence of the British Horror Studio (or rather, Amicus Productions). Whether you possess skills in editing, sound design, mixing, marketing, or promotion, your involvement holds immense value. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

As for myself, I am fully committed to tirelessly working towards achieving a goal of between 1200 and 2000 followers on our Kickstarter Pre-Launch marketing campaign page before the official launch.

In the spirit of unity, let us march forward hand in hand, turning our shared vision into a triumphant reality.