Level 33 Entertainment has acquired U.S. and Canadian distribution rights to the independent slasher “Dead of Night,” setting a theatrical release for Nov. 13.
Directed by Derek Sulek, the indie horror film stars Dermot Mulroney (“Scream VI”), Scott Grimes (“Ted”), Jake Busey (“Stranger Things”), and Kirrilee Berger (“Unsung Hero”).
Inspired in part by the real-life panic surrounding the Night Stalker murders in Los Angeles, “Dead of Night” follows the fallout after a teenage girl’s mutilated body is discovered in the quiet town of Elmwood Heights. As a newly elected mayor (Alex Camacho) scrambles to form a neighborhood watch to quiet community hysteria, a relentless killer continues to claim victims.
Determined Sheriff Weaver (Mulroney) struggles to catch the murderer while the town descends into chaos. Realizing a sinister force is at work, the sheriff’s daughter Kelly (Berger) becomes obsessed with uncovering the killer’s twisted motives before time runs out.
“‘Dead of Night’ was inspired in part by the fear that gripped Los Angeles during the Night Stalker era, so making the film here gave it an authenticity we couldn’t manufacture somewhere else,” said the film’s creative team in a joint statement. “We’re incredibly proud of the local cast and crew who brought it to life and are excited to now bring an independent, LA-made horror film to audiences across the country.”
Sulek directed the feature from a screenplay co-written with Eric Durham. The film was produced by Oren Kamara, Sulek, and Dan Sheldon, with Jijo Reed serving as co-producer. Executive producers include Chris Jericho, Grimes, Ann Koch, Doug Johnson, and Matthew Ballard. Fade to Black Films produced the project in association with ZMA Films.
Gato Scatena of Scatena & Rosner Films negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers, and Olavarria & Taryn Procsal on behalf of Level 33.
