Shudder Greenlights Production on 70s Themed Horror Film ‘The Sacrifice Game’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

There are a bevy of perks that come with being a member of the streaming service Shudder. Such as the fact that you’ll be treated to a carefully curated library of the finest horror films on the market, the kind that challenge the audience and elevate the genre to new heights. Plus, where else are you going to find the Ghoul Log or enjoy themed horror programming based on the time of year? But above all else, it is Shudder’s original programming that truly helps it to stand out above the rest. Because Shudder only wants the best in the biz to work with them, and that’s brought forth some stellar shows. Such as Joe Bob Briggs’ The Last Drive-In and Greg Nicotero’s Creepshow.
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Not to mention, this is now the home of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula and a bevy of original films that continue to remind us that horror is always on the cutting edge of storytelling and well, it is their movie production arm that is top of mind today. For earlier today, Shudder announced they have lit the green light on the 1970s themed horror feature, The Sacrifice Game. Giving rise to another incredible Shudder original and well, here are all the details on this fascinating new feature, courtesy of Shudder.

​'Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streamer for horror, thriller, and the supernatural, and Red Sea Media announced today that production will begin next week on 1970s supernatural horror The Sacrifice Game, written by Jenn Wexler (The Ranger) and Sean Redlitz and set to be directed by Wexler, to star Mena Massoud (Aladdin), Olivia Scott Welch (Fear Street), with Gus Kenworthy (American Horror Story: 1984) and Chloë Levine (The OA), who also starred in Wexler's The Ranger. Shudder has taken all rights to the film in its territories, while Red Sea Media, Inc. has acquired international.
 
The film, which begins principal photography May 9, 2022, is set at a girls’ boarding school over Christmas break, 1971, where Samantha and Clara, two students staying behind for the holidays, must survive the night against uninvited visitors. 
 
The film will also star Derek Johns (The Wolf and the Lion) and Laurent Pitre (Under the Banner of Heaven), along with Madison Baines (1UP) and newcomer Georgia Acken.
 
The producers are Philip Kalin-Hajdu and Albert I. Melamed with Heather Buckley, Wexler, and Todd Slater (King of Killers, The Parts You Lose) of Slater Brothers Entertainment. Roman Kopelevich and Crystal Hill of Red Sea Media, Inc., Peter Phok, Mark Berry and Duane Farley of AMG, with Massoud and Welch are executive producing. Real by Fake (The Morning Show, Big Little Lies) is on board with Marc Côté executive producing and Yannick Sadler co-producing.
 
The deal was negotiated by Emily Gotto, VP, Global Acquisitions & Co-Productions for Shudder and Philip Kalin-Hajdu and Albert I. Melamed on behalf of the filmmakers. Todd Slater of Slater Brothers Entertainment brokered the deal with Red Sea Media on behalf of the filmmakers.
 
“We loved The Ranger and are thrilled to be working with Jenn and her team to bring her new film, The Sacrifice Game, to life. Jenn’s film promises to be a wild and thrilling ride that offers a fresh take on timeless horror themes. We can’t wait to share it with our members,” said Shudder General Manager Craig Engler.
 
“I loved this script – it reminded me of the classic horror films of the 70’s,” stated Red Sea Media’s CEO, Roman Kopelevich.
 
“I am extremely excited to be working with this incredible cast and to be partnering again with Shudder and with RSM. The Sacrifice Game is my tribute to the beauty and boldness of ‘70s horror, anchored in an unlikely friendship between outsiders,” said Wexler.
 
“After years working in genre, it is a highlight to be making a Shudder original with this film. Wexler’s thrilling vision pulled us in from the start. We have never seen Mena Massoud and Olivia Scott Welch in roles like these and we can’t wait to share it with the world. We are grateful to be working with Shudder and RSM,” said producers Philip Kalin-Hajdu and Albert Melamed.
 
Massoud is represented by Gersh, LINK Entertainment and Myman Greenspan. Welch is represented by UTA and Vault. Kenworthy is represented by WME, Sugar23, Michael Spencer, and Jen Peros, Famous Last Words PR. Levine is represented by APA and Anthony & Associates. Wexler is represented by CAA and Hitman Studios.
 
About Shudder
AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.
 
About Red Sea Media
Red Sea Media was founded in 2011 as a sales agent and production company. Recent films include KING OF KILLERS with Frank Grillo and Stephen Dorff; BANSHEE; starring Antonio Banderas; THE SURVIVALIST starring John Malkovich and Jonathan Rhys Meyers and ROGUE HOSTAGE, with John Malkovich and Tyrese Gibson. The RSM slate also includes BORN A CHAMPION, an action thriller starring Dennis Quaid, WHERE ARE YOU, starring 2021 Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins and Madeline Brewer; MANSON BROTHERS MIDNIGHT ZOMBIE MASSACRE starring Randy Couture; BAD THERAPY (starring Alicia Silverstone) and STRAY DOLLS starring Cynthia Nixon & Olivia DeJonge)
 
For more information, please visit: www.redseamediainc.com
 
About Slater Brothers Entertainment
Slater Brothers Entertainment is a multi-dimensional content and consulting company focused on the ever-changing digital and media sectors. SBE works across the spectrum, including investors, media and platform partners, and film and television distributors. SBE’s advisory services incorporate pre-deal activities, due diligence process, deal negotiation, M&E, finance and acquisitions. Since its launch, Slater Brothers Entertainment’s team has successfully assisted in financing or securing worldwide distribution for over 100 films and has led capital investments in multiple digital, media and sports ventures. Slater Brothers Entertainment recent films include: King of Killers starring Frank Grillo, Albatross, The Deep Web, Odd Man Rush, Ragged Heart, Last Three Days, She’s In Portland, Darker The Lake, as well recent documentaries, Miracle on 4th Street, and the highly anticipated Code Red: Youth of A Nation. The company recently launched their SBE financing division and will be producing a dramatic television series to be shot in Europe later this year. www.slaterbrothersentertainment.com’

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