El Rey, the network created by Robert Rodriguez, is starting an anthology series that will bring indie short films and creators to the screen. Titled The People's Network Showcase, the two-hour special will air quarterly with selections chosen by El Rey, as well as "interviews with the filmmakers and vignettes of current industry professionals sharing behind the scenes secrets of their craft."
Says Rodriguez:
When I started El Rey I wanted the network to provide a new pipeline for creators. My roots are in independent filmmaking and I believe in providing opportunities to people working outside of the studio system. We’ve discovered these terrific short films by very talented makers and with this on-air special, we can help get them noticed.
That's all well and good, but get this: The very first episode of the special will air on October 30th and feature an entire slate of horror flicks for your bloody enjoyment. The host? John Carpenter himself, director of HALLOWEEN, THE THING, and do I really need to keep going?
In recent times, Carpenter hasn't been particularly interested in talking about his horror output, but perhaps his time touring as a bona fide rock star has reinvigorated his interest in the genre and his impact upon it.
Check out the list of short films you can expect Mr. Carpenter to present:
ELI ROTH PRESENTS: CHAINSAW
Directed by David Dinetz and Dylan Trussell
A bickering couple enters a haunted house with a mad man on the loose. They’re splitting apart tonight.THE VISITANT
Directed by Nick Peterson
A mother protects her children from a demon inside their home.DRUDGE
Directed by Kheireddine El-Helou
What was supposed to be a romantic night in for a young couple, quickly turns into a terrifying encounter with Drudge.THE SMILING MAN
Directed by AJ Briones
A little girl home alone finds herself face-to- face with pure evil.NEARSIGHTED
Directed by Joe Price
When Miguel takes out his contacts to get ready for bed, through his blurred vision, he realizes there is something horrendous within his apartment. The biggest problem is, without his contacts, Miguel is truly helpless.LOVE AND DATING IN L.A.
Directed by Alex Russell
A vicious serial killer looks for love in the City of Angels… and finds rich pickings.JACK THE RIPPER
Directed by Nick and Lexie Trivundza
As we follow the infamous killer Jack the Ripper on one of his evenings out in the city, we enter a world somewhere between Sin City and the Opening Titles of Mad Men.COME OUT AND PLAY and LEAVES
Directed by Pablo Olmos ArrayalesCome Out and Play
Brenda is alone at her house. All her friends have left and she is about to clean her house but she sees on the table the game board they were playing a minutes ago: Ouija. She doesnt believe in any paranormal activity. So, as a joke, she sits down and ask the ouija if she is really home alone…Leaves
Leaves tells the story of a couple that get deep into the forest. Once there, the girl finds a beautiful unicorn figure on the ground. Maybe somebody lost it or maybe somebody left it there…ALL YOU CAN EAT
Directed by Tommy Groth
Did you have nightmares about clowns when you were a child? Do you still have nightmares? All You Can Eat will confirm your fear because in a small town lives an ordinary clown with extraordinary secrets.
The People’s Network Showcase: Horror Edition, will air on El Rey on October 30th at 8:00 PM EST.