Amicus Productions To Return

📜 SUMMARY

• Amicus Productions is returning after 46 years
• The first new film is to be called In the Grip of Terror
• Director Lawrie Brewster is the new Studio President

However, Amicus truly excelled in its creation of “portmanteau” films, where several short stories were connected by a common theme. These films showcased not only incredible creativity but also effective marketing strategies. Most of Amicus’ seven anthologies relied on the star power of one actor who may have only appeared on screen for a few minutes due to the brevity of each story. Films such as Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (1965), Tales from the Crypt (1972), Asylum (1972) and Vault of Horror (1973), are still loved by horror fans across the world. 

This information is relevant because Amicus is making a comeback. According to Variety, Lawrie Brewster (Director of niche horror films The Unkindness of Ravens (2016), The Devil’s Machine (2019) and Ghost Crew (2022)), their new president, aims to revive Amicus as an influential force in independent British horror cinema. And how do they plan to achieve this? By reintroducing the anthology format that brought them success in the past.

The first project under the new Amicus leadership will be In the Grip of Terror, which consists of four short eerie tales centered around the medical profession. The cast includes Megan Tremethick from Ghost Crew, Jonathan Hansler from The Devil’s Machine, and Laurence R Harvey from The Human Centipede 2. While these actors may not be widely known names, it aligns with their intention to create something raw and affordable. Brewster said…

“The title ‘In the Grip of Terror’ was generously shared with me by Sergei Subotsky, derived from a list of potential titles his late father, Milton Subotsky, had curated decades ago… It feels profoundly fitting that we’re expanding upon the imaginative groundwork set by such a visionary. What’s even more fascinating is that three of the four stories we’re adapting were suggested by Milton’s widow and Sergei’s mother, Dr. Fiona Subotsky.”

“Our aim is to re-establish Amicus Productions as a beacon of independent British horror… We’re concocting a film that captures the essence and panache that rendered the studio iconic. By emphasizing atmospheric storytelling, tangible effects and a genuine respect for the genre, our vision is to teleport audiences back to British horror’s golden epoch. This venture transcends mere studio revival— it’s a renaissance of passion, tribute to a rich legacy and a testament to indie cinema’s prowess.”

While Hammer films may receive more recognition overall, it’s important not to overlook Amicus Productions’ significant contributions to British horror movies. Their unique approach with portmanteau films set them apart creatively and commercially in an industry that typically favors longer narratives. Now under new leadership with Lawrie Brewster at its helm, fans can eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for this iconic production company as they strive to regain their position as leaders in independent British horror cinema through innovative storytelling methods.

We look forward to hearing more as this project comes along. 

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Are you looking forward to new Anthology filsm from Amicus?  Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Or head over to our Fans Page to join like minded horror fans. You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter.

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