ABOUT THE FILM

A writer doing research for his next novel commits himself into a mental asylum in order to investigate a string of grotesque, unsolved murders.

William Harris is a British author who's cut a writing career exploring the supernatural and is working on his third book. He is also a curious skeptic - a flawed and conflicted combination that leads him to Grayville Psychiatric Hospital after learning about a series of macabre murders that have taken place there, all of which the hospital's administrator, staff and local authorities have not been able to explain or solve. The only deadend lead points to a high-society philanthropist whose fortune helped built the ward.

But now the institution's walls have a story to tell...

The WAILING, an independent, short horror film is currently in pre-production, and represents the third film produced under the LATIN HORROR banner and the second time LATIN HORROR and La Sayona Productions have collaborated -- their first outing being on The TALISMAN, written by short horror film guru Drew Daywalt, directed by Edwin Pagan and produced by Leonardo Rodriguez (Leo Rod). During this current production, the roles have been swtiched, with Leonardo taking the reins as helmer and Edwin serving as the project's producer and cinematographer.

The style and aesthetic of the film falls directly in line with the acclaimed Spanish horror film The Orphanage, as well as its English-language counterpart Insidious. The core of the film's storyline is grounded in suspense and the project's director, producers and cinematographer have chosen a classic visual narrative over contrived plot devices. This conevention remains true to the British sensibility inherent in the script written by emerging English screenwriter Kieren Knapp, coupled with an innate Latin American finesse for horror based in age-old folkloric traditions. As such, the film will be a welcome modern return to the Gothic fright films we grew up with and loved (genuine horror never goes out of style), and a further contribution to the genre of Latin horror.

Principal photography is scheduled to commence in mid-January of 2012 in New York. Following post-production, the film will begin to be submitted to horror and fantasy film festivals nationally and internationally, and several special regional screenings will be scheduled for the cast, crew and project funders.    

Read a portion of the script to whet your appetite and make you a more informed supporter and partner in this venture. (there is enough to flesh out the film's universe without dipping into "spoiler" territory)

FUNDRAISING GOAL / USE OF FUNDS

We are seeking to raise $4000 for use during the production and post-production phases of this project. Monies contributed toward the production of The WAILING will be utilized for the rental of several pieces of specialized equipment during production; to cover the cost of special effects makeup work; with the majority of the monies earmarked to cover the costs associated with several post-production line items, including editing, color correction, and sound design (very important in horror films), all very fiscally prohibitive but necessary filmmaking expenses. And let's not forget the grub.

While the filmmakers and artists working on The WAILING have agreed to donate their professional services to the production probono, it is paramount that the expendable materials needed for the performance of their craft - including special effects makeup - and construction of several principal props, be covered in whole.

THE GIVEBACK (PERKS)

We have created several levels of support that make it easy for you to donate to the project within your own personal comfort zone, and have developed a series of distinct, personalize swag packages and project-related souvenirs as a sincere symbol of our appreciation for joining us on this horrific filmic journey. So whether you're supporting the film to alleviate your depression ($10) or are institutionally demented ($1000), there is a category and an exclusive WAILING-specific giveback just for you. And we are certain that many of these items will become collectors items in the years to follow as the story of the genre of Latin horror is written. It's the perfect opportuniy to support a valid protect while investing in a piece of cinematic history.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD

As a film made specifically by true fans of horror for die-hard lovers of the genre, we want to ask for your help in getting the word out about the The WAILING to ensure we are successful in raising the  money needed to realize the making of the film, but to also get some traction about the project as a whole. So please share the the link to this page with your family and friends who love horror as much as we do. http://www.indiegogo.com/The-Wailing

PRODUCTION TEAM / PRINCIPAL CAST

- Leonardo Rodriguez (Leo Rod), director

LEONARDO RODRIGUEZ (Leo Rod)  is a filmmaker seduced by the dark beauty of horror films; born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela this fascination for the genre started at an early age after watching The Exorcist for the first time; since then a long list of films have inspired his desire of producing and directing horror movies. Among his many favorites are the Asian Films: Audition, The Ring, House of 1000 Corpses, The Grudge and the Spanish film: The Orphanage.

Leo is the founder of La Sayona Productions, LLC; the name La Sayona was given after the Venezuelan legend about a very jealous woman who killed her husband and her mom thinking they had been romantic; when her mother was agonizing, gave her a spell: "You will be Sayona for ever;" since then La Sayona can't rest in peace and follows unfaithful men to seduce and murder.

 
Among Rod's credits are sHELL (Director/Producer), Zombie Rocker (Director/Producer), The TALISMAN (Producer), and he is currently in pre-production on The WAILING (Director/Producer). 

- Edwin Pagan, producer/cinematographer

EDWIN PAGAN is a New York-based filmmaker, cinematographer, screenwriter and cultural activist with a rare blend of creative and administrative experience, including 22-years production experience in the narrative and documentary film sectors. Pagan is the founder-in-chief of LATIN HORROR, a niche market website specializing in the genre of Latin horror, and has become the go-to guy on the subject. He is also currently penning a book entitled "MIEDO - The History of Latin Horror." View a sample scene from one his productions, ANIMA SOLA.

- Ydaiber Orozco, casting director/associate producer

YDAIBER OROZCO loves wearing many hats; as a Casting Director she brings her acting expertise to the table while demonstrating a unique ability to quickly identify talent, and as Associate Producer her corporate background provides solid organizational skills that are key for the success of any project. Although Ydaiber has worked as both in different projects she admits that her first and true love is acting. You can see Ydaiber in the Off Broadway upcoming show "A Hole in his Heart" at the Atlantic Stage 2 in January, for additional information, visit www.ydaiber.info

RAFAEL 'LOBO' IGLESIAS was born and raised in Argentina, studied filmmaking at EDAC college before coming to New York to work as a photo/videographer, editor and retoucher. Working in the advertising and  fashion e-commerce for many years for clients like DKNY, Monet, Macy's and Liz Claiborne among other brands. Keeping an eye to the details, bringing his experience and vision to come back to his first love: filmmaking. www.rafaeliglesias.com

- Mike Smith Rivera, actor (William Harris)

MIKE SMITH RIVERA is a Mexican-American actor/writer/director/voice-over artist/and clown from Brooklyn. An NEA Performance Grant recipient and NBC Diversity Finalist, he runs Burning Clown Productions (www.burningclown.tv), an award-winning theater and film company, with his wife, Kelly Anne Burns. His most recent work includes the lead in the feature film LA Allegory, Ganesha in Fabulous Darshan at the WorkShop Theater Company, and improv at the Upright Citizen's Brigade. He sings vocals for the band Fire Camp. For more info, please visit www.mrclown.biz.

- Tony Chiroldes, actror (Dr. Makepeace)

TONY CHIROLDES is an original Broadway cast member of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS. In 2010, he earned a grant from the Jim Henson Foundation to produce the multi-media presentation BEFORE ICARUS FELL, inspired by the life of Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. Other credits include MISTER ROGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD, countless voice-overs, recorded books and simultaneous translation into Spanish on HBO'S REAL SPORTS. web.mac.com/tchiroldes

- Frances Feil, actor (Martha Berren/Apparition)

FRANCES FEIL is a native of MA but moved to New York to do an internship for grad school and never left!  She found her niche. Beginning her acting career at the ripe old age of 7 ( her real love being dance though her family couldn't afford classes) she found acting to be an adequate substitution! While attending college she was dubbed the "dramatic" dancer (the actor who could dance and the dancer who could act) and she continues to live up to this label by pursuing both of her interests. She thanks the members of "The Wailing" crew for giving her the opportunity to bring her interest in both dance and acting once again to the film world.

- Anastasia Morsucci, actor (Ward Sister)

ANASTACIA MORCUCCI considers herself to be a Jersey girl living in the Big City with Southwestern flair!  She received her BA in Journalism from Arizona State University and completed her training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts Conservatory in NYC.  Anastasia went on to make her Off-Broadway debut as Clara in The Hanging of Razor Brown at 59E59 Street Theatres. She has since continued to steadily grow as an actor and has garnered many credits in film, television, theater and the web.

- Adonis Williams, actor (Orderly)