Left to right: Zach Silverman (Mike), Katy Foley (Jenny), Daniel P. Coughlin (Writer), Ryan W. Coughlin (Writer), Megan Waters (Producer) and Ronald J. Burkard (Principal Gullman)
It was a star studded event at the 6th Annual Burbank Film Festival closing night gala and awards. The banquet hall overlooking the Burbank hills hosted a full room of filmmakers and hopeful nominees. Among them were cast members, writers and the producing team of Ditch Day Massacre, nominated for Best Feature Film in the Horror Category.
Burbank International Film Festival BEST HORROR FEATURE FILM award. Megan Waters (Producer), Zach Silverman (Mike) and Katy Foley (Jenny)
The fun teen slasher picture has received much media attention for Oberst Jr.’s tie and suite, apple eating, quirky killer. Along with special effects by husband and wife team Josh and Sierra Russell. Props also go out to original music by the rock band Swirl.
To the team’s delight, Ditch Day Massacre took home the win. Katy Foley (Jenny)
“It was an absolute honor to be nominated and receive an award along so many filmmakers I grew up idolizing.” Co-star Zach Silverman “It felt amazing to be nominated into the Burbank International Film Festival. The cast and crew worked so hard to get to where the film is at today.”
Producer Megan Waters along side the co-stars accepted the award and thank all involved.
Waters, “I feel so happy for the team. It is such an honor to see everyone’s hard work recognized. It’s been a long journey to arrive at this moment.”
The film completed its first cut in September 2013 and set up private screenings with horror fans for feedback and critiques. From there Ditch was massaged and tweaked until it blossomed into the fun, fast-paced nostalgic ride it is today. Waters “It mattered to us to get horror fans’ input on the final picture. The horror genre has its formula and writers Daniel P. Coughlin and Ryan Coughlin wanted to bring back the campy fun of 80’s horror.
Daniel Coughlin “I grew up watching films like Roger Corman’s 1980’s Sorority House Massacre and Slumber Party Massacre. Those movies had so much bloody charm. That’s what we went for and that what we got.”
The Burbank International Film Festival is Ditch Day Massacre’s first festival nomination and win. As they await the verdict on other Horror Festivals across the USA, they are focused on a early 2015 release. The most up-to-date info can be found at the film's website: www.DitchDayMassacre.com.
Ditch Day Massacre Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0N8eTigFAA&feature=youtu.be