Showtime Networks has ordered a second season of IDT Ent.'s anthology series, MASTERS OF HORROR. Thirteen new, one-hour episodes, to be produced by IDT Ent., will feature the most prominent directors in the horror genre and will premiere in Fall 2006.
The first season premiered on Showtime in fall 2005 and featured such horror film legends as Dario Argento, John Carpenter, Larry Cohen, Don Coscarelli, Joe Dante, Mick Garris, Stuart Gordon, John Landis, Tobe Hooper, William Malone, Lucky McKee and John McNaughton directing original one-hour films. Dantes Homecoming episode stirred controversy for its liberal-sided attack on the Bush administration, featuring dead soldiers rising from the grave and an S&M loving conservative commentator clearly modeled after Republican pundit and writer Ann Coulter. Likewise, the series freedom to let its directors have total artistic control led to Showtime deciding to not air the episode titled Imprint from Japanese horror legend Takashi Miike (AUDITION, ICHII THE KILLER), because it was too disturbing even for the pay-channel. IDT Ent. said the episode would still be available on the DVD set to be released by Anchor Bay later in the year.
"Showtime has been a wonderful partner," says IDT Ent. coo John W. Hyde. "We look forward to providing the world's leading horror filmmakers a supportive environment in which they can express their creative vision."
"We are delighted to once again be working with some of the most talented directors and writers in the horror genre," said Robert Greenblatt, president of entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc. "This unique series offers viewers a one-of-a kind experience and demonstrates the immense popularity of the horror genre."
MASTERS OF HORROR grew out of an informal bi-monthly dinner attended by many of the horror genre's most highly regarded directors. Mick Garris transformed their collective desire to work together into reality, and will continue to serve as the series' showrunner.
The exec producers are IDT Ent.'s Morris Berger, Steve Brown and Hyde; Industry Ent.'s Keith Addis and Andrew Deane, and Nice Guy Prods.' Mick Garris. Reunion Pictures' Lisa Richardson and Tom Rowe will join the series as producers for the second season. Adam Goldworm and Ben Browning are co-producers on the series. IDT Ent. Sales will provide worldwide distribution of the series.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
