Magnet Releasing, Silver Sphere
In Association with M3 Creative & Touchy Feely Films
Presents
A Magnet Release
JOHN DIES AT THE END
Written & Directed by Don Coscarelli
Official Selection:
2012 Sundance Film Festival
2012 Toronto Film Festival
2012 SXSW Film Festival
2012 AFI Film Festival
FINAL PRESS NOTES
100 minutes
Distributor Contact: / Press ContactNY/Nat’l: / Press Contact LA/Nat’l:Matt Cowal / Steve Beeman / Chris Libby / Chris Regan
Arianne Ayers / Falco Ink / Ginsberg / Libby PR
Magnolia Pictures / 250 West 49th St. Suite 704 / 6522 Sunset Blvd #917
(212) 924-6701 phone / New York, NY 10019 / Los Angeles, CA 90028
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SYNOPSIS
In JOHN DIES AT THE END, it’s all about the Soy Sauce, a drug that promises an out-of-body experience with each hit. Users drift across time and dimensions. But some who come back are no longer human. Suddenly a silent otherworldly invasion is underway, and mankind needs a hero. What it gets instead is John (Rob Mayes) and David (Chase Williamson), a pair of college dropouts who can barely hold down jobs. Can these two stop the oncoming horror in time to save humanity? No. No, they can't.
Adapted from David Wong’s audacious trans-genre horror novel, JOHN DIES AT THE END is written and directed by Don Coscarelli (BUBBA HO-TEP) and also stars Clancy Brown, Glynn Turman and Paul Giamatti.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT – DON COSCARELLI
JOHN DIES AT THE END might just be the very first movie project which was selected robotically. A few years back I had been reading some edgy novels from a cool imprint named Permuted Press. One day I received an email from an amazon.com “bot” informing me that “if I liked the last Permuted title I read that I would DEFINITELY like their new book, JOHN DIES AT THE END. The name grabbed me instantly, but when I read the log line about a street drug called “soy sauce” and a pair of mid-west slackers battling a silent otherworldly invasion, I was hooked.
Since my youth I've had a rabid interest in the sci-fi, horror and fantasy genres. Many of my previous films have explored the surreal and strange. What I love about JOHN DIES AT THE END is that in addition to being hide-under-the-bed scary, it’s also laugh-out-loud funny.
To bring this ambitious story to the big screen on a modest budget was an immense challenge. There are more visual effects by far than any of my previous films. In fact, I was researching visual effects techniques before writing the screenplay and wondered how does one create a monster entirely composed of meats from the freezer? I think I hit on the best answer, which was to combine both practical prosthetic effects with the strengths of computer-generated imagery. I was able to work with some old friends including Bob Kurtzman of Kurtzman’s Creature Corps, who created my monster BUBBA HO-TEP for the practical effects. For the digital I recruited a cadre of young and gifted visual artists including CG whiz Mike Mangan, expert compositor Mars Sandoval of Syndrome Studio and animator David Hartman.
We have a terrific cast in JOHN DIES AT THE END. To find a young actor to portray the protagonist Dave required reading literally hundreds of unknowns. Luckily, in walked Chase Williamson who had just graduated from USC Drama and had never appeared in anything professionally. I was so excited after Chase’s reading I literally cast him on the spot. Rob Mayes was another terrific discovery for the character of John. It was also thrilling to be able to populate the film with some of my favorite working actors including Clancy Brown, Glynn Turman and Doug Jones. Paul Giammati, who in my opinion is the finest actor on the planet, was involved from the beginning. After the sequel to BUBBA HO-TEP, which we had been working on together fell through, his support and encouragement made JOHN DIES AT THE END a reality.
ABOUT THE CAST
CHASE WILLIAMSON (Dave)
Chase Williamson recently graduated with a BFA in Acting from USC, where he performed in the school's official improv and sketch comedy troupe Commedus Interruptus. Williamson starred in countless student film projects and theatrical productions including roles as Joe in “Angels in America,” Burrs in “The Wild Party,” Macheath in “Beggar's Opera” and Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice.” After participating in USC's BFA Acting Showcase in 2010, he signed with Principato-Young Entertainment. Within a few weeks, Williamson was reading for writer/director Don Coscarelli at a casting session for JOHN DIES AT THE END, eventually landing the lead role as David Wong.
Williamson recently wrapped shooting his second feature SPARKS, a superhero noir thriller in which he stars with Ashley Bell, Jake Busey, Clancy Brown and William Katt
He is a member of LA-based sketch comedy group Bowling for Tiffany.
ROB MAYES (John)
Rob Mayes made his theatrical debut playing the lead character ‘Joey’ in the MTV musical film “The American Mall” in 2008. He went on to appear in television guest spots on “Cold Case,” “Valentine, Bones,” and “Medium.”In 2010, Mayes landed the lead role in Ron Shelton’s pilot “Hound Dogs” for TBS and starred in two independent films – BURNING BLUE playing Navy fighter pilot ‘Matthew Blackwood’ and JOHN DIES AT THE END as ‘John’ opposite Paul Giamatti.
Mayes can currently be seen in the ABC Family series “Jane By Design” playing ‘Tommy Nutter’.
PAUL GIAMATTI (Arnie, Executive Producer)
With a diverse roster of finely etched, award-winning and critically acclaimed performances, Paul Giamatti has established himself as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
This past summer Giamatti starred in New Line’s adaptation of the Broadway stage musical ROCK OF AGES, directed by Adam Shankman. The film, co-starring Tom Cruise, Mary J. Blige, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Julianne Hough, was released on June 1, 2012. He was most recently seen in David Cronenberg’s COSMOPOLIS, co-starring Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche. The film was released on August 17, 2012.
Last year Giamatti was seen in THE IDES OF MARCH, directed by George Clooney and co-starring Ryan Gosling, George Clooney and Evan Rachel Wood. The film received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture – Drama.
Giamatti was also recently seen in Curtis Hanson’s HBO movie “Too Big To Fail,” in which he portrayed Ben Bernanke opposite William Hurt and Billy Crudup. His performance earned him an Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries.
He also recently starred in the critically praised WIN-WIN, a film written and directed by Oscar nominee Tom McCarthy, in which he portrays ‘Mike Flaherty’, a disheartened attorney moonlighting as a high school wrestling coach who stumbles across a star athlete through some questionable business dealings.
His performance inBARNEY’S VERSION earned him his second Golden Globe Award. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Mordechai Richler, the film was directed by Richard J. Lewis and co-starred Dustin Hoffman, Rosamund Pike and Minnie Driver.
In 2008, Giamatti won an Emmy, SAG and a Golden GlobeAward for Best Actor in a Miniseries for his portrayal of the title character in the HBO 7 Part Emmy Award Winning Mini-Series “John Adams.” Directed by Emmy Award Winning director Tom Hooper, Giamatti played President John Adams in a cast that also included award-winning actors Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, David Morse and Stephen Dillane.
In 2006, Giamatti’s performance in Ron Howard's CINDERELLA MAN earned him a SAG Award and Broadcast Film Critics' Award for Best Supporting Actor, as well as Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations in the same category.
For his role in Alexander Payne's critically-lauded SIDEWAYS, Giamatti earned several accolades for his performance including Best Actor from the Independent Spirit Awards, New York Film Critics Circle and a Golden Globe nomination.
In 2004, Giamatti garnered outstanding reviews and commendations (Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Actor, National Board of Review Breakthrough performance of the Year) for his portrayal of Harvey Pekar in Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini's AMERICAN SPLENDOR.
Giamatti first captured the eyes of America in Betty Thomas' hit comedy PRIVATE PARTS. His extensive list of film credits also includes Jonathan English’s IRONCLAD, Todd Phillips’ THE HANGOVER 2, THE LAST STATIONopposite Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren, Tony Gilroy’s DUPLICITY, COLD SOULSwhich Giamatti also Executive Produced, David Dobkin's FRED CLAUS, SHOOT EM’ UP opposite Clive Owen, Shari Springer Berman and Roger Pulcini's THE NANNY DIARIES, M. Night Shyamalan's LADY IN THE WATER, THE ILLUSIONIST, directed by Neil Burger, Milos Forman's MAN ON THE MOON, Julian Goldberger's THE HAWK IS DYING, Tim Robbins' THE CRADLE WILL ROCK, F. Gary Gray's THE NEGOTIATOR, Steven Spielberg's SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, Peter Weir's THE TRUMAN SHOW, Mike Newell's DONNIE BRASCO, Todd Solondz' STORYTELLING, Tim Burton's PLANET OF THE APES, DUETS, opposite Gwyneth Paltrow, the animated film ROBOTS AND BIG MOMMA'S HOUSE, co-starring Martin Lawrence. Giamatti also appeared in James Foley's CONFIDENCE and John Woo's PAYCHECK.
As an accomplished stage actor, Giamatti received a Drama Desk nomination for Best Supporting Actor as "Jimmy Tomorrow" in Kevin Spacey's Broadway revival of “The Iceman Cometh.” His other Broadway credits include “The Three Sisters” directed by Scott Elliot; “Racing Demon” directed by Richard Eyre; and Arcadia directed by Trevor Nunn. He was also seen Off-Broadway in the ensemble cast of “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui” with Al Pacino.
For television, Giamatti appeared in “The Pentagon Papers” with James Spader, HBO's “Winchell”opposite Stanley Tucci and Jane Anderson's “If These Walls Could Talk 2.”
He resides in Brooklyn, NY.
CLANCY BROWN (Dr. Albert Marconi)
This prolific and versatile actor emerged from the Chicago theatrical scene of the early 1980's. Roles such as "Jean" in August Strindberg's Miss Julie; "Aaron" in Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus; and "Geisler" in Glen DeCoasta's A Constant Wish brought him to the attention of critics and audiences alike. His film debut as "Viking" in BAD BOYS starring Sean Penn, brought him to the attention of Hollywood.
Brown’s career encompasses both distinguished and quirky roles. Legions of HIGHLANDER fans know him as the prototype immortal villain "Kurgan" in the initial film that grew into a franchise. Then there is the ferocious "Captain Hadley" in the multiple Oscar® nominated film THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. On television, Clancy found fans with his portrayal of the 1934 preacher, Brother Justin Crowe, on HBO’s Emmy® award-winning series, “Carnivale.”
Brown’s films have crossed the genres from thrillers (PATHFINDER, BLUE STEEL; PET SEMATARY 2) to true-life drama (DESPERATE RESCUE; LOVE, LIES AND MURDER; THE MAN WHO BROKE 1000 CHAINS); from family films (THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE, FLUBBER) to social dramas (NORMAL, THE LARAMIE PROJECT); from action dramas (COWBOYS AND ALIENS, THE GUARDIAN, STARSHIP TROOPERS; EXTREME PREJUDICE; SHOOT TO KILL) to animation (SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS; THE JUSTICE LEAGUE; SUPER ROBOT MONKEY). Some of his work defies conventional classification (THE BRIDE; CAST A DEADLY SPELL; and cult favorite THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI).
Brown was born in the rural southwestern Ohio town of Urbana, where his family still lives and operates the local newspaper. He attended Northwestern University on a track scholarship and remains an active alumnus. He was married to television news producer, Jeanne Johnson in 1993 and is the proud father of a daughter and son.
GLYNN TURMAN (Detective Lawrence ‘Morgan Freeman’ Appleton)
2008 Emmy® award-winning actor Glynn Turman started his career at the tender age of 12 in the legendary Lorraine Hansberry’s landmark Broadway production of “A Raisin In The Sun” with Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee. He has performed in such plays as Athol Fugard’s “My Children,” “My Africa”, “Ceremonies In Dark Old Men,” Ron Milner’s “What The Wine Sellers Buy,” “Eyes Of The American” and Turman’s own autobiography-one man show “Movin’ Man.”
Among his many film credits are: SUPER 8, BURLESQUE, TAKERS, SAHARA, KINGS OF THE EVENING (in which Turman won Best Supporting Actor at the 2009 San Diego Black Film Festival), MEN OF HONOR, DEEP COVER, GREMLINS, J.D.’S REVENGE, LIGHT IT UP, THE SERPENT’S EGG, THE INKWELL, HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK, and the cult classic COOLEY HIGH. Turman’s television series roles include ‘Colonel Taylor’ on “A Different World,” “Resurrection Blvd,” “Big Apple,” “The Wire,” “The Defenders,” “Scrubs,” “Southland,” “Flash Forward,” “In Treatment,” “CSI,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” “Law and Order: CI,” “Buffalo Soldiers,” and “The Minstrel Man.” Turman has also directed several films, plays and television shows including the 80’s hit “Dynasty” and several recent webisodes for Showtime.
In 2008 Turman scored his first Emmy® win as Outstanding Guest Actor for the HBO series “In Treatment.” He’s won 3 NAACP Image Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award for Theatre; the 2010 Pan African Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2010 LA Stage Ovation Award for Outstanding Lead Actor as ‘Memphis’ in August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running” a Los Angeles Critics Award nomination; a Dramalogue Award; and multiple NAACP Image Award nominations.
Turman and his wife Jo-An co-founded and direct a free western style summer camp “Camp Gid D Up” for inner-city and at-risk youth since 1992. He is also a real cowboy and rodeo champion. In 2000, Turman won the state’s Regional Team Roping Finals and placed in the top 5 in the National US Team Roping Cowboy Finals in Oklahoma City.
Turman is currently working on his autobiography “Movin’ Man” and was just recently seen in the new J. J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg mega film titled SUPER 8. His upcoming features include JOHN DIES AT THE END and THE OBAMA EFFECT. He is currently co-starring in a new Showtime series “House of Lies” starring Don Cheadle, which began shooting last July 2011.
DOUG JONES (Roger North)
The youngest of four brothers, Doug Jones was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and grew up in the city's Northeastside. After attending Bishop Chatard High School, he headed off to Ball State University, where he graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications and a minor in Theatre.
Jones learned mime at school, joining a troupe called "Mime Over Matter." He worked as a contortionist and acted in theatrical productions in Indiana before moving to Los Angeles in 1985. Since then, he has acted in over 25 films, numerous television series (including the award-winning “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” his episode 'Hush' garnering two Emmy nominations) and over 90 commercials and music videos with the likes of Madonna, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Marilyn Manson.
Jones is well-known for his iconic work under prosthetics, including the floppy zombie 'Billy' in the Halloween classic HOCUS POCUS, or the lead Spy Morlock in the 2001 remake THE TIME MACHINE. In addition to these roles, Jones has starred in critically acclaimed films as ADAPTATIONwith Nicholas Cage, MYSTERY MEN with Ben Stiller, BATMAN RETURNSwith Danny DeVito and indie features such as Stefan Haves' STALLED, Phil Donlon's A SERIES OF SMALL THINGS, and as 'Cesare' in David Fisher's daring 2005 remake of the 1919 silent classicTHE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI.
Jones’ role as 'Abe Sapien' in HELLBOYin 2004 brought him much praise from both audiences and critics. In 2005, he again worked with Mexican director Guillermo del Toro when he starred in the title role of 'Pan' in del Toro's Spanish language fantasy/horror projectPAN'S LABYRINTH, which later garnered six Academy Award nominations, winning three. He also had a cameo in the film as 'The Pale Man', a gruesome creature with a penchant for eating children. Working once more under heavy prosthetics in both roles, he also was required to learn huge chunks of dialogue in archaic Spanish.
In 2005, Jones was seen in DOOM, THE BENCHWARMERS and LADY IN THE WATER, the latter directed by award-winning cult director/writer M. Night Shyamalan. He also starred in the award-winning film THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI, which won three awards at the Screamfest Horror Festival in Los Angeles, including the Audience Choice Award.
Jones continued his collaboration with Guillermo del Toro into 2006, as he reprised his role as 'Abe Sapien' voicing the character in the new “Hellboy Animated” television project, recording two 70-minute animated films, “Hellboy: Sword of Storms” and “Hellboy: Blood and Iron.”
In 2007, Jones starred in the film FANTASTIC FOUR in the role of ‘Silver Surfer.” He then reprised his role as 'Abe Sapien' in HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY, once more under the direction of Guillermo del Toro. In addition playing'Abe,’ Jones played two other roles, the 'Angel of Death' and 'The Chamberlain,' both under heavy prosthetics. The film was number one at the box office on its U.S. opening weekend.