The film stars Leah Tennis as Laura Patten, a blind woman seeking information on her long lost brother, who is believed to have disappeared in the backwoods of Porter. Her research brings her to James Cobb, played by Robert Kane, a lonely native who may have been the last person to see the boy alive. Famed New England wrestler Sean O'Reilly also joins the cast.
Scott Morabito and Andy Davis co- wrote the script around various local stories that they grew up with. "Sometimes the best horrors are Kindergarten stories, the monster in the closet, the fear of the unknown, the fear of what you can't see," said BENEATH THE FROST LINE co-writer Scott Morabito. The duo started Emptyhouse Film in 2000 and has produced two short horror films, THE PUMPKIN MAN, and THE DARK, a film currently in post production.
"The films we are making right now represent a primitive horror. We believe we are making something true, and we also believe that there is real horror in everyday situations, pure dread. We are always striving for the next step and experience." Said co-writer Andy Davis. The Emptyhouse team seems to have a deliberate agenda; they are trying to take its audience to a level of fear that is rarely captured.
The film will be shot in the backwoods of Porter, Maine, the actual backdrop for the "bog man" legends. Morabito will handle photography, while Davis directs. The production will be employing the use of digital filmmaking, while incorporating PS Technic lens technology in the front end to capture the feel of film. "I think this film will make me a true believer of digital technology, it really gives me the feel of watching Super16, without all of the associated high costs of post production." Morabito said.
Talking to Davis about the film, you get a real sense of the desperation the film will carry. "To me most horror films stopped being scary in the 1970's, most of the genre films you see today are making fun of themselves. We want our films to give you an experience you've never felt...picking up where the great films of the 1970's left off" Davis sites films like STRAW DOGS, LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, and THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE as a few of his favorites. "As a director I try to approach terror straight from the human psyche, the grass root fear that each of us is born with."
Emptyhouse has assembled quite a team of New England talent, drawing both cast and crew from previous ventures, and new sources. "We are thrilled to be working with such passionate team members. I've personally seen major sacrifices from each member to make this vision a reality." In one particular scene an actress will be submerged into the cold depths of the bog, a feat strong enough to give shivers to even the fearless. "Safety always comes first, our people are there for us 150% and we've got to be there for them." The film also features some amazing visual effects, masterfully created by Dick Smith FX course graduate Jeremy Onieal. "We instantly fell in love with Jeremy's expertise and passion," the duo said.
Emptyhouse plans to submit the film to numerous film festivals across the globe. "The combination of elements for the story have gotten us very excited to see the end product, a product we're sure will frighten it's audience."