GRAVEDIGGER WINS AT ATLANTIC CITY CINEFEST
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Atlantic City Cinefest
Downbeach Film Festival
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Keith Collins With Awards
Atlantic City Cinefest Downbeach Film Festival is always a great look into the future of independent films. A wide variety of solid features and quirky shorts play throughout the three-day event and this year was no exception. One film that stood out to us was the feature Horror/Thriller “Gravedigger”, which walked away with Best Thriller Award & Best Actor.
Directed by Doug Bollinger (“Waltzing Anna”) and produced by Keith Collins, Gravedigger is a gritty, slasher film that has two elements most independent horror films lack – a great story and a great look. Written by Billy and Joseph Pepitone (“Stuck in the Middle”), Gravedigger is as much a thriller as it is a bloodfest and avoids the typical serial killer clichés while still staying true to the genre with still giving you the gore that you crave.
Filmed in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, the fictional town of Breaker’s Point comes alive thanks to cinematography of Brandon Ruckdashel (“Co-Ed Confidential”). Ruckdashel who also plays “D.A Mike Ruble” has a great eye and his style is unique, adding a big budget feel to this independent film.
The acting in Gravedigger is a breath of fresh air. If you are expecting the usual indie movie talent, you will be surprised by the performances in this film. With Many special appearances by TV Personalities, Former Sports Stars, Reality Stars & more Gravedigger most certainly delivers. Keith Collins plays “Steve Borden” with his performance gained him the best actor award in a NJ Feature Film, Delivers a cunning edgy performance that creepily pulls the audience in and keeps you captivated while wanting more. Angela Sharp who plays “Det. Carolynne Richards”, puts on a performance none to be reckoned with. Sharp brings this role to life while keeping you glued to the screen throughout the film as the very memorable sidekick to “Chief George Orkin”, played by Jim McKeown who is the worn out police chief on the hunt to solve the case. John Stoerback plays Mob Boss “Charles Muzzatti” just watching Stoerback on screen gives you that erring feeling in your stomach wondering if you are going to get wacked. Former NY Yankee Billy Sample plays Mayor Benjamin Barnes and is a perfect fit. “Samantha Owens” played by newcomer Katelyn Pearce is sexy and talented – a rare combination in a horror film.
Gravedigger is driven by an intense music score that adds rock and roll creepiness to the entire film. Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, lead guitarist of (“Guns N’ Roses”) lends upmost precision and his original music to the film. You don’t get that kind of musical talent in many independent films and with all the perfection going on in Gravedigger it shows that it is a key element of the film.
After success on the film festival circuit, I’m sure Gravedigger we will be seeing gravedigger available to the public in 2014.
Gravedigger is Directed by, Doug Bollinger (“Waltzing Anna”). Produced by, Keith Collins. Executive Producers John Stoerback, Michael Levine & Jeff Quinlan (“Bare Knuckles”). Co-Executive Producer Brandon Ruckdashel. Line Producer Theresa Galeani. Written by, Joseph & Billy Pepitone. STARRING:: Keith Collins (“Stuck in the Middle”,”The Meat Puppet”), Brandon Ruckdashel (“Co-Ed Confidential”), Jim McKeown, Angela Sharp, John Stoerback (“The Next Vigilante”), Katelyn Pearce, Rachel Barrer WITH Billy Sample (“Former NY Yankee”) AND Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (“Guns N’ Roses”). Alongside a well-rounded cast with many special appearances Including: Jim Leyritz (Former “NY Yankee”), Brian McRae (Former “NY Met”,”KC Royals”), Annette Dziamba (“The Apprentice”,”Playboy”), Gregg Valentino (TLC’s “The Man Whose Arms Exploded”), Gervase Peterson (“Survivor, Season One”), Emilio Masella (Oxygen’s “Love Games”), Gary Garver (“formerly from the Howard Stern Show”), Mark Pinkhasovich ( NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”), April Hunter (“WCW”, ”TNA”), Anastasia Smith (“NY Majesty Lingerie Football League”), Theresa Galeani (“Cross the Line”, “I am Legend”), Joe Sernio (“All My Children”), Cindy Fox (“The Naked Cowgirl”), Adam (“Speed bag Scissorhands”) Salomon.
Photo Courtesy Of: Steve Mack
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