Chiller TV Ramps Up Original Programming

Steve Barton |

Jan 6, 2012

Source Name:

Variety

Source Url:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118048190

Post Thumb:

/studios/chiller.jpg

Chiller TV Ramps Up Original Programming Instead of just showing endless reruns over and over and over again, Chiller TV is finally finding its footing and is officially ramping up its original content for the new year! Between this and FEARnet, our horror channel prayers may finally be answered.

According to Variety, NBC/Universal horror network Chiller is doubling down on original programming, with the filmmakers behind the 2009 Troll 2 documentary Best Worst Movie prepping a new feature titled The American Scream to debut this year.

In it documentarians Meyer Shwarzstein and Lindsay Stephenson follow haunted house enthusiasts, in much the same way that Worst Movie explored the evolution of 1990 monster movie Troll 2 from a critically maligned flop to a cult favorite.

Just like sister net Syfy caters to science fiction and fantasy aficionados, Chiller aims to tap into different veins of horror fandom with its new slate. Author cred is a big deal at the net: Michael Laimo’s novel Dead Souls, about a teen who inherits his crazy preacher father’s mysterious house, will get a telepic adaptation alongside the previously announced Brian Keene’s Ghoul.

Meanwhile, horror hyphenate Larry Fessenden is developing a suspense horror pic dubbed Beneath, set in a leaky, oarless boat floating in the middle of a lake with a monster in it.

None of the scripted films have airdates. American Scream is set for October.

Chiller is also booking new specials — AEP Media’s “Real Fear: The Truth Behind the Movies” features Katrina Weidmanan, who appeared on “Paranormal State” on A&E. The show looks into the true stories that inspired horror flicks including Silent Hill, The Amityville Horror, The Mothman Prophecies and Poltergeist.

The second series is “Can You Survive a Horror Movie?” from Savannah Media, which answers pressing questions about subjects including the actual speed of a zombie invasion and exactly how long a person can survive being buried alive.