New-Look De Laurentiis Company Teams With 10th Man Pictures, Head Gear & Film Bridge For Period Horror ‘Xelter’ — AFM
02.11.2023 - 00:35
/ deadline.com
EXCLUSIVE: Film Bridge International is launching sales at AFM on horror Xelter, whose producers include The De Laurentiis Company (Hannibal) and Head Gear Films (Talk To Me).
The period horror film directed by Martin Bonnici is currently in production in Malta, with a cast of Maltese newcomers alongside actors including Brit Bobby Schofield (The Covenant) and Irish actor Moe Dunford (Vikings).
The WWII-set movie charts the legend of the Babaw, a supernatural creature known for stalking and killing children. The film, inspired by true historical events, sees citizens of Malta take shelter from Nazi bombardment in the ancient catacombs underneath the cities, where they suffered deadly peril from collapsing tunnels and entrapment. That experience scarred a generation, and led to stories about creatures that stole children who strayed too far away from their parents.
Screenplay was written by Scottish screenwriter and comics writer Emma Beeby, based on a story Beeby wrote with Gordon Rennie. Above is a first-look image from the movie.
The project was developed and is being produced by 10th Man Pictures, the Maltese company formed by American producer Noah C. Haeussner (Arctic) and Joe Azzopardi and Martin Bonnici of Malta. Joining the production team are the The De Laurentiis Company (Hannibal), Ka-Boom Films, Head Gear Films (Talk To Me), and Film Bridge International.
The De Laurentiis Company is a brand steeped in film lore, having been founded by La Strada and Nights Of Cabiria producer mogul Dino De Laurentiis, and his wife Martha. After moving to Hollywood, the company made cult genre movies including Conan The Barbarian and the original Dune, and then studio movies such as Hannibal and Red Dragon.
Following the