Los Angeles, CA  - December 1, 2009

Red Canyon, cult indie hit, is going on sale at Amazon.com on December 15, 2009.  The film stars Norman Reedus, fresh from Boondock Saints II, Justin Hartley of Smallville, Christine Lakin, (Escape to Witch Mountain), Tim Draxl, (Swimming Upstream), Noah Fleiss, (Brick) Ankur Bhatt, (DIRT), and Katie Maguire.

This film follows a brother and sister, Devon (Draxl), and Regina, (Lakin), and three friends, (Hartley, Bhatt, and Maguire), who return to small town in the badlands of Utah to dispose of their mother’s property.  Devon and Regina survived a brutal attack in the same town years before and going home has them both on edge.

Devon has come home to finish the family’s business – Regina has returned to confront the past and put it behind her forever.  She remembers only vague fragments of what they did her, and she hopes that going back may make her remember, and if she can remember, then she can forget.

But going home Devon and Regina see old faces and are confronted with old rivalries.  Mac Johnson (Norman Reedus) for one, isn’t happy to see Devon and Regina back in the desert.

The situation quickly spins out of control and Regina realizes that nothing and no one can be trusted, not even her own memories.  She finds that going home can be murder.

This film combines a stunning cast including veterans of the indie cult hits, “Brick,” “Boondock Saints,” “Hottie and Nottie,” and great television juggernauts such as “Dirt” and the hit series “Smallville.”   It combines outstanding cinematography with the debut of exciting new director Giovanni Rodriguez.  Much like Wes Craven’s debut film, “Last House on the Left” – “RED CANYON” will be an important piece of film history.

ORDER IT AMAZON.COM today!

Christine Matey is the winner of a Justin Hartley autographed Red Canyon script and Ross Allen is the winner of a Christine Lakin autographed script!  Congratulations to both of you!!!  Read the winning reviews below!

Review Number One by Christine Matey:

Red Canyon is a horror film by Giovanni Rodriguez and Laura Pratt that stars Norman Reedus,Noah Fleiss,Christine Lakin,Tim Draxl and Justin hartley. The film is a disturbing masterpeice into the minds of some very dark and twisted characters. It was filmed on location in Utah along the longest stretch of deserted highway in the U.S where lawlessness occurs as a way of life. The story focuses on a brother and sister Devon and Regina Ashton who return to their hometown years after an unspeakable crime was committed against them to deal with property left by their mother. Both deal with their nightmarish ordeal in different ways. Regina is fearful of everyone and everything and struggles with her inability to remember exactly what happened that fateful night that changed their lives forever. Devon is overprotective of Regina and treats her as though she may break at any moment. Along for the ride is Devons girlfriend Terra played by Katie Maguire who seems jealous of Devon’s constant attention of Regina. Their friend Samir played by Ankur Bhatt who seems to have a soft spot for Regina. Last but not least is Tom played by Justin Hartley who is Devon and Regina’s cousin,the wisecracker who’s only out for a good time.
Almost immediately Regina is flooded with fractured glimpses of the past that she can’t quite grasp and is unsure wether their real or only in her imagination.It doesn’t take the group long to run into trouble in the form of a local named Mac played chillingly by Norman Reedus. Mac was involved in the past ordeal and hasn’t forgotten what took place that night. Before long he starts a deadly cat and mouse game with the group that plays out in the most beautiful and harsh landscapes in America. Pulled in to the nightmare is the local sherriff played by Richard T. Pratt who has more than he can handle and the deputy Harley played by Noah Fleiss. Harley has always had feelings for Regina and wants nothing more than to protect her from things even she can’t remember. Also caught up in the web of violence and secrets is a local bar owner Walter played by Walter Rodriguez. Walter had a mysterious relationship with Devon and Regina’s mother long ago.
Red Canyon takes you on a rollercoaster ride of survival and madness where nothing is what it seems and no one is who you think they are.
What would you do with nowhere to go and no one to count on?
When help isn’t merely a phone call away. This movie will keep you guessing right up to the end and then slams you with an ending you won’t see coming.
The poster asks “What is the worst thing you can imagine?” and this film delivers. To me the scariest films are the ones where the evil acts are committed by normal human beings and they are things that can happen to anyone. I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves a good horror or psychological thriller or your merely a fan of anyone in the stellar cast.
This film will stick with you long after the credits have faded.
It’s already garnered attention at the Strasbourg International film festival and was so controversial Utah refused to give their normal rebate and incentive package for filming on location. It’s a pulse pounding journey into the minds of those without conscious or remorse. Not suitable for children under 17.
Released October 20th exclusively at Hollywood Video and movie gallery.
I had to make a 45 minute drive and get a membership just to view it but it was well worth it in my opinion but don’t take my word for it!
Check it out yourself.
Here are some links to get you motivated.

The Official site http://www.redcanyonmovie.com/
Their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/RedCanyon?v=app_6261817190#
Their facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Canyon/99625973728?ref=ts
Follow them on Twitter http://twitter.com/RedCanyonMovie

Review Number Two by Ross Allen:

Red Canyon looks like a normal horror film at first, starts a little slow, but then it hooks you and it becomes clear this is something more complex. The movie starts with Devon ((Tim Draxl) comforting his sister Regina (Christine Lakin), who asks him to tell her what happened… she’s beaten up – bandaged and can’t remember… Devon tells her and we see the beginning of a brutal attack. By the end of the film it’s clear that what Devon told Regina wasn’t exactly the truth. The truth was much much worse and more dangerous than Regina could have imagined. So dangerous that it could destroy them all. The movie also stars Norman Reedus, Justin Hartley, and Ankur Bhatt (who was very funny in the movie series Dirt). This is a great film!

Win a chance to get an ORIGINAL RED CANYON shooting script autographed by JUSTIN HARTLEY or CHRISTINE LAKIN!

YOU MUST BE 18 to ENTER since RED CANYON isn’t for the younguns. Post a review of RED CANYON on your blog, Facebook page, IMDB, You Tube, or the RED CANYON Fansite on our web page at www.redcanyonthemovie.com and e-mail us the link at: laura@bootgirlfilms.com. We will NOT release e-mail addresses to any third party, sale them, or give them to our mama’s tennis group, or bug you after the contest.   We are too lazy.

We WILL post the reviews on the Red Canyon website and put all the reviews in a hat and choose the winning review at random. This contest is running all weekend November  20 – 22nd at midnight PST, and we will announce the winners at noon on Monday on the Red Canyon Website!  So if you haven’t seen the movie go get it at Hollywood Video or Movie Gallery!

We want this contest to be as exciting and creative as possible – so tweet it - put it on your Facebook page, the quest is on for a piece of Justin Hartley, Christine Lakin, and a little bit of movie history.

Holy shit! I did not expect anything this twisted or good! I wanted to see this for? awhile, but given what’s out there right now – the bar was low. But this is a SCARY movie – by end… wow… well… I wanted my mommy.   Moviefreak288

I saw this in a film festival about a year ago – and I have to say – this is one of the few movies that has really stuck? with me. It started a little slow… but by the end. Wow. The friend I saw it with was shell shocked for a couple of days afterward. This is a such a scary story because it really can happen. The director spoke at the screening and said he was really influenced by Asian horror. I’m a huge Asian horror freak myself – and this film is as good as any I’ve seen.  AnnaDashTwo

This movie had great cinematography – great actors – but man – it was just too freaky. Maybe it was too real, but that last scene was just like a punch in the stomach – she looked kind of sexy – and then I was grossed out by thinking that…uggghhh. I don’t think I’m ready for anything more complicated than Friday 13th — where killers kill – you don’t have to think about it. They’re programmed – like robots to do their thing. filmfrenzy9

Red Canyon takes a fresh, and really professional, turn with classic horror story ideas. It has a nice polish that most of these lower budget horror films lack, and doesn’t have the feel of “let’s run this direction screaming now”.  mpeoplesearch

Red Canyon is sickest – best – horror film I’ve see in awhile.   Okay, I get that even though I hate Hollywood sequels (except Texas Chainsaw: The Beginning) that I’m kind of used to the formula thing. Attractive young people get trapped – usually in a mountain cabin of some sort… and even though I thought the trailer for this bitch looked new and different – I honestly didn’t expect something so different. I’ve watched this movie twice in past three days. It’s so intense – and the end is so – well sick…and twisted… that I felt like I’d missed some things.

Red Canyon is obviously a smaller movie and I hope people give it a try… reminds me a bit of the first “Last House on the Left” – not the story, which is completely different, but the feel of the movie. The rawness of that film and how it took chances and was pretty ballsy – even if everything didn’t work perfectly. I think this director could be a new Wes Craven…   rb189

November 2, 2009 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Utah Calls Film ‘Too Controversial’

Salt Lake City, UT – Just in time for the Halloween season Red Canyon, has hit the rental shelves of Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery. Fans are buzzing about the creepy new thriller, giving it high praise and positive reviews, but it’s also generating buzz from a more unlikely source. The state of Utah has deemed it ‘too controversial’ and denied the filmmakers tax incentives that are designed to bring filmmaking into the state.

Says writer/producer Laura Pratt, “Red Canyon highlights the beauties of Utah more than any film has in the past thirty years.  But because Red Canyon is terrifying and very dark, the film was denied incentives, which are meant to lure films to Utah and create jobs.  We were able to make the film in Utah anyway, but other films will choose to go elsewhere – along with the jobs that those films create.”

Despite the lack of tax credits for the film, in its first week of release, it’s already beginning to show signs of success. Hollywood Video stores across the country have reported the film being rented in good numbers, with many stores showing that the film is completely out of stock. This shows that the controversy hasn’t harmed Red Canyon’s showing with fans as of yet.  In fact, with Halloween just behind us, it’s possible the controversy may even help.

Red Canyon, a thriller that’s been compared to “High Tension” and “The Last House on the Left” is about Regina and Devon, a brother and sister returning to the hometown where they once experienced unimaginable horrors. What happens when they return to the scene of the crime? Will they be able to exorcise their past once and for all? Or has the past never really let them go?

Starring Justin Hartley (Smallville), Norman Reedus (Boondock Saints 1&2), Noah Fleiss (Brick) and Christine Lakin (Race to Witch Mountain), Red Canyon is now available for rental at Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery.

###

For more information regarding Red Canyon or to schedule an interview with the actors or writer/director/producer, please contact Laura Pratt at laurabootgirl@mac.com

For more information regarding Red Canyon:

http://www.redcanyonthemovie.com

Contact: laurabootgirl@mac.com

Phone: 888-583-5660

RED CANYON will be playing one more day at TOWER THEATER on 9th East and 9th South in Salt Lake City.  Wednesday the 21st showings will be at 3:00p.m., 5:00p.m., 7:00p.m. and 9:00p.m.

RED CANYON is also available at Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery after October 20, 2009! In RED CANYON, REGINA and her brother DEVON return to their family home in the badlands of Utah. But in coming home they awaken a killing rage in a town where everyone has ties that bind.  They realize too late that the past should stay dead and buried.  Otherwise, it doesn’t haunt – it hurts. The cast of “Red Canyon” consists of Norman Reedus, “Boondock Saints” and “Blade II,”  Noah Fleiss, the Indie anti-hero of “Brick.”   Other members of the cast include:  Christine Lakin,  ”Super Capers” and “The Hottie and the Nottie,”  Tim Draxl, “Swimming Upstream,” Ankur Bhatt, Katie Maguire, Walter Rodriguez, and Richard Pratt. “Red Canyon,” was filmed on the longest stretch of uninhabited highway in the United States.  This area is a major drug trafficking corridor and in the badlands of Utah meth-amphetamine use, violence, rape, insanity, and poverty co-exist with the most incredible natural landscapes on earth.  “Red Canyon” explores many of dark things that still happen in the still lawless corners of the west. RESERVE YOUR VIDEO TODAY!

Red Canyon Pictures Announces a Sneak Peek of Film “Red Canyon” at Strasbourg International Film Festival

“Red Canyon,” a feature film by Puerto Rican director, Giovanni Rodriguez, will screen at La Grotte on Friday the 19th of September at 6:00 or 18:00.  La Grotte is located at:  15 rue des juifs   67000 STRASBOURG.

Red Canyon is reminiscent of the French thriller “High Tension” and the American film “The Devil’s Rejects.”

The cast of “Red Canyon” consists of Norman Reedus, “Boondock Saints” and Noah Fleiss, the Indie anti-hero of “Brick.” Other members of the cast include: Christine Lakin, fresh from the “Hottie and Nottie,” Tim Draxl, “Swimming Upstream,” Ankur Bhatt, Katie Maguire, Walter Rodriguez, and Richard Pratt.

In RED CANYON, REGINA, 21, and DEVON ASHTON, 23, return to their family home in the badlands of Utah. But in coming home they awaken a killing rage in a town where everyone has ties that bind. They realize too late that the past should stay dead and buried. Otherwise, it doesn’t haunt – it hurts.

After working in film for many years, co-writers Giovanni Rodriguez and Laura Pratt were able to procure financing for their savagely fun and disturbing screenplay. The strong writing and edgy nature of “Red Canyon” lured veteran New York and Hollywood actors to the badlands of Southern Utah for filming.

“Red Canyon,” was filmed near the longest stretch of uninhabited highway in the United States. This area is a major drug trafficking corridor and in the badlands of Utah meth-amphetamine use, violence, rape, insanity, and poverty co-exist with the most incredible natural landscapes on earth. “Red Canyon” explores many of dark things that still happen in the still lawless corners of the west.

The film was so controversial it was turned down for the film rebates and incentives package the state of Utah gives productions that shoot in the state.

The end result is that “Red Canyon” has an amazing look rarely seen in Indie features. It is a dark, edgy story that will leave you guessing until the end. The film caught the attention of screeners at the Strasbourg International film festival.

For more information on “Red Canyon,” visit: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1064801/ or www.redcanyonthemovie.com or call 888.583.5660.

Red Canyon Pictures Announces a Sneak Peek of Film “Red Canyon” at Strasbourg International Film Festival

“Red Canyon,” a feature film by Puerto Rican director, Giovanni Rodriguez, will screen at La Grotte on Friday the 19th of September at 6:00 or 18:00.  La Grotte is located at:  15 rue des juifs   67000 STRASBOURG.

Red Canyon is reminiscent of the French thriller “High Tension” and the American film “The Devil’s Rejects.” 

The cast of “Red Canyon” consists of Norman Reedus, “Boondock Saints” and Noah Fleiss, the Indie anti-hero of “Brick.”   Other members of the cast include:  Christine Lakin, fresh from the “Hottie and Nottie,” Tim Draxl, “Swimming Upstream,” Ankur Bhatt, Katie Maguire, Walter Rodriguez, and Richard Pratt.

In RED CANYON, REGINA, 21, and DEVON ASHTON, 23, return to their family home in the badlands of Utah. But in coming home they awaken a killing rage in a town where everyone has ties that bind.  They realize too late that the past should stay dead and buried.  Otherwise, it doesn’t haunt – it hurts.     

After working in film for many years, co-writers Giovanni Rodriguez and Laura Pratt were able to procure financing for their savagely fun and disturbing screenplay.  The strong writing and edgy nature of “Red Canyon” lured veteran New York and Hollywood actors to the badlands of Southern Utah for filming.

“Red Canyon,” was filmed near the longest stretch of uninhabited highway in the United States.  This area is a major drug trafficking corridor and in the badlands of Utah meth-amphetamine use, violence, rape, insanity, and poverty co-exist with the most incredible natural landscapes on earth.  “Red Canyon” explores many of dark things that still happen in the still lawless corners of the west.

The film was so controversial it was turned down for the film rebates and incentives package the state of Utah gives productions that shoot in the state. 

The end result is that “Red Canyon” has an amazing look rarely seen in Indie features.  It is a dark, edgy story that will leave you guessing until the end.  The film caught the attention of screeners at the Strasbourg International film festival.

For more information on “Red Canyon,” visit: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1064801/ orwww.redcanyonthemovie.com or call 888.583.5660. 

Red Canyon Pictures Announces a Sneak Peek of Film “Red Canyon” at HBO Presents:  NYLIFF

“Red Canyon,” a feature film by Puerto Rican director, Giovanni Rodriguez, will screen at the Helen Mills Theatre, 139 West 26^th Street (Between 6^th and 7^th Avenue), at 10:30PM on Saturday, July 26^th, as part of the HBO Presents: International Latino Film Festival.

The cast of “Red Canyon” consists of Norman Reedus, “Boondock Saints” and Noah Fleiss, the Indie anti-hero of “Brick.”   Other members of the cast include:  Christine Lakin, fresh from the “Hottie and Nottie,” Tim Draxl, “Swimming Upstream,” Ankur Bhatt, Katie Maguire, Walter Rodriguez, and Richard Pratt.

In RED CANYON, REGINA, 21, and DEVON ASHTON, 23, return to their family home in the badlands of Utah.  But in coming home they awaken a killing rage in a town where everyone has ties that bind.  They realize too late that the past should stay dead and buried.  Otherwise it climbs out of the earth – not to haunt – but to hurt.     

After working in film for many years, co-writers Giovanni Rodriguez and Laura Pratt were able to procure financing for their savagely fun and disturbing screenplay.  The strong writing and edgy nature of “Red Canyon” lured veteran New York and Hollywood actors to the badlands of Southern Utah for filming.

“Red Canyon,” was filmed near the longest stretch of uninhabited highway in the United States.  This area is a major drug trafficking corridor and in the badlands of Utah meth-amphetamine use, violence, rape, insanity, and poverty co-exist with the most incredible natural landscapes on earth.  “Red Canyon” explores many of dark things that still happen in the still lawless corners of the west.

The film was so controversial it was turned down for the film rebates and incentives package the state of Utah gives productions that shoot in the state. 

The end result is that “Red Canyon” has an amazing look rarely seen in Indie features.  It is a dark, edgy story that will leave you guessing until the end.  The film caught the attention of screeners at the HBO Presents:  International Latino Film Festival and they placed the film in their “Films on The Edge,” category to acknowledge this is a very scary ride. 

For more information on “Red Canyon,” visit: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1064801/  or call 888.583.5660.  

“RED CANYON” SCRIPT

A note from the writers

5/7/08

When we, (Laura Pratt and Giovanni Rodriguez) were writing the screenplay for “Red Canyon” we studied horror and psychological thriller films, novels, and short stories thoroughly looking at recent blockbusters like the “SAW,” “Hostel,” and “Scream.” We watched a slew of Japanese and Korean horror films then went to the classics such as “Halloween” and “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and then further back to films such as “Psycho” and the earliest thrillers like “M,” “Frankenstein,” and “The Cabinet of Dr. Calagari.”  We looked at Poe, Stephen King, and H. P. Lovecraft.

While almost everything was creepy and disturbing in it’s own way, the stories that impressed us the most were based on how people really act – the stories that could actually happen.   It is entertaining to see a half naked girl being chased by a psychotic maniac who can’t be killed – but we found that the things that truly frightened us came from what people really do.   Life is often much scarier than fiction.   Most crimes can be traced to money, drugs, booze, sex, or insanity – and it’s usually a combination of one or more of the above.   Quite obviously a prevalent aspect in assaults on women have to do with rape and sexual sadism.

So Giovanni and I asked ourselves what is real?  What is truly horrifying?  What is the worst thing we could imagine?  Is it being hurt or killed?  Or is it seeing someone we loved being hurt and powerless to stop it?  What would that do to the victim?  What would it do to the person who was forced to watch?   

We started with that question and framed it around the small Pratt family farm in Southern Utah that lies in the shadow of a large mesa.  The farm is very isolated and surrounded by weird twisted landscapes.   Many people have spent sleepless nights at the farm asking themselves…what if…what if…what if – and have only felt safe falling asleep in the early hours of dawn. 

TEST SCREENING

In April we had a test screening of “Red Canyon” and the audience filled out questionnaires and afterward we held small discussion groups to talk about the film.  On the whole the audience found it gripping and disturbing.

Everyone agreed that Christine Lakin, Tim Draxl, Norman Reedus and Noah Fleiss did an excellent job portraying people who’d been profoundly damaged by one devastating event.    

They also agreed that Justin Hartley, Ankur Bhatt, Richard Pratt, and Katie Maguire did an excellent job portraying people caught in a situation they didn’t understand. 

The sense of realism disturbed some of the viewers.  Many women in particular found it disturbing.  They felt like these things could and did happen. 

The consensus was that “Red Canyon” goes to place where most films wouldn’t dream of going – and getting there is one hell of a ride.

POST PRODUCTION

In April we started wrapping up post production on “Red Canyon” starring Christine Lakin, Norman Reedus, Tim Draxl, Justin Hartley, Noah Fleiss, Ankur Bhatt, Katie Maguire, Walter Rodriguez, and Richard Pratt. 

Postproduction editing had been carried out at Savage Pictures in Salt Lake City, an extremely good boutique-editing house owned by veteran editors Mike Fox and Steve Haugen.  Savage Pictures specializes in state of the art high definition editing. 

After such an intense work schedule it was particularly sad to wrap up post-production and say goodbye to our editor Ian Seymour.  Ian had been a part of the editing teams that completed such notable films as “Penelope,” “In Bruges,” and “The Proposition,” and has an excellent sense of story and composition.    Ian’s work on “The Proposition,” an excellent film starring Guy Pierce was really what drew him to our attention.   Ian was amazing to work with and we felt very lucky to get such a skilled editor. 

We also said goodbye to our assistant editor Troy Rackley who was so technically skilled that he was a terrific asset.  Troy had lent his talents to such films as “An Inconvenient Truth,” in the past. 

Once “Red Canyon” was locked and ready for sound design Giovanni Rodriguez, the director, was finally able to abandon his adopted state of Utah and return home New York. 

In New York Giovanni, who is an extremely talented musician himself, oversaw the final sound elements for the film.   Giovanni worked with DuArt Film and Video in New York where the post-production sound elements were added.   DuArt has been a post production house since roughly 1925 and has worked on many productions, including:  “The People vs. Larry Flynt,”  “Slacker,”  “Crumb,” and “Eat, Drink, Man, Woman.”  It was interesting and exciting to work with a post house whose history goes back to the silent era of films.   

Rob Filomena of RZRHD Razorhead Music also came on board in New York as the composer for “Red Canyon.”   Rob composed a great score for the film.  His steel guitar work is phenomenal – and the entire score is extremely haunting. 

The “Red Canyon” cast partially re-united in Los Angeles for “ADR” at Shoreline Studios in Santa Monica.  Christine Lakin, Tim Draxl, Justin Hartley, and Ankur Bhatt all participated in ADR.  Giovanni Rodriguez and the producers Laura Pratt, and Michael Dungan flew in from New York.  It was everyone’s first time being together since filming.  It was particularly nice not to see everyone covered in blood or dirt.