Umbrelic Entertainment has announced the launch of Anchor Bay Entertainment, their new distribution arm. Co-founders Thomas Zambeck and Brian Katz aim to curate a diverse library of films for distribution, including new release genre films, cult classics, undiscovered treasures, and remastered catalog releases. The name 'Anchor Bay' pays homage to the iconic home media distributor that was beloved by fans of VHS tapes and horror DVDs in the '90s and 2000s.
Zambeck explains the significance of the name choice, stating, 'We had an opportunity to take the name of a beloved genre film brand, one we feel a personal connection to, for our new company. This is a new venture, unaffiliated with any previous incarnations. We aim to honor the history and spirit of the past as we look for interesting films that break the mold and will be discovered by new generations for years to come.'
Since its inception in 2018, Umbrelic Entertainment, led by Zambeck and Katz, has produced and executive produced over 14 feature films. Some of their recent releases include the horror thriller 'Monstrous,' directed by Chris Sivertson and starring Christina Ricci, the crime thriller 'American Murderer,' featuring Tom Pelphrey and Ryan Phillippe, the sci-fi thriller 'Share' with Bradley Whitford and Alice Braga, and the dark comedy 'Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose,' directed by Adam Sigal and starring Simon Pegg, Minnie Driver, and Christopher Lloyd. They also released the Emile Hirsch murder mystery 'Helen’s Dead.'
Currently, Umbrelic Entertainment is in post-production on three additional films: 'Hellfire,' starring Stephen Lang and Harvey Keitel, 'Deep Six,' featuring Tom Welling and Cam Gigandet, and the screen life horror 'Stay at Home,' which includes Jenna Davis and Lilah Pate in its cast. The company is represented by Nick LoPiccolo and Babacar Diene of the Paradigm Agency.
Thomas Zambeck, who brings over 16 years of post-production experience to the table, has previously worked at the old Anchor Bay Entertainment, as well as Starz, Sony, and Post Haste Digital. He holds a degree from the University of Michigan and currently resides in Los Angeles. Brian Katz, on the other hand, is a seasoned film production veteran and sales professional with more than 20 years of experience in the technology, manufacturing, and private equity fields. He resides in the Detroit Area.
Anchor Bay Entertainment is making its debut by distributing two unique films: 'Abruptio,' a groundbreaking horror film enacted entirely with lifelike puppets in realistic settings, and 'Dinner with Leatherface,' a documentary exploring the life of Gunnar Hansen, the actor behind the iconic character Leatherface in the 1974 film 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.'
'Abruptio' has been a labor of love, taking nearly eight years to complete from script to post-production. Written and directed by Evan Marlowe, the film features an impressive cast including James Marsters, Christopher McDonald, Hana Mae Lee, Jordan Peele, Sid Haig, Rich Fulcher, and Robert Englund. The use of puppets sets it apart from traditional horror films, offering audiences a unique viewing experience.
'Dinner with Leatherface' delves into the life of Gunnar Hansen, examining the contrast between the maniacal chainsaw-wielding character he portrayed on-screen and the intelligent, creative, soft-spoken individual Hansen truly was. The documentary features interviews with horror mainstays such as Bruce Campbell, Barbara Crampton, Betsy Baker, Brian O'Halloran, Kim Henkel, Danielle Harris, Linnea Quigley, Kane Hodder, and Debbie Rochon. Additionally, it includes the original cast and crew of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,' including director of photography Daniel Pearl and producer/co-writer Kim Henkel. Michael Kallio, the writer, executive producer, and director of 'Dinner with Leatherface,' collaborated with Lowell Northrop on this anticipated documentary.
With the launch of Anchor Bay Entertainment, Zambeck and Katz are set to bring their passion for unique and captivating films to audiences worldwide. With a commitment to honoring the past while seeking out groundbreaking new projects, their aim is to introduce films that will resonate with diverse audiences for years to come.
