Movie News - Evil Dead Begins Filming

For an entire generation of cinephiles, Sam Raimi's EVIL DEAD was the first foray into the world of horror while simultaneously ruining trips into the bush (woods). 

For a generation of budding film makers it proved that with some motivated friends, a handful of tenacity and a hell of a lot of talent even the most incredible dreams (or nightmares) could be made. 

1981's EVIL DEAD catapulted a young director by the name of Sam Raimi and a square jawed hunk-a-spunk by the name of Bruce Campbell into the spotlight. Reunited again, Raimi, Campbell and Rob Tapert have come together to recreate the terror. Evil Dead has begun filming in New Zealand.

Check out the full press release after the jump!

LENSING UNDERWAY IN NEW ZEALAND FOR “EVIL DEAD” 

EVIL DEAD remake reunites originators Sam Raimi, RobTapert and Bruce Campbell 

Los Angeles, May 04, 2012 - Principal photography has begun on EVIL DEAD, in Auckland, New Zealand and will wrap in early July 2012. 

Ghost House Pictures is producing the much anticipated remake of Sam Raimi's 1981 cult-hit horror film THE EVIL DEAD; the film that effectively launched the careers of Sam Raimi (SPIDER-MAN franchise); RobTapert (30 Days of Night) and Bruce Campbell who played the Ash character and was Co-Producer of the original, now brings them back to produce an EVIL DEAD for today's audience that's high on the horror, gore, plot twists and more from a screenplay written by Fede Alvarez and Rodo Sayagues. Executive Producers are J.R. Young, Nathan Kahane, Joseph Drake and Peter Schlessel.

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) and FilmDistrict have partnered with Ghost House Pictures on a worldwide deal - excluding U.K. and France - for Sony Pictures to distribute the remake of EVIL DEAD.

Five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin where they discover a Book Of The Dead and unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival. 

A core cast of young, fresh talent includes Jane Levy (‘Suburgatory’) as Mia; Shiloh Fernandez (Deadgirl, Red Riding Hood) as David; Lou Taylor Pucci (Carriers) as Eric; Jessica Lucas (Cloverfield) as Olivia and Elizabeth Blackmore (Burning Man, ‘Legend of the Seeker’) as Natalie. 

“This cast of burgeoning talent share the same spirit we had when creating the original,” says Tapert. “The desire to deliver an unexpected and outrageously scary movie experience for the audience.” 

EVIL DEAD marks director Fede Alvarez' feature debut. Originally from Uruguay, Alvarez studied filmmaking and communications, later opening his own production and post production company. In 2005 he won a scholarship to complete a masters in screenwriting in Amsterdam. In November 2009, he posted his four-minute short Panic Attack!, which became an instant viral internet phenomenon prompting intense interest from Hollywood and Ghost House Pictures in particular. 

We found a brilliant artist in Fede Alvarez. As a director, he understands what makes a story work and how to put the pieces together,” says Raimi. “I'm really excited to see this story, that I care deeply about, retold by such a fine storyteller.”

EVIL DEAD will release in Australian cinemas on May 2, 2013.