EXCLUSIVE: Ahead of its debut screening at Slamdance, horror comedy Portal to Hell, written, directed, and shot by Woody Bess, has been picked up for worldwide sales and distribution by Raven Banner.
The genre specialist introduced the film to buyers at the EFM in Berlin.
The film tells the story of Dunn (Trey Holland), a debt collector who lives a life of routine until a portal to hell opens in his local laundromat, followed by a demon (Kind) sent to drag his neighbor, Mr. Bobshank (David), to hell for an unpaid debt. Helping people settle their debts is Dunn’s specialty, but when the demon offers a sinister deal—three souls in exchange for Bobshank’s freedom—he refuses. However, when one of his debtors follows him to the laundromat, the line between right and wrong begins to blur, forcing Dunn to make a choice that could cost him his own soul.
Rounding out the cast is Romina D’Ugo, Michael McDonald, Casey Deidrick, Trevor Newlin, Ryan Follesé, Kevin Fonteyne, and Monet Weir.
The film is produced by Trey Holland, Lucas Ford, Tom Watts, and Woody Bess. Little Shadows serves as the production company in association with Hello Moon, Ford Films, Dalmatian Cow, and Baked Studios.
The deal was negotiated between the film’s producers, Lucas Ford and Trey Holland, and Raven’s General Manager, Michael Da Silva, and Managing Partner, Michael Paszt.
“Portal to Hell is an expertly crafted, stylish, and fun film,” Raven Banner’s Da Silva said.
Paszt added: “Bess’ vision and attention to the craft of filmmaking definitely makes him an exciting new filmmaker to watch. We are stoked to be part of this amazing film.”
