The world of genre film is about to get a whole lot more intriguing, as the writers behind the iconic 'The Conjuring' franchise, Chad and Carey Hayes, have joined forces with Night Market Studios. This new Singapore-based production company is set to bring a fresh and exciting take on horror, thriller, and action-comedy, drawing inspiration from Asian settings and mythologies. With a focus on elevating these genres and ensuring franchise scalability and remake potential, Night Market Studios is poised to make a significant impact on the global film industry.
The Hayes brothers' involvement in this project is particularly exciting, as they bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record in crafting compelling and suspenseful stories. Their writing and producing credits include 'The Conjuring,' 'The Conjuring 2,' 'The Reaping,' 'The Crucifixion,' and 'The Turning,' as well as a remake of 'House of Wax.' Their expertise in the genre is undeniable, and their collaboration with Night Market Studios is sure to result in some remarkable cinematic experiences.
Night Market Studios' debut slate is a diverse and captivating collection of films. 'The Damned,' directed by the Oscar-nominated Pawo Choyning Dorji, tells a chilling tale of a desperate expectant father who becomes a vessel for a forbidden Taoist ritual, unleashing a force from the underworld. This film promises to be a gripping and emotionally charged horror story, with a unique blend of Asian mythology and human emotion.
'Coverband Heist,' directed by Angga Dwimas Sasongko, is an action-comedy set in Jakarta. It follows a group of musicians who attempt a heist during an exclusive hotel event, adding a layer of humor and excitement to the mix. Sasongko's previous work, 'Stealing Raden Saleh' and 'Jumbo,' showcases his talent for crafting engaging and visually stunning films.
'Imprint,' directed by Marie Jamora, is a supernatural thriller that explores the dark side of the human psyche. It follows a Filipino-American woman who returns to the Philippines after her father's murder and discovers a psychic ability that allows her to track a serial killer in the spirit world. With an executive producer role played by Liza Soberano, this film is sure to captivate audiences with its blend of suspense and cultural authenticity.
Rounding out the slate is 'The Curse of Bali,' a romantic horror-comedy that takes a playful yet serious look at Balinese superstitions. With a focus on relationships and a touch of humor, this film promises to be a delightful and entertaining addition to the genre.
The founders of Night Market Studios, Janice Chua and Sean Dulake, believe in the power of Asian storytelling and its ability to captivate global audiences. They aim to bring together acclaimed genre storytellers, bold regional voices, and commercially ambitious storytelling under one banner. By doing so, they hope to create a platform that showcases the diverse and rich tapestry of Asian culture and mythology while also appealing to a worldwide audience.
The Hayes brothers share this vision, emphasizing the universal appeal of genre films when they are grounded in authentic culture, mythology, and human emotion. Their collaboration with Night Market Studios is a testament to their belief in the potential of Asian genre storytelling to transcend language and borders. With their combined expertise and passion, they are set to create something truly special, pushing the boundaries of what genre films can achieve.
Night Market Studios' commitment to filmmaker-driven stories that feel both deeply rooted and globally cinematic is a refreshing approach in the industry. By bringing together diverse talents and perspectives, they aim to create a platform that celebrates the unique and the surprising, while also appealing to a broad and international audience. With their debut slate, they are certainly setting the stage for some exciting and groundbreaking genre films.