I’ve seen updates about this on Facebook, but this is Horror Society’s first update on the upcoming short film, Eliza’s Diary. It is written by and stars Carmela Hayslett, most known for her role as horror hostess Roxsy Tyler. Eliza’s Diary is kind of reminiscent of the subplot in Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets. Ok, well that’s just my inner nerd talking… Horror fans will definitely appreciate the plot as it fits in with older iconic shows like Twilight Zone and Night Gallery. Have I grabbed your attention yet? Good! Read the press release below for all the details on Eliza’s Diary as it stands today. Check back here at Horror Society for all future updates on Eliza’s Diary, as the film will be opening a finishing fundraiser page and releasing a trailer very soon!
“In early April principle photography began on Eliza’s Diary a short film produced by the creators of “Roxsy Tyler’s Carnival of Horrors” and new crime-drama based horror flick Deer Crossing which just received world-wide distribution through Osirus Entertainment. Eliza’s Diary was written by and will be starring Carmela Hayslett (better known as horror hostess Roxsy Tyler). “I’m still new to acting and I wanted to get myself out of my comfort zone. Taking on the character of Eliza was going to be a real challenge for me,” says Hayslett.
Eliza’s life seems to be falling apart for the moment. She’s dealing with a bad break-up after being cheated on and to make matters worse her womanizing big brother, Robbie, comes to live with her against her wishes. Eliza then releases her frustrations by writing in a diary she bought at a thrift shop. When Eliza finds a response written in her journal she assumes it’s Robbie. Eliza then discovers the book is writing itself and is being penned by a spirit named Alfred. This unique connection with Alfred is very exciting until he starts demanding he be “released” from the confines of the diary’s pages.
It’s an ode to classic scary stories from the likes of what we have seen in old television shows like “The Twilight Zone” and “Night Gallery”. Hayslett states the film will not have the “look” of the old television shows but will have the feel of them. “I really want this short film to remind people of classic scary story telling,” says Hayslett who co-directed the film with Christian Jude Grillo (Deer Crossing, Booley). “This is by far the most complicated film we’ve ever shot but it’s going to look great,” Grillo stated.
The film includes one of Hayslett’s co-hosts from the Carnival of Horrors: Chuck “Dr. Villhelm” Maher playing Eliza’s brother Robbie. D.M. Folger Jr. as Jack, and behind the cameras are Mr. Potent Christian Jude Grillo and Johnnie “13” Howard. “Eliza’s Diary was shot locally at New Girl Boutique and Photography in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Principal photography ends soon on the film and will undergo a month of post-production with Grillo and his visual fx artist David Gechman (theblackshirt.net). The film will be opening an indiegogo.com account for finishing costs and will reveal a trailer. The donations asked for are very small: For $25.00 contributors get Eliza’s Diary on DVD hosted and signed by the cast of Roxsy Tyler’s Carnival of Horrors. You can e-mail Carmela at carmelahayslett@live.com for more info. The film is scheduled to premier at Philadelphia’s International House on June 2nd and shortly after will be submitted to film festivals all over the country.”
