Shot in just six days over Halloween 2021, the trailer for Hitchcock-inspired CASTING KILL was released on 28 October 2022, exactly one year to the day filming commenced with the aim of offering a different take on the horror genre replete with a nod to Old Hollywood glamour.

Casting Kill is a part satire, part suspense thriller. The story follows serial killer Arthur Capstone who holds bogus auditions during his sinister ‘casting roadshow’. The film broaches a number of contemporary themes about the movie business, which certainly isn't devoid of controversy and corruption.

Casting Kill explores the extreme side of film industry corruption set within the horror-genre. The satirical nature of the film may draw some parallels to American Psycho – crass materialism and a yearning for yuppie status – however director, James Smith, was keen for the focus to remain on the movie business, the people and their motivations. Being seen to be virtuous and inclusive is everything, but who can you believe?

James explains, “Despite its nod to yesteryear, I wanted to make Casting Kill a talking point about today’s industry – with what we know of past crimes, who are we now prepared to trust? To preserve the integrity of the subject matter, some of which may be perceived as divisive, certainly controversial, I wanted to make this a truly independent project.”

With its unusual take on horror, Casting Kill is no slasher or gore fest. Like many of Alfred Hitchcock's most renowned productions, it is a collaborative project between UK filmmakers and an American composer, in this case, Shaun Finnegan from New York, who has delivered a score reminiscent of North By Northwest and Vertigo.

With a screenplay by producer Caroline Spence, Casting Kill is the fifth feature film from Raya Films and will enjoy its World Premiere at the Horror-On-Sea Film Festival in Southend-on-Sea City (near London, UK) on 15 January 2023.

Directed by James Smith and produced by Caroline Spence.

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Caroline Spence
Producer

+44 743 867 4043
caroline@rayafilms.com