J. Horton is an accomplished horror writer/director and his new indie flick A HARD PLACE features a stellar veteran cast that includes Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp, Terrifier 2), Lynn Lowry (Shivers, The Crazies), Sadie Katz (Wrong Turn 6, The Beast Inside), Rachel Amanda Bryant (Craving), Kevin Caliber (“Future Man”), Ashley Undercuffler (Craving, 16 Bits), and Bai Ling (The Crow). Catch it on Digital VOD, including Apple TV and Prime Video May 27th.

Synopsis: After a botched job leaves a trail of bodies behind, a gang of desperate criminals seeks refuge in a remote desert hideout. But their plans fall apart fast when they discover the area is home to something far worse than the law — an ancient war between monstrous predators of day and night. As tensions rise and the body count climbs, the crew must decide if survival is worth trusting each other — or the creatures hunting them.

John Maclean, the writer and director of TORNADO—a period drama set in Britain—joins us to discuss his latest film, which follows a young girl on the run from a ruthless band of bandits. In our conversation, John shares insights into the cast’s dedication, the inspiration behind crafting a samurai narrative within a British setting, and the unique challenges of filming in the Scottish countryside during winter. See the film in theaters starting on May 30th.

Synopsis: Set in the rugged landscape of 1790s Britain, Tornado is a young and determined Japanese woman who finds herself caught in a perilous situation when she and her father’s travelling puppet Samurai show crosses paths with a gang of ruthless criminals led by Sugarman, and his ambitious son Little Sugar. In an attempt to create a new life for herself, Tornado seizes the opportunity to take matters into her own hands and steal the gold from their most recent heist. With her father murdered by the gang and her life in grave danger, Tornado races against time to escape a violent demise and avenge her father’s death.

The Countdown City Geeks continue their interview series featuring influential figures from the entertainment industry. This week, we are honored to speak with Jeff Gomez, CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment.

Like many of us, Jeff’s journey began with a love for superheroes—a fascination that sparked a lifelong passion. But what set Jeff apart was his exceptional curiosity, a trait that evolved into a unique ability to solve complex narrative challenges for major studios. Through his work as a transmedia producer and storyworld strategist, Jeff has played a pivotal role in expanding the mythologies of some of the world’s most beloved franchises.

His impressive portfolio includes contributions to Transformers, Spider-Man, Godzilla, Men in Black, and even the original Turok video game. Jeff’s career stands as a powerful testament to how early passions can evolve into groundbreaking work in the creative industries, taking you further than you ever imagined.