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Dread Central
Type of site
Horror news, interviews, reviews
Available inEnglish
Country of originUnited States
OwnerDread Central Media, LLC
(Epic Pictures Group)
EditorsMary Beth McAndrews, Josh Korngut, Justin Wood
URLdreadcentral.com
CommercialYes
LaunchedJuly 4, 2006; 17 years ago (2006-07-04)
Current statusOnline

Dread Central is an American website founded in 2006 that is dedicated to horror news, interviews, and reviews. It covers horror films, comics, novels, and toys. Dread Central has won the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award for Best Website four times and was selected as AMC's Site of the Week in 2008.

History

Dread Central was founded on July 4, 2006.[1] When a venture to create a horror-themed cable television channel stalled, the web team left and established their own news site.[2][3] In 2012, a negative review posted by Scott Foy attracted controversy when Foy and the film's director, Jim Wynorski, engaged in a verbal altercation online.[4] On September 30, 2019, Jonathan Barkan announced he was stepping down as editor-in-chief. As of December 2021, Mary Beth McAndrews is now Editor-in-Chief and Josh Korngut is managing editor. [5]Justin Wood was brought on board early in 2024 as Games Editor for Dread Central's video game coverage.[6]

Website

The site's staff use horror-themed aliases. The website has a broad focus, and it covers both mainstream and fringe topics that range from horror films to comics to toys. Besides reviews and news, they also host several podcasts.[7] Steve Persall of the Tampa Bay Times states, "if it gushes blood or desecrates flesh, Dread Central covers it."[8] The site is oriented toward a male demographic and favors edgy, exploitative films.[8]

After 10 years, Dread Central became reader-supported via Patreon.[9] This would make Dread Central the first genre news site to switch from being ad-supported to being crowd supported.[10] Celebrity supporters include John Carpenter,[10] Gale Anne Hurd,[10] Sid Haig,[11] Adam Green,[11] and Darren Lynn Bousman.[12]

Other ventures

In 2007, Dread Central and VersusMedia announced Horror D'Oeuvres, a competition for independent short films.[13][14] In 2008, the site partnered with several other prominent horror sites and studios in a horror-themed auction to raise money for the Entertainment Industry Foundation.[15] In 2013, they partnered with Gas Lamp Museum and the San Diego Ghost Hunters to organize a ghost hunt at the William Heath Davis House. The proceeds went toward upkeep for the historic site.[16] Also in 2013, they began offering the "Box of Dread", a random package full of merchandise delivered monthly to subscribers, one of whom is randomly chosen to receive a "special edition" valued at $250.[17]

CineMayhem

Main article: CineMayhem

CineMayhem, a film festival for independent genre films, was founded by Heather Wixson in association with Dread Central's Indie Horror Month. The festival, whose inaugural date was March 2–3, 2013, is presented in Thousand Oaks, California.[18] The festival is backed by Scream Factory, Sideshow Collectibles, Magnet Releasing, and Breaking Glass Pictures.[19]

Reaper Awards

Main article: Reaper Award

Dread Central and Home Media Magazine present the Reaper Awards annually for the best home video releases and direct-to-video features.[20] It is held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and is hosted by Steve Barton, co-founder of Dread Central.[21]

DREAD

In 2017, Dread Central Media was acquired by Epic Pictures Group. The independent studio announced it would be launching a new distribution label specializing in horror films released in theaters and on demand.[22][23] On January 29, 2019, the label was renamed DREAD. Their first in-house produced film, The Golem, will be the first film under the DREAD Originals banner.[24][23]

DREAD Podcast Network

The DREAD Podcast Network consists of a variety of diverse, free audio series celebrating all things horror.[29] Podcasts on the network include:

DreadXP

DreadXP was founded in 2019 by Dread Central editor Ted Hentschke as a video gaming website with a focus on editorial, reviews, podcasts, and original streaming content.[37] In 2020, DreadXP turned to video game publishing with the release of Dread X Collection, an anthology of horror video games created by several indie developers.[38][39]In Early 2024 it was announced that Hunter Bond and Brian Clarke would be taking charge at DreadXP. [40]

Games published

Year Title Developer(s)
2020 Dread X Collection
List
2020 Dread X Collection 2
List
  • David Szymanski
  • Wither Studios
  • Bathysfear Labs
  • Scythe Dev Team
  • Mahelyk
  • TorpleDook
  • John Szymanski
  • Lovely Hellplace
  • Secret Cow Level
  • Vidas Games
  • Akabaka
  • Panstasz
  • Daniel Mullins
2020 Dread X Collection 3
List
  • TorpleDook
  • Breogan Hackett
  • Blood Machine
  • Bryce Bucher
  • Amon26
  • Corpsepile
  • Dirigo Games
  • Modus Interactive
  • Basalt Tower
  • Moya Horror
  • Adam Pype & Viktor Kraus
  • Nate Berens
2021 Dread X Collection: The Hunt[41]
List
  • Nate Bernes
  • Akuma Kira
  • Philip Hesselbäck
  • TorpleDook
  • Mr. Pink
  • Vidas Games
  • Christopher Yabsley
  • Dan McGrath
2021 Spookware Beeswax Games
2022 Sucker for Love: First Date[42] Akabaka
2022 Dread X Collection 5[43]
List
  • Christopher Yabsley
  • Stroboskop
  • VisceralError
  • Nikk F.
  • Fyre Games
  • Roope Tamminen
  • Shakles
  • Darkstone Digital
  • Philisophic Games
  • Colorfiction
  • iwilliams
  • Matt Reeves
  • Phantom Sloth Games
2022 The Mortuary Assistant Darkstone Digital
2022 Mirror Forge MystiveDev
2022 Iron Lung (Nintendo Switch port)[44] David Szymanski
2023 Red Tape Pollaris Studios
2023 Amanda the Adventurer MANGLEDmaw Games
2023 My Friendly Neighborhood Evan Szymanski
John Szymanski
2026 Paranormal Activity: Found Footage DarkStone Digital
TBA[45] Dread Delusion Lovely Hellplace
TBA Sucker for Love: Date to Die For Akabaka

Reception

Dread Central was chosen as AMC's Site of the Week, in 2008.[7]

It was nominated for Total Film's Best Horror Blog, in 2010.[46]

It won the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award for Best Website for the years 2009-2012.[47][48][49][50]

References

  1. ^ Barton, Steve (July 4, 2013). "Dread Central Turns 7!". Dread Central. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  2. ^ "Viva La DreadCentral! The Horror Channel DEAD!?". Bloody Disgusting. June 18, 2006. Archived from the original on October 8, 2006. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  3. ^ Brown, Todd (July 5, 2006). "Behind The Scenes Photos From Nacho Cerda's The Abandoned At The Re-Launched Dread Central". Twitch Film. Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  4. ^ Singer, Matt (June 20, 2012). "'Piranhaconda' Director Lashes Out at Critic". Indiewire. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  5. ^ "Dread Central Announces New Editor-In-Chief And Managing Editor". December 13, 2021.
  6. ^ Wood, Justin (January 18, 2024). "New Year, New DreadXP". Dread Central. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Neuman, Clayton (February 14, 2008). "Site of the Week: Dread Central". AMC. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  8. ^ a b Persall, Steve (March 9, 2007). "In Gore They Trust". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  9. ^ Barton, Steve (December 12, 2016). "Help #SaveDreadCentral – Show Your Support!". Dread Central. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  10. ^ a b c Couch, Aaron; Kit, Borys (December 21, 2016). "How Dread Central's "Hail Mary" Campaign to Stay Open Could Change Genre Journalism". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  11. ^ a b Barton, Steve (December 21, 2016). "Patreon Exclusive: Adam Green, Arwen, and Sid Haig Talk #SaveDreadCentral". Archived from the original on January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  12. ^ Barton, Steve (December 16, 2016). "Patreon Exclusive: Darren Lynn Bousman and Joe Knetter Talk #SaveDreadCentral". Archived from the original on January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  13. ^ Wells, Michael (August 17, 2007). "DreadCentral.com and VersusMedia Team Up to Find THE Best Independent Short Horror Films". Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  14. ^ Walkuski, Eric (April 12, 2007). "Open Call for Horror shorts!!". JoBlo.com. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  15. ^ "Horror-Themed Charity Auction This Saturday". UGO. October 8, 2008. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
  16. ^ "Go ghost-hunting (for real!) with Dread Central in San Diego". Fangoria. July 11, 2013. Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  17. ^ Miller, Ryan (August 27, 2013). "Are You Brave Enough to Open the Box of Dread?". JoBlo.com. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  18. ^ Zimmerman, Samuel (February 13, 2013). "Thousand Oaks revels in Indie Horror "CineMayhem" this March". Fangoria. Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  19. ^ Burkart, Gregory (February 18, 2013). "2013 CineMayhem Official Film Lineup Announced". Fearnet. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  20. ^ Castillo, Sara (September 18, 2012). "Voting Is Open for the 2012 Reaper Awards". Fearnet. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  21. ^ Duran, Marco. "The 2010 Reaper Awards". DVD Verdict. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  22. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (October 12, 2017). "Epic Pictures To Launch Dread Central Presents; Robert Galluzzo To Run It". Deadline. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
  23. ^ a b "Introducing - Dread Central Presents! - Dread Central". www.dreadcentral.com. October 12, 2017. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
  24. ^ Barkan, Jonathan (January 29, 2019). "Dread Central Presents is Now DREAD and We've Teamed Natasha Kermani and Brea Grant For LUCKY!". www.dreadcentral.com. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  25. ^ Therkelsen, Michael (September 12, 2019). "Review: Josh Hasty's "CANDY CORN" (Thee Throwback Film of Halloween 2019)". Horror Society. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  26. ^ "Ditched | Epic Pictures". epic-pictures.com. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  27. ^ a b Millican, Josh (June 18, 2020). "We're Releasing 3 New Horror Movies: SACRIFICE, UNCLE PECKERHEAD, and LA CASA!". Dread Central. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  28. ^ Barton, Steve (December 12, 2017). "Terrifier – Dread Central Presents Poster Premiere! Release Date Announced!". Dread Central. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  29. ^ "DREAD Podcast Network". Dread Central. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  30. ^ Condit, Jon (March 17, 2021). "DEVELOPMENT HELL joins the DREAD Podcast Network New Episode Drops Next Week". Dread Central. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  31. ^ Chernov, Matthew (October 26, 2021). "12 Horror Movie Podcasts to Make You Scream". Variety. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  32. ^ Codas, Marcos (February 18, 2021). "FRIGAY THE 13TH Horror Podcast Joins the DREAD Podcast Network!". Dread Central. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  33. ^ Millican, Josh (June 23, 2021). "GIRL, THAT'S SCARY Is Now Part of the DREAD Podcast Network!". Dread Central. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  34. ^ McAndrews, Mary Beth (June 13, 2022). "'Kim & Ket Stay Alive... Maybe' Celebrate Their 200th Episode With First-Ever Sammie Awards". Dread Central. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  35. ^ Millican, Josh (April 21, 2021). "POST MORTEM WITH MICK GARRIS Is Now Part of DREAD Podcast Network!". Dread Central. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  36. ^ Chernov, Matthew (October 26, 2021). "12 Horror Movie Podcasts to Make You Scream". Variety. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  37. ^ Hentschke, Ted (August 30, 2019). "Announcing DREAD XP - Gaming Content By Gamers For Gamers". Dread Central. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  38. ^ Beresford, Trilby (April 9, 2020). "Epic Pictures to Launch Gaming Venture With Playable Horror-Themed Trailers (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  39. ^ "Introducing: The Dread X Collection". DREAD XP. April 9, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  40. ^ Wood, Justin (January 18, 2024). "New Year, New DreadXP". Dread Central. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  41. ^ Co-produced by David Szymanski
  42. ^ "This Lovecraftian Visual Novel Is The Perfect Valentine's Day Game For Monster-Fuckers". Kotaku. February 11, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  43. ^ Wilson, Mike (February 7, 2022). "Twelve Indie Devs Announced for 'Dread X Collection 5', Due in April". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  44. ^ "Iron Lung for Nintendo Switch". Nintendo Official Store. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  45. ^ Released in early access in 2022.
  46. ^ "2010 Blog Awards: Best Horror Blog". Total Film. December 1, 2009. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  47. ^ "'District 9,' biography of Lugosi and Karloff, Rue Morgue take top Rondo honors". RondoAward.com. May 15, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  48. ^ "'The Black Swan,' restored 'Metropolis' and 'Art of Hammer' take top Rondo honors". RondoAward.com. 2011. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  49. ^ "Vincent Price tribute, 'Island of Lost Souls' take top Rondo Award honors". RondoAward.com. 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  50. ^ Janisse, Kier-La (April 9, 2013). "2012 RONDO AWARDS ANNOUNCED!". Fangoria. Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2013.

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