By MICHAEL GINGOLD

The independent psychological horror-thriller begins shooting this August on Philadelphia locations.

FREAK marks the feature writing/directing debut of Bianca Crespo, a former development coordinator at Millennium Films (TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D, THE PAPERBOY) who has also helmed several short films. Joining familiar genre actresses Debbie Rochon (MODEL HUNGER, THE THEATRE BIZARRE) and Helene Udy (MY BLOODY VALENTINE, PIN) in the cast is newcomer Amelia Duncombe. According to the official synopsis, the movie “follows Ava [Duncombe], a washed-up writer who escapes a traumatic event in LA and retreats to a remote cabin in the woods of Pennsylvania. But the longer she stays, the more she realizes that her nightmare has only just begun.” Crespo’s Santa Mira company is producing along with Frank Horror and Deck of Cards Entertainment.

“FREAK is scheduled to shoot in Santa Mira’s new headquarters in Philadelphia,” Crespo tells RUE MORGUE. “Fun fact: The studio is housed in a Kensington warehouse that’s known to be haunted, after it was discovered that it sits upon the old Franklin Cemetery dating back to the 1840s. The location is also unique since this is where I spent the bulk of my childhood, before it was converted into a rental management property and, most recently, production space. I remember experiencing several instances of paranormal activity as a child, and I’m aiming to bring this past fear to light in the film.”

Rochon recalls, “I was really excited when I read the script for FREAK. It jumped out with its multilayered symbolism, visuals and what it had to say. It reminded me of the great films you used to see come out in the underground of the New York City art scene. As a female director, Bianca is a new and rising talent in the horror genre. I look forward to being in the haunted shooting location, too!”​