A campy slasher flick made in Wisconsin by Milwaukee ex-pat Drew Rosas and a handful of his friends last year has been picked up for distribution by Troma Entertainment, the Holy Grail of schlock horror.
The production and distribution company, responsible for cult classics like the Toxic Avenger series and "Poultrygeist", is set to release the DVD in early 2011.
Rosas sent Troma a copy of the film along with a note and a T-shirt at the suggestion of his friend and local filmmaker Frankie Latina after its May premier at the Oriental Theatre, and the vaunted horror outfit responded with interest weeks later.
"It's just a really good name to attach to the film, because they have a huge fan-base and it's a pretty good fit for sure," said Rosas. "People who like Troma and like their kitschy, campy style are more likely to enjoy my film."
Made for less than $7,000 and starring a cast of friends, "Blood Junkie" is a hilarious and beautifully filmed nod to the sex-fueled slasher flicks of the '80s about a group of teenagers whose boozy camping trip goes bad when they stumble upon an abandoned chemical plant.
Besides agreeing to promote and distribute the film on DVD, Troma also had a part in Rosas decision to rename the fim. Originally screened under the name "Rocky Trails," Rosas returned from his new home in Los Angeles to show the movie under it's new title at this year's Milwaukee Film Festival.
"They said the only thing we want you to change is the title. They wanted something that conjured a little more mayhem," Rosas said.
Rosas credits local filmmaker and "Blood Junkie" actor Andrew Swant for jazzing up the name.
"I was like hooked immediately because it's eye catching and it's funny. It's kind of goofy but it's kind of scary too," Rosas said.
Rosas is looking to shoot his next feature film in Wisconsin sometime next summer. The film, "Wedlocked n' Loaded," is based on a script he wrote with the hilariously mulleted "Blood Junkie" actor Nick Sommer about a wedding video team in small town Wisconsin.
Although he moved to Los Angeles last year to pursue other opportunities in the film industry, Rosas says Wisconsin remains a superior place to shoot on a budget.
"Between TV commercials and film every business in the city has been approached and probably shot in for some TV show," said Rosas. "In Milwaukee people bend over backwards to help you out. They've never seen a film production or been a part of a film production and they are super excited about it. They all want to help out. Which is a much better environment for a no-budget film."