When I first caught wind that the crew of JERKS Productions were embarking on the journey for their first feature length film, I was overjoyed! It’s been my pleasure over the last few years to be a part of their collective of artists for FUSED Underground art shows. Jill and Brandon have truly embraced their love of horror and the macabre, and created incredible art shows full of weird and wickedly cool talent. In addition to coordinating some badass art shows, the pair has also created numerous short horror films, each of which was met with rave reviews in the Tristate area. With a slew of short stories, photography projects, and short films under their belt, they’re embarking on their biggest project yet: “Aphasia.” With heavy influences from some of their favourite material such as “Evil Dead” and “Twin Peaks,” it’s clear that this upcoming film is sure to be a home run. The trailer introduces us to Sarah, an over-worked, over-scheduled young professional as she navigates the aftermath of a failed suicide attempt. As things progress we learn things may not be exactly what they seem. Is something more sinister afoot? You’ll just have to wait and see! If you’re interested in learning more, you can watch the trailer below (and Lynch fans will certainly find some delightful easter eggs in those 3+ minutes.)

Spotlight by Ellen Avigliano
Twitter: @imaginariumcs
Website: www.imaginariumarts.com

If you like the trailer, consider throwing in your support for the “Aphasia” project you can click here for the IndieGogo fundraiser. There’s some pretty bodacious artwork and goodies offered as backer rewards, so you definitely want to check that out. Help them ring in the new year with a successfully backed project, will ya?

Here’s where your funds will go :

Our main goal is to make a good horror film. As life-long horror fans and as artists we want to make sure we deliver on quality and we need your help!

Our financial goal is to raise $10,000, which will go towards the following:

• Permits & Insurance

• Gear & Vehicle Rentals

• Stunts

• Cast & Crew Costs

• Location Costs

• Production Costs

• Special Makeup & Gore FX

• Original Score Creation Costs

• Perk Costs

*Note: If we do not reach our goal, we will proceed with the film using the funds we raise, so backers WILL see a project, no matter what!

Trigger Warning: This trailer may contain disturbing footage and/or flashing imagery.
Viewers beware there may be some triggering subject matter.

Aphasia is what happens when you combine the gore of Evil Dead with the character traits of Twin Peaks. It follows Sarah after a failed hanging due to the stress of her work. During the suicide attempt, she watches herself leave her body leaving it an empty shell for anything to crawl in. She is brought back and is not alone. With the help of an ex-priest and rouge exorcist, they fight to expel what has taken over Sarah's body and save her soul.

STARRING: Jessica Pearson & Dolby Zaccarelli

Director of Photography: Chris Hetzell

Special Effects: NECRO FX

Production Design: Paige McCleery

Audio: Jim Cannatelli

Produced by: Jill Trager

Written, Directed & Lighting by: Brandon Tanczak

A little about JERKS Productions:

A Philadelphia based horror film & art production company run by Brandon Tanczak & Jill Trager.

Together, they create horror films and host various art shows in and around the Philadelphia area.

“Our mission is to create and express our art as well as give other artists an outlet to share their work. We are working to build a community where artists and creators can come together in a very casual setting to network with others and share their works and expressions.”

Follow JERKS Productions for more information!

www.JERKSProductions.com
www.facebook.com/JERKSProductions
Twitter: @JERKSProduction
Instagram: @JERKSProduction