Creature Feature ‘Lake Jesup: Bonecrusher’s Revenge’ Picked up by Black Mandala for World Sales (EXCLUSIVE)


New Zealand-based sales company Black Mandala has picked up all international rights to “Lake Jesup: Bonecrusher’s Revenge,” a now-completed creature feature set in the most-alligator-infested lake in the U.S.

In 2003, Lake Jesup became the setting for real-life horror story when a huge alligator, known as Bonecrusher, escaped captivity at an animal theme park Gator Galaxy and started killing people in the lake. As the body count increased it became clear that stopping the monster would require a massive hunting effort.

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The film revolves around the 13-day hunt and the persistent terror caused by a vicious, trained and angry predator. The expert hunter Bubba Coggins develops a strategy to neutralize the beast. But as he does so he realizes that both he and Bonecrusher have been wronged by the greedy park owner Angus Sullivan. Bubba is required to face up to his demons and ask how far he is willing to go to save himself and the local citizens from an underwater killing machine.

The film is written and directed by actor and writer Michael Houston King, who has acting credits including Homeland” and “Burn Notice” and writing credits on “The Way Back Home.” The cast includes Derek Russo, Jeff Beninghofen and Houston King.

Production is by Crown Creative Content and Valencia Motion Pictures with AEO providing special effects.

“’Lake Jesup’ follows in the footsteps of iconic aquatic horror films like “Jaws” (1975) and “Alligator” (1980), exploring the primal fear of being hunted by an unstoppable creature lurking beneath the water. ‘Lake Jesup’ is intentionally shot in warmer tones, honoring and replicating the iconic feel of those [predecessor films], both visually timeless in their looks and aesthetic,” said Houston King.

“The narrative blends horror, suspense and a bit of camp comedy, always a key element for the creature-feature sub-genre,” said Black Mandala principal Michael Kraetzer.

The company has recently picked up “1978,” a torture-horror film that debuted at Sitges fantasy film festival, and previously handled “Mother Superior,” a Gothic horror film on Nazi race experiments.

Watch the trailer here.

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