For more detailed information on some news please check the Press Releases Page.
Or go to the films section on this website where you can select the film title you would like to learn more about .
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12/13/11 Purchase AUTOPSY of the Dead and help Fix The Chapel
AUTOPSY of the DEAD "Save The Chapel " DVD Sale -
The DVD is now $18.99 plus 50% of the sale will be donated towards the preservation of the Evans City Cemetery chapel (www.fixthechapel.com) which was seen in the opening scene of Night Of The Living Dead (1968). The restoration effort on the chapel is being led by NOTLD's own Gary Streiner. His facebook page on the restoration effort can be followed at "The Living Dead Festival" Packed with nearly three hours of content on the making of George Romero's modern horror masterpiece, the 144-minute DVD documentary includes extensive interviews with Bill Hinzman, Kyra Schon, Gary Streiner, Bill Cardille, Charles Craig, lighting supervisor Joe Unitas, Ella Mae Smith, Bob Harvey, Bill Burchinal, and many more who are interviewed for the first time.
As a special bonus, your DVD will include One limited edition 5x7 autographed photo while supplies last. The examples below are only a small selection of the signed pics available that will be randomly inserted 1 per DVD. Supplies are getting limited to this offer so please don't wait too long.
This offer ends in less than a week (ends on 12/20/11) and available only through this link so order your copy today!
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12/01/11 Animation Testing
Animation testing for an upcoming film. Lots of work going on right now from 3D animation, to script work, and location searches on several different films. Filming starts late summer 2012!


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10/01/11 Night Of The Living Dead Fans can make a difference: Fix The Chapel!
The Evans City PA cemetery board has been considering razing the infamous chapel that appears in the original Night Of The Living Dead film during the opening scene of the film.
Night Of The Living Dead's very own, Gary Streiner has received permission from the board to restore the chapel. But it can't be done without the help of Night Of The Living Dead fans everywhere. Please visit Gary Streiner's Official Facebook Page on the effort to learn how you can join in and help to make a difference as we save this iconic cinema landmark. There is still time to save this piece of movie history but only with your help.
The Official site is now up and running to save the chapel. Please visit http://www.fixthechapel.com/ for the latest details and to donate.

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8/01/11 Updates on Film Projects
Updates have been slow due to my busy schedule. Currently off writing a script for a upcoming film. "The Ansbach Horror" is set for 2012 filming with more updates to come on that film. Location scouting has been going fantastic. Quick shot below of the editing from two of my film projects which I should wrap up post production on later this year. Another interesting film prospect has appeared. Much more later!

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_____________________________________________________________________________6/01/11 Editing Continues

Editing screen.
Creating some of the music (midi hookup via Korg Triton)
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5/20/11 Autopsy Of The Dead at Saturday Nightmares in NJ June 3rd-5th
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3/24/11 Film Editing/Script Revisions/Location Scouting
Very busy this year as I'm editing one of my films, doing script revisions on a 2nd film, and location scouting for a 3rd film.

Behind the scenes during my editing session.
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3/1/11 Autopsy Of The Dead Wins Best Documentary Of The Year Award
Just found out that Autopsy Of The Dead won the Best Documentary Of The Year Award at the Dead Letter Awards sponsored by Mail Order Zombie. We appreciate the support from Derek M. Koch and Mail Order Zombie. Special Thanks to the amazing Cast/Crew of Night Of The Living Dead for their contributions! We have also been very fortunate to have also been nominated for Best Independent Film of The Year and Best Direct To Video Title Of The Year since the release. What a nice combination of honors!
And I can't forget the Best Soundtrack CD at this years Dead Letter Awards went to "They Won't Stay Dead" (Night Of The Living Dead soundtrack) which Autopsy Producer Jim Cirronella worked so hard putting together and releasing. Congratulations Jim!
You can hear the Autopsy award at the link below (at 1:42:00 of the MP3 of the awards show)
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2/24/11 Website Updates
All pages updated. 1980's music video added to the early years pages . Many updates to come as time permits including photos, behind the scenes video clips, outtakes, and surprises.
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2/18/11 Almost 2 hrs of Autopsy Of The Dead Deleted Scenes now online!
After the success of Autopsy Of The Dead, the coroner has excised more interview clips that were deleted from the Autopsy Of The Dead DVD. Almost 2 hours of additional footage!
CLICK HERE to see all 36 extra clips!
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1/15/11 Editing Film/3D Animation/New Film Location Scouting
Location scouting continues on the new film, The Ansbach Horror along with a lot of pre-production work on this ambitious project.
Editing a film which I produced/directed and working on some 3D animation for it.
Here's a sneak peak:

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11/27/10 Updates On Films
2010 has proven to be a fantastic and busy year while 2011 looks to be filled with twice as much work.
Autopsy Of The Dead has surpassed expectations with the wonderful fan reaction we have received. It is very nice to know so many fans appreciated the Documentary on Night Of The Living Dead and have made it so successful. Thanks for all of the sell outs on Amazon. We wanted to provide a unique DVD that was unlike anything produced to date on our favorite zombie film and purposely made sure it was not for the casual NOTLD viewer but the real hardcore fan. We are thrilled with the fan reaction to it including the Best Direct To Video Title of the Year 2010 nomination by the Home Video Industry (Reaper Awards which was a red carpet event at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel) and Best Independent Film of the Year nomination at the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Movie Awards. Still amazing that I'm receiving email almost daily from delighted fans discovering Autopsy Of The Dead for the first time.
The film simply Won't Stay Dead and neither will the amazing CD soundtrack that Autopsy Producer Jim Cirronella released this past year of 41 original Night Of The Living Dead library cues that were digitally remastered for the first time (and officially licensed from the music publishers). An official LP of the music came out in 1982 but was missing 19 of the library cues used. They Won't Stay Dead has 41 of the cues and represents the most complete soundtrack of the film released to date. You will hear some of these cues in Autopsy Of The Dead as we licensed some of the cues for the documentary as well. They Wont' Stay Dead CD soundtrack is the first time that all of these original library cues used in the motion picture George Romero's Night Of The Living Dead (1968) appears in a digital and completely uncut format. At one point the CD even cracked Amazon's Bestsellers Top 100 in movie soundtracks and Movie scores!
In 2011, expect plenty of surprises.
Two films which I produced and directed will receive Special Edition DVD treatment in 2011. I'm currently editing new digital (for the first time) masters for these films including new footage and music.
Three films are in various stages of development as I prepare them for production. First to be shot will be The Ansbach Horror about a evil unleashed in the countryside that I will produce and direct. And as far the other two films go, all I can say at this point is that I am very excited about them and absolutely love the subject matter.
At the moment, I'm involved in extensive location scouting for The Ansbach Horror which is keeping me extremely busy. Casting will happen in 2012. Stay tuned to this website as updates on all the films will be coming in the months and new year ahead.
All the support has definitely been appreciated!
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10/29/10 The All New Patrick Phillips Talk Show Halloween Special Interview
My interview for the Patrick Phillips Show Halloween Special is online now. The one hour Halloween zombie themed episode includes interviews with guests: Max Brooks (Author Of The Zombie Survival Guide/son of Mel Brooks), George Romero (Survival Of The Dead), Jeff Carney (Autopsy Of The Dead),Jim Fyfe (Dark Shadows), Elvira, and Larry Kirchner (top 13 Haunts in the U.S.)
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10/22/10 New Review for Siege Of Evil
New review for Siege is Evil (A film I wrote, produced, and directed) was just added.
Reviewer Jamie Lisk from Cranked On Cinema.com liked it better than the $10 million "White Noise" movie from Universal Studios starring Michael Keaton - which was also about EVP; communication with the dead. Reviewer states that if this is any indication, Carney has got plenty of talent. "One of the better indie ghost-stalker flicks I've seen.... The grief expressed by the characters only adds to the tension and atmospherics of the film. ...The sense of dread is ever-present."
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10/07/10 New Interviews
A couple of new interviews with Jeff Carney (Producer/Director of Autopsy Of The Dead) and Jim Cirronella (Producer Of Autopsy Of The Dead). I was interviewed in the Sept 20th edition of the Rock Island Argus Newspaper and Jim and I were both interviewed by KQEK.
KQEK Exclusive interview with Jeff Carney and Jim Cirronella for Autopsy Of The Dead
KQEK Exclusive interview with Jim Cirronella on They Won't Stay Dead Soundtrack CD
I will also be doing a interview on the Patrick Phillips Talk Show in Austin Texas on Oct 25th. Other Interview guests for that show include George Romero, Max Brooks (son of Mel Brooks who wrote the Zombie Survival Guide), Jim Fyfe (Dark Shadows), and Elvira so I will be in good company!
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09/27/10 Autopsy Of The Dead in The Wall Street Journal
Wonderful article on the making of Night Of The Living Dead in The Wall Street Journal. I edited together some exclusive Autopsy clips upon the request of The Wall Street Journal for use on their site and you can see the article here. You can watch a larger view of The Wall Street Journal Exclusive Autopsy Of The Dead clips here. Great to see these wonderful people from Night Of The Living Dead get some more recognition after all of these years.
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09/07/10 Home Video Industry's Highest Honor - Best Direct To Video Title Of The Year
Autopsy Of The Dead received the Home Video Industry's highest honor with the nomination of Best Direct To Video Title Of The Year as announced in the #1 home video industry source for entertainment news, Home Media Magazine (Sept 6-12, 2009 issue). The nomination is extra special for me as I've always been a fan of filmmaker Roger Corman who was one of the judges. The award ceremony will be held Oct.12th at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel where the first Oscars were presented. Congratulations to the amazing and talented Autopsy cast/crew for this wonderful honor. Also thanks to the fans for their overwhelming support of our documentary. The behind the scenes stories of Night Of The Living Dead are being enjoyed on DVD by fans all over the world. Autopsy Of The Dead was Produced and Directed by Jeff Carney, Produced by Jim Cirronella, and Executive Produced by James N. Cirronella Sr.
For more information visit the Autopsy Of The Dead Page on this website and the official website for the film: Autopsy Of The Dead.
Competition will be fierce so help us ghouls out by clicking here to vote before Oct 1st.
Update: 10/12/10 Congratulations to director Daniel Farrands (Writer of Halloween 6 The Curse Of Michael Myers) who won Best Direct To Video Title for Elm Street Legacy.
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09/01/10 Autopsy Of The Dead Pittsburgh PA Screening
Special screening of Autopsy Of the Dead during Horror Realm (Sept 17th-19th) in Pittsburgh, PA, the zombie capital of the world. Screening is Saturday, Sept 18th at 9 pm. For more information visit www.horrorrealmcon.com
Fourteen cast/crew members from Night Of The Living Dead will be at Horror Realm along with nine cast/crew members from the sequel Dawn Of The Dead. Don't miss this great time!
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07/20/10 Autopsy Of The Dead Location Supplement Previews
These previews are from the "Locations of the Dead" supplement on the AUTOPSY of the
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07/16/10 San Diego Comic Con Announcement for Autopsy Of The Dead
The San Diego Comic Con is July 22-25 and the convention exclusive cover of Famous Monsters Magazine #251 (Nosferatu Art by Richard Corben) will be sold as an exclusive at the Con. Also exclusive to the FM issue #251 is the full page color ad for the Autopsy Of The Dead DVD/They Won't Stay Dead CD (Jim Cirronella did a outstanding job on designing the ad). Here's an advance peak:
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06/20/10 Autopsy Screening and Panel Discussion
The shorter 100 minute version of Autopsy Of The Dead will be screened at the Famous Monsters Convention (July 9-11th in Indianapolis, Indiana) on Sunday July 11th at 11am followed by an Autopsy Of The Dead Panel Discussion at 1:30 pm
Night Of The Living Dead guests at the Famous Monsters Convention who will be signing autographs include Kyra Schon, Charles Craig, Bill Hinzman, Gary Streiner, Joe Unitas (Lighting Supervisor), Herbert Summer (Zombie), Rick Catizone (Credits), Judith O'Dea, Russell Streiner, John Russo, and George Kosana. The Autopsy Of The Dead DVD will be available for sale at the convention (this is the full 2 hr. 24 minute version). The screening is for the public screening version of Autopsy (which has the shorter running time of 100 minutes) on Sunday July 11th. Also for available for sale at the show will be the "They Won't Stay Dead" CD.
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05/08/10 CD Release on May 25th
During the making of Autopsy Of The Dead we licensed a few of the original library tracks of music that were used in Night Of The Living Dead (1968) from the original music publishers so I could edit the cues into Autopsy. Out of that came this CD to be released May 25th - Jim Cirronella brilliantly digitally restored 40 uncut tracks of library music (from the original Library LPs and Reels). Without a doubt the best quality collection of library music that was used in Night Of The Living Dead ever put together since the film was released in 1968.
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04/27/10 Autopsy Of The Dead Reviews and Upcoming Autopsy DVD Tour Dates
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04/21/10 Autopsy Of The Dead Screening in Michigan
This weekend, Autopsy Of The Dead, will be screened at the Motor City Nightmares Weekend Of Horrors in Novi, Michigan at 7pm Saturday April 24th. Check the Motor City Nightmares website for more information. Guests at the show include Gary Streiner and Charles Craig. This is the 100 minute public screening version of Autopsy Of The Dead. The DVD version is 144 minutes.
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3/15/10 Film Work Updates
Autopsy Of The Dead gets a new 100 minute edited version which I've completed for public screenings whose dates will be announced throughout the year.
Work continues on The Ansbach Horror and two other film projects. Recently been approached about an interesting concept which I'm looking further into. Busy but very fun year.
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02/22/10 Best Independent Film of 2009 Nominee
Fan nominations are in and Autopsy Of The Dead was nominated for Best Independent Film of 2009 at the Eighth Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards.
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02/18/10 and 02/07/10 More cities added to the Autopsy Of The Dead DVD Tour
Board up the windows and doors! Autopsy Of The Dead is coming to a horror convention near you. The Autopsy Of The Dead DVD Tour will make stops in the following cities:

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01/26/09 Icons Of Fright.com Autopsy Of The Dead Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the Icons Of Fright.com DVD Contest for Autopsy Of The Dead.
RUNNER-UPS: Chris Cartusciello and Chad Milburn will receive a DVD copy of AUTOPSY OF THE DEAD, as well as a promotional mini-poster
GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Darcy Barry will receive a copy of AUTOPSY OF THE DEAD, a mini-poster, and signed 8x10s from people involved in NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD.
http://iconsoffright.com/news/2010/01/autopsy_of_the_dead_contest_wi.html
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01/19/10 Autopsy Ships Worldwide with great feedback/reviews
Special Thanks to all of the fans of Night Of The Living Dead who have supported Autopsy Of The Dead. Zero Day Releasing has shipped Autopsy DVDs in the U.S, Canada, UK, Austria, and Australia.
Autopsy Of The Dead DVD reviews/ fan feedback have been amazing and appreciated. While we can't reply to all the email we receive - we do read them all and sincerely appreciate your comments. Most gratifying is that the fans are enjoying the documentary as much as we enjoyed making it. To see a small selection (wish I had more space to print all of it) of what people are saying about Autopsy Of The Dead please visit the Autopsy Of The Dead Page in the Films section
And some feedback from some special fans/friends below: cast/crew members from Night Of The Living Dead.
"I watched it all. Everything in one sitting. It was a real kick in the ass for me. I totally enjoyed it. Seeing the old gang. A little like going to my 40th class reunion. I think it will become a must for real Night fans. Thanks to you and Jim for making it." - Gary Streiner (Sound Man/Original Image Ten Investor from Night Of The Living Dead).
"An excellent production. I learned a lot of things that I even didn't know. Congratulations!" - Charles Craig (TV news anchor/zombie/posse member) from Night Of The Living Dead.
"Not only is it a wonderful job, but I must say it was a great deal of fun for me personally. And thanks again for including me in the project. It's always nice to be a part of something special and well made." - Rick Catizone (animator end credit sequence NOTLD/Creepshow/Evil Dead 2)
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12/29/09 Autopsy Of The Dead Photo Limited photo sets Now Available
The limited edition autographed color photo sets have been released.
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11/29/09 AUTOPSY of the DEAD Black "As The NIGHT" Friday Sale is over at www.AutopsyOfTheDead.com
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11/26/09 Black Friday Autopsy Of The Dead Sale
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11/18/09 DVD Giveaway Contest at Icons Of Fright
Icons Of Fright is having an Autopsy Of The Dead DVD Giveaway Contest where you can win a DVD of the documentary along with a poster and autographed 8x10s. Be sure to visit their website to get all the details. Icons Of Fright has the most in depth horror interviews on the internet; an Inside Actors Studios for the horror genre.
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10/2609 San Francisco Classic Horror Film Festival
Special Thanks to the San Francisco Classic Horror Film Festival for their support of Autopsy Of The Dead. They will have DVD copies on sale in the Clay Theater Lobby during their Vincent Price double feature show on October 27th and 28th. For more information please visit their website at www.shock-it-to-me.comCharles Craig, with copies of Autopsy Of The Dead, will be among many Night Of The Living Dead cast and crew members who will be appearing at the The Living Dead Festival in Evans City, PA on Oct, 30-31 2009. Fans of Night Of The Living Dead should be sure and not miss a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet some of the cast and crew at Gary Streiner's Living Dead fest this Halloween. Even Judy Ridley is making a rare appearance. For all the information and latest news on this amazing event visit Gary's website www.TheLivingDeadFest.com
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10/09/09 Bonus Clips from Autopsy Of The Dead now online
The first batch of free bonus web interviews from Autopsy Of The Dead are up at____________________________________________________________________________________
10/06/09 The Ansbach Horror begins
Early work begins today on my next film, The Ansbach Horror. Months of script revision work ahead and some early location scouting has started. Looking at some great locations in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. Production set to film in summer 2012.
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9/23/09 Amazon Temporarily sold out of Autopsy Of The Dead
We appreciate all the interest - Amazon is already sold out but will be restocked soon.
You can still order via the official site www.AutopsyOfTheDead.com which has the DVDs in stock.
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9/22/09 AUTOPSY OF THE DEAD Released on DVD today
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9/21/09 AUTOPSY OF THE DEAD website is now up!
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5/20/09 AUTOPSY OF THE DEAD
The first two trailers for Autopsy Of The Dead are now online.
Visit the Autopsy Of The Dead Page in the Films section for the trailers.
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4/09/09 AUTOPSY OF THE DEAD
Post production work has wrapped on Autopsy Of The Dead. Producer/Director Jeff Carney says "I'm editing the final extras for the DVD which will bring the total running of the DVD close to three houses. I've also cut three different trailers. Each one shows a bit more of Autopsy. The first two trailers will be up at the end of May. Pre-Sale date for the DVD will be in early September at the official website www.AutopsyOfTheDead.com and on www.Amazon.com . Release date for Autopsy Of The Dead will be in September of 2009."
For the latest updates visit the Autopsy Of The Dead Page in the Films section.
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10/25/08 AUTOPSY OF THE DEAD
Filming has been completed on Autopsy Of The Dead and post production has begun.
Producer/Director Jeff Carney says "The shoot was fantastic. Everyone in Pennsylvania was very friendly and helpful to us during filming. I can certainly understand why so many filmmakers shoot in Pittsburgh. It was a great city and we made a lot of friends while having a wonderful time. I'm now in editing full time on this project. There won't be a detailed announcement on Autopsy Of The Dead until 2009."
The first early photos are up on the Autopsy Of The Dead Page in the Films section.
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9/1/08 AUTOPSY OF THE DEAD
Zero Day Releasing Presents Autopsy Of The Dead
Autopsy Of The Dead is Produced and Directed by Jeff Carney
Produced by Jim Cirronella
Executive Producer James N. Cirronella Sr.
Production Associate Carrie McDowell
Casting Complete. Now in Production in Pennsylvania. Distribution is set.
Carney calls it "A dream project I've wanted to do for about 15 years but I never seemed to have the time to film it. This time, I delayed another film I was going to shoot this year just so I could do Autopsy Of The Dead finally. All of the filming takes place in and around Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. The cast is from Pennsylvania and Ohio except for one Quad Cities talent - Kimberly Kurtnenbach Furness, who I've known and worked with several times before. She's very talented and I was very pleased I could get her involved in this film."
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Kimberly Kurtenbach Furness
"Distribution for Autopsy Of The Dead is set on DVD with a Pre-Sale date in Sept. of 2009 and a Sept. 15, 2009 release date. Stay tuned for more details. The DVD will have plenty of extra features and lots of surprises - total running time of the DVD will be close to 3 hours. I wish I could say more about it but you'll have to wait for the first trailer!" Check the Autopsy Of The Dead Page in the Films section for updates which are coming soon including first pictures from the set.
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5/01/08 Three Film Deal
Jeff Carney is set to produce and direct three upcoming films which will be distributed on DVD. All are budgeted and Carney has been involved with final script revisions on the projects before he starts the location scouting and casting. One of the films, The Ansbach Horror, about a unstoppable evil in the countryside, will be shot in and around the Quad Cities (Davenport/Bettendorf Iowa and Rock Island/Moline Illinois) in 2012.
Interested actors should keep an eye on this website's CASTING Page for future casting announcements.
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8/15/07 Siege Of Evil to be Re-released on DVD
Siege Of Evil will be re-released on DVD as part of the Tomb Of Terrors
DVD set which will be distributed throughout the U.S., and Canada.
For more information on this title please visit The SIEGE OF EVIL Page in the Films section.
Older News:
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7/30/07 - #9 on the Best Sellers list
Siege of Evil which is released as part of the Everlasting Evils DVD set
just hit #9 on the Canadian Amazon.com DVD Best Sellers list.

For more information on this title please visit The SIEGE OF EVIL Page in the Films section.
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Worldwide distribution rights for Siege Of Evil have been sold to Maxim Media.
The movie, directed and produced by Jeff Carney, will be released on DVD as part of the Everlasting Evils DVD set and distributed by Maxim Media, Brain Damage Films, Pendulum Pictures, and Mill Creek Entertainment in the U.S. , and Canada this year. Besides online sales such as Ebay, Amazon.com, the movie will also be available at several retailers including Best Buy. Russian rights have been sold as well for distribution there in 2008. "Siege Of Evil" stars Desiree Muse, Scott Naumann, Amelia Foster, Jerry Wolking, Patti Flaherty, Jim Seward, Barbara Engstrom, Jenaya Carman, and Densie Yoder.
For more information on this title please visit The SIEGE OF EVIL Page in the Films section.
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Siege Of Evil Wins Horror Dance International Film Festival Award
The horror film, "Siege Of Evil," produced and directed by Jeff Carney won Best Scream Queen at the 2005 Horror Dance International Film Festival. Jenaya Carman, who plays a jogger in the film that encounters an evil force at a deserted satanic church was named Best Scream Queen and given the Kat Cresswell Memorial Scream Queen award. "Siege Of Evil" stars Desiree Muse, Scott Naumann, Amelia Foster, Jerry Wolking, Patti Flaherty, Jim Seward, Barbara Engstrom, and Densie Yoder.

For more information on this title please visit The SIEGE OF EVIL Page in the Films section.
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February 2006 interview with Dark Gallery.
Interview with Sci-fi & Horror Director Jeff Carney
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Producer/Director Jeff Carney 1 hour interview on Adrenaline Radio
It was one of the longer live interviews I have done at one hour but I had a great time on Les Sekely's radio show on filmmaking. Les is a wonderful host. One of the highlights for me was that I followed an actor whose work I've always enjoyed - Norman Lloyd (who was interviewed right before me). Lloyd started out with Orson Welles, played the title role in Alfred Hitchcock's Saboteur, went on to be a producer on the Alfred Hitchcock tv series, and was in one of my favorite films, Dead Poets Society.
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Las Vegas based Rounds Entertainment and Max Cerchi Sued for Copyright Infringement
Independent filmmaker Jeff Carney, who is being represented by the Reno Nevada
law firm of Watson and Rounds, filed a lawsuit in 2003 against Rounds
Entertainment and Max Cerchi also known as Massimiliano Cerchi of Las Vegas,
Nevada for breach of contract and a federal copyright action for infringement.
The suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada alleged
that Rounds Entertainment/Max Cerchi of Las Vegas, Nevada breached the
distribution contract for the sci-fi/horror movie “THE SHADOW PEOPLE” and committed willful copyright infringement after the distribution contract was terminated by the
plaintiff (Carney) after 20 months of waiting for distribution though Rounds
Entertainment. While Max Cerchi had sold copies of the movie, Carney had
received no payment of any kind.
The online catalog belonging to Rounds Entertainment contained the movie, “The
Shadow People” which was produced and directed by Carney, months after it was
pulled from the distributor by the plaintiff. The distribution contract was
terminated by the plaintiff in April of 2002 yet the movie remained for months
in the catalog section of the Rounds Entertainment website as being available
for sale. If someone placed an order then a copy of the movie would be shipped
even though it was months after Rounds Entertainment lost the distribution
rights to the title and had returned the masters to the plaintiff back in April
of 2002.
Jeff Carney stated “I was fortunate that I kept detailed records and had
excellent legal representation. We caught him selling (deposited check) and
shipping the movie after he had lost the rights to the picture and had already
returned the masters to me months before - after I terminated the distribution
agreement. Even without the distribution rights and master, Max Cerchi / Rounds
Entertainment was still willing and able to mail a copy of the movie to anyone
who placed an order through their website. It’s really sad and unfortunate
because it hurts all of us who make or distribute independent films for a living
when one distributor thinks that they can get away with breaching a contract and
copyright infringement on a title that they no longer have the distribution
rights to. Other distributors obey the law and Massimiliano “Max” Cerchi of
Rounds Entertainment should as well. “
The U.S. District Court of Nevada issued a default judgment of over $96,000.00
for compensatory damages for breach of contract, willful copyright infringement,
and attorney’s fees and awarded the sum to Jeff Carney against Massimiliano
“Max” Cerchi and Rounds Entertainment. It was further ordered by the Court that
a permanent injunction be “entered against Defendants Rounds Entertainment and
Massimiliano “Max” Cerchi, their officers, agents, servants, employees, and
attorneys, and those persons in active concert or participation with them,
prohibiting any future sales, leases, or copying of any kind or nature of “The
Shadow People.”
After the judgment was issued Jeff Carney stated “This is a great day for
independent filmmakers and distributors. A Court has shown that they are not
going to tolerate a distributor who breaks the law and who breaches a contract.
The distributor who doesn’t obey the laws or honor contracts is going to be held
accountable for their actions. It’s unfortunate that there are always a small
minority of distributors who think they don’t have to compete on the same field
as the other hard working distributors since most of them obey the laws and
honor contracts. This judgment sends a strong message out to others and exposes
Massimiliano “Max “ Cerchi of Rounds Entertainment.”
Carney went on to say “If more filmmakers took legal action, you would see less
of this type of activity by people who believe they can get away with it because
they think the independent filmmaker isn’t going to take the time or effort to
go after them. I know we touched a nerve when the day before depositions were to
start for the trial, Cerchi’s attorney called my law firm to inform them that he
had not been in contact with Cerchi for several months and didn’t know where he
was. Cerchi fled, ignoring a court order to pay attorney costs for the
plaintiff, while closing down www.roundsent.com (his company’s website). It’s a
good day for all independent filmmakers as well as all of the honest
distributors any time a person like this can be brought to justice and exposed.
I’m very pleased with the Court’s judgment against Max Cerchi / Rounds
Entertainment.”
If anyone has additional information regarding Max Cerchi Click here to contact me
Special Thanks to several individuals and a company for information!