AMC Theatres will release the horror film "Smiley" through a partnership with Fever Productions, the theater chain said Monday.
The film will debut on Oct. 12, through AMC's independent platform on 28 screens in 14 mostly urban markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston and Atlanta. AMC will also spearhead the marketing campaign.
"Smiley" is written and directed by Michael Gallagher, creator of the YouTube channel Totally Sketch. The film was co-written by Glasgow Phillips (“South Park”), and produced by Michael Wormser (“Some Guy Who Kills People”) of Level 10 Films. “Totally Sketch" and its comic shorts command an audience of over 11 million subscribers.
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"Smiley," with its ample blood and gore, represents a change of pace for the new media impresario. It centers on an insane college student named Ashley (Caitlin Gerard of “Magic Mike”) who summons a mysterious serial killer named “Smiley” through the internet.
The deal was brokered by Michael Gallagher and Michael Wormser for Fever Productions and Nikkole Denson-Randolph, Vice President of Alternative and Special Content at AMC.
In addition to the AMC release, the film will be available on more traditional platforms including DVD, Blu-ray, iTunes, Redbox and cable VOD after the traditional theatrical release window has closed.