Gila Films

12/06/2024

No piece of UFO: TARGET EARTH memorabilia is too small for us, not even this 1979 newspaper ad for a broadcast on KTVU in the San Francisco Bay area!

23/05/2024

We're saddened to hear of the recent passing of iconic independent filmmaker Roger Corman. His accomplishments are legendary...from directing fifty cult classic movies to launching the careers of most of the major directors of the 1970s thru '90s to introducing European art house cinema to American audiences to building his juggernaut producing empire at New World Pictures and later Concorde-New Horizons. He remains one of the single most impactful cinematic figures of the twentieth century, and he will be missed.

16/02/2024

It's been a minute since the last Gila Films newsletter, but fear no more...it has arrived!



https://mailchi.mp/f3c70c00d158/gila-films-hits-the-airwaves-10925781?fbclid=IwAR0T-5WMNvKU0LpCBLD5pjcjcY8WG7EH48XEpkBVdcWPuimfHsUAMi0RDrI

01/01/2024

"Happy New Year!" from Gila Films!

This past year saw us add our debut feature, The Last Frankenstein, to a number of new streaming platforms including our own YouTube channel, where we've garnered over 182,000 views! We also signed off on a physical media distribution deal for the film, which will see it soon debut on Blu-Ray, and we continue to move forward on prep work for the sequel. We also launched our first podcast, Carpet City Cinema, now over thirty episodes strong, and advanced our restoration work with acquisitions of some rare local television and radio productions! We want to thank everyone for their continued support of our cinematic endeavors!

24/12/2023

"Merry Christmas!" and "Happy Holidays!" from Gila Films! As promised, here's a little Christmas treat from us to you! As fans of vintage, off-the-beaten-path holiday TV shows, we were excited to obtain and scan a 16mm print of "A Star Shall Rise", the 1952 Christmas episode of the anthology series FAMILY THEATER. Directed by the great John Brahm (THE LODGER) and starring Raymond Burr and a gallery of instantly recognizable character actors, this telling of the nativity story is now available to watch over on our YouTube channel for free in all its celluloid glory! Enjoy!

"A Star Shall Rise" originally aired on December 25, 1952, as the Christmas episode of the anthology television series FAMILY THEATER. Directed by acclai...

06/12/2023

As mentioned in a recent episode of our podcast Carpet City Cinema, we acquired a collection of audio recordings from the Mohawk Carpet Mills' television productions. Pictured are just three of the records we obtained. We're looking forward to digitally recording and then sharing these treasures born out of our hometown of Amsterdam, NY!

10/11/2023

Our podcast CARPET CITY CINEMA is back on the airwaves after a brief hiatus! Get the latest scoop (and the cherry on top) on all things Gila Films and The Last Frankenstein with a listen to our latest episode!

After a six week hiatus, CARPET CITY CINEMA returns with a vengeance! Dave explains why we went AWOL, provides the latest updates on all things THE LAST FRANKENSTEIN, mourns the passing of several notable cinematic luminaries, and then dives into his Halloween season viewing!

10/09/2023

Here's a sneak peek at a little something we had scanned for the Gila Films YouTube channel, appropriately just in time for Christmas! Make sure to subscribe to the channel to be notified when this and other videos are uploaded; link in comments!

28/08/2023

We had a completely unexpected and one-of-a-kind acquisition this past weekend: what appears to be a complete, black-and-white 16mm print titled MOHAWK CARPET SPECIAL. We honestly do not know exactly what this is, but it appears to run up to 90 minutes long, and we are assuming that it was either a promotional TV special OR a variety TV special produced no later than 1956 by Mohawk Carpet Mills, formerly located in our very own Amsterdam, NY. We plan to look into making a digital transfer and will also reach out to Mohawk Industries, the company that Mohawk Carpet Mills eventually was rolled into, for more details. In the meantime, if you have ANY knowledge to share with us about this, we'd love to hear from you!

24/07/2023

Gila Films has added Threads to its plethora of social media apps! Follow us at the link below!



https://www.threads.net/?fbclid=IwAR30d7BWijgWRCRHh_NqBx8miI59SDf01jflvZGCD_HnueIyij-D4wp6Pzo

Gila Films is an independent film production/distribution/restoration company. Makers of the award-winning feature THE LAST FRANKENSTEIN. 10 Followers.

10/07/2023

Never forget your roots!

Alessandro de Gaetano certainly didn't, including this blink-and-you'll-miss-it nod to UFO: TARGET EARTH in the set decor of his second directorial effort, the 1977 horror movie HAUNTED. That's none other than Brad Rearden in the foreground, just a few years before he and fellow "punks" Bill Paxton and Brian Thompson would have an unfortunate encounter with Arnold Schwarzenegger in THE TERMINATOR! We paid tribute to Alessandro and gave an update on our restoration of UFO: TARGET EARTH in a recent episode of our podcast Carpet City Cinema; link in comments below.

21/06/2023

We are heartbroken at the news that filmmaker Michael Alessandro de Gaetano, who made his directorial debut with UFO: TARGET EARTH and followed it with such cult classics as HAUNTED and PROJECT: METALBEAST, passed away on Sunday, June 11th, after sustaining injuries in a fall. He was 85 years young.

To the end, Alessandro was the ideal of a friend...supportive, kindhearted, hilarious...and his creativity energies had no limit. We will miss him dearly and look forward to honoring his legacy with our upcoming restoration of UFO: TARGET EARTH.

28/05/2023

We have some great news to share on the upcoming disc release of our first feature film production, The Last Frankenstein, over at the movie's Kickstarter page!



https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/65838809/the-last-frankenstein-a-horror-feature-film/posts/3820651?ref=ksr_email_creator_project_update_copy

Hey, everyone! We completed all work on the bonus materials for the upcoming Blu-Ray and DVD releases of The Last Frankenstein, and the project is now in the hands of our distributor! As the time draws near, we will provide a street date for the discs. Initially, the movie will only be available as....

08/05/2023

A huge shout out to cast and crew of Break Glass Movie, the latest directorial effort from THE LAST FRANKENSTEIN's producer, Jay Leonard! The award-nominated film will be screening tonite as part of the New York CineFest film festival...tickets still available!

https://www.facebook.com/BreakGlassMovie/posts/pfbid02RMEVRgjuQdfnE9Rzj8viJUGcn86EreUdFSMthsHv5K1fsVuFPxMJ7fzLnLkoYd5Tl

Congratulations to our very own Ricky DeRosa () and Suzanna Bornn () for their nominations at New York CineFest! ()

Come see their amazing performances this Monday night at New York CineFest!
*link in bio*

25/04/2023

Here's a peek at a recently acquired piece of UFO: TARGET EARTH memorabilia, a promotional still we hadn't laid eyes on before. Arrived in today's mail all the way from the Netherlands! Another item to scan for our upcoming Blu-Ray of the 1974 cult classic!

23/03/2023

Want all the news that's fit to print? Then just take a peep at the latest Gila Films newsletter!



https://mailchi.mp/61da684f0264/gila-films-hits-the-airwaves

22/03/2023

The sophomore episode of Carpet City Cinema, our just launched podcast, is upon the world...check it out!

David catches us up to speed on what's been happening with The Last Frankenstein and Gila Films since the pilot episode was originally recorded! He then covers the recent passing of a couple centenarians who left their mark on cult cinema history, waxes poetic about Kino Lorber's upcoming Columbo Bl...

14/03/2023

Gila Films is on the air! Carpet City Cinema, our long-gestating venture into podcasting, has just landed on Spotify! Take a listen to the pilot episode to hear host David Weaver discuss the latest news on our projects, film reviews, and other such merriment!



https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carpetcitycinema

A movie-themed podcast hosted by David Weaver, owner of the indie film production and distribution company Gila Films. David discusses his company's latest projects, industry news, and recently watched films.

09/03/2023

Finished reading the morning paper? Then it's time for news of a Gila Films nature! Click below to read our most recent newsletter, and don't forget to head over to our website and sign up for our mailing list!



https://mailchi.mp/df9d5e84215a/the-last-frankenstein-gets-disc-connected?fbclid=IwAR3qxbPcQvtiIHxNDyaGa0RluFR5nn3jEQHEYJF2TvPlgM-j6h2Vg6dBWB4

27/02/2023

Look what arrived in today's mail...a second issue of Boxoffice Magazine dedicating its cover to UFO: TARGET EARTH! Even details contests held to promote the film! Another great find to savor as we prep for our 4K restoration of this cult classic movie!

23/02/2023

Here are some more screencaps taken from our original test scan of the 35mm elements for UFO: TARGET EARTH! Even these raw 1080p images show a significant upgrade from the old VHS master, and our upcoming 4K restoration will yield even better results!

15/02/2023

Our upcoming restoration of UFO: TARGET EARTH will be the cult classic's first authorized release since its Simitar VHS some thirty-plus years ago! To get just the roughest idea of the uptick in quality you can expect, here is a comparison of the original Simitar master with a compressed, 1080p raw scan of the 35mm negative!

30/01/2023

We're hard at work on the bonus material for our upcoming Blu-Ray and DVD releases of The Last Frankenstein...but we don't want you to think we've forgotten about our ALSO upcoming restoration of the 1974 cult classic movie UFO: TARGET EARTH! Here's a look at the tape masters we'll be sourcing the film's audio from, as the original audio masters no longer exist. More updates to come!

09/12/2022

Wondering just what the heck's been going on over at Gila Films? Wonder no more...we have another newsletter to feast your eyes on, giving you the most recent scoops on our creature feature The Last Frankenstein and other projects!



https://mailchi.mp/e188cbe39904/the-last-frankenstein-rises-on-tubi?fbclid=IwAR0DE4jKsbFYAg5AFW78fXELl6iO0faua3K_yvA0TOQRbpG7La5XCZhjMuQ

13/11/2022

Our award-winning debut feature, The Last Frankenstein, is now available to view on Amazon Prime Video! For all the deets, check out our latest newsletter below!



https://mailchi.mp/082a0955ed3b/the-last-frankenstein-on-amazon-prime-video

30/10/2022

We've just added a second (and still free!) streaming option for our horror feature The Last Frankenstein over at WOCOO! Just in time for your Halloween viewing!



https://www.wocoo.tv/share?content=movie¶m=slug&val=the-last-frankenstein&fbclid=IwAR335VjunRbfmAcQI5PXEHtAY2_ERPks8fQ1ZnNlCLZT2YU70GS9nTmHd3Y

An "existential slasher" shot in the style of a 1970s drive-in film, THE LAST FRANKENSTEIN follows the last of the Frankenstein line, who must rise from a dormant existence to complete his ancestors' infamous experiment of creating a living being.

22/10/2022

If you're in need of some scares and screams this Halloween, then look no further! Our debut feature film, the award-winning horror movie The Last Frankenstein, is now available for streaming FOR FREE on Plex TV!



https://watch.plex.tv/movie/the-last-frankenstein

Buried in a dormant life and a dead end relationship, Dr. Jason Frankenstein, the last of his family, finds himself frustratingly approaching the middle of his life with little progress to show towards carrying forward his family's experiment. But after a creature from his past brutally re-enters hi...

20/08/2022

Gila Films played a small part in this, contacting the rights owner for CREATURE FROM BLACK LAKE and putting them in touch with Synapse Films and also providing scans of archival promotional materials. We're honored to be involved with one of our all-time favorite films finally getting the restoration and release long due it!

A CULT CLASSIC SURPRISE TITLE FROM SYNAPSE FILMS!

AVAILABLE NOW FOR IMMEDIATE SHIPPING! GET CREATURE FROM BLACK LAKE WITH A LIMITED EDITION SLIPCOVER ONLY FROM SYNAPSE FILMS AND DIABOLIKDVD!

LIMITED TO 2500 SLIPCOVERS ONLY. ONCE THEY’RE GONE, THEY’RE GONE!

“A wonderfully old-fashioned monster movie like they used to make monster movies—chills, chuckles and a couple of good screams.”

- Paul Beutel, Austin American-Statesman

“***1/2…thoroughly professional and highly entertaining.”

- Glenn Garvin, Delta Democrat-Times

There’s a hairy humanoid beast lurking in the Louisiana swamps, but only trapper Joe Canton (Jack Elam, ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST) has seen it and lived to tell the tale, and the other residents of Oil City, Louisiana don’t talk about it. But that’s not about to stop intrepid grad students Pahoo (Dennis Fimple, HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES) and Rives (John David Carson, EMPIRE OF THE ANTS), who are determined to track down the Bigfoot-like creature. Defying local sheriff Billy Carter (Bill Thurman, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW), the duo trek deep into the wilds of Black Lake, and a series of frightening encounters make it clear the monster is no mere legend.

Following in the (big) footsteps of THE LEGEND OF BOGGY CREEK and similar docudramas, 1976’s CREATURE FROM BLACK LAKE is a fictional Sasquatch saga, albeit one inspired by real reports. With a colorful cast, also including Dub Taylor (THE WILD BUNCH), and plenty of rural atmosphere courtesy of cinematographer Dean Cundey (HALLOWEEN, JURASSIC PARK), scripter Jim McCullough Jr.—who also co-stars—and director Joy Houck Jr. bring touches of humor and humanity that complement the mystery of the monster, and the terror of its attacks. A longtime late-night TV favorite, CREATURE FROM BLACK LAKE now roars onto its Blu-ray debut with a new 4K restoration and a boatload of special features!

MONSTROUS SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

Exclusive slipcover design from Justin Coffee (Limited to only 2500 slipcovers)

Brand-new 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative

Audio commentary with author/filmmaker Michael Gingold and film historian Chris Poggiali

SWAMP STORIES – All-new featurette with Director of Photography Dean Cundey

Original theatrical trailer and radio spot

Newly translated optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

BLU-RAY SPECIFICATIONS

VIDEO: High-Definition 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1) Presentation / AVC Codec

AUDIO: DTS-HD MA English 2.0 Original Mono

SUBTITLES: English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

ALL REGION

RETAIL PRICE: $29.95

ITEM #: SFD0210

UPC: 654930323397

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THE MASS MARKET VERSION, TO BE ANNOUNCED IN THE COMING MONTHS WITH MVD Home Entertainment Distributor, WILL NOT HAVE THE SLIPCOVER. ORDER TODAY AND GET YOUR COPY WITH THE LIMITED SLIPCOVER!

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Order now from Synapse: https://www.synapsefilms.com/product/creature-from-black-lake/

Order now from .com: https://www.diabolikdvd.com/product/le-slipcover-creature-from-black-lake-synapse-blu-ray-all-region/

18/07/2022

Coming soon!

20/06/2022

What you're looking at is the original poster art created for UFO: TARGET EARTH. Although it was replaced by the art we all know and love prior to the film's premiere, the original version still managed to find its way on to the cover of a BoxOffice Magazine issue printed several months before the movie's release!

Prepare to "come face to face with eternity" when Gila Films debuts its 4K restoration of UFO: TARGET EARTH next year!