NEWS -

Masters of Horror review

Posted: June 3, 2006, 23:36
_
My review of six episodes of Masters of Horror is now online. You can check it out here.

Full schedule for Nightmares & Dreamscapes

Posted: June 2, 2006, 23:32
_
Here is the schedule for all 8 episodes from Nightmares & Dreamscapes:

Battleground:
Wednesday, July 12, at 9 p.m. – Commercial-free
Encore: Thursday, July 13, at 11 p.m.

Crouch End:
Wednesday, July 12, at 10:00 p.m.
Encore: Thursday, July 13, at 12 a.m.

Umney’s Last Case:
Wednesday, July 19, at 9 p.m.
Encore: Thursday, July 20, at 11 p.m.

The End of the Whole Mess:
Wednesday, July 19, at 10 p.m.
Encore: Thursday, July 20, at 12 a.m.

The Road Virus Heads North:
Wednesday, July 26, at 9 p.m.
Encore: Thursday, July 27, at 11 p.m.

The Fifth Quarter:
Wednesday, July 26, at 10 p.m.
Encore: Thursday, July 27, at 12 a.m.

Autopsy Room Four:
Wednesday, August 2, at 9 p.m.
Encore: Thursday, August 3, at 11 p.m.

You Know They Got A Hell of a Band:
Wednesday, August 2, at 10 p.m.
Encore: Thursday, August 3, at 12 a.m.

An Evening with Harry, Carrie and Garp

Posted: May 31, 2006, 23:24
_
Here is a comment from the moderator of King message board about the event An Evening with Harry, Carrie and Garp:

It may change, but I believe he will be reading from The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon for the event and that is also the title of the book he will be pre-signing for sale. Each author has agreed to pre-sign 500 books; 250 for each night.

Thanks to Bev Vincent

Secretary of Dreams t-shirts

Posted: May 30, 2006, 23:13
_
This interesting news arrived from Cemetery Dance today:

Today we have some exciting news for those of you who love Stephen King and Glenn Chadbourne's work as much as we do. After speaking with Chadbourne and receiving King's enthusiastic permission, we're working with our design team on t-shirts featuring stunning full-color reproductions of the cover art & design for each of the three editions of The Secretary of Dreams! These t-shirts will be made by the same company that produced our Halloween t-shirts last year so they'll be great quality.

The Gift Edition cover artwork will be reproduced on a black shirt.
The Limited Edition cover artwork will be reproduced on a sandstone shirt.
The Lettered Edition cover artwork will be reproduced on a cocoa (brown) shirt.

We plan to have the finished designs up on the site in a few days! Our designer is doing some final matching of the t-shirt materials to the graphical mock-ups right now.

These three amazing t-shirts are available in the following sizes for just $20 each plus shipping: S, M, L, and XL. You can upgrade to XXL or XXXL for just $5 more per shirt!

This will be an excellent addition to your Stephen King collection (how many fans do you know who own a Stephen King t-shirt, after all?) and an incredible way to show off Chadbourne's artwork around your hometown! Be sure to let us know what your friends, family, and coworkers think!

Don't wait to place your order because we're not sure what quantities we're ordering for each size yet and we'd hate for you to miss out!

Click here to place your T-Shirt order!

Thanks to Bev Vincent

Desperation Week; Ended

Posted: May 28, 2006, 00:24
_
So, with this Desperation Week has officially ended. I want to thank all of you that participated either by entering the contest, sending in comments, donating prizes, giving interviews for making it a success. Maybe there will be another week that is dedicated to something special later on as well.

With that said, here is the answers to the last two questions.

Thursday:
Question: The 1st Japanese edition of Carrie was copyrighted in what year?
Answer: 1975

Friday:
Question: What does it say on the note on which the Can Tah stands when Steve (Steven Weber) and Cynthia (Kelly Overton) is caught under it’s spell (you don’t have to include the name of the person who has signed the note)?
Answer: Hey Jim! What the hell is this? Any idea?

And…the winner of the authentic Can Tah from the movie is Anrie van Dyk from The Netherlands, congratulations!

Special presentation of Nightmares & Dreamscapes

Posted: May 26, 2006, 23:14
_
A special presentation of Nightmares & Dreamscapes will take place at the next Fangoria’s Weekend of Horror Convention.

A special NIGHTMARES & DREAMSCAPES: FROM THE STORIES OF STEPHEN KING presentation will take place at the next FANGORIA’s Weekend of Horrors convention, presented by Anchor Bay Entertainment, to be held June 2-4, 2006 at LA’s Burbank Airport Hilton (2500 Hollywood Way). Guest speakers previewing the eight-part TNT series event will be directors Brian (FARSCAPE) Henson, Rob (THE X FILES) Bowman and Mikael (‘SALEM’S LOT) Salomon; scripters Richard Christian Matheson (a MASTERS OF HORROR contributor) and Peter (THE CRAFT) Filardi and CROUCH END actress Claire Forlani. In addition, two episodes of NIGHTMARES & DREAMSCAPES will make their world premieres at the con: BATTLEGROUND and YOU KNOW THEY GOT A HELL OF A BAND. The King-sized panel and BATTLEGROUND screening will close the convention late Sunday

Thanks to Bev Vincent

Hear Stationary Bike today

Posted: May 26, 2006, 23:04
_
Want to hear a clip from Stationary Bike? Want to buy the downloadable version today and not wait until June 6? Well, you can do just that over at Simply Audiobooks

Desperation Week; Day 5

Posted: May 26, 2006, 22:57
_
OK, Desperation Week is about to come to an end. Today I have another interview for you. This time I have talked to the great actor Steven Weber and you can read what he had to say here.

Don’t forget to check in tomorrow when I’ll present the winner of the grand prize. A real Can Tah.

Interview with King on Desperation DVD

Posted: May 26, 2006, 00:37
_
The moderator of King’s message board confirms that there will be an interview but no commentary (by King) on the DVD edition of Desperation.

King recommends books that you should read this summer

Posted: May 25, 2006, 23:01
_
USA TODAY asked some popular authors to tell them what books they've got in their beach bags - and why.

•The Ruins by Scott Smith

•18 Seconds by George Shuman

•All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren

•Gone by Jonathan Kellerman

•The Black Ice by Michael Connelly

•Spin by Robert Charles Wilson

•361 by Donald E. Westlake

•Billy Budd by Herman Melville

Why these authors? "Because they're good!"

Thanks to Bev Vincent

7.5 million viewers saw Desperation

Posted: May 25, 2006, 22:39
_
The atrocious decision of ABC to run 'Desperation' against the 'American Idol' finals Country Music Awards got the expected result.

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The first half of the "American Idol"
finale Tuesday drew more than 30 million fans to see the last lap of the
sing-off between Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee.

The 8 p.m. edition of "Idol" drew 30.7 million viewers and 11.8 rating/33
share in the adults 18-49 demographic, which amounted to the highest marks
ever for the first half of an "Idol" finale, according to preliminary
estimates from Nielsen Media Research. At 9 p.m., Fox was still on fire with
the sophomore season finale of "House" (25.8 million, 10.3/25).

"Idol's" fearsome start left the competition in the dust. CBS was the
closest competitor to Fox for the night with its 8-11 p.m. telecast of the
Academy of Country Music Awards (12 million, 3.5/9).

ABC and NBC were pretty well pummeled with their made-for-TV movies. The
second half of NBC's "10.5: Apocalypse" disaster mini pulled in only about 6
million viewers and 2.3/6 in the key demo from 9-11 p.m.. ABC's three-hour
"Stephen King's Desperation" was only a little better off with 7.5 million
viewers and 2.5/7 in adults 18-49.

Thanks to Rocky Wood.

Desperation Week; Day 4 (part 2)

Posted: May 25, 2006, 22:09
_
Here is what all of you thought about Desperation:

Overall, it was a pretty good adaptation, and probably the best we're going to get. That being said, sometimes I think it went over the top and it nowhere matched the raw intensity of the book.

DESPERATIONS, chilling, grab you by the seat, and wonderfully created.

It was a letdown when Tak had to leave Perlman (was perfect, by the way!), but at least we still had Skerritt to hold the weight up. The "Ghost Pie" thing was pretty dumb, but thank God (har-de-Har) they didn't skimp on the touchy religious aspects and they sure as HELL didn't skimp on the violence, so I'll give this a thumbs up. The kid (Shane Haboucha) did a pretty good job, and c'mon, how can you not like the Frewer?


Read the complete text

Desperation Week; Day 4 (part 1)

Posted: May 25, 2006, 22:04
_
The second winner in Desperation Week has been selected. I will announce the winner after giving you the right answer to Tuesday and Wednesday’s question.

Tuesday:
Question: Who was Philtrum Press publisher who also produced the limited edition of Eyes of the Dragon, The Ideal Genuine Man, and The Plant , along with Six Stories?
Answer: Michael Alpert.

Wednesday:
Question: What is the police officer's name who abducts the traveler's in Desperation?
Answer: Collie Entragian.

The first one was a bit harder then the second one that was really easy. And the winner (drawn from all the correct entries between Monday and Wednesday) of a limited edition copy of Desperation is Simon McNamee from the Australia. Congratulation!

The next question is already online so if you haven’t already, head over there and enter.

German cover for Lisey's Story

Posted: May 24, 2006, 23:48
_
Here is the German cover for Lisey’s Story. The German title is Love and it’s being released in October.

Thanks to Hans von Wirth

See Nightmares & Dreamscapes early

Posted: May 24, 2006, 23:47
_
Do you want to see two of the episodes from Nightmares & Dreamscapes early? Well, here is your chance...if you live in the US.

Thanks to Mike Cahill

Desperation Week; Day 3 (part 2)

Posted: May 24, 2006, 08:48
_
Here is a very interesting interview with Brandon Kihl who did the sculpting and props on Desperation. Brandon has also done the Can Tah that is the grand prize in the Desperation Week contest.

Desperation Week; Day 3 (part 1)

Posted: May 24, 2006, 08:42
_
I hope you all saw Desperation yesterday... If not the DVD will be out on August 29 in the US. Now I want to ask all of you that did see it to Please mail me your comments about it. I will then put them all on my site tomorrow so you can get an idea of what everyone thought about it.

BUT, I don’t want a review, only shorter comments in one or two sentences, OK? Just click here to send a mail

Desperation Week; Day 2 (part 2)

Posted: May 23, 2006, 08:18
_
My review of Desperation is now online. It doesn’t contain any spoilers (if you have read the book) so you can read it when you have the time.

And when you have seen Desperation tonight as I’m sure most of those who can will, Please mail me your comments about it. I will then put them together so you can all see what the fans thought about it tomorrow. Oh, and I don’t want a review, only shorter comments in one or two sentences, OK? Just click here to send a mail

Desperation Week; Day 2 (part 1)

Posted: May 23, 2006, 08:17
_
The first winner in Desperation Week has been selected. I will announce the winner after giving you the right answer to Monday’s question.

Question When was Desperation published?
Answer 1996.

This one was an easy one and most of you got it right. And the winner of a first edition copy of Desperation is Shayne Sullivan from the US. Congratulation!

The next question is already online so if you haven’t already, head over there and enter.

Stationary Bike available for download on Friday

Posted: May 22, 2006, 23:02
_
The CD version of the audio book Stationary Bike is being released on June 6 but on this Friday May 26 the downloadable version will be available on all download retailers, such as Audible.com and SoundsGood.com.

Desperation Week; Day 1

Posted: May 22, 2006, 08:41
_
OK, Desperation Week has now officially kicked of. The contest is up and running (enter by clicking the link on your right) and believe me, you don’t want to miss this one.

Today I also have a brand new interview with Mick Garris, director of Desperation for you to check out. Enjoy!

Desperation not longer on DVD

Posted: May 21, 2006, 23:52
_
I talked to Mick Garris about Desperation being longer on DVD and he told me that that is not the case. He doesn’t think there will be any substantial differences between the movie that airs and the film on the DVD, except that that DVD will be in widescreen 16:9 format, and without the commercial breaks. And the DVD will also have the 5.1 surround sound track, which really delivers the full orchestral score and sound mix the way it was intended.

There will however be some extra material on the DVD.

Director’s cut of Desperation

Posted: May 19, 2006, 23:19
_
The moderator of King's official board had the following to say about the DVD edition of Desperation:

I’ve been told the DVD will be more of a "director’s cut" version so will have scenes deleted from the ABC broadcast.

1408 to permier on May 18th, 2007

Posted: May 19, 2006, 21:32
_
Bloody Disgusting reports that 1408 has gotten a release date...May 18th, 2007.

Good news though as Mikael Hafstrom's 1408 has been given a May 18th, 2007 date. "1408" is the tale of a debunker of paranormal occurrences (John Cusack) who encounters real terror when he checks into the notorious Room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel. Samuel Jackson (Snakes on a Plane) also stars.

Thanks to Bloody Disgusting

From a Buick 8 a miniseries?

Posted: May 19, 2006, 21:10
_
Fangoria reports about the Black House movie and that From a Buick 8 might be a miniseries.

While on location in New Mexico a couple of weeks back for Dark Lot’s LIVING HELL, actor/scriptwriter Johnathon (THE FORSAKEN) Schaech was more than happy to tell Fango about the two Stephen King movie scripts and MASTERS OF HORROR teleplay he’s done with partner Richard Chizmar of CEMETERY DANCE. “Richard and I have written THE BLACK HOUSE, the sequel to THE TALISMAN, for [producer] Akiva Goldsman,” Schaech reveals. “It’s interesting, because we don’t know what’s going to happen with THE TALISMAN [movie] right now. It’s gone through so many writers and directors, as all King fans know, and I hear all kinds of rumors. So our script had to stand on its own as well as be a sequel to THE TALISMAN. Richard and I did a very faithful adaptation [of the King/Peter Straub novel], and Akiva loved it.”

If produced, the BLACK HOUSE film will use visuals in the opening scenes to explain what has gone on before. “It does stand on its own, but it also ties in beautifully through the imagery—even to THE DARK TOWER series,” Schaech explains. “There is a lot of interest in it, but it depends on what happens with THE TALISMAN.”

Goldsman took interest in Schaech and Chizmar after reading their miniseries script based on King’s 2003 novel FROM A BUICK 8. “It’s mystical and doesn’t explain itself,” Schaech says of that project. “It’s a metaphor, and we tried to explain that in the screenplay. It has a deeper meaning, and it’s a little harder for people to digest. It really is a masterpiece, and most people don’t seem to realize that.” Helping to launch the potential BUICK miniseries is Mick (THE STAND) Garris, no stranger to King films. “Mick is a wonderful guy, and we’ve been talking a lot recently,” Schaech notes. “One of the networks is interested, and they’ve talked to King some. We’ll see what happens there, too.” In a separate interview, Garris admitted his BUICK interest to Fango: “It’s something I’d be interested in being involved in, in one capacity or another. They wrote a really great script for it.”

The Garris connection doesn’t stop there for Schaech and Chizmar, though: The duo have also penned a script for the second season of Showtime’s MASTERS OF HORROR. “We adapted this great Bentley Little piece called ‘The Washingtonians,’ ” Schaech reveals. “It’s so much fun, and it should be a great episode. We pitched a bunch of ideas to Mick and the guys over at Showtime, and they loved the one based on Little’s short story. I think we wrote a really good screenplay, and I’m excited by it.” Adds Garris, “We’re working on finding the right director for it. I’m really hoping we do it this season, as it’s a great script and a great story.”

Schaech began writing screenplays while on location for various movies he’s done, and then decided to team with Chizmar. “I’m not a master of horror, but Richard really knows his stuff,” the actor says. “I’m really respectful toward anything I attach myself to in the horror genre. When I met Richard, we decided to really get involved and be very serious scriptwriters. We want to try to make an art and craft of it.”

The busy team have also adapted Douglas Clegg’s novel THE HOUR BEFORE DARK for possible production at MGM/Sony, plus Ed Gorman’s thriller THE POKER CLUB. As with the King screenplays, Schaech says, “Hopefully HOUR BEFORE DARK will get off the ground sometime soon. And we’ll have to see what happens with POKER CLUB.”

Thanks to Bev Vincent.

Bigger Lisey cover

Posted: May 19, 2006, 20:55
_
Here is a bigger scan of the US cover for Lisey's Story.

King wants you to watch Desperation

Posted: May 18, 2006, 19:42
_
King comments on ABC's scheduling Desperation against American Idol...

Dear Web Site Visitors,

Those of you who are familiar with the wonderful world of television may have noticed that Desperation — probably the best TV movie to be made from my work — has been scheduled by ABC to run, not just against American Idol, but against the American Idol finals! When I see this kind of scheduling, my heart is warmed by how well I have been treated by all my friends at ABC. One can truly say that with friends like this, one doesn’t need enemas. Little joke there. But am I bitter? HELL, YES, I AM BITTER! Oh, well, good work always finds a place in time, and ours may be in the DVD racks eventually. For now, please remember that Desperation airs on ABC May 23rd. Those of you who watch will get a gold star. Those of you who don’t, and watch American Idol instead…well, just remember: I have strange powers. I have been watching you all for some time through your computers. (This is actually a power conferred upon me by the Bush Administration.) I watch you when you eat, I watch you when you sleep, and I watch you when you undress. In regard to this last comment, some of you need more stylish underwear, but never mind; the point is, I will know if you watch American Idol and if something bad happens to you, it will be your own fault.

Cordially,

Steve

Fifth season of The Dead Zone teasers

Posted: May 16, 2006, 22:02
_
The fifth season of The Dead Zone premieres Sunday, June 18 at 10/9C on USA Network. On the official site is an advanced look at each of this summer's 11 new episodes, along with a downloadable teaser script (.PDF format) that details the each show's opening scene.

Lisey's Story in color.

Posted: May 13, 2006, 01:37
_
Here is finally the finished color cover for Lisey's Story. I found it on King's official site and unfortunately it wasn't bigger then this but it should give us an idea of what it looks like in color...

Titles of all 11 episodes in season 5 of The Dead Zone

Posted: May 11, 2006, 23:55
_
Here are the titles of all 11 episodes in season 5 of The Dead Zone:

1. Forbidden Fruit
2. Independence Day
3. Panic
4. Articles of Faith
5. The Inside Man
6. Lotto Fever
7. Symmetry
8. Vortex
9. Revelations
10. Heart of Darkness
11. The Hunting Party (season finale)

No signing in August

Posted: May 11, 2006, 22:34
_
The Moderator of King’s official message board said today that King won’t be doing any book signings at the events in August. He will however sign books in October for Lisey’s Story.

Yet another fundraiser.

Posted: May 11, 2006, 08:08
_
King will appear at yet another fundraiser. This one is for Maine Gov John Baldacci at the the Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono this Saturday (13 May). Also appearing is Sen. John Edwards, the Democratic candidate for vice president in 2004, who is in Orono to give the University of Maine commencement address. Read more here.

Thanks to Rocky Wood

First 5 episodes of The Dead Zone

Posted: May 11, 2006, 08:07
_
Here are the titles for the first 5 episodes of season 5 of The Dead Zone:

1. Forbidden Fruit – Premieres 6/18

It's the season premiere. Johnny races to stop the wedding between Greg
Stillson and Miranda Ellis (from the Season Four finale), fearing that
Miranda's life is in danger, as Stillson moves closer toward the White
House.

2. Independence Day

3. Panic

4. Articles of Faith

5. The Inside Man

Season 5 of The Dead Zone

Posted: May 10, 2006, 13:20
_
Here is an article with some info of season 5 of The Dead Zone…but be warned, there are spoilers!

Thanks to Bev Vincent

An evening with Harry, Carrie and Garp.

Posted: May 10, 2006, 13:19
_

Here is a message from King about the charitiy event called An evening with Harry, Carrie and Garp.

I am excited to announce that on the evenings of August 1st and 2nd, I will be reading with the creators of Potter and Garp at Radio City Music Hall. This came about because two good people agreed with me that it might be possible to do one gigantic reading to benefit two charities.

One is Doctors Without Borders, an international independent medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters, or exclusion from health care in more than 70 countries, and the other is The Haven Foundation, a charity that supports writers and artists who can no longer support themselves because of accidents or illness.

We are doing this at Radio City Music Hall because it is the biggest, brightest venue we could find and we are hoping we can fill it on both nights. We hope to see you there--this is going to be very cool!

- Stephen

You can read more on the official site for the event.

Thanks to Bev Vincent.

Charity reading in New York.

Posted: May 10, 2006, 09:27
_
According to this article King, JK Rowling and John Irving are scheduled to do a charity reading in New York in August.

The event is a charity reading for King's recently created charity, The Haven Foundation witch helps performing artists who have suffered illnesses or debilitating accidents that prevent them from working, and for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières, an international medical group that brings emergency aid to people in disaster zones.

Thanks to Rocky Wood

Gunslinger trailer

Posted: May 8, 2006, 12:49
_
Here is a preview for The Gunslinger Dollar Baby.

More info can be found here.

Thanks to Marijn Raaijmakers

Some interesting replies...

Posted: May 4, 2006, 22:19
_
Some interesting replies where give on the official message board today.

When questioned about whether King has begun writing any other new novel. The moderator of the official site replied:

He’s been working on short stories this winter.

When asked if King would come over to the UK to do signings the answer was:

He’ll be there in November to promote Lisey’s Story.

When asked if King would do a signing in California the answer was:

We don’t have full details to give out yet but he’ll be in California to promote Lisey’s Story.

Roth on Cell

Posted: May 3, 2006, 15:32
_
Here are some comments by Eli Roth about the movie version of Cell:

"It's going to be a full-on, big-budget, apocalyptic zombie movie. Really sort of like more in the spirit of the Dawn of the Dead remake."

Roth added: "Everyone on a cell phone gets zapped, and they go completely insane. So they're not really zombies. They're just people that go around killing anyone that's in front of them."

Roth said that he plans to bring his own peculiar sensibility to the material. "Well, there's going to be a little bit of violence," he said, with tongue in cheek. "There's going going to be some blood. I want to make it really, really, really sick. Just full-on sick. But I also want to try to make it a worldwide event. Like, I don't want to see it just happening in one little town. I really want to see people going crazy all over the world and just see the end of civilization."

Roth said that he's following in the footsteps of some of his favorite helmers. "The thing about Stephen King is that so many of my favorite directors have adapted his work," he said. "And they're so varied. I mean, you have The Shining and Carrie and George Romero. So they wind up being a blend of Stephen King and whatever that director's personal taste is. And that's what I plan on doing with Cell."

Thanks to Bev Vincent.

Signing in NYC

Posted: May 3, 2006, 00:24
_
The moderator of King’s official site confirms that King will do a signing in NYC for Lisey’s Story but no exact date or place has yet been set.