"The Atoning," is a horror/suspense/thriller from writer/director Michael Williams (OzLand) where, while haunted by ghostly apparitions, two parents try to protect their young son from a dark secret that could destroy their family. "The Atoning" is now available for pre-orders on iTunes, and will be released on DVD, Blu-ray, Digital HD, and in REDBOX on September 5, 2017, announced Williams.
In "The Atoning," Vera, Ray, and Sam, a seemingly normal family, are haunted by more than mere ghosts. The lingering horror of their past threatens their ability to function as a loving family until they become ENLIGHTENED by a mystical encounter. From that moment on, they're thrust into a horror worse than anything they've ever experienced. Personal demons manifest and tear THE FAMILY apart from the inside out as they come to terms with their past.
"The Atoning" was shot in a 140-year-old Victorian house in the director's hometown of West Point, Mississippi, with principal photography wrapping on August 31, 2016. The film stars Virginia Newcomb, Michael LaCour, Cannon Bosarge, and Dorothy Weems.
"We were incredibly fortunate in the strength and talent of our entire cast and crew and the film's success is a testament to their energy, commitment, and hard work. Our producers also did a fantastic job throughout the entire process navigating the business side of things and positioned our film very well," said Actor/Producer Michael LaCour.
Practical effects were utilized almost exclusively in the film. Beside a handful of shots that required digital enhancements, the vast majority of the effects in the film are practical.
"I wanted "The Atoning" to feel very real and grounded in the film's aesthetic, even when the story went into other worldly directions. It is important to do as much practically as possible to not only be more efficient but to also make the cinematic experience more fulfilling," said Williams.
The production utilized FX makeup, old-school camera tricks, and on-set movie magic to realize the film's various ghostly and demonic elements.
"I've been making films in MS for over 13 years and have been fortunate enough to see the industry grow throughout the state. I am consistently amazed at the quality of actors, crew, and filmmakers that populate Mississippi and the surrounding region. For me, it makes sense to produce films in the environment where I feel inspired by the atmosphere around me and to realize that inspiration with talented and hard-working collaborators," said Williams.
Filmmakers of "The Atoning" are Writer/Director/Producer Michael Williams, Executive Producer/Producer Michael LaCour (who also stars), Executive Producer Daniel Wood, Producer Joni Seitz, Associate Producers Sabrita Gordon and David Roberson, and Composer Keatzi Gunmoney. Williams also serves as the film's Cinematographer and Editor.
"Both Gravitas Ventures and Cardinal XD have proven to be strong advocates for our film and have done a great job, thus far. There's certainly a lot of excitement in the air right now as "The Atoning" creeps towards its release date," said LaCour.
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