EXCLUSIVE: Saban Films has acquired North American rights to Jeffrey Scott Collins’ The Caged starring Tamzin Merchant (Carnival Row), Edmund Kingsley (Dirty Angels), Raffiella Chapman (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children) and newcomer Callen Carter.
Inspired by true events, the horror film follows a family that is terrorized by a dark presence after they move into a quaint cottage in an unassuming English coastal town.
Uncovering its history, they discover their once dream home lies on the site of a medieval prison set aside for those accused of witchcraft, including England’s most notorious witch, hanged in 1582.
The deal was negotiated by Steve Break on behalf of Saban Films, and by The Coven on behalf of the filmmakers. The Coven is also handling international sales.
Collins directed the film from a script he also wrote. Producers are Joseph C. Grano (Dolly) at Set Point Entertainment; Collins (Above the Line), under his Seems Reel Entertainment; Gaby Whyte Hart (Just Play Dead) at Fearless Productions; and Llewelynn Greeff (Young Guns) at Dark Matter Studios.
Priscilla Smith and Kendall Anlian (Terrifier) of The Coven serve as Executive Producers, alongside Adam Margules (The Vigil) through his company, Angry Adam Productions, along with Daniel Hockley, Ian Dawson, Rupert Hollier, Simon Fawcett, Christian Sheedy, Michael Santos, and Ken Davenport. Arran MacLennan, Jed Tune, and Cory Levin serve as Co-producers.
It is Collins’ second feature after Above the Line, which was released in June by Quiver Distribution.
“The Caged centers around one of the most extraordinary and terrifying events and places in England’s history. With that as the foundation, it delves into complex family and marital dynamics and explores how they are tested when thrust into a horrifying pressure cooker,” said Collins.
“Much like my favorite horror films, The Caged is very real and grounded, with rich, layered characters, and aims to terrify its audience both physically and psychologically. I’m so thrilled the Saban team loves the film so much, and I can’t wait to work with them, as well as The Coven team, to scare audiences around the world.”
