The Asylum

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The Asylum is an American film studio. They primarily focus on horror films, but have also released films of the action, comedy, sci-fi, and thriller genres. It was started in 1997, and has three managing partners: David Michael Latt, David Rimawi, and Sherri Strain. Its headquarters is in Hollywood, California. The Asylum can be called a modern-day B-movie company, producing several films made on low budgets and short shooting schedules each year.

1 Units
2 Films
3 Forums
4 External links

[edit] Units

The Asylum has three divisions: The Global Asylum (film distribution worldwide), The Asylum Home Entertainment (distribution within the U.S.), and The Asylum Studios (production company).

[edit] Films

The Asylum particularly produces and releases horror movies, often shot very quickly and filmed on low budgets. Also, many Asylum productions will utilize the same actors, as well as writers and directors, in their movies. Those involved in this group are referred to as "Asylumites".

The Asylum has garnered some criticism because of unoriginal movies. For example, they produced a version of H.G. Wells's War of the Worlds that was released on DVD in 2005 just a day before the theatrical adaptation starring Tom Cruise premiered in the U.S. Among other films that have been produced and released direct-to-video to capitalize on the releases or successes of other films include:

Freakshow - In a modern retelling of Tod Browning's Freaks. Tells the story of a group of criminals who chose to hide out by working security at a traveling circus.
King of the Lost World - A story similar to King Kong which was released December 13, 2005, one day before the American theatrical release of the 2005 theatrical version.
When a Killer Calls - Following a babysitter being terrorized by a psychopath was released in February 2006 to coincide with the release of When a Stranger Calls, which was announced much earlier and has a nearly identical plot.
666:The Child - Film about a couple adopting a child who they soon find may be the Antichrist was released June 6, 2006, the same day as the American release of The Omen.
The Da Vinci Treasure - Project starring C. Thomas Howell and Lance Henriksen is an obvious rip-off of The Da Vinci Code, and was released in the U.S. four days after the theatrical release.
Hillside Cannibals - film based on the same true story as The Hills Have Eyes, released 18 days after The Hills Have Eyes.
Pirates of Treasure Island - This pirate-themed film was released on June 27, 2006, most likely to capitalize on the July 7th release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. One may note that the box art for Pirates of Treasure Island is almost identical to the cover of the first Pirates of the Caribbean film, and one actor's appearance is a blatant copy of Johnny Depp's character, Captain Jack Sparrow.
Snakes on a Train - Released three days before the cinematic release of Snakes on a Plane.
In their most recent development, The Asylum has announced a film based on The 9/11 Commission Report, titled The 9/11 Commission Report. It is being tagged as "A thriller in the tradition of Syriana, Traffic, and United 93." [1]. Its scheduled release date is September 5, 2006. ABC network's telemovie, The Path to 9/11, also allegedly based on the 9/11 Commission Report and is scheduled to be shown on the 5th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, between September 10 - September 11, 2006. This project could also have been made as a response to Oliver Stone's World Trade Center, though Latt has stated on his forum that it's original.
"dragon" is probably the "B" version of Eragon
"Transmorphers", about giant robots fighting humans, is scheduled for release shortly before the Michael Bay Transformers film.

This practice has only been recently adopted by the Asylum, as up until last year, almost all of the films made were low budget original story ideas with original scripts and were not reliant upon theatrical releases with similar names or story ideas. However The Asylum continues to produce original content, primarily in the Horror genre.

The Asylum's Web site [2] also puts out open links offering those visiting to submit a script, treatment, or an acting resume to studio executives. The Asylum's rates for screenplays are reputedly low even by indie standards, so people submitting work or resumes are advised to keep that in mind.

The Asylum's practice of producing so-called "rip-off" movies was brought to light in July 2006 on The Today Show on NBC, featuring perspectives on the matter by Asylum head David Michael Latt, a consumer advocate, and some people in a video store. Latt contended that he is running a business and is merely trying to get the largest audience to see his films (like all filmmakers), but also says his company puts their own spin on the tales. He also notes that The Asylum has released over 200 films, and only 6 of which are studio 'tie-ins'. The consumer advocates note that, while it is very misleading and unfair to customers, it is perfectly legal and, from a business standpoint, very clever. Customers at a video store expressed bewilderment, as one who picked up a copy of Pirates of Treasure Island prompted her to ask, "Is Johnny Depp even in this?"

[edit] Forums

The Asylum's Web site maintains an active forum section, where fans can talk about upcoming releases and films in production. There is also a section titles "Ask David", in which Asylum co-founder David Michael Latt will answer questions about film production, and also offers information for aspiring filmmakers and actors, such as what producers look for in a script, what to consider in writing a script, and what actors should do to survive an audition. To that end, The Asylum (or Latt at least) has been viewed as "fan friendly" for its willingness to give information on the film industry.