Dead on Distribution

Raymond Lesley

Alasdair Gretton brings us another gory, twisted tale. _«Dead on Distribution»_ is another psychedelic trip - this time a 15 minute short set in the world of 1980s "video nasty" production. True to the genre, this is a _bona fide_ "slasher". The film begins with an 80s-style unauthorised distribution warning screen and a retro graphics title page. We see Danny Felt (Jacob Poole) trying to persuade the distributor William Flagg (Brian M. Clarke) to promote his film "Lead Rains Down at Midnight". Shot almost entirely indoors in two locations - the Grand Pavillion in Matlock Bath, where the film was premièred and, appropriately, the 80s Video Store in Alfreton - this is a fast-paced and intimate film. In keeping with the theme, we are treated to blood, ballistics and boobs. As with _«Masked Conspiracy»_, the film is full of flashing effects, distorted close-ups and jarring cutaways - the hallmarks of Gretton's "experimental" editing style. This is a slicker, tighter film and no less shocking. There is a lot packed into a short space of time and it's quite difficult to watch. Another one for edgy horror fans!