As a filmmaker, it’s no surprise that I have always been drawn to the visual aesthetic of a scene.  The sum of its components: production design, location, lighting, makeup/hair, wardrobe, camera/lens, color correction, etc. when properly executed, can truly bring an idea to life.  My appreciation does not lie solely in the cinematic medium however.  Despite the lack of movement and sound, photography can capture that magic just as well when done correctly.  Though there are a number of talented visual creators out there today, two of my modern favorites have to be Gregory Crewdson and Joshua Hoffine.  Both of these artists visualize an entire scene playing out in their mind, down to the most intricate of details, and then have the diligence to bring these concepts to life.  As much as I may respect the portfolio of the former, the topic of my article today is the work of the awe-inspiring, nightmare-fueled visions of terror captured by the lens of Joshua Hoffine.

I believe I was first introduced to Hoffine’s work while studying special FX at Tom Savini’s FX School back in 2004-06 and I was instantly a fan.  As I stated above, Hoffine has an unmatched ability to visualize specific details of a scene in his mind, and the wherewithal to bring them to fruition.  Focusing on the horror genre, Hoffine pulls imagery from some of the most haunting nightmares and deepest, darkest recesses of the mind, and is known across the globe as a result.  I have always been a fan of the creatures he’s created and the stories his photos tell.

In recent years, Hoffine has decided to take the plunge into the medium of film and his first attempt, BLACK LULLABY is not a far stray from the positive attributes possessing his photography.  A disturbing tale of a little girl’s encounter with the boogeyman is filled with beautiful shot composition, eerie score components, and a location that probably doubled as the sight of a multiple homicide in real life at some point.  World of Death is proud to include BLACK LULLABY in its catalog and all you WOD citizens can catch the premiere of BLACK LULLABY Thursday at 10am CST on Bloody Disgusting’s YouTube channel.  But for now, check out the WOD teaser for BLACK LULLABY below!  Stay scared…

World of Death is the web series that fans of independent horror have been waiting for.  Featuring short horror films from all over the globe created by the largest variety of talent that a collection has ever been able to boast, WOD provides plenty of blood, guts, screams and laughs for all fans of the macabre.  And with episodes averaging around eight minutes in length, WOD is the perfect entertainment for a fan base constantly on the go.  Watch it anywhere, at any time, for FREE! New episodes premiere every Monday and Thursday at 10am CST.

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