Olivia Holt, Froy Gutierrez, Luke MacFarlane to Lead Anova Pictures’ YA Horror Thriller ‘This Is Not a Test,’ Blue Fox Launching at EFM (EXCLUSIVE)

Filmmaker Adam MacDonald (“Backcountry,” “Pyewacket,” “Out Come the Wolves”) will helm the upcoming apocalyptic horror-thriller titled “This is Not a Test.” This project is being introduced by Blue Fox Entertainment at the European Film Market in Berlin.

The movie, hailing from Anova Pictures, takes inspiration from the Young Adult novel penned by Courtney Summers, a New York Times bestselling author. The main characters will be portrayed by Olivia Holt (forthcoming “Heart Eyes”, “Totally Killer”, “Cruel Summer”), Froy Gutierrez (“The Strangers: Chapter 1”, “Cruel Summer”, “Teen Wolf”), and Luke MacFarlane (Bros, “Platonic”, “Brothers & Sisters”). Filming is scheduled to start later this month in Ontario, Canada.

Cybill Lui is taking on the role of producer, under her Anova Pictures label. Blue Fox Entertainment has secured rights for distribution across territories that do not speak English, and will be debuting international sales at EFM. BondIt Media Capital is offering financing, with Matthew Helderman and Luke Taylor serving as executive producers. The production is being made in partnership with North Avenue Pictures and WorldOne Entertainment under the Anova banner.

Not a Drill” – In this story, we follow Sloane and four other students as they seek refuge in Cortege High School amidst a world overrun by the infected. As relentless danger hammers on their sanctuary’s doors, Sloane gains a new perspective on life from those who value it, and takes active steps to ensure their survival.

I’m absolutely thrilled to start this project, drawing from Courtney’s cherished YA novel and working alongside the exceptional talents of Olivia, Froy, and Luke. Collaborating with Adam, whose work I’ve admired since ‘Backcountry,’ promises an exhilarating filming experience. We’re aiming for a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, blending intensity, emotion, and suspense. It’s going to be like ‘The Breakfast Club’ meets ’28 Weeks Later,’ set in the ’90s. Our story will delve deep into our heroine’s journey, questioning what keeps us grounded when we’re stripped of everything.

According to Lisa Gutberlet, president of Blue Fox Entertainment, “Adam’s skillful direction and the energetic young cast infuse a vibrant, modern vibe into the YA horror genre. Given its gripping storyline derived from Courtney Summers’ popular novel ‘This Is Not a Test’, the film is well-poised to enthrall global viewers.

Movie enthusiast Summers stated: “For years, I’ve been a fan of horror movies, particularly Adam MacDonald’s gripping and authentic work within the genre. I’m ecstatic that he’s lending his skills to ‘This is Not a Test.’ From its captivating script to its talented cast, their excitement for the book and dedication to filmmaking has shaped every aspect of this project. I eagerly anticipate seeing the story unfold–or perhaps I should say unravel?–and secure its place in the annals of zombie cinema.

McDonald is managed by CAA and Garrett Legal, while Holt is represented by WME, Entertainment 360, Yorn, Levine, Barnes, Krintzman, Rubenstein, Kohner, Endlich, Goodell & Gellman. Gutierrez is handled by CAA, GTC Artists and Untitled Entertainment. MacFarlane is independent under the MacFarlane Independent Artist Group (IAG), while being also represented by Entertainment 360 and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher. Summers is managed by WME and Faye Bender of The Book Group.

(Or)

Here’s a different way to put it:

McDonald is under the management of CAA and Garrett Legal; Holt is represented by WME, Entertainment 360, Yorn, Levine, Barnes, Krintzman, Rubenstein, Kohner, Endlich, Goodell & Gellman. Gutierrez is handled by CAA, GTC Artists and Untitled Entertainment. MacFarlane is independent, managed under the MacFarlane Independent Artist Group (IAG), but also represented by Entertainment 360 and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher. Summers is managed by WME and Faye Bender of The Book Group.

Read More

2025-02-04 19:17