Explore ‘Fresh Hell,’ a Horror Trilogy Shot and Produced in Ohio

For a short time in 2022, an Ohio Christmas tree farm was transformed into the set of “Fresh Hell,” a horror trilogy filled with blood-curdling screams, violent exorcisms, and werewolves. The trilogy was produced by Cranked Up, a genre-focused label under Ashland-based Good Deed Entertainment.

The films, written and directed by Quinn Armstrong, were shot back-to-back over 12 weeks. They take audiences through three bone-chilling worlds. “The Exorcism of Saint Patrick,” the first film, was released on Aug. 27, with each subsequent film releasing a week apart on streaming platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango At Home, as well as in select theaters.

“The Exorcism of Saint Patrick” involves ghosts of past victims haunting a pastor’s conversion therapy camp after his cruel treatments lead to a teenager’s tragic end. The second film, “Wolves Against the World,” explores an animalistic, grisly storyline featuring Armstrong as one of the leads. Here, two members of a disbanded neo-Nazi metal band reunite at the site of their bandmate’s suicide, grappling with redemption and a haunting past. The final film, “Dead Teenagers,” turns classic tropes on their heads for a gruesome take on fate.

Produced entirely by Cranked Up, this project marks a shift from the company’s previous larger, co-produced projects. Phil Garrett, one of the trilogy’s producers and Cranked Up’s director of production and development, described “Fresh Hell” as a “great experiment” that has proven successful, with the company wrapping up seven projects in two years.

Filming in Ohio provides insight into the state’s growing film industry. Programs like the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program, which offers refundable tax credits on production cast and crew wages and other in-state spending, have been beneficial. Garrett highlighted the economic impact, saying, “When we cast Ohio actors, these are people paying mortgages, rents, buying cars, feeding themselves and their families.”

Steve Pinder, who plays the pastor in “The Exorcism of Saint Patrick,” expressed support for localized storytelling. Despite his extensive experience in filmmaking and theater nationwide, Pinder found working with the “Fresh Hell” team unique. “Storytelling is becoming more localized, which feels more diverse, personal, and intimate,” he said.

Armstrong emphasized the strength of the industry lies in its diversity and the conscious effort to cultivate various talents. “It’s not just about having talented people; it’s about having talented people from all backgrounds,” he stated. Armstrong believes the future for Ohio film looks incredibly bright.

Among the talents is Michael J. Cline, a Columbus-based actor who played Trick, the teenager sent to the conversion camp. The roles presented their own challenges for the actors. Pinder had to grapple with the darkness of his character’s actions, while Cline had to deliver Trick’s story with weight, honor, and truth.

Armstrong noted the films address real-world issues and are connected to real victims, such as Nex Benedict, a trans kid who was murdered. “There’s weight to the process because of that, and a hope that the movie honors these experiences in some way,” he said.

Both Pinder and Cline had a ritual to help them cope with their intense roles. “Michael created a ritual where, after every scene, we’d hug and remind each other of who we really are,” Pinder shared. For Cline, this practice was essential. “It was a game changer to be reminded by my acting partner that this character wasn’t a reflection of me,” he said.

When filming concluded, both actors said goodbye to their characters. For Cline, it was a bittersweet moment, as he reflected on Trick’s tragedy while allowing the story to rest. “I remember saying, ‘All right, Trick. I let you go.’ And that was the end,” Cline recalled.

The films are set to screen at Gatehouse Film Center at 1550 N. High St. on Aug. 31, Sept. 7, and Sept. 14 at 8:30 p.m., featuring a Q&A event with the filmmakers.

For more information about the films and ticketing, visit crankedupfilms.com.

Source: USA Today, The Columbus Dispatch