A Chat With Round 2

As recently reported, model kit company Round 2 have recently acquired a license to reissue the classic 1960s Dark Shadows kits, originally produced by MPC. We caught up with James Hood at Round 2 to talk about the new range:
Tell us a little about Round 2... Round 2 is an innovative hobby and collectibles company located in South Bend, Indiana. Round 2 and its creative team are dedicated to

News Bites

David Selby (Quentin) has updated his official website with a new personal welcome message. Pay a visit by clicking here. David's recent film The Social Network is due out on DVD in January and can be pre-ordered from Amazon by clicking here.Marie Wallace (Eve) is interviewed in the latest issue of Scary Monsters magazine, discussing her work on Dark Shadows and beyond.Alec Newman (2004 Barnabas)

Third Comics Collection Announced

Hermes Press have confirmed that a third collection of Dark Shadows comic strip reprints is in preparation for publication in 2011. Dark Shadows: The Complete Series Volume 3 will collect issues 15-21 of the classic Gold Key stories digitally restored in collector's hardback format. Provisional cover artwork is shown right.As previously reported, Volume 2 was due out in November, but has now

Colleen Atwood Confirmed as Movie Costume Designer

At the beginning of the year, we reported that Colleen Atwood would be designing the costumes for Tim Burton's Dark Shadows movie, and despite the delays in beginning shooting, The Seattle Times has this week confirmed that she remains attached to the project.Atwood has collaborated frequently with Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, working on films such as Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Sweeney

More from Johnny Depp

As the press junket for Johnny Depp's film The Tourist continues, the forthcoming Dark Shadows movie has again been a subject of discussion. In an interview with MTV, the actor has spoken about the script development and the character of Barnabas:

"He's coming around," says Depp of the new interpretation of the character. "He's a guy who I think is going to be very interesting. He's going to be

Johnny Depp in Vanity Fair

Johnny Depp features on the cover of the latest issue of Vanity Fair, which includes an in-depth profile by Patti Smith. Amongst the topics covered are the upcoming Dark Shadows film, which Depp touches on briefly:"That's something I really want to do. The script is really close now, really close... it's just a question of myself and Tim [Burton] and the writer, basically the three of us, getting

Unsung Heroes

Sometimes it's easy to forget just how sprawling and diverse Dark Shadows was. Collinwood.net was established over 10 years ago to celebrate the show in all its forms, both on and offscreen, but it's impossible to cover everything properly. With over 1200 episodes and hundreds of actors and behind the scenes contributors, it's easy to overlook so many things. To this end, I've set myself a

Johnny Depp Talks Dark Shadows

In an interview promoting his new film The Tourist, actor Johnny Depp has spoken briefly about his upcoming role as Barnabas in the new Dark Shadows feature film. Speaking to the Chicago Sun-Times, Depp says: "We start [Dark Shadows] in April and I can't wait to sink my teeth in. Bad pun, I know. I can't wait to start and get into that dark mode."

To read the full interview, click here. The

Jonathan Frid at 86

Many happy returns to Jonathan Frid, who celebrates his 86th birthday today. As vampire Barnabas Collins, Jonathan's contribution to the success of Dark Shadows was immense, and more than 40 years on, he continues to maintain his ties with the show.In addition to appearing at the annual Dark Shadows Festivals in recent years, Jonathan remains active with his personal website, which features

Tim Burton Talks Dark Shadows

In an interview with MTV's Movie Blog, director Tim Burton has touched briefly on the development of the new Dark Shadows feature film. "I'm working on the script... It's been kind of a long time coming, but I think I'm getting a script that I like. I don't really like talking because I'm not really sure what's happening yet but I'm excited about it. I think, yes, finally for me, it's getting to

News in Brief

The 2011 Monsterpalooza convention is to feature a Dark Shadows cast reunion, with actors Jerry Lacy (Trask), Lara Parker (Angelique) Christopher Pennock (Jeb) and Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie) set to appear. The event takes place at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel, in Burbank, California on April 8-10. For more information, visit the event's website.David Selby (Quentin) was one of the

Addison Powell: 1921-2010

It is with sadness that we report the death of actor Addison Powell, who died in Vermont on November 8 at the age of 89. Addison played Dr. Eric Lang, Dark Shadows' first bona fide mad scientist in 1968, along with occasional appearances the ghost of Jeremiah Collins, Judge Matigan in 1795 and Judge Wiley in 1840.His long career on stage and screen included roles in the films Three Days of the

A New Look

Regular readers will notice that this blog has received a facelift, with a new design and features, to coincide with the latest announcement about the forthcoming Dark Shadows feature film. You can also now follow the blog, using the panel in the right sidebar, and keep abreast of the most recent updates, plus share news stories on Twitter, Facebook and by email, using the buttons below. The

Dark Shadows Movie to Begin Filming in April

After a number of false starts, Deadline Hollywood reports that the new Dark Shadows feature film is finally due to go before the cameras in April 2011, with Tim Burton confirmed to direct. Johnny Depp will play Barnabas Collins, with a script by Seth Grahame-Smith.

We'll continue to report on the development of the project in the coming months, but suffice to say, it looks like Dark Shadows

Win a Signed Script!

Big Finish Productions have just released their latest Dark Shadows audio drama, The Doll House, starring Marie Wallace as Jenny Collins and Terry Crawford as Beth Chavez. To celebrate, we have an original script from the production to give away, signed by both actresses! For your chance to win, just answer this simple question:Which member of the Collins family was Jenny married to?Send your

A Halloween Treat

A glimpse of the unseen 2004 Dark Shadows pilot episode has surfaced online, as part of the demo reel of VFX artist Dave Rinder. The mute clip features an impressive computer-generated opening shot of Victoria Winters on the train to Collinsport. To view the sequence, click here; The Dark Shadows portion begins at 5:43. Thanks to site reader David Ciminello for the tip.

News Bites

The 1991 Dark Shadows Revival Series DVD has been re-packaged a third time, this time with a more romantic cover of Barnabas and Josette, to capitalise on the appeal of Twilight; The discs themselves remain unchanged. New stock should begin trickling through to various retailers.Barbara Steele (1991 Julia) was interviewed as part of BBC Four's documentary series A History of Horror. Barbara spoke

Classic Model Kit Reissues

Model kit company Round 2 have announced that they are to re-issue three classic 1960s plastic Dark Shadows model kits, originally produced by MPC. The prototypes for the new editions were displayed at the recent IHobby Expo. Round 2 specialise in retro and cult-themed models, and have made many classic kits available to new audiences in recent years.The original kits faithfully reproduced

Halloween DVD Sale

Halloween is just around the corner, and Amazon are celebrating with some great discounts on the Dark Shadows DVD series. For a limited time, each four-disc volume is available for only $19.49, a saving of nearly 70% on the retail price. Here are ordering links:Dark Shadows: The Beginning (pre-Barnabas episodes): Collection 1, Collection 2, Collection 3, Collection 4, Collection 5, Collection

People News

David Selby (Quentin) can currently be seen in the chart-topping new film The Social Network, which chronicles the rise of Facebook. The film is playing across the United States and opens in the UK this weekend.Joseph Gordon-Levitt (1991 David) has reported the death of his brother via his Twitter account; Dan Gordon-Levitt died on October 3 aged 36. Our condolences go out to Joseph and his

February Start Date for Dark Shadows Movie?

News on the development of the new Dark Shadows movie has been thin on the ground recently, but Collider reports that the project is on track to begin filming in February 2011. The same website reports that actor Johnny Depp's commitment to the project may scupper plans for him to appear in the upcoming Tom Hanks film Triple Frontier.

Dark Shadows is set to star Johnny Depp as Barnabas, with Tim

Win Barnabas!

Jonathan Frid made a special return to the role of Barnabas earlier this year in The Night Whispers, an original audio drama featuring John Karlen and Barbara Steele. Courtesy of Big Finish Productions, we have two copies of the CD to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this simple question:Which character did Jonathan Frid play on Dark Shadows other than Barnabas?Send your

New Chris Pennock Comic Book

Chris Pennock (Jeb) has just written and drawn the latest volume of his autobiographical comic book series Fear and Loathing... and the Chakra Shack in Idyllwild, California, is hosting a launch party to mark its release, with Chris in attendance. The event takes place on October 23 and copies of the new title, Fear and Loathing on Facebook will be on sale. For more information, click here.

Audio Dramas Update

Big Finish Productions have recently released Kingdom of the Dead, the long-awaited sequel to their first series of continuing Dark Shadows audio dramas. The four-part serial is available as a boxed set and as individual discs. The cast includes David Selby as Quentin, Lara Parker as Angelique, Kathryn Leigh Scott as Maggie, John Karlen as Willie and Jerry Lacy as Reverend Hartswood. The guest

DVD Sale and Video On Demand

For the first time, Amazon have begun offering completed Dark Shadows episodes through their video-on-demand service. The first 40 episodes following Barnabas' release (210-250) are currently available and can be viewed online here.Amazon are also having another sale on the Dark Shadows DVD boxsets. For a limited time, all volumes are being offered at a 55% discount on the retail price. Here are

News Digest

Amazon are now stocking Spectre Toys' new range of Dark Shadows action figures, which comprises a vampire Barnabas Collins, Angelique Bouchard in 1795 costume and Werewolf Chris Jennings. To order, click on the hyperlinked names.Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie) has updated her official website with photos from August's Dark Shadows Festival. She's currently working on a documentary based on the

Comics Collection Released

Hermes Press' first collection of Dark Shadows comic strip reprints is finally available after some delays, and copies are beginning to ship from major retailers. Dark Shadows: The Complete Series Volume One collects the classic 1960s Gold Key stories in a collector's hardback, with extensive digital restoration and bonus features. Amazon are offering the book at a 35% discount. To order, click

Win Action!

Spectre Toys have just released two new retro-style Dark Shadows action figures of Barnabas and Angelique, the first in an ongoing series, showcasing classic characters from the show.Thanks to our friends at Spectre Toys, we have two sets of figures to give away to readers. To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this simple question:Where did Barnabas and Angelique first meet?Send your

Main Website Downtime

Regular site visitors may have noticed that the main Dark Shadows Journal website at www.collinwood.net has been out of commission for the last couple of days, due to problems with our web provider. We're currently working to resolve these, and the site should be accessible soon.

George DiCenzo: 1940-2010

It is with sadness that we report the death of Dark Shadows associate producer George DiCenzo, who passed away on August 9 in Middletown Township, Philadelphia. He was 70 years old.George began his career in television production, before moving into acting in the 1970s. He featured briefly in an uncredited part in House of Dark Shadows, as the sheriff's deputy, and spun an extensive career in

Actor Updates

Denise Nickerson (Amy) will be a guest at the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, which runs from August 19-22. For full details, click here.Marie Wallace (Eve) is appearing at the Chicago Entertainment Collectors Expo, which takes place from September 9-12. For more information, visit the event's website.Paul Ross (King Johnny) is to appear in a new production of The Last Romance, which runs until

News Bites

Big Finish Productions have released their new Dark Shadows audio miniseries Kingdom of the Dead on CD and download. The four-part story is available as individual monthly releases and as a special box set. For more information and to order online click here.Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie) has just re-issued the audiobook edition of The Dark Shadows Companion as a three-CD set read by herself,

Revival Series Soundtrack CD

Screen Archives Entertainment have just released a new album collecting Bob Cobert's music scores from the 1991 Dark Shadows remake. Dark Shadows: The Revival Series is a two-disc collection of the show's original soundtrack cues, made available as a limited edition. In addition to over two hours of broadcast music cues, the CD comes with a detailed illustrated booklet, featuring rare imagery,

Jonathan Frid at the Vista

Over 400 fans gathered at Hollywood's Vista Theatre last Friday for a special gala screening of House of Dark Shadows, which kicked off the Dark Shadows Festival's weekend-long celebration of the series. Guest of honour Jonathan Frid (Barnabas) was there to place his handprints in cement, followed by the movie projected from an original 35mm print. Courtesy of our friends at the Vista, here are

Dark Shadows Festival This Weekend

It's the annual Dark Shadows Festival this weekend, and a host of Dark Shadows stars will be descending on Burbank, California to celebrate the show, including Jonathan Frid, David Selby, Lara Parker and Kathryn Leigh Scott. I'll be there to promote my work on the Big Finish series of Dark Shadows audio dramas. We'll be launching the new full-cast Dark Shadows box set Kingdom of the Dead, plus

New Writer For Dark Shadows Movie

Deadline New York reports that the Dark Shadows movie project has recruited a new writer, as pre-production continues. Novelist Seth Grahame-Smith is now on board to write the screenplay, replacing frequent Tim Burton collaborator John August.

Seth Grahame-Smith is best known for his novels Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, the latter of which has been

DVD Bargains

Amazon are having a summer sale, with great discount prices on the Dark Shadows DVD boxsets. For a limited time, the majority of volumes are slashed in price to just $24.99, saving over 50% on the retail price. Here are ordering links:Dark Shadows: The Beginning (pre-Barnabas episodes): Collection 1, Collection 2, Collection 3, Collection 4, Collection 5, Collection 6Dark Shadows DVD Collections

New Dan Curtis Book Published

Dan Curtis researcher Jeff Thompson has just written a new book, detailing the further works of the Dark Shadows creator. House of Dan Curtis: The Television Mysteries of the Dark Shadows Auteur examines Curtis' work beyond Dark Shadows with new interviews, rare photographs and forewords from John Karlen (Willie) and longtime Dan Curtis Productions associate Jim Pierson.The book weighs in at 196

Dark Shadows Comic-Con Panel

Hermes Press are to launch their hardcover reprints of the Dark Shadows comic strips at July's San Diego Comic-Con with a special panel, discussing the show – past, present and future. Lara Parker (Angelique), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie) will be appearing in-person, alongside Jim Pierson representing Dan Curtis Productions. Jonathan Frid (Barnabas) will be represented via a special video message

News in Brief

Vince O'Brien (Sheriff Patterson) died on June 19 at the age of 91. His long career as a character actor included roles in the movie Annie Hall, along with stints on television in The Edge of Night and Law and Order.Big Finish Productions have just released two new Dark Shadows audio dramas. The Night Whispers features Jonathan Frid's return as Barnabas, alongside John Karlen and Barbara Steele.

Dark Shadows Festival Schedule

The Dark Shadows Festival has released a tentative schedule for next month's event, which takes place from July 16-18 in Burbank, California. As previously reported, there is also a gala screening of House of Dark Shadows in Hollywood on Friday afternoon before the convention begins. For more information and to register to attend, visit the Festival website.Friday July 16 6:00pm: Opening

News Catch-up

Big Finish are holding a Summer Sale, offering selected Dark Shadows audio dramas at discounted prices. The offer runs until June 30 and a price list can be viewed here. The latest issue of Big Finish's Vortex magazine features a special behind the scenes feature on Jonathan Frid's (Barnabas) return to Dark Shadows on audio. Download it for free by clicking here.David Selby (Quentin) is working

House of Dark Shadows Screening

Hollywood's Vista Theatre are now accepting bookings for their 40th Anniversary screening of House of Dark Shadows, which takes place on July 16 ahead of the Dark Shadows Festival in Burbank.The event begins at 12.30pm when Jonathan Frid (Barnabas) will be putting his handprints in cement for posterity, followed by a full screening of the House of Dark Shadows movie from an original 35mm

A Noted Quote

Site reader Keith Dunmire emailed in with a great keepsake, a classic Barnabas quote written by Jonathan Frid himself. Says Keith: "There was this special auction where I won Jonathan's notebook for his first Dark Shadows convention in 1984. There were dozens of handwritten notes." The words themselves come from the pivotal scene where Barnabas disposes of Dr. Woodard: "Loathsome I am and evil.

Fantastic Plastic

Some of Dark Shadows' most popular characters are due for the action figure treatment this summer, with the release of a new series of collectibles from Spectre Toys. Rick Phares is the driving force behind the range, and exclusively reveals what's in store...Hi Rick, were you always a fan of Dark Shadows?I am a huge Dark Shadows fan! I grew up watching the show and it had an impact on me at an

London's Burning

Big Finish Productions have released the cover artwork and advance synopsis for June's Dark Shadows Dramatic Reading CD, London's Burning. The story features David Selby as Quentin and Doctor Who star Louise Jameson as Rosie Faye and is written by Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures script writer Joseph Lidster. Here's the teaser synopsis:"I’m gonna dance for you, gonna dance your cares away…

Jonathan Frid Returns as Barnabas

Big Finish Productions have announced that Jonathan Frid will return to the role of Barnabas in The Night Whispers, a new Dark Shadows audio drama. Jonathan recorded his lines last week in Toronto, and the CD will be available in June.The story also stars John Karlen as Willie Loomis and Barbara Steele (1991 Julia Hoffman) making her audio drama debut as Celeste. Big Finish have posted a teaser

Audio Update

Big Finish Productions have been hard at word, as their range of Dark Shadows audio dramas gears up for a bumper crop of releases over the next few months. Out this week is Blood Dance, starring David Selby (Quentin) and Lisa Richards (Sabrina Stuart), which is now available on CD from the Big Finish website.David also recently recorded London's Burning, which is out in June. The story features

Imax Treatment for Dark Shadows Movie

As pre-production on the Dark Shadows feature film continues, Warner Bros have announced that the film will be released in conjunction with Imax. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Imax will showcase up to 20 Warner movies in the next three years, including Dark Shadows.

Imax is a high definition format, projected on much larger screens than conventional cinema, and can accommodate 3D

New Action Figures

Spectre Toys have announced that they are to produce a new range of limited edition Dark Shadows action figures. Each 8-inch scale figure will feature a detailed likeness, with authentic clothing, styled like the famed Mego action figures of the 1970s.July sees the release of Barnabas Collins, in present day clothing with walking cane, and a 1795 Angelique figure, each limited to 3,000 pieces,

Actor Appearances

Julianna McCarthy (1991 Mrs Johnson) is to return to The Young as the Restless as a regular cast member. Julia has played matriarch Liz Foster intermittently for over 20 years and should be on screens later this year.Rebecca Staab (1991 Daphne) can be seen this weekend at the Hollywood Show, taking place in Burbank, California. For more information, click here. On June 18-20, she's appearing at

A Visit to the Studio

As we recently reported, the old Dark Shadows studio on Manhattan's West 53rd Street has become the home of The Wendy Williams Show. Gene and David, readers of this site, paid a visit, and shared these photos. "We walked by on a Friday when Wendy was not taping, but we were invited inside," says Gene. "We were asked not to photograph beyond the lobby; we did not have a full studio tour. I travel

Own a Bobblehead!

Amazon have recently begun offering MPI's series of officially-licensed Dark Shadows bobbleheads, caricatured sculptures of classic characters from the show. Each one is fully-painted and cast in resin. The set of five is made up of Barnabas, Angelique, Quentin, Josette and the Werewolf. To order, click on the hyperlinks.

Dark Shadows Festival Update

The Dark Shadows Festival has updated its official site with membership details for its 2010 convention. The weekend-long celebration takes place on July 16-18 at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel, located in Burbank, California. Newly confirmed guests include Michael Brockman (Unit Manager), Sy Tomashoff (Scenic Designer) and Bob Cobert (Music Composer). The Festival is also hosting a separate

News in Brief

The Dark Shadows studio, located on West 53rd Street, New York City, has a new tenant. For several years, the facility housed The Montel Williams Show, and is the home of The Wendy Williams Show. Tickets for upcoming tapings can be obtained here.Barbara Woronko Anzalone, who guested as Nurse Pritchett on Dark Shadows as Bobbi Ann Woronko, has written her autobiography, The Girl Next Door. The

Comics Collection Delayed

The first reprint edition of Dark Shadows comic books, originally due out this month, has been temporarily delayed. Dark Shadows: The Complete Series Volume 1, collecting the 1960s Gold Key strip stories, will now be released on May 28. To pre-order the book from Amazon at a discount price, click here. Volume 2 is still on track for release in July.

Australian DVD Release

Dark Shadows is set to receive some new exposure down under, as the show's original episodes receive their first release outside of the US. Under a new distribution deal, Australian company Madman is to offer the first two Dark Shadows DVD collections as a combined box set in new packaging. Dark Shadows Collection 1 & 2 will be available as an 8-disc set from May 5 and can be pre-ordered here.

Dark Shadows Movie Set to Film in England

As press coverage of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland continues, a few more details about the director's upcoming Dark Shadows feature film have emerged. Speaking to FilmShaft, the project's producer, Richard Zanuck, reveals:
"I’m going to be doing Dark Shadows with Johnny [Depp] and Tim later towards the end of the year... But we’re shooting over here [London] even though the movie is set in

Half Price DVDs

Amazon are having another sale on Dark Shadows DVDs, with prices slashed to half price for a limited time. Most of the box set episode collections are reduced to $27.49, and last year's two compilation titles, The Vampire Curse and The Haunting of Collinwood are now just $9.99. Here are ordering links:Compilations: The Vampire Curse, The Haunting of CollinwoodDark Shadows: The Beginning (

It's a Wrap!

It's a wrap! Recording on Kingdom of the Dead, the new series of full-cast Dark Shadows audio dramas concluded in Los Angeles yesterday, bringing the mammoth two-month production to a close. From left to right: Director Darren Gross; actors Jerry Lacy, Lara Parker, David Selby, Kathryn Leigh Scott, James Storm, John Karlen, Jamison Selby and Andrew Collins; with series co-writer Eric Wallace.

Audio Dramas in Studio

The cast of Dark Shadows have been busy in studio, as Big Finish Productions continue recordings for this year's slate of audio dramas. Here are some photos from the recent sessions...Alec Newman and Lysette Anthony recording guest appearances for Kingdom of the Dead, the new four-part miniseries, available from July. Alec played Barnabas in the WB's 2004 Dark Shadows pilot, while Lysette played

Actor News

Barbara Steele (1991 Julia) has filmed a new horror movie, The Butterfly Room, marking her first major role in several years. Fangoria has published some photos from the project, which can be seen here. Barbara also recently recorded a commentary for a new DVD edition of The She Beast, available now from Amazon.Fans of Jerry Lacy (Reverend Trask) can keep abreast of his latest activities on

Burton and Depp Speak

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have been busy promoting their new film, Alice in Wonderland, and have spoken about the upcoming Dark Shadows feature film, slated to begin shooting in 2011. On the BBC's Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, the pair were in high spirits, explaining the Dark Shadows concept to the UK audience. “It was on TV in the afternoon," said Burton enthusiastically. "It was like a

Audio Drama Recording Continues

The Dark Shadows cast were back in the studio in Los Angeles this weekend, as recording on the new series of full-cast audio dramas continues. Jerry Lacy, Kathryn Leigh Scott, John Karlen and Andrew Collins will be heard in the four-part miniseries, Dark Shadows: Kingdom of the Dead, due out in July.The new CDs are available to pre-order online here, plus series co-writer Eric Wallace has been

Johnny Depp's Dark Shadows Hopes

In a press junket for his new movie Alice in Wonderland, Johnny Depp has spoken about the upcoming Dark Shadows feature film. The project's status has seemed uncertain of late, with Depp's commitment to the new Pirates of the Caribbean film, On Stranger Tides, which is due to shoot later this summer.

Depp confirmed that Dark Shadows is "coming along now", adding that "I see it going [into

New Audio Dramas for 2010

Big Finish Productions have announced a number of new titles in their series of Dark Shadows audio dramas, with five new Dramatic Readings and a new four-part full-cast series due out in 2010.The full-cast stories return in July with a four-part serial Kingdom of the Dead, picking up from the cliffhanger ending of The Rage Beneath. Recording has taken place in Los Angeles, New York and London.

2010 Festival Update

The Dark Shadows Festival has issued an update on its 2010 event, taking place on July 16-18 at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention centre in Burbank, CA. Guests include Jonathan Frid (Barnabas), David Selby (Quentin), Lara Parker (Angelique), John Karlen (Willie) and, making a debut appearance, Kathleen Cody (Hallie Stokes). There will also be an "extra-special pre-convention event"

Actor Updates

David Selby (Quentin) was a recent guest on Canadian talk show Unscripted. The episode can be viewed online here. He's also due to appear in the upcoming story of Facebook movie The Social Network, scripted by The West Wing's Aaron Sorkin.Lisa Richards (Sabrina) is currently on stage at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in Pulitzer Prize-winning drama The Buried Child, which runs from February 5-21. For

Dark Shadows Movie Update

In an interview with Collider.com, Dark Shadows movie producer Graham King has updated the status of the proposed feature film, set to star Johnny Depp as Barnabas. Contrary to earlier indications, King says that filming is not due to begin until 2011, as work continues on the script."I know that Johnny is dying to do it and passionate to do it..." says King, adding that production cannot

Big Finish Accepts Story Submissions

Big Finish Productions are to begin accepting story submissions for their Dark Shadows CD Audio Dramas. If you are interested in writing for the range, there is now a set of Writers' Guidelines available, detailing how prospective writers can prepare their pitches. For more information, email webmaster@collinwood.net

Staged Reading with Marie Wallace

Marie Wallace (Eve) is to take part in a staged reading of War Wounds by Terri Campion, forming part of the ARTC Winterworks event. The production takes place on February 2 from 7.30pm at the Roy Arias Studios, Fifth Floor, 300 West 43rd Street, New York City. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Jean Simmons: 1929-2010

Veteran Hollywood actress Jean Simmons, who played Elizabeth Collins Stoddard in the 1991 Dark Shadows revival, has died following a long battle with lung cancer. Jean passed away at her Santa Monica home on January 22 aged 80. Her career included numerous classic films, including Black Narcissus, Guys and Dolls and Spartacus. At the time of Dark Shadows' production, she was quoted as saying: "I

Movie Costume Designer Announced

Footwear News reports that Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood will be working on Tim Burton's upcoming Dark Shadows feature film. "It's really the most fun a person can have, because Tim really lets you do your thing," she says. 

Atwood's numerous film credits include Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Sleepy Hollow, plus award-winning

Credit's Due

I love the Dark Shadows closing credits. At the end of each episode, the closing music would wheeze into life over a static shot of one of the studio sets, complete with reassuringly abstract shout-outs for "Miss Scott's Clothes by Junior Sophisticates", "Fashions by Ohrbachs" and "Bat by Bill Baird". Some of these tableaus are striking, some are humdrum, and very once in a while, comes a