New feature from “The Dead Next Door” director J.R. Bookwalter first in over 23 years
Tempe Digital announces the limited theatrical release of its latest production, a sci-fi/horror feature entitled “Side Effects May Vary.” Directed by cult indie icon J.R. Bookwalter (“The Dead Next Door,” “Ozone”) from a screenplay by star James L. Edwards (“Her Name Was Christa”), the screenings will be a series of one-night only roadshow events at venues across the country throughout the spring. The filmmakers will be in attendance for a post-show Q&A, joined by other cast members at select locations.
“Side Effects May Vary” tells the fictional story of a world gripped by a deadly pandemic, as science denier Glenn Rollins turns to an experimental vaccine as treatment for a lingering sickness. Much to the surprise of his doctor, wife, and friends, the remedy immediately fixes what ails him. But Glenn will soon discover the only thing more fatal than the virus… is the cure.
Bookwalter returns to the director’s chair after a 23-year absence from the indie scene to direct, shoot, and edit “Side Effects May Vary,” which stars writer/producer James L. Edwards (“Bloodletting”), Tina Krause (“Witchouse 3: Demon Fire”), Floyd Ewing Jr. (“Skinned Alive”), Drew Fortier (“Her Name Was Christa”), Sasha Graham (“Addicted to Murder”), Tom Hoover (“Polymorph”), and a special appearance by legendary “scream queen” Brinke Stevens (“The Slumber Party Massacre”).
The grassroots tour kicks off January 27, 2024 on the East Coast with stops in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia PA, Callicoon NY, Worcester MA, and Baltimore MD. Additional dates throughout Ohio are scheduled for February before heading west to Minneapolis, Kansas City, Wichita, New Orleans, Dallas, Austin, and other cities in March and April. The roadshow culminates with an international premiere at the Weekend of Fear festival in Erlangen, Germany on June 28-29, 2024.
Each stop on the theatrical roadshow will feature giveaways, a pop-up shop with collectible merchandise plus the opportunity to purchase Blu-rays & DVDs of the filmmakers’ previous work, and a live post-show question-and-answer session with director Bookwalter, writer/star Edwards, and other special guests. For a limited time, attendees will receive a free surgical mask featuring full-color artwork from the movie’s poster, a collectible promotional giveaway with every ticket sold.
Unlike Bookwalter’s previous direct-to-video work, “Side Effects May Vary” will be exclusive to theaters for the foreseeable future, bucking the current trend of rushing new independent movies to streaming services. The movie will also be screened at a number of film festivals across the US and abroad, with dates to be announced soon.
