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Dread Central: the story on HearLore | HearLore
Dread Central
Dread Central was born from the ashes of a failed television dream on the 4th of July 2006. A group of web professionals had been working to launch a horror-themed cable channel, but when that venture stalled, they did not disband. Instead, they pivoted to the internet and established a news site that would eventually become the definitive hub for horror fiction. The founders turned a cancelled broadcast project into a digital empire that now covers everything from mainstream cinema to obscure toys. This transformation marked the beginning of a platform that would win the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award for Best Website four times and earn the distinction of being AMC's Site of the Week in 2008. The site was not merely a blog but a dedicated force that would eventually be acquired by Epic Pictures Group in 2017, proving that the death of one medium could birth the life of another.
Ghosts And Aliases
The staff of Dread Central do not use their real names when writing for the site. They adopt horror-themed aliases to maintain the atmosphere of the content they produce, creating a sense of immersion for both the writers and the readers. This unique approach to identity has fostered a community that feels more like a coven than a newsroom. The site covers a broad spectrum of the genre, ranging from mainstream films to fringe topics like comics and toys. Steve Persall of the Tampa Bay Times captured the site's ethos in 2013 when he stated that if it gushes blood or desecrates flesh, Dread Central covers it. The platform is oriented toward a male demographic and favors edgy, exploitative films, yet it has attracted celebrity supporters such as John Carpenter, Gale Anne Hurd, Sid Haig, Adam Green, and Darren Lynn Bousman. These industry titans lend their names to a site that thrives on the macabre.
Auctioning For Charity
In 2007, Dread Central and VersusMedia announced Horror D'Oeuvres, a competition designed to showcase independent short films. This initiative demonstrated the site's commitment to nurturing new talent beyond just reporting on existing works. The following year, the site partnered with several other prominent horror sites and studios in a horror-themed auction to raise money for the Entertainment Industry Foundation. These events were not merely promotional stunts but genuine efforts to support the industry and its charitable causes. In 2013, they partnered with the Gas Lamp Museum and the San Diego Ghost Hunters to organize a ghost hunt at the William Heath Davis House. The proceeds from this event went toward the upkeep of the historic site, blending the supernatural with real-world preservation. That same year, they began offering the Box of Dread, a random package full of merchandise delivered monthly to subscribers. One subscriber is randomly chosen to receive a special edition valued at 250 dollars, creating a sense of exclusivity and community among the fanbase.
When was Dread Central founded and what was its original purpose?
Dread Central was founded on the 4th of July 2006 as a pivot from a failed horror-themed cable channel project. The founders transformed a cancelled broadcast initiative into a digital news hub for horror fiction.
Who are the founders of Dread Central and what is their policy on using real names?
Jon Condit founded Dread Central and Ted Hentschke serves as editor in chief. Staff members do not use their real names when writing for the site and instead adopt horror-themed aliases to maintain the atmosphere of the content.
What awards and recognition has Dread Central received since its inception?
Dread Central won the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award for Best Website four times and was named AMC's Site of the Week in 2008. The platform also received support from industry titans such as John Carpenter, Gale Anne Hurd, and Sid Haig.
What is the DREAD label and when was it renamed from its original name?
The DREAD label is a distribution label specializing in horror films released in theaters and on demand. It was renamed from its original identity on the 29th of January 2019 and has released titles such as Terrifier and The Lake.
What is DreadXP and what video games has it published since 2020?
DreadXP is a video gaming website founded in 2019 by Jon Condit that focuses on editorial, reviews, and original streaming content. The brand published games including The Mortuary Assistant, Amanda the Adventurer 3, and Dread Delusion starting in 2020.
The acquisition of Dread Central Media by Epic Pictures Group in 2017 marked a significant shift from a news website to a production and distribution powerhouse. The independent studio announced it would be launching a new distribution label specializing in horror films released in theaters and on demand. On the 29th of January 2019, the label was renamed DREAD to reflect its new identity. This label has released significant titles such as Terrifier, Benny Loves You, Tales of Halloween, The Lodgers, Satanic Hispanics, The Jester, Nina Forever, Harpoon, Beezel, Bad Candy, The Lake, and Howling Village. These films represent a curated selection of the genre, ranging from slasher classics to psychological thrillers. The transition from a passive observer of horror to an active creator of it allowed the brand to control the narrative and the distribution of the very stories it once reviewed.
Voices From The Grave
The DREAD Podcast Network consists of a variety of diverse, free audio series celebrating all things horror. Notable network talent includes The Boulet Brothers, Mick Garris, and Mark Ramsay, who bring their unique perspectives to the airwaves. The network features podcasts such as Development Hell, Dark Sanctum, Scarred for Life, Girl That's Scary, Kim and Ket Stay Alive ... Maybe, Post Mortem with Mick Garris, and Creatures of the Night. These audio series allow listeners to dive deeper into the lore and history of the genre without the visual constraints of film. The podcasts serve as a companion to the written and video content, creating a multi-platform experience for the audience. This expansion into audio demonstrates the versatility of the brand and its ability to adapt to different media formats while maintaining its core identity.
Digital Nightmares
DreadXP was founded in 2019 by Dread Central founder Jon Condit and overseen by editor in chief Ted Hentschke as a video gaming website with a focus on editorial, reviews, podcasts, and original streaming content. In 2020, DreadXP turned to video game publishing with the release of Dread X Collection, an anthology of horror video games created by several indie developers. This move into gaming allowed the brand to explore the interactive side of horror, where players are not just observers but participants in the fear. In early 2024, it was announced that Hunter Bond and Brian Clarke would be taking charge at DreadXP, signaling a new era of leadership and direction. Significant game releases include The Mortuary Assistant, Sucker4Love: First Date, Amanda the Adventurer, Amanda the Adventurer 2, Amanda the Adventurer 3, Heartworm, My Friendly Neighborhood, White Knuckle, and Dread Delusion. These titles showcase the breadth of the gaming portfolio, ranging from survival horror to psychological thrillers.