Checking Into The Asylum…again!

It’s official, work has finally started on my first book and it’s all about those maverick masters of the mockbuster The Asylum. That’s what I wrote five years ago in my first blog post when I announced work on this incredible zany project. You might not have heard of this infamously mad yet creative film company. No doubt, however you’ve come across their work which includes the global phenomenon that is the ‘Sharknado’ saga. They’re also the devoured brains behind ‘Z Nation’ and its spin off ‘Black Summer’ which gave ‘The Walking Dead’ saga a serious run for its money.

When I proposed the book idea to the studio heads, David Latt (one of the original founders) asked why? My Answer was simple; the studio’s rise to infamy is a true underdog tale. They are a band of creatives who think outside the box, takes risk with film projects that on paper seem impossible and make them a reality; a tale that deserves to be told. My answer was basically, ‘why not?’

‘Beyond The Blockbuster: The Asylum’s Unconventional Cinema’ is an in-depth biography of the studio’s rise from a distributor of low budget horror films during the VHS / DVD era to one of the biggest and most successful independent film companies. Featuring exclusive interviews with partners David Latt, David Rimawi, and Paul Bales this is their story told from their viewpoint along with key talents in front and behind the cameras.

Their growth in an extremely competitive independent market has seen The Asylum become a notoriously recogniseable brand with their infamous Mockbusters. Their infamy has also put them in the firing line of the major studios. As a film nerd, professional writer, and Asylum addict the opportunity to help tell their story is a dream come true.

Research started during lockdown – as a good a time as any to star, aiming for a 2022 release – the studios 25th anniversary. Lockdown threw everybody out of sorts and I was no exception – it took me a while to find my writing feet again, and now that I have there will be no stopping me. Chapters have been drafted and I’m nearly halfway there. There are a few more key players to speak to to complete the stories, and a final sit down or two with The Asylum’s wardens. So, get ready as I pry open the doors to the Asylum for a grand tour of the home of the Mockbusters.

Are you an Asylum fan? What are some of your favourite titles from these indie film mavericks? Are you a Sharknado nut like me or do you find your self adrift on the Atlantic Rim? Maybe you enjoy the thrill of running from Snakes on a Train? What are you looking forward to finding about the studio the most? Let me know in the comments, or connect me Ramon Writes on Instagram, Threads, X (Twitter) and Bluesky. There are also Threads and Instagram accounts for the book. Follow me there for more updates.