If there’s one thing the last few months have demonstrated, it’s how rapidly the film industry is changing.  From funding to production, to distribution and marketing, all aspects of the filmmaking process have been drastically impacted by new media.  We’ve recently seen the way that Kickstarter is controversially altering traditional methods of film funding and, with the success of films like Bachelorette and Arbitrage, VOD has stepped up as a viable distribution method.  With less and less people heading out the theater, and a steady incline in viewership on streaming devices, filmmakers have been searching for new ways to keep up with evolving consumer habits.  The latest innovation aimed at capturing modern viewers is Haunting Melissa, a hybrid-app created by film producer Neal Edelstein (Mulholland Drive, The Ring) that combines Hollywood horror film-making, long-form structure, and the unique distribution opportunities provided by the popularity of personal tablets and smart phones.  It’s a clever idea, one I think a lot of people have been waiting for, and I will definitely be checking out the app to see if it delivers.

I recently met with Edelstein to talk about the project and get a sneak peak at Haunting Melissa.  He filled me in on the genesis of the project, what kind of interactivity people can expect from the app, figuring out the writing process on such a new format, how post-production was different than his work on films, and a lot more.  Hit the jump to see what he had to say.

With Mans Marlind & Bjorn Stein’s Shelter getting released in the UK on April 9, we’ve been provided with 8 clips from the film that stars Julianne Moore and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.  The premise is Julianne Moore plays a Dr. that doesn’t believe in multiple personality disorders and Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays someone who has them.  The more she works with Rhys Meyers, the more she questions her beliefs and I’m sure it’s a guessing game as to whether or not he’s faking it.

With no scheduled release date in America, you have to wonder about the film…but I’m a fan of Julianne Moore and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, so I hoping it’s good.  Hit the jump to watch 8 clips from the film and I’ve also provided the full synopsis: