The Phantom Hour

The Phantom Hour is a 2016 short film written and directed by Brian Patrick Butler. It officially premiered September 8, 2016 at the Horrible imaginings Film Festival in San Diego, California. The film was inspired by German Expressionist films such as Nosferatu and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

Plot
A vampire's deadly plan for his guests is jeopardized when his dimwitted servant ruins their dinner.

Production
Pre-production began in early 2015. The film was shot in Downtown San Diego at Rosewood Five Studios on October 5, 2015. Starting weeks prior to the shoot, Luke Pensabene, Nick Mansfield and Brian Patrick Butler designed and built the interior set of Nikolai's castle.

Cast

 * Luke Anthony Pensabene as Nikolai
 * Raye Richards as Anna
 * Connor Riley Sullivan as Jeff
 * Morgan K. Reynolds as Denise
 * Dakota Ringer as Bernardo
 * Brian Patrick Butler as Bryce

Release
The film's official world premiere kicked off the second night at Horrible Imaginings on September 8, 2016 at the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego's Balboa Park. A Q&A followed the 90 minute short film block with cast members Luke Pensabene and Raye Richards, the director Brian Patrick Butler, Daniel N. Butler (visual effects), and other filmmakers in attendance. The film screened again on February 17, 2017 at San Diego Film Week. It was also screened on March 30, 2017 at Screen with Screams Film Festival. The film last screened at The International Horror Hotel in Cleveland on June 17, 2017. It was released in the United States and UK at Amazon (company) on October 1, 2018.

Reviews
Reviewers found the film fun, adding that the campy horror look filled the subgenre nicely. The silly retro feel touched the 1930s classics which brought a nostalgic vibe to the comedy.