Bryan Fitzgerald (Fitz of Horror) November 27, 2018

Who was Elizabeth Bathory? The most murderous woman in the history of the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. This Hungarian countess, who flourished in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, tortured and killed anywhere between 50 and 650 young women for pure pleasure. She reportedly bathed in their blood to keep herself young and sexy, watched them freeze to death for fun, and was allegedly one of the inspirations for the character Dracula.

Talented filmmaker Ryan Swantek (White Willow, Panther Ridge, 5:29 See the Devil’s Eyes) is tackling the task of bringing to film the story of the most prolific female serial killer of all time and it is going to be a short film that serves a dual purpose.

Ryan Swantek- This short is going to serve not only as a film, but also as a pitch trailer for a full feature film on Elizabeth Báthory. It will be within the 4-6 minutes range and it is going to reintroduce the world to the most prolific female serial killer in human history. We will see the origins on how she became known as the feared Blood Countess of Transylvania.

Swantek has an “in your face” and beautifully brutal style similar to what you may expect from a label like Unearthed Films (American Guinea Pig series) and has the unique talent of telling a complete story in a very limited amount of time that definitely leaves you wanting more.

He has already chosen the beautiful actresses to play the main characters-

Playing the role of Elizabeth Bathory will be Sarasota model/actress Melissa D. Sallee.

Kaylee Giza The supporting role will be played by Tampa actress/modelwho starred in his last short 5:29 See the Devil’s Eyes.

Jeremy Teran who was the cinematographer on 5:29 See the Devil’s Eyes and also key grip on Panther Ridge will return as cinematographer on this project. Special effects artist Karl Huber who owns Tampa FX studio Crimson Hands FX will be in charge of the blood and gore department. Swantek promises that the film will be done with utmost historical accuracy so viewers can experience a small taste of the insanity of the most prolific and twisted female serial killer of all time.

To get an idea of the level of talent Swantek brings to the table, here is his first short White Willow (a personal favorite of mine) *Not for the squeamish;)