British Horror Studio has established a theatrical distribution division, BHS Picture House, with an opening programme of four features and engagements at independent cinemas in England and Scotland. The undertaking is intended to give the company a continuing route from production to the cinema screen.
Its first season comprises the Amicus anthology In the Grip of Terror, the Hex Studios productions Black Chariot and Spoiling You, and the B-Team feature Mr Whispers. The BHS Picture House website brings together dates and ticket links as further venues join the programme.
The new division extends the studio’s previously announced model of independent production into theatrical distribution. The company describes this arrangement as vertically integrated: development, finance, production and distribution are brought within the same organisation.
A continuing relationship with cinemas
Mr Lawrie Brewster, the studio’s founder, said that the difficulty of reaching exhibitors remained a substantial obstacle for independent producers.
“Independent filmmakers have become remarkably good at finding ways to develop, finance and produce ambitious films, but the missing part of that equation is very often exhibition. We want to help rebuild that connection between independent filmmaking and the cinema screen.”
The intention, he said, was to establish lasting arrangements with cinemas, rather than a succession of isolated premières. The distinction is central to the proposal: a regular programme should allow both producers and exhibitors to plan beyond a single release.
“This isn’t a distribution label created for four films and then put back in a drawer. The purpose is to build permanent infrastructure. Every venue relationship we establish makes the next release stronger and gives us the foundations for a genuine independent theatrical network.”
The first programme
In the Grip of Terror marks the return of Amicus with a new portmanteau feature directed by Mr Brewster. His Black Chariot takes the form of a supernatural noir, photographed in black and white and set in 1950s Britain.
Spoiling You, directed by Miss Megan Tremethick, concerns an online ASMR performer and an obsessive admirer. Mr Whispers, directed by Dorian Todd, Oliver Revie and Seumas MacNeil, employs the found-footage form to investigate a legend surrounding a derelict cinema.
Mr Brewster said that the division was intended to accommodate differences of style rather than impose a uniform house formula.
“We are not trying to create a conveyor belt in which every film looks or feels the same. Quite the opposite. The whole point of independent cinema is that filmmakers should be allowed to possess a voice. What we want to build is the machinery that allows those voices to reach an audience.”
Announced cinema engagements
Lumière Cinema, Romford
In the Grip of Terror: 9–15 October 2026; Spoiling You: 16–22 October; Mr Whispers: 23–29 October; Black Chariot: 30 October–5 November.
Choose a day and screening time through Lumière Cinema’s booking programme.
Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy
In the Grip of Terror: 31 October 2026 at 2 p.m.. Book the Adam Smith Theatre screening.
Peckhamplex, London
In the Grip of Terror: 2 November 2026; Spoiling You: 10 November; Black Chariot: 16 November; Mr Whispers: 24 November. All four screenings are listed for 8.30 p.m..
Find the individual Peckhamplex ticket links on BHS Picture House.
Southport Bijou Cinema
In the Grip of Terror: 19 November 2026 at 7.30 p.m.; Spoiling You: 23 November; Black Chariot: 24 November at 5 p.m.; Mr Whispers: 9 December.
Times and individual booking links for Spoiling You and Mr Whispers remain to be confirmed. Consult Southport Bijou Cinema’s programme for the latest availability.
The Northern Light Cinema, Sale
The studio programme lists screening weeks beginning 13 October 2026 for In the Grip of Terror and 30 October for Spoiling You. Exact days and times remain to be announced. Check The Northern Light Cinema’s listings before planning a visit.
Dates and availability may change. BHS Picture House’s screening guide will carry further announcements and booking links.
Further productions and possible expansion
The studio reports that approximately nine films are in post-production and that six further productions are planned during the next twelve months. Those figures represent its stated programme, rather than a completed schedule of cinema releases.
Mr Brewster also raised the prospect of representing independently made horror films from outside the group. Such an extension would depend upon first establishing sufficient coverage and reliable relationships with exhibitors.
“Before we start making grand promises about representing everybody else, we need to prove the model, build trusted relationships with exhibitors and reach a level of national coverage that makes the proposition meaningful. That is the immediate objective.”
North America is a longer-term ambition. No North American bookings are announced in this programme; the immediate undertaking remains the establishment of the British network.
For independent exhibitors, the proposal arrives at a difficult time. The Chronicle recently reported Lumière Cinema’s efforts to remain open. Its inclusion in the opening programme gives that wider question of access to cinema a practical setting.
Our sister publication, Amicus Horror, carries further reporting on the launch of BHS Picture House. Current dates and ticket links are maintained by BHS Picture House.
Robert Guthrie is British Horror Studio’s Arts Correspondent. His previous Chronicle reporting includes Amicus Productions’ return to British cinemas.
