Apocalyptic satirical comedy HOT has launched exclusively on VHX.

Glydascope Magnet Films has released the apocalyptic satirical comedy “Hot,” based on the award-winning play by Daniel Keleher and directed by Victor Warren, it was announced Friday. “Hot” launches exclusively on the streaming video service VHX, a digital distribution platform backed by major angel investors including Chris Sacca and Fred Wilson, that empowers independent artists to sell video content directly with their audience. In addition to the release of the film, Glydascope is also releasing two new movie posters and a trailer for the film.

“Every filmmaker hopes to premiere their project at Sundance and sell to Netflix in a bidding war, but the statistical likelihood of this happening is microscopic,” said producer Dallas Sonnier in a statement. “Once reality takes hold, you still have a movie that you love and believe in.  We have experienced first hand the vast limitations of some distributors, and I was long impressed with filmmakers like Jeremy Gardner who embraced distribution through VHX successfully on his film ‘The Battery.'”

Sonnier went on to say, “Since we made this highly experimental film “Hot” for less than $100,000, it felt organic to embrace a DIY nature for distribution, take control of your film’s destiny and get creative by launching the film on VHX.”

Added director Victor Warren, “’Hot’ is truly an independent film in every sense of the word.  I am proud of what we were able to create with the audacity and tone that will evoke controversy and hopefully entertain.  You create some magic, love what you are doing and laugh along the way.  We made this film for close to no money, people cleared the days on their calendars, craft service was bought, cameras were rented and we created a little piece of art.  I am so appreciative of the talented cast and tremendous crew who trusted me to lead them on this journey of getting my first film made.”

“Hot” is a comic yet ultimately devastating look at an apocalyptic future Los Angeles torn apart by a dangerous virus, most of its victims left unconscious to die slowly. Lifelong best friends Jones (Steven Strait) and Benny (Zachary Knighton) are holed up in an ostentatious penthouse with Jones spending his days caring for his comatose fiancée (Kate Siegel). Their only connection to what remains of the outside world is a militia member named Horn (Noah Segan) tasked with patrolling the city for newly infected citizens. Benny grows increasingly jealous of Jones, and strikes a deal with Horn to procure Benny his own girlfriend, albeit in a coma.Keleher’s play tears back the curtain of social niceties to reveal the animal instinct of men. Warren’s background in theater led him to option the piece from Keleher, who is the past recipient of the George Burns and Gracie Allen Fellowship for Outstanding Comedy Writing and the Skirball/Kennis Playwrights Award.

Alternate poster for the apocalyptic satire HOT.

Sonnier and Warren even embraced the DIY mentality when it came to the marketing. With virtually no budget to make a preview, the filmmakers tracked down Tim Gonzales, who gained popularity on YouTube for cutting a modern-day trailer for  “The Last Starfighter” and fan trailers for “Supergirl” and “Wonder Woman.” “Hot” is Gonzales’ first paid gig as a trailer editor.

For the female “love interest” to Knighton, a challenging role with over an hour of screen time, but no dialogue, the producers knew they would need to discover a new talent of striking beauty. International talent scout Marlon suggested a young model named Jessica Dykstra who has been on the cover of GQ Italia and was featured in Sports Illustrated India’s swimsuit edition. Warren met with her immediately, and she was cast the next day.

“Hot” is available via VHX at this link: https://hot-movie.vhx.tv/