A DREAM BECOMES A REALITY: SLAUGHTER NIGHT II PREPARES TO FILM A FEW SCENES AT THE HISTORIC LINDSAY COMMUNITY THEATER

By Pink Moon Pictures

Elite Films Production is preparing to film several important scenes for Slaughter Night 2 inside the historic Lindsay Community Theater in Lindsay, California. For director Thomas Sahagun and the entire cast and crew, this opportunity represents far more than simply finding another filming location, it marks an important milestone in the company’s three year journey.

When Elite Films Production first began, independent filmmaking brought constant challenges. Funding was limited, schedules changed often, equipment had to be carefully planned with little to no equipment, locations sometimes fell through, and every production required countless hours of preparation before camera could even roll. Rather than giving up, Sahagun built his team, they learned with each other, with each project, building relationships throughout the community and growing one production at a time.

Only a few months ago, Thomas Sahagun found himself holding auditions at the Lindsay Community Theater, imagining what it would be like to one day film inside the historic theater. He never expected that opportunity would arrive so quickly. Just three months later, preparations were underway to bring Slaughter Night 2 into one of the Central Valley’s most recognizable performing arts landmarks.

“This is such a surreal moment, and a huge milestone for us,” Sahagun said. “To be able to film here knowing the history this place has, and that we get to shoot scenes here for Slaughter Night 2, is a real dream come true. I remember just three months ago walking through the doors getting ready to hold auditions with local talents, and walking through a theater a bit and thinking to myself how incredible would it be if we could film here someday. Anyone who truly knows me, knows I am a very confident person and when I set a goal out, I always make sure it happens, but never in a millions years did I think this would happen this fast.”

Originally opened in 1929 as a movie theater, the Lindsay Community Theater later transitioned into a nonprofit community performing arts venue after local supports acquired it in the early 1980s. Since then, volunteers and board members have preserved the building while hosting plays, musicals, concerts, youth productions, and community events. The theater remains an important cultural landmark for Lindsay and the surrounding communities.

For the production, filming inside the their means becoming a small part of that continuing history. Every hallway, every dressing room, seat, and backstage area reflects generations of performers and audiences who have kept the arts alive in the city of Lindsay.

Sahagun expressed a heartfelt appreciation to the theater’s Board of Directors for trusting and allowing the production to film in a such a meaningful location. He also thanks Co-Director Rachele Alcantar for her involvement throughout the planning process, saying her support and dedication helped make the opportunity possible. Co-Director Rachele also states “I am so excited to see how this comes out! This is going to be so much fun!”

Another special connection to the theatre comes through Slaughter Nights fan favorite Mercy Alcantar, and yes, she is star! Mercy played the role of Carly in the original Slaughter Night film that was release in select theaters back in February of 2026, and instantly fans fell in love with her performance and were extremely saddened in end causing fans to lose their minds and even leave the cinemas due to the graphic content. Mercy will make an appearance once again in Slaughter Night 2 but fans are questioning how after what transpired in the first film.

Behind the scenes, months of pre-production gave gone into preparing the film. Story revisions, scheduling, crew coordination, production set building, practical effects planning, location walkthroughs, lighting plans, equipment reservations, rehearsals and everything else that must be complete before audiences get to see the final finished movie. Those efforts reflect the commitment of dozens of people working together countless hours towards a shared vision.

While Slaughter Night 2 represents Elite Films Production's biggest production yet, none of it would be possible without the success of the original Slaughter Night.

After its release, the first film played in select theaters across more than 100 locations. Screenings included Galaxy Theatres in Porterville and Luxury Galaxy Theatres in Tulare “Sahaguns hometown”, Lemoore Cinemas, and more than 75 AMC Theatres, including several other locations that introduced the independent horror film to audiences far beyond the Central Valley.

Audience reactions quickly made the film one of Elite Films Productions most talked about releases. Horror fans praised the practical effects, brutal kills, creepy atmosphere, and the unforgettable look of Mr. Slaughter. Many said the film pushed them outside their comfort zone and delivered a type of independent horror they had not expected.

Not everyone walked away feeling the same. Some viewers felt the violence and disturbing subject matter went too far, while others said certain scenes stayed with them long after the credits rolled. According to the production, some moviegoers even reported feeling physically sick or leaving screenings early because of the intensity. Whether people loved it or hated it, one thing became clear: Slaughter Night got people talking and that was clearly a goal for the team.

The film continues to find new audiences online. The full uncut version is now available to watch for free on the Elite Films Production YouTube channel, allowing horror fans around the world to experience the movie. It can also be found on TUBI, Prime Video, Awesome, Scenes Plus but may not be available to certain audiences or in certain regions. Fans can also stay updated on new productions, behind-the-scenes stories, cast announcements, and company news by visiting the Elite Films Production website at https://www.elitefilmsproduction.com.

Now, with Slaughter Night II preparing to begin production, excitement has reached another level. When the official poster was released this last Sunday, fans flooded social media with comments, reactions, artwork, and theories about what is coming next. Interest has grown rapidly, with the Slaughter Night Instagram page climbing from just 274 followers to nearly 700 followers in less than three days. On Facebook, the film's audience has grown to more than 43,000 followers in under two months and continues to increase every day.

That excitement comes with high expectations. The production says the sequel will feature a larger budget, expanded production value, bigger practical effects, and an even darker story. If the first film shocked audiences and divided horror fans, the filmmakers believe Slaughter Night II will push those boundaries even further. The goal is not simply to make a bigger movie, but to create an experience that challenges audiences, sparks conversation, and leaves viewers talking long after they leave the theater.

Looking Ahead

According to Elite Films Production, this project represents an opportunity to bring the Lindsay Community Theater to audiences well beyond the Central Valley once the film hits theater locations in spring of 2027 and major streaming platforms like TUBI, Amazon Prime Video, Scenes Plus, YouTube, and any additional distribution partners secured for release, viewers around the whole world could see scenes filmed inside this historic venue. Sahagun says “ this could be an opportunity to celebrate Lindsay’s arts community and the volunteers who have preserved the building for decades. Knowing people are going to see this beautiful theater on screens around the world is definitely something we’re incredibly proud of. We hope audiences enjoy the movie when it finally releases, but we also hope they appreciate this amazing place that welcome us, because we truly appreciate them.”

Elite Films Production also shared that, to the best of the productions knowledge, this is believed to be the first time the Lindsay Community Theater has served as a principal filming location for a feature length movie intended for theatrical release and major streaming platforms releases.

Sahagun gives all the credit to Rachele Alcantar for making this happen, he is also extremely appreciative of the Board of Directors for allowing them this opportunity. He has credited the entire cast and crew thanked Black Rain Entertainment, Castillo Productions, and Redwood Motion Pictures for believing in his projects and stick by his side even in the darkest moments. “This sequel isn’t just a win or celebration for Elite Films only, it’s something we’re proud to share with everyone who has worked beside us. We all believed this day would come and now we’re getting to experience all the success together.”

As the production moves closer, the team believes this project represents another important step in the growth of Elite Films Production. More than anything, filming inside the historic Lindsay Community Theater symbolizes perseverance, community support, and realization of a dream that once seemed far away. The cast and crew look forward to bringing Slaughter Night 2 to life inside this historic venue and remain grateful to everyone who has supported the journey form the beginning. Slaughter Night will also have local rising stars such as Alyssa Levario, Aleiyah Calvillo, Khloe Castro De La Cruz, Martin Zamora, Mercy Alcantar, Mariah Beltran, Visalia Talks show host Vanessa Gonzalez who is retuning as her role as Detective Ramirez, along with her partner Ruben Castillo, both in which will be lead roles in the film with surprise guest of local model Veronica Espinosa and fan favorite Mike Hanson as the killer himself.

Pink Moon Pictures

July 9, 2026