Horror Film Hallowarrior Debuts on Shudder
The horror movie, filmed in Central New York, is now streaming after a festival run.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Horror
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The horror film Hallowarrior, directed by Ben Sottak and produced by the Syracuse-based The Dazey Phase, officially debuted on the Shudder streaming platform. The production highlights the local film landscape, having utilized sites in Jordan, Tully, and Syracuse for filming.
Why it matters
The release underscores the growing significance of Central New York as a hub for genre film production, bolstered by state incentives and local soundstage facilities. It also marks a milestone for the Syracuse-based production company, which has multiple upcoming projects scheduled through 2028.
The production featured Shannyn Sossamon, an actress with 45 total film and television credits in her career. The film is eligible for New York State Film Tax Credits.
The players
Ben Sottak
Ben Sottak is the writer and director of the horror film Hallowarrior.
The Dazey Phase
The Dazey Phase is a Syracuse-based production company that co-produced the film and has several future projects in development.
Shannyn Sossamon
Shannyn Sossamon is a professional actress who stars in the film and has appeared in 45 total film and television projects.
Milly Shapiro
Milly Shapiro is a starring cast member featured in the film Hallowarrior.
AJ Bowen
AJ Bowen is one of the lead actors appearing in the horror film Hallowarrior.
The details
The production was a collaborative effort that relied heavily on local resources, including crew members and the Syracuse film office for coordination. Filming took place at the Case Supply Soundstage in Syracuse and at Arlington Acres in Tully.
Timeline
Principal photography occurred in Jordan and Tully during fall 2024.
Hallowarrior premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2026.
The film debuted on the Shudder streaming platform on October 16, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The production highlights how independent horror films leverage the New York State Film Tax Credit Program to maintain viability in a competitive streaming market. This regional strategy allows local production companies like The Dazey Phase to compete with larger coastal studios.
The horror film is now available for viewing to all current subscribers of the Shudder streaming platform. Viewers can watch the production from home following its limited premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year.
The takeaway
The success of locally filmed projects in Central New York highlights the growing infrastructure available for filmmakers in the region. Aspiring creators can look to the success of this production as evidence of how state credits and local soundstages facilitate high-level output.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest releases in the Horror section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Syracuse.
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