INDEPENDENT FILM COMPANY AND SHUDDER ACQUIRE
ADAM MACDONALD’S ZOMBIE OUTBREAK HORROR
“THIS IS NOT A TEST”
STARRING OLIVIA HOLT, FROY GUTIERREZ, LUKE MACFARLANE
Independent Film Company and Shudder have announced today that they have acquired the rights to writer-director Adam MacDonald’s zombie outbreak horror THIS IS NOT A TEST, marking his fourth collaboration with IFC Entertainment Group following his previous releases BACKCOUNTRY, PYEWACKET, and OUT COME THE WOLVES. The film is adapted from the popular YA novel of the same name by New York Times best-selling author Courtney Summers, and stars Olivia Holt (HEART EYES), Froy Gutierrez (THE STRANGERS), Luke MacFarlane (BROS), Corteon Moore (“Overcompensating”), Chloe Avakian (“John Wayne Gacy”), and Carson MacCormac (CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD). The deal includes rights in the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Independent Film Company and Shudder will release THIS IS NOT A TEST in theaters in 2026.
THIS IS NOT A TEST follows Sloane and a small group of her classmates who take cover in their high school to escape their suddenly apocalyptic hometown. As danger relentlessly pounds on the doors, Sloane begins to see the world through the eyes of people who actually want to live and takes matters into her own hands.
“Courtney Summers’ book THIS IS NOT A TEST captivated me completely with its raw energy and dynamic characters, a story I felt personally and knew it had to be brought to the screen. I couldn’t be happier with Olivia Holt’s exceptional talent stepping into Sloane’s shoes (Docs) and bringing her to life. I’m beyond thrilled the film is in great hands and found a home with Independent Film Company and Shudder, a team that puts so much passion in the films they release,” said director Adam MacDonald. “Producer Cybill Lui and I brought together the very best creative team to realize this deeply emotional, gritty, intense film, one that puts you on the very edge of your seat and will leave you with hope at the end of the world.”
Independent Film Company’s Director of Acquisitions and Productions Adam Koehler commented, “Adam MacDonald has an unmatched ability to elevate genre filmmaking with heart, intelligence, and raw human emotion. We’re thrilled to bring THIS IS NOT A TEST to a new generation of viewers who crave horror that hits both the gut and the soul.”
THIS IS NOT A TEST is produced by Cybill Lui (THE SILENCING) of Anova Pictures and Adam MacDonald. The deal was negotiated by Adam Koehler for Independent Film Company and Shudder with Cybill Lui on behalf of the filmmakers.
About Independent Film Company
Independent Film Company is a leading U.S. distributor of independent cinema at the forefront of championing boundary-pushing, thought-provoking films for 25 years, with a commitment to delivering high-quality, filmmaker-driven cinema across all genres. Independent Film Company’s slate reaches a national audience through theatrical releases, cable Video On Demand (VOD), and digital platforms.
Some of the company’s successes over the years include Andrew Haigh’s 45 YEARS, Jennifer Kent’s THE BABADOOK, Matthew Johnson’s BLACKBERRY, Richard Linklater’s BOYHOOD, Armando Iannucci’s THE DEATH OF STALIN, Noah Baumbach’s FRANCES HA, David France’s HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE, Chris Nash’s IN A VIOLENT NATURE, Colin and Cameron Cairnes’ LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, Stephen Frears’ THE LOST KING, Adam Elliot’s MEMOIR OF A SNAIL, Olivier Assayas’ PERSONAL SHOPPER, Tran Anh Hung’s THE TASTE OF THINGS, Michael Winterbottom’s THE TRIP, and Chloe Okuno’s WATCHER.
About Shudder
Shudder is the leading curatorial voice and cultural destination for genre entertainment, delivering an unparalleled selection of horror, thrillers, and the supernatural. With an ever-expanding library of films, TV series, and exclusive Originals, Shudder is accessible across most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Shudder releases approximately thirty films per year, and has redefined genre streaming with a slate of groundbreaking and critically acclaimed titles, including Rob Savage’s HOST, Jayro Bustamante’s Golden Globe-nominated LA LLORONA, Phil Tippett’s MAD GOD, Coralie Fargeat’s REVENGE, Kyle Edward Ball’s SKINAMARINK, Christian Tafdrup’s SPEAK NO EVIL, Chloe Okuno’s WATCHER, Demián Rugna’s WHEN EVIL LURKS, and the latest installments in the V/H/S franchise. Shudder also boasts fan-favorite series such as the two-time Emmy Award-nominated THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA, Mark Duplass’ THE CREEP TAPES, Greg Nicotero’s CREEPSHOW, and THE LAST DRIVE-IN WITH JOE BOB BRIGGS. Notable recent releases include Chris Nash’s IN A VIOLENT NATURE, Colin and Cameron Cairnes’ LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, Damian McCarthy’s ODDITY, and Emilie Blichfeldt’s THE UGLY STEPSISTER.
