LOS ANGELES, Jan. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Kevin Smithers ("Leaving Hotel Romantic"), a renowned film music composer from Mexico City, is creating the original score for the forthcoming short thriller film, "Blood Lust" and for the short comedy film, "The Blind Date."

Due out this spring, "Blood Lust" follows a protagonist vampire that finds a girl who represents eternal life. Sydnee Bethel makes her directorial debut. Christopher Levine ("T is for Thigh") wrote the script and produced the film. Starring are Cassandra Dailey, Thomas Oliver and Kathy Wittes.

"The score is going to be very organic and acoustic rather than electronic to emphasize the classic horror feel of the film," said Smithers. "Contemporary concert music has used extended techniques for a while now. A lot of people employ those sounds to call an ominous and dark vibe to the music, very cinematic. It'll combine that with straight forward orchestral writing to achieve that classic horror sound."

Levine said of Smithers, "He's been so wonderful to work with! He's patient with a perfectionist like me and I'm really excited to hear what he has come up with for a very haunting soundtrack."

Levine produced and plays Randy in "The Blind Date." Directed by Zhandra Reyes ("All Paths Lead to Roma"), the film was written, shot and edited in 48 hours. It's been officially selected for screening at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema on January 10th and has just been submitted to the Palm Beach International Film Festival for its Florida Premiere.

Smithers and Levine also recently collaborated on a short film titled "Fall in Love All Over Again" that is set to enter the On Location: Los Angeles Project this year.

Smithers is a prolific composer with a range of musical styles. His filmography includes "Mindscape" starring Mark Strong, Taissa Farmiga and Brian Cox, "Dwarf Planets," "Eleven Months," "The Adventures of Lynn and Leo" and "You're Still Here?" Smithers attended the Fermatta Music Academy, the London Centre of Contemporary Music and the Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain. He has worked with composers Corey Allen Jackson, Lucas Vidal, Benjamin Wallfisch and Daniel Belardinelli.

"Blood Lust" is due to premiere on the festival circuit this spring and will have additional digital distribution. An official release date is to be announced. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/bloodlustfilm and http://www.kevinsmithers.com/

SOURCE Kevin Smithers