Horror directors to helm Xbox comedies

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SAN DIEGO, July 23 (UPI) -- Several Hollywood filmmakers known for their horror movies are working on comedy shorts to air on Xbox LIVE this fall, Microsoft Corp. said Wednesday.

The idea for masters of horror to tackle comedy was conceived by filmmaker James Gunn of "Slither" and "Dawn of the Dead" fame, and producer Peter Safran, whose big-screen credits include "Scary Movie," "Meet the Spartans" and "Disaster Movie."

Microsoft said it is teaming up with Safran Digital Group to produce these exclusive shorts.

Contributing comedy pilots to the series will be Gunn, James Wan, David Slade, Lucky McKee, Andrew Douglas and Marcus Nispel.

All of the pilots will be free either for download or streaming on Xbox LIVE.

"We're excited to launch the Xbox original content with these world-class directors, who are all tremendously talented and at the cutting edge of their craft," Safran said in a statement. "Their youthful and innovative approach is the perfect combination for this unique digital venture with Xbox 360, and we expect to see some very creative, horrifying and hilarious shorts as these masters of horror present their comedic vision."