Filming of a new horror movie is about to start in the North East bringing a chill to the air this autumn.
Sinema: The Movie is the brainchild of Newcastle writer, Rod Glenn, County Durham film director, Kev Harte and North East independent producer, Glen Harris. Shot exclusively in the region, casting has also been predominantly from the wealth of talent in this area. The movie has been adapted from the best-selling novel, Sinema: The Northumberland Massacre by Rod Glenn, which was published in 2010.
The story tells of a newcomer to the small Northumberland village of Haydon, a novelist apparently researching for a new crime thriller about a serial killer. As a dreadful winter closes in, a snowstorm traps the villagers along with two police officers and the novelist is revealed as a monster intent on slaying the 392 village residents and writing about the events. Can he be stopped or will the villagers become the reluctant stars of the novelist’s latest book?
Director, Kev Harte, from AbandonHope Films, has produced many successful films including The Sceptic, which has several official selections at film festivals and premiered on new horror channel, Crypt TV. He said, “The North East has a great many locations ideal for filming. The dramatic scenery and rugged, isolated landscapes bring a beautifully dark atmosphere to Sinema.”
“The area is rich in talent and we have received dozens of applications from local artists with experience in both professional and independent productions,” he added.
Casting includes actor Nicholas Vince, who featured in Hellraiser (1987), Hellraiser II (1988) and Nightbreed (1990) and actress Eileen Daly, known for Razor Blade Smile (1998), N[eon] (2002) and Life. Love. Regret. (2013). Also featured are local artists, Liam Grahame Olsen, an actor and entertainer from both stage and screen and Leah Mains who trained at the Sage Academy of Performing Arts.
Writer, Rod Glenn, also an acclaimed actor, is set to play the lead role of Han Whitman. His roles include work in the locally shot and ever-popular ITV series, Vera and BBC1’s Inspector George Gently, as well as many other well-known productions. “As the book is set in Northumberland, it made sense to film in the local area. Seeing the book come to life has been a dream come true, many of the featured locations are exactly as I imagined them whilst writing,” he said, “The film involves a huge cast, multiple locations and a gripping snowstorm finale. It has the potential to be the largest independent feature film the North East has ever seen.”
The North East has provided a backdrop to dozens of films over recent years. Perhaps most notably Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral, Macbeth at Bamburgh Castle, Billy Elliott in Easington and, of course, Get Carter’s famous multi storey car park scene in Gateshead.
Sinema: The Movie will be globally marketed and distributed by Reliance Entertainment, the distribution company behind Aaron Paul’s Need for Speed (2014). Hopes are high that the film will put our region firmly on the map once again.
The Sinema team is looking for sponsorship and although several hundred pounds have already been donated, much more is needed if the film is to reach its full potential. The creators are looking for support in the form of corporate sponsorship from local businesses and organisations.
More information and a short trailer can be found on the film’s campaign page.