First feature in 30 years
Embarking on its first feature film production in nearly 30 years, legendary British film company Hammer Films has started principle photography in Ireland on the horror thriller The Wake Wood with a cast that includes Aidan Gillen (The Wire), Eva Birthistle and Timothy Spall (Harry Potter series).
David Keating is directing The Wake Wood from a screenplay he co-wrote with Brendan McCarthy, who came up with the original story. Brendan McCarthy is producing the film along with John McDonnell through their Fantastic Films banner. Simon Oakes and Guy East are Executive Producers.
Still grieving the death of nine-year-old Alice â their only child â at the jaws of a crazed dog, vet Patrick and pharmacist Louise relocate to the remote town of Wake Wood where they learn of a pagan ritual that will allow them three more days with Alice. The couple find the idea disturbing and exciting in equal measure, but once they agree terms with Arthur, the villageâs leader, a far bigger question looms â what will they do when itâs time for Alice to go back?
The last horror film produced by Hammer Films was the Christopher Lee-starring To the Devil a Daughter in 1976. The last feature (horror or otherwise) produced by the company was the mystery thriller The Lady Vanishes in 1979. With the recent formation of HS Media (the Cyrte Investments backed parent company of Hammer and Los Angeles-based Spitfire Pictures), Hammer is now being aggressively reinvigorated through new investments in the development, production, financing and distribution of film, television and digital-platform content.
Backed by funds from the Irish Film Board, The Wake Wood begins principal photography today in County Donegal, Ireland. Vertigo Films has acquired UK distribution rights and is eyeing a fall 2009 release for the film.
Source: Hammer Films
