Film Name: The Allotment
Director: Alexander Churchyard / Michael Holiday
Writer: Alexander Churchyard
Starring: Tony Mardon, Hannah Paterson, Philip Rogers
The Allotment’ is one man’s journey to, well, his allotment, whilst being stalked by a mad man in a baby mask.
In another interview leading up to the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival, I got a chance to ask co-director/writer Alex Churchyard a few questions about what we can expect from the award-winning short The Allotment which will be playing at Horror-on-Sea on Saturday 15th January at 20:00hrs
Q. Your short horror film The Allotment has been selected to play at Horror-on-Sea. Can you tell us what we can expect from the film?
Alex: Basically, when lockdown eased in the Summer of 2020, I wanted to make something that was covid-safe so set about writing something we could shoot quickly, with minimal actors and mostly outside. I believe we spent about £10 on the film which was for a mask and some sandwiches for lunch, so don’t expect Hollywood production values, but it’s a bit of a laugh.
Q. What were some of your influences when writing the script for The Allotment?
Alex: I wasn’t really inspired by any particular film per se, but during the lockdown, I had an allotment and was going there as my “daily exercise”, one day someone was acting a little strangely walking behind me and it got me thinking about whether I’d be better to run to my allotment or run back home were anything to happen. Thankfully my concerns were unnecessary, but it gave me an idea for a short.
Q. Did you have any actors or actresses in mind to portray any of the characters when writing the script for the film?
Alex: I believe I had thought of you as the killer Philip (Rogers) and asked if you wanted to play it. I believe that’s the case. I’d always thought Hannah (Patterson) would play the brief role of the wife as we live together and it’s really a little cameo anyway.
I think originally, I was thinking someone my own age to be Daniel (the protagonist) but Mike (Holiday) said he felt people would think it odd that someone my age was going to their allotment, so we ended up casting Tony Mardon. Dani Thompson suggested him, but we had met at Horror-on-Sea when I bought one of his paintings. He ended up being a great choice as he is now a friend and we’ve worked on quite a few projects together since.
Q. The film was shot entirely on a mobile phone. Why did you decide to film using a mobile phone and what were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
Alex: It’s a lot faster and we wanted to shoot it in an afternoon. It’s really that simple, my birthday was just before so my lovely wife bought me a mobile gimbal and we shot the entire thing using it. It was very liberating and I’m very tempted to do another one soon using it.
Q. Did you make any changes from the original script during filming?
Alex: If we did then I don’t recall.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
Alex: Well, it certainly wasn’t trying to run filming Tony at his pace; the guy is a very fit runner, and I am not. To be honest it was just nice to spend some time with some people really and do something fun.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
Alex: Well, we drenched you in fake blood, didn’t we?! We wanted to keep the crew to a minimum and there was no money, so the blood was food colouring in water from the allotment hose and sprayed with my allotment sprayer.
Q. What makes The Allotment stand out as something different in the horror genre?
Alex: It’s difficult as I don’t know if it stands out exactly, I think it’s a setup and a punchline short and I hope people enjoy it! It’s 5 minutes long.
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
Alex: I think it should just be taken in the spirit of having a bit of fun at a difficult time and also that allotments are dangerous places. I am no longer a plot holder.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
Alex: Yes, Mike and I have Mosaic which is a big feature anthology with interweaving slasher stories, and we actually see the return of a character from The Allotment.
I also have Video Shop Tales of Terror that I am working on with Singh Lall. I’ve written and directed the wrap-around for Lall and we have literally just shot that. I’m also doing a segment which I’ll shoot in the new year, and I’ve written and am directing a segment for the Mycho anthology ‘Horrorscopes Vol 1’.
Also looking to start my third feature film which is titled ‘Laid Bare: The Story of Striptease Massacre’.
TIS FIlms is also diversifying a little and we will be producing films with directors other than Mike and I. My brother Max Churchyard is doing the first of these with a short he is making next year which will go out under the TIS banner.
Q. If someone was looking to write and direct their own film what advice would you give them?
Alex: My advice last time was just go for it and that remains. But also surround yourself with talented people and bring everyone you like along for the ride. If you are interested in horror then there is a great community out there, so go to festivals and meet people.
You can find out more about the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival on the website: https://www.horror-on-sea.com/
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
