Film Name: Neighbourhood Horror
Director: Ian Floodgate
Writer: Ian Floodgate
Through the eyes of doorbell cameras, we see the horror that can unfold in the neighbourhood.
In a new Exclusive Interview on Blazing Minds ahead of Horror-on-Sea I got a chance to ask Writer/Director Ian Floodgate a few questions about the film ‘Neighbourhood Horror‘
Neighbourhood Horror will play at Horror-on-Sea on Saturday 11th January at 10.30pm
Q. Your film has been selected to play at the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival. Can you tell us what we
can expect?
A. I’m sure Horror-on-Sea Film Festival brings horror fans from all over the UK as well as some internationally united in their love of horror. I hope my film will be embraced by these fans and
industry professionals alike.
Q. What were some of your influences when writing the script?
A. Inspirations for the film came from the found-footage subgenre, which has seen seem notable
horror films produced. Along with those films, filmmaker Isaac Rodriguez has made a career out of
producing films within this subgenre.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
A. Along with found-footage horror films I began to research doorbell camera videos and stories and
came across some horrific things.
Q. Did you make any changes from the original script during filming?
A. My approach is generally based on what I find in research, and I let that create the story. Granted
Neighbourhood Horror is a micro short film, but I have plans to expand on this.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
A. I love just being creative and seeing how things unfold. I’m always open to ideas and enjoy
collaboration with others.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
A. I would have liked to have more footage to create a longer film, but I decided what I have is
succinct and makes its point.
Q. What makes it stand out as something different in the horror genre?
A. I like to think its sense of realism as what the film shows can and has genuinely happened.
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
A. I hope audiences find it quite chilling, and that somebody might be interested in collaborating
with me to make a feature film.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. Yes, I make films in other genres. I have two films that are just finishing up their festival runs. One
is and experimental short film based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth titled Macbeth’s Dream, which I
intend to release on online soon. The other is an LGBTQIA+ short film. I also have an animated short
film currently being submitted to festivals in 2025.
Q. If someone was looking to write and direct their own film what advice would you give them?
A. Watch films relentlessly. It’s the same as an aspiring author should read books. You find out about
structure and technique, what’s good and bad.
I read once that Academy Award winning director, Bong Joon Ho gets up at 5am everyday and
watches a film before working. Now I’m not saying people should get at that time, but I do watch a
lot of films. When I’ve been to festivals I like to go and see other people’s work and have watched 5
feature films in a day.
I would also say persevere because it’s tough to keep going sometimes but see any set back as
lesson rather than a failure.
I would also say don’t be afraid to be different and do things that are unconventional. Sometimes it
doesn’t work out, but when it does people see it as pioneering, and you’ll be proud of yourself for
even at least trying if you don’t succeed.
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!
