The Devils Familiar (2019)
Director: Kieran ‘Ran’ Edwards
Writer: Kieran ‘Ran’ Edwards
Starring: Uriel Davies, Ross Mooney, David Clarke, Christopher Gadd, Pete Moulam, Tom Lee Rutter
A video camera is anonymously handed into Police.. The extracted footage is projected onto a screen we watch (the audience) as well as DCi Barker and other CID officers.
The only information we know so far is that the video content was filmed by two students named Elliott Mooney (student number 06852105) and Jake Mcintyre (student number 05437921).
Elliott & Jake are studying Film & Video Production at Henwick University and this is there final film for the degree…
The film is a documentary about the 2006 Ribbesford Woods Murders where a man was found brutally murdered, Sally Edwards was sent down for the murder, but conspiracy theories of a mythical creature
living in Ribbesford woods is potentially to blame?
What actually happened in 2006? Was it a cover up? Or cold blooded murder?
In a new interview in the series leading up to Horror-on-Sea Film Festival, I got a chance to ask The Devils Familiar Writer-Director Kieran (Ran) Edwards a few questions about what we can expect from the film.
Q. Your latest horror The Devils Familiar has been selected to play at Horror-on-Sea. Can you tell us what we can expect from the film?
Firstly, I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Horror-on-Sea, it is such a privilege to be part of this incredible Independent Film Festival. You guys can expect a Found Footage Film like no other. Plenty of Frights, Blood, laughs and Twists.
Quote from Chris Evans ‘Over all this is probably one of the better completely independent, zero budget offerings I’ve watched recently…The cinematography was near enough flawless in my book… The filmmaker has hit all the right notes!’
Quote from Guy Russel ‘Whilst it is evidently clear from the first minute that this film has been made on practically no budget it doesn’t deter the director from chilling his audience early doors..’
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
The film is a homage to Found Footage films like Blair Witch Project (1999), REC (2007) and also Hammer Horror. I’ve always loved the sub-genre of Found Footage and really wanted to create my own Found Footage Film with the charm of Hammer Horror.
Q. Where there any elements of the original script which were adapted during filming?
Yes, two extra scenes were added during filming, one of them being at a totally different location, these are twists in the plot to keep the viewers guessing (also, one of my favourite scenes).
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
The weather usually causes issues out on location but luckily it was sunny throughout (Bearing in mind, we shot Devil’s Familiar over 1 year). The only real issue was waiting for the green light to shoot in Kidderminster Hospital, that took 6 months, but well worth the wait. Unfortunately, one of the main characters couldn’t commit to being in the film two weeks prior to the shoot. Luckily, Sarah Page took the role and did a fantastic performance playing Sally Edwards, a major scene which needed execution; Sarah Page was excellent.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments whilst making the film?
Meeting and working with new cast members. Bringing the Beast to Life & creating tension in the cinematography.
Q. What makes The Devils Familiar stand out as something different in the horror genre?
It is a story of endurance, mystery and tragedy. Through the whole film, it is down to the wire. We feel for Elliott Mooney and Jake Mcintyre and we feel invested in them.
Quote from Chris Evans ‘..There’s a descent amount of effort put into it, and the filmmaker actually knows something about the Found Footage genre’..
Q. What do you hope people will take away after watching the film?
That they really enjoyed it and would love to watch it again. Also, to be wary of walking in Ribbesford Woods.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
Yes, a Vampire film and music videos for the band I play Drums in.
Q. If someone was looking to direct their own film what advice would you give them?
Write yourself a good script, search for actors on websites, find excellent locations (there are plenty around free of charge, just make sure you ask permission before filming).
Borrow, blag, plead for descent equipment, a good camera and a descent microphone is all you need. Believe in yourself and go for it.
The Devils Familiar will be playing at Horror-on-Sea on Sunday 12th January at 10:00 hrs
You can find out more about Horror-on-Sea and purchase tickets for the festival here:
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!
