by Martin Unsworth
Writer/director Dominic O’Neill takes a cue from Stephen Volk’s legendary BBC drama Ghostwatch with this modern homage that does a similar thing but with a twist.
A Halloween live broadcast is taking place at an allegedly haunted house with amiable host Gerry (Mark Claney), kids’ presenter Michelle (Aimee Richardson) adding some enthusiasm, and a DJ (Dan Leith) broadcasting on the radio from the attic. During the times when the live feed takes a break, we see some of the drama behind the scenes (“I wanted Eamon Holmes and Tina Campbell!”).
While the comparison to Ghostwatch is unavoidable, Haunted Ulster Live has plenty of differences that set it apart. The presenter, Gerry, is wonderfully earnest, and the bickering that goes on when the cameras are off is brilliant (and probably closer to reality than some would like!) The attention to detail with the live presentation is impeccable – right down to the signal at the top of the screen, signalling the oncoming advertising break and the naff ads themselves.
As things get out of control – both in the house and with the crew – there are some genuine shocks and an impressive, creepy conclusion.
Haunted Ulster Live had its world premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest on August 26th
