Production is underway on busy UK indie Shogun Films’ new horror movie Harbinger with James Crow (Nemesis) in the director’s chair and actor Tony Sands, best known as Tom in cult CBBC drama Moondial, in one of the lead roles. He was also one of the stars of the short film Echoes of the Passed, which won a STARBURST Fantasy Award in 2018.

HARBINGER centres on Julia (Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott – Knightfall), the sole survivor of infamous Satanic serial killer Henry Decker (Peter Woodward, Babylon 5), who is convinced to take part in a TV ghost show fronted by Neal (Tony Sands) filmed at the late Decker’s former home by TV producer Mike (Gary Webster, Minder). Once there, they uncover an ominous carnival fortune-telling machine, known as The Harbinger, which dispenses murderous fates, foretold via fatal Tarot cards, as Decker plots a sinister return to life.

Rounding out the cast are Johnny Palmiero (Doctor Plague), Joseph Emms (Knightfall), Anna Arthur (The Last Screenwriter) and Maisie Gee (Through My Eyes).

The screenplay is by Simon Cluett (We Still Kill the Old Way, Age of Kill), from a story by Harry Boxley. Jonathan Sothcott produces. Director of Photography is Andrew Robinson. The Harbinger was designed by Stuart Webb. Executive Producers include Jamie McLeod Ross and Charlie McDougall for Empire Studios, as well as Keith Reilly. Robert Geoffrey Hughes and Chris Hurst are writing the score. Harbinger is being filmed on location in South East England.

Producer Jonathan Sothcott, who also casts the Shogun productions, said: “Moondial absolutely enraptured me as a kid, it was brilliantly made and acted and is right up there with The Tripods and The Box of Delights in terms of early influences. I read the book – with Tony on the cover! – and have revisited it many times over the years, and boy does it stand up! Tony’s haunting performance stayed with me, so the chance to work together as adults was too good to miss, and now we are making a lot of horror movies. Harbinger presented the perfect opportunity. As the very real psychic medium at the heart of the action, Tony delivers a brilliant performance.”

Tony Sands added, “It was an absolute honour to be involved in Harbinger. A truly wonderful cast and crew made it an enjoyable experience, and finally getting to work with Jonathan was a pleasure. I love the character of Neal, had a lot of fun playing him. I really think we have a great film here, Shogun pulled in a brilliant cast who were amazing to watch on set. I can’t wait for everyone to lay their eyes on this!”

Trinity Creative are handling worldwide sales and will introduce the project to buyers at Cannes.

Andy Taylor, commercial director for Trinity Creative, said, “We’re really excited to be working with Jonathan and his team on their new film, Harbinger. Shogun Films has a real flair for producing high-quality, commercial films, and this looks to be no exception. With a great theme, strong cast and James Crow at the helm, we can’t wait to see the results and work on making this a big success around the world”

Shogun Films will also release Helloween, Knightfall, and Doctor Plague this year and is currently in pre-production on vampire thriller Midnight Kiss.