Mark Macready and the Archangel Murders: Award winning horror comedy short film from the UK. Winner of Most Original Horror Film 2009 at the HORROR UK Film Festival. Hailed as ‘A british hellboy’ by JOBLO.COM and rated five stars by GOREZONE magazine. Non horror-lovers note: There is no excess fright in the above trailer. Just awesome. You’re safe.

Now for a mini interview with short film producer / lead actor Ryan McDermott…

How the hell did you end up making this glorious Film Short?

Mark Macready and the Archangel Murders was initially conceived at college many years ago by my good friend and writing partner Paul Feeney. It took several years to get the film in front of the cameras, under the direction of our friend Sean Candon. It was eventually shot for around £5k in Manchester and released in 2009. Big inspirations for the film were The X-Files and The Naked Gun. Our aim was to make a British short film that was no-holds barred unadulterated fun.

Best short film-making experience?

The festival tour was such a special experience. We travelled the globe and it felt like we were a rock band on tour, we had so many great screening experiences… but nothing quite compares to standing in New York City and introducing the film. That was a personal dream come true and I’m eternally grateful for having that opportunity. Overall though it was the friendships formed. We met so many fantastic people and shared a life-changing journey; it was a special time that will stay with me forever.

Worst short film-making experience?

It has to be the reshoots. They were really heavy going. We got our first edit back and the film just wasn’t funny enough. So we ordered a round of reshoots. That was just a painful decision to make – especially on our finances, as the film was funded by ourselves. The reshoots seemed to last forever but it was the best decision we could have made. Out of a fugly experience came the film we were looking for.

Reckon your work is going to draw comparisons with Frost/Pegg?

I guess tonally it might and that’s just an amazing comparison because those guys are Gods. They are the best at what they do and are huge inspirations. However, I believe you can get too wrapped up in comparisons. Frost/Pegg do it their way and we do it ours… but to have people even think of Frost/Pegg when they watch our stuff is the highest compliment possible.

Film projects in the pipeline?

Myself and Paul are now knee-deep in the feature film adaption of Mark Macready. There are emails, phone calls and meetings happening every day now. It’s really started to come to fruition and we’re working with a fantastic team. We’re blessed to have the talented and inspiring Ben Robinson as our director. It’s just a pleasure to collaborate with Ben and the likes of our concept artist MJM and designer Dave Kiely to expand this world to feature length.

We’re close to a script lock now which is really different to the short film. It’s more action/adventure – yet it still retains what I think made people fell in love with the short: the humour. The funny (along with the gore) is something we’re defnitely taking to the next level. We’re aiming to make a British Raiders of the Lost Ark. A BIG movie! Something that’s fast and fun, which I believe is massively missing from the UK film scene.

As a special thank-you to everybody who supported the short film we released an animated prequel cartoon last year, directed by my friend Gavin Johnson who did a wonderful job. It’s online now. The cartoon takes places 24 hours before THE ARCHANGEL MURDERS and leads right into the short film.

Ryan McDermott: If we wanted to stalk you, how would we do it?

My blog is now up and running with updates on the feature film and the inside scoop on the production, you can check it out here: http://goneshootinfilmsblog.wordpress.com/

Mark Macready concept art exclusive:

Hey, it’s a Best For Film exclusive: The feature-length Mark Macready and the Archangel Murders will feature an undead chariot race. AN UNDEAD CHARIOT RACE. YES.

Are you a short film maker?

If you have a short film on YouTube, get in touch at [email protected] or nominate it below. We’d love to hear from you – maybe your film short could become our next Short Film of the Week!

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