BY NUALA MCALOON
The village of Pettigo is set to reap the economic benefits of a new horror movie which is predicted to generate 0.5 million euro for the area in the next six weeks.
Embarking on its first feature film production in nearly 30 years, British film company, Hammer Films has started 'principle photography' in Pettigo on the horror thriller, 'The Wake Wood' with a cast that includes actors Aidan Gillen, Eva Birthistle and Timothy Spall as well as a number of extras from Pettigo and the surrounding area.
Natasha McGrath, a Community Development Officer working for ADOPT in Pettigo said the news came as a great encouragement to the village.
"Naturally, it is a fantastic boost to the economy here. Everything is sourced locally, from food, accommodation, and office space. There are up on 40 crew and 15 cast, so there are about 55 people in all. They started filming on Monday 22nd and it is expected to continue for a six week period.
"It is a fantastic injection of money into a normally small and disadvantaged area.
"And, to see the likes of actor Aidan Gillen sipping his coffee in the coffee shop here is great. The crew were also here prior to filming for about three or four weeks."
The cast and crew have been spotted in a number of places, including Milers Restaurant and the Garden of Eatin coffee shop. During their stay here, the majority have sought self-catering accommodation, again provided by locals, and including Fermanagh Lakeland Lodges.
Natasha explained that ADOPT had been contacted by Donegal County Council a few months back outlining that the film company had considered Pettigo for the, 'The Wake Wood' film. Another village further south was also up for consideration.
"They came to ADOPT to see would we be interested in assisting them and there was a good chance that they would pick Pettigo. They looked at the potential sites and we assisted the production crew and they got accommodation then."
She said the news that a horror movie was to be filmed locally had created a stir in the village.
"The reaction has been very positive, naturally and there is a buzz here. Everyone wants to see the film stars. There are also a number of locals starring as extras, so it has all been very positive."
Vertigo Films has acquired UK distribution rights on the film, and is eyeing an Autumn 2009 release.
Directing the movie is David Keating, working from a screenplay he co-wrote with Brendan McCarthy, who came up with the original story. Brendan is producing the film along with John McDonnell through their Fantastic Films banner. Simon Oakes and Guy East are Executive Producers.
And the storyline?
Still grieving the death of nine-year-old Alice – their only child – at the jaws of a crazed dog, vet, Patrick and pharmacist, Louise relocate to the remote town of Wake Wood where they learn of a pagan ritual that will allow them three more days with Alice.
The couple find the idea disturbing and exciting in equal measure, but once they agree terms with Arthur, the village's leader, a far bigger question looms – what will they do when it's time for Alice to go back?
