The biggest thing I鈥檝e learned is not to just think about writing - get on and do it. 大象传媒 Writersroom script calls are a wonderful boot up the backside to give yourself a deadline and get the next script written.
Fright Shorts are 6 spooky new Halloween comedies developed by 大象传媒 Writersroom for 大象传媒 Northern Ireland with support from Northern Ireland screen. They launched on 大象传媒 iPlayer on Friday 13th October 2018.
Fright Shorts began as for 5 minute comedy scripts from writers who are from or living in Northern Ireland. We asked for funny, surprising stories, told in a hilarious way, with brilliant, original characters and which related to Halloween.
Over 150 scripts were submitted from which a shortlisted group of writers were invited to the 大象传媒 in Belfast for a development day with talks and Q&As with industry professionals. Following this 6 scripts were selected for production. The writers also had script-editing support from (The League of Gentlemen).
The series was produced by Belfast-based production company, , working in partnership with . (Crashing, Timewasters, Newszoids) directed all six episodes.
Keith Martin from 大象传媒 Writersroom says: "Fright Shorts is a brilliant example of the previously undiscovered talent that 大象传媒 Writersroom has unearthed. Working alongside 大象传媒 Comedy, Northern Ireland Screen and 大象传媒 Northern Ireland, 大象传媒 Writersroom has produced six fantastically spooky comedy-shorts just in time for Halloween, proving even when writing for the undead, indigenous Northern Irish scripted comedy is alive and well."
Chris Jones, the founder of Nice One Productions, adds: "I'm delighted that Fright Shorts is our very first new Northern Ireland comedy commission and hope comedy-horror fans all over the UK will enjoy binge-watching the series on 大象传媒 iPlayer - with six sparky and distinctive scripts, Fright Shorts is a proper Halloween treat, bursting to life with such a funny cast, a visionary director and the hardest-working crew in Northern Ireland."
The Six Fright Shorts
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The Candy Gran
The tale of two teenage 'trick or treaters' who get more than they bargained for when they knock on the door of an old lady. Written by Stephen Large Starring Stella McCusker, Michael Stranney and Aimee Richardson. -
Derek Vs the Evil Halloween Pigeon
Suggestible, straight-laced Derek has to battle the Evil Halloween Pigeon and the machinations of his unhinged flatmate to make it to his date on time. Written by Martha Barnett Starring Gerard McCabe and Tara Lynne O'Neill -
The Grandmummy Returns
When tragedy strikes, Paul鈥檚 solution is a grim, weird one. Can best friend Dennis prise himself off of Paul鈥檚 orthopaedic mattress to make a stand? Written by Peter Gray Starring Michael Liebmann, Gerard McCabe and Roma Tomelty. -
The Visit
This short follows Death on her frustrating day at the office and a strange visit to the Donnelly's for Halloween. Written by Michael McCullough Starring Dan Gordon, Chris Patrick-Simpson, Julia Dearden and Eleanor Tiernan. -
Worst Halloween Ever
Emma, the socially awkward witch, plants a curse on her two flatmates. Little do they know that they are going are going to the Halloween party from hell. Written by Mary Flanigan Starring Louise Parker, Sophie Doran, Julie Lamberton, Ruairi Woods, Rosie Barry, Colan Kelly, Odhran McNulty and Lucy McConnell. -
Costume Drama
Two fancy dress shop employees are accosted by a vampire, witch and mummy, however they learn their spooky visitors may not be the stereotypical monsters they appear. Written by Dave Kinghan Starring Peter Campion, Bronagh Waugh, Karen Hassan, David Elliott, Shane Todd and Jason Byrne.
