Horror movie filmed in Caithness breaks into top-20 in DVD chart
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A horror movie – the first film to be shot entirely in Caithness in over 70 years – has become a surprise hit by making it into the top 20 of the UK DVD chart.
Originally called Playhouse, the film first started packing out cinemas in Russia after the country's distributor re-packaged it as part of a popular Cursed House series.
But this week it was sitting after the first week of its release in the UK at 19 in the DVD charts, which is topped by Courage of One.
Brothers Fionn and Toby Watts have finally put the far north county on the movie map and produced, written and directed the horror feature set in Freswick Castle near Wick – which they grew up in.
"Proud moment for us Watts brothers especially as we started at the job centre in Wick looking for film directing jobs on the job points! Perseverance pays off," said Toby.
Fionn added: "Absolutely mind blowing to see we have a top-20 hit in the UK DVD charts and just under Joker!
"Making our next film has suddenly become that much easier based on this news. I did not imagine this could happen for our small indie film – so completely flabbergasted.
"A big thank you to all our supporters and encouragers – it's been a long road but very much worth it. To everyone with a dream, never give up."
The film was re-named for Russian audiences Cursed House 4 and it really was to Russia with blood!
In fact you have to go back to 1947 for Neil Gunn's The Silver Darlings to find any big screen shots of Caithness. And then it was just largely the harbour scenes of Latheronwheel.
Genre specialists Devilworks has secured multiple deals including the UK and Ireland on the gothic thriller. A deal over North American rights was previously announced.
The Watts brothers launched a crowdfunder to finish the film, which passed £9400 from over 110 backers when it ended. The extra cash went on more special effects.
Playhouse was also selected for the prestigious Frightfest film festival in August.
The movie was filmed at Freswick Castle which is the home of the brothers' writer father Murray Watts, whose own work in TV, radio, film and theatre has won awards and received critical acclaim, including The Dream, starring Jeremy Irons and the feature film The Miracle Maker.
Playhouse is a supernatural thriller that stars Thurso-born Helen Mackay in the role of Jenny.
The male lead is taken by William J Holstead. Nominated for a Manchester Theatre Award in 2017, he has received critical acclaim for his roles in recent theatre production The Trial.
Toby said: "Making a feature film in Caithness means so much to us. It’s not just about us and our careers – we want Caithness people to be proud of this film, proud of their county, their locations and their history that are all such rich territory for stories and art," he said.
"We hope that this film will inspire others like us to produce content up there, and all going well, we’d love to come back and make another film soon too."
