We’re getting closer to experiencing the horror/action/romance of British short film The Summoner. The film, which will have a killer retrosynth score featuring the likes of Waveshaper and Dream Fiend, just finished up its four-day shoot. Pics from the shoot are scattered throughout this post.
The film is about a place where vengeful spirits refuse to leave people’s homes and other buildings, and “brute force is the only course of action,” according to the film’s marketing materials. People can hire these summoners to expel these violent and unwanted guests, so there’s a Ghostbusters or The Frighteners element to the story.
The film stars Le Cassette singer Adam McNab, Mhairi Calvey, Alexandra Hansler, Kate Marie Davies and Mike Carr.
McNab plays the lead character, a hard-drinking summoner whose only remaining interest in this world is his job, so he goes full-bore into ridding the world of the spirits. He encounters some major struggles along the way.
Although it’s not set in the 1980s, the film’s look and effects will summon that decade, thanks in part to retrosynth composer and video artist Irving Force’s editing and post-production prowess. In addition to starring McNab, who joined the project as an actor after writer and director James Secker initially sought his band’s musical input, The Summoner also has Braveheart actress Calvey.
The soundtrack, out in November on Lazerdiscs Records, features the following synthwave artists: Waveshaper, Maxthor, Nightstop, Vincenzo Salvia, Moondragon, Dream Fiend, Irving Force, Absolute Valentine, D.Notive and Hello Meteor.
To fund the effort, Secker, along with producer Rob Yeomans, ran a successful IndieGoGo campaign earlier this spring — earning just over the short’s $9,000 fundraising goal.
Retro fashion retailer Like Totally has partnered up with Secker et al. Shane De Almeida is the director of photography.
For more information, read this interview with Secker from last spring. There’s no word yet on when the film will be finished. Check out the film’s official Facebook page for updates.
Full Disclosure: Vehlinggo is one of the executive producers of this film.
(Feature Photo: Adam McNab of Le Cassette, star of The Summoner.)
