The sleepy streets of Longridge have been transformed into the unlikely setting for a tale of terror and bloodshed for an award-winning film.
Mark and Tracy Smith made the short film Twisted Insanity – the tale of a killer on the loose in and around their home town – over a three-month period.
And the movie, which had a production budget of just £100, landed the top prize at the Schoharie Scary Horror Film Fest in New York – the first competition they have ever entered.
Flexographic printer Mark, 36, said he started his movie career as a wedding videographer.
He added: “When we were picked to be shown at the festival we were really pleased as it was the first proper festival we’d entered.
“But to then find out we had won was great news. We were really chuffed.
“I’ve always loved horror films and making them is great fun.
“We are definitely going to be entering more festivals in the future.”
The couple, who write, produce and direct all their own material, have now made five short films, with another one in production.
Friends and family are regularly drafted in to take on the speaking parts in their gruesome videos, which are all filmed on location in
Lancashire – many in Longridge, including Severn Street.
Tracy, 34, stars in many of the films and is also responsible for creating the gory make-up which is used on set.
They are already planning to enter another film into next year’s competition and will even travel to New York to take part.
Mark added: “We couldn’t make it this year, but we definitely want to try and make it next time. We are trying to get a portfolio of work together to show people what we can do and be able to follow our dream full-time.”
The couple will receive some video editing software for their efforts – which they hope to use to create even more scary flicks, including their first feature-length movie.
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