Another interesting film project has popped up on Kickstarter that we felt was worth a mention. A feature film from master magician and filmmaker R. Paul Wilson. Darkfall is a psychological-horror thriller with a killer twist. Paul developed the story for Darkfall over a period of 4 years, has refined the script and assembled an extraordinary team to help execute his vision.

It will be physically shot in Paul’s native home of Glasgow, Scotland.

What makes this project particularly interesting is the approach.  Darkfall will use absolutely no CGI. Everything seen on the screen will be the result of practical effects, actual magic and the art of illusion. This is a contemporary film that pays homage to fine classic techniques. Much like the original innovators of film magic, Paul says of the production: “If Georges Méliès couldn’t do it, neither will we!”

Synopsis

Police are summoned to a Glasgow apartment where they discover the gruesome aftermath of a bloody mass murder. There is an eerie energy, an unseen force. They all feel it. Bodies strewn across the flat are those of a group known to have dabbled in the occult.

Police later question a strange young woman who often associated with the group. There are no arrests but the sordid story takes on a life of its own, becoming front-page fodder for the tabloid press. The rumor mill starts to churn.

A television network specializing in sensational programming sees a unique opportunity for unprecedented ratings. They approach the young woman with an offer: “Lead a seance to contact the other side and we’ll televise it – LIVE”  

The site is an abandoned Victorian mental asylum – an old building with deep winding corridors.

The network adds three celebrities – a gossip journalist, an extreme athlete, and a beautiful starlet. The plan is for celebs and TV crew to be locked inside just before the feed goes live. Advance numbers show it could be the most-watched television event in years and we cut to people at home around the UK, preparing to watch. Most are skeptical. All are intrigued.

The TV feed goes live. Some small talk and then – the seance begins. Chanting. Shadows. Strange sounds. The celebrities and crew feel surrounded by something, as if shadows have somehow come to life. Discomfort leads to anxiety. Anxiety leads to confusion. Confusion leads to conflict, and conflict leads to chaos.

Celebrities and crew become separated in the chaos and confusion. Alone in the dark, people start to die, or do they? We cut again to the people watching at home. Is it real or just reality TV?

The network keeps broadcasting. Phones are ringing off the hook. Do they let this continue? Do they stop it? Can they stop it?

The ending … it’s killer.

Says Paul: “The twist at the end has shocked and delighted everyone who’s read the script. You won’t be disappointed.”

Setting out to reestablish the validity of traditional filming techniques, the filmmakers intend to show that film is not only possible, but advantageous – even on a micro budget.

Who’s in? VISIT THE KICKSTARTER HERE