Nightmare Hunters

Plot

When something kills Mr Harper's dog and he's found terrified near the wood, the blame is placed on an escaped big cat. Two eleven-year-old friends, Raffi and Sam, set out on a mission to capture it. But this is no ordinary beast and they are not the only hunters in the forest. What starts as a bit of fun becomes a deadly game of hide and seek as they discover the true nature of the animal, and it's links to the shadowy Bio-Corporation. The boys now rely only on each other in a desperate struggle for survival.

Cast

Production

The film was written and directed by Ewan Gorman who adapted the screenplay from his short story "Code Name Zantari". The original inspiration for the story came from an article in Brightons Argus newspaper about the Beast of Bevendean. Gorman researched several big cat sightings in Britain in pre-production. The feisty and instinctual character of Sam is based on his step son.

In the first draft of the script, Mr Hannigan was competing for the X Prize, in a legitimate bid to win the corporate space race competition. This concept however is only hinted at in the final film.

The producer, Steph DePalma, and director auditioned over 500 boys for the roles of Raffi and Sam at open auditions in the British Engineerium in Hove.

The film was shot on location in the city of Brighton and Hove and the surrounding East Sussex countryside. The woodland scenes were shot in Stanmer Wood, Lake Wood in Uckfield, and on the Plashett Estate just outside Isfield. Principal photography began on July 30, 2012, and was completed on August 31. Four days of additional filming were required and the shooting wrapped in March 2013.

Music

Nigel Samways wrote and performed the original score, using a blend of natural acoustics and electronic instruments. The soundtrack also contains two songs by the electropop duo Mollyhaus; Nightmare Hunters Theme tune, and Shapeshifter.

Sequel

A sequel to the film is in development with the Nightmare Hunting duo of Raffi and Sam set to return.