Peculiarly, horror movies about the end of the world have enjoyed a new lease of life during the pandemic.
In waking life, a deadly virus has been spreading across the planet and forced millions to take shelter in indoors. Yet viewing figures for the likes of Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion and Wolfgang Petersen’s Outbreak have skyrocketed.
It might seem strange that people would choose to digest pandemic-themed media when a global emergency is happening right outside their window. But there’s actually some interesting psychology behind it.
Watching scary films about the end of the world is a coping mechanism; allowing us to imagine – and come to terms with – a potential worst-case scenario.
Whilst audience have been lapping up dystopian cinema – lockdown has proven to be a fertile breeding ground for horror flicks.
And one of the most exciting, upcoming apocalyptic productions is being shot right here in Manchester: Day of the Clones.
Billed as a mishmash of Dawn of the Dead and The Thing (shot with the methodology of Werner Herzog) – Day of the Clones is a twisty sci-fi horror about a scientist hiding in an isolated farmhouse with a group of survivors after the clones he created take over the world.
The movie is the brainchild of Manchester-born director and Hollywood screenwriter Eric Steele – who is steering the film for Vamoose Productions.
Elaborating on the plot, Eric explains: “It’s all about a small group of people confined in a very claustrophobic space who are forced to get on with each other, something I’m sure a lot of people can relate to at the moment!
“I always found the idea of clones quite creepy, and human cloning is downright terrifying. But when the pandemic hit, I thought this would be a good project because it is contained and claustrophobic – ideal for shooting with a few actors and the minimum of crew.”
Eric has called Day of the Clones his most ambitious project to date – with the movie starring a mixture of local amateur actors and some familiar professionals seen in the likes of Shameless, Peaky Blinders and Hollyoaks.
But perhaps the most intriguing performer on set is a robot – played by a “specially-built mannequin.”
Day of the Clones is Eric’s second feature film, with the director shooting the self-funded Boy #5 – a Manchester-based vampire flick – in 2019, which is currently playing the festival circuit.
Originally starting out in the movie business as a screenwriter and selling his scripts over the internet, Eric saw one of his works, The Student, picked up by the company that made Stephen King’s Creepshow.
However, it wasn’t until he met his producing partner Barry Morton that he decided to give directing a try.
Last year, the pair set up their own production company, Vamoose Productions Ltd, and are now hoping to make many more films set in Manchester under this banner.
Eric found himself drawing on all kinds of cinematic influences for Day of the Clones; including the likes of Danny Boyle’s 28 Day Later, Alex Garland’s Ex Machina, Ben Wheatley’s A Field In England, and the classic Hammer Horror films of the seventies.
But his biggest source of inspiration has been Manchester itself.
“[Manchester] is such an interesting city,” says Eric.
“Having lived here all my life, I know its good sides and bad sides. There’s tremendous wealth and poverty. There’s lots of crime but also a thriving art scene.
“Turn a street corner in Manchester and you’ll never know what you’ll find, from a giant mural to a Brazilian-themed restaurant to an ancient derelict factory.”
With its gritty aesthetic and surviving remnants of the industrial revolution, Eric calls Manchester a “horror filmmaker’s dream”.
“I think it’s that humdrum, everyday despair of the Industrial North,” he says.
“There are remnants of the city’s great past everywhere. Sometimes it feels like you’re walking through a graveyard dedicated to the industrial revolution.
“Mixed in with those amazing old mills are brand new high rise complexes that look surreal and futuristic. It’s a great combination of ancient and modern.
“For our vampire film “Boy #5” we shot outside a pub with a glowing non crucifix on the wall, outside the abandoned abattoir and in the middle of the busy city centre on a Friday night!”
Day of the Clones has so far been largely self-funded – and now Eric and his production team are looking for donations to help complete the movie.
People will receive perks in exchange for contributions, with all money raised going towards props, postproduction facilities, securing named actors for cameo roles, and visual effects.
It’s a terrific opportunity to support the local arts – and watch a thrilling, terrifying horror film play out in your backyard as a result.
Head over to the crowdfunding page here to learn more.
You can also read about Day of the Clones via the film’s official Facebook page.
Feature
You can stay in an aircraft, helicopter or old school bus at this glamping pod near Manchester
Thomas Melia
There’s a glamping retreat near Manchester offering extraordinary stays in an aircraft, helicopter, old school bus and more.
Over in Blackpool at Manor House Glamping, there is a range of static vehicles that you can have an overnight stay or two in, and according to the pictures on its website, there’s even a resident emu.
You can stay in various modes of transport, such as an aircraft, an iconic yellow school bus, a campervan or a military green truck.
Each has its own perks ranging from a hot tub, outdoor bath, fire pit, sandpit and more. Whatever type of getaway or retreat you’re looking for, you’ll find everything you need right here.
The most eye-catching of the company’s stays is certainly the aircraft, which has kept its original cockpit features, although it’s safe to say the interior has definitely had a makeover.
There’s no such thing as a bad in-flight experience with this guest house, as you can get cocktails delivered to the cockpit after taking a dip in your own personal hot tub – not too shabby, eh?
With the bright and unmissable yellow school bus, there are plenty of decorations that help continue this theme in the form of various American road signs, one of which acts as your headboard for the night.
If you’re after a more toned-down chance to unwind, you can step into a pale-white camper van with cosy cushions and a snug haystack-turned-sofa adorned with some gorgeous blankets.
And if you’re looking at going all out, then your Manor House Glamping accommodation of choice has to be the chopper, which was once used by the Royal Navy.
Worried this option might be a tad nippy? Fear not, because this helicopter is fully kitted out to suit your glamping needs with two fluffy-lined cushions on each seat of this vintage heli.
Anyone who experiences cabin fever, fear not, because all the aircraft and vehicles are static and aren’t planning on making a long-haul journey anytime soon, you’ll still be able to keep your feet firmly on the ground.
Manor House Glamping has a variety of vehicle-themed guest houses, both old and new, for you to stay in overnight and if you’re interested or after any further information.
If you fancy staying within the boundaries of Greater Manchester but still fancy getting the feel for a cockpit, though, there’s a very fun day out over at Barton’s City Airport.
Drake at Co-op Live, Manchester: Forget ‘One Dance’ – we had many
Thomas Melia
Canadian hitmaker Drake graced Co-op Live in Manchester for the final night of the ‘Some Special Shows 4 UK’ tour with PartyNextDoor.
First song in and multi-hyphenate Drake is already feeling sentimental with ‘Gimme a Hug’ as he admits, “I appreciate the fans rockin’ with me / This is really just a small token.”
‘Marvin’s Room’ played out right after, and although the song prior references it as a favourite of “Durk’s boy”, this same love was shared between 23,500 fans in the crowd at Co-op Live last night.
Shortly after, the Toronto-born rapper began the usual minute-long introduction of his gigantic single ‘Passionfruit’ with fans roaring as soon as he sang the long-awaited ‘Listen’.
Drake played out to 94,000 fans across four sold-out nights at Co-op Live in Manchester (Credit: Audio North)
Less than halfway through this stacked setlist, and it was time for the holy trinity of the night: ‘God’s Plan’, ‘In My Feelings’ and ‘Nice for What’ – nothing short of back-to-back bangers.
Fellow Canadian artist PartyNextDoor joined the self-proclaimed ‘Champagne Papi’ on stage to perform a medley of hits from their collaborative album ‘Some Sexy Songs 4 U’ next.
This R’n’B act made sure to play out his murky trap-fused number ‘No Chill’, and he squeezed in the equally melancholic melody ‘Somebody Loves Me’, too.
The pair may be promoting their joint LP but they took a second to squeeze in a throwback, matching each other’s energy while executing the 2016 collaboration ‘Come and See Me’.
Drake’s career is timeless, and the setlist proves just that as he delivers a rendition of one of his most recent successes, ‘Girls Want Girls’, followed by a track that laid the foundations of his career, ‘Fancy’.
Drake and PartyNextDoor for the ‘Some Special Songs 4 UK’ tour(Credit: The Manc)
Almost 30 songs deep and Drake still had fans reciting bars, verses and everything in between, and this continued as the two-time Brit award winner started 2023 anthem ‘Rich Baby Daddy’.
St. Louis rapper Sexyy Red wasn’t present for her renowned chant, but Manchester stepped up to the occasion, professing: “Hands on your knees, hands on your knees / Shake that *ss for Drake / Now shake that *ss for me”, verbatim.
It was only fair that the global rap titan finished with the setlist with two cellular-themed tracks, starting with the “You used to call me on my cell phone” number ‘Hotline Bling’ before the “Who’s callin’ my phone?” viral smash ‘Nokia’.
The setlist follows a very cyclical structure, as although Drake is known for his comical and cheeky persona on stage and online, deep down, the chart topper is very attentive.
Ending on the ever-emotive ‘Yebba’s Heartbreak’ with lines like, “How much can I show my love for you?”, it’s safe to say this international act is feeling pretty grateful after seeing 94,000 fans show up and show out for him across four non-consecutive nights.
Drake may refer to himself as the ‘Champagne Papi’, but it’s the 23,500 fans who were popping bottles and raising a toast to the rap champ; the support for this musical act is ‘Nonstop’.
Co-op Live really is booking all the big names now.