Basingstoke became a mini Hollywood over the weekend as local film makers started filming a new series.
Following on from its success at Red Carpet Screenings Short Film Festival in May 28, the team behind Meat began filming the sequel on July 7 which will hit the internet later as a six-part series of 'webisodes'.
The film, which won gongs for Best Script, Best Actor and Best Picture at the 2 Days Later Short Horror film competition, has reunited the old crew to continue the saga.
The series follows two room mates, Fletch, played by James Burton, and Simon, played by Nick Afka, and their darker side as cannibals.
James, a London West End actor, said: “The film is fantastic to work on and the crew are great, it's a small crew but everyone really knows what they are doing.
“There is an amazing enthusiasm in Basingstoke. I agree with any film enthusiasm but as the film industry is very London centric any regional film making is very positive and should be supported.”
Basingstoke's Short Film Festival earlier this year brought together a whole host of film makers from across the town and according to founder Seb Hall, transformed the town's film scene entirely.
“Before the festival, people still made films, but nobody knew about them and they didn't know anyone else who made films.
“The festival brought together all these different groups, and suddenly you had packed into a single room loads of actors, directors, sound and camera operators, who previously didn't know the other existed.
“This has allowed for a tremendous exchange of ideas and skills. People could now borrow equipment and people to help their work.
“What we've seen is an underground scene explode to the forefront and it's a really exciting time and place to be.”
The writer of Meat, Mark Brennan, from Basingstoke, said: “Because of Seb and the Festival we all know each other now. We were in a little microcosm before but now it's great for all of us.
“All of us are able to do what we could not do before.”
Following the success of Basingstoke's first ever film festival, it will become a regular seasonal fixture in the town. The Autumn Film Festival is set for September 24 in Central Studio at Queen Mary's campus.
To see the original short film of Meat, go to www.youtube.com and search Meat....(2009).
