World exclusive: First on set report from new Hammer film!

Our mysterious Phantom Reporter brings you details of the first Hammer horror production since 1976.

Recently it was announced that Hammer films (bought by a private group of investors led by Dutch billionaire John de Mol) was going into production again. This news has been heard several times over the years, leading fans to become more than a little skeptical. However, this time it really seemed to be true. Still slightly incredulous, Cinema Retro visited the set mid-shoot just to make sure…

Beyond the Rave is the title of the new film, an obvious play on words, and it concerns a young soldier about to be sent to Iraq who falls into the wrong sort of crowd. Very wrong. Vampires in fact, who like to hold illegal raves (that’s parties with terrible music to you and me) and feed off the drugged-up guests. It appears to be a loose updating of Dracula: 1972 AD.

The cast is mostly made up of actors who do have links to horror: Sadie Frost (Bram Stoker’s Dracula), Leslie Simpson (Dog Soldiers and The Descent), Nora-Jane Noone (also The Descent), Neil Newbon (er, TV medical soap Casualty), Lois Winstone (daughter of the legendary Ray Winstone) and Jake Maskall (Eastenders, which is horrible, if not horror as such). Also cast in a “small but significant role”, to quote the press release, is Ingrid Pitt who at least provides a tangible link to the old Hammer. Christopher Lee is conspicuous by his absence. The director is Matthias Hoene, best known for his music videos and adverts.

Among the cast members is Lois Winstone, daughter of Ray Winstone who will be appearing in the new Indiana Jones film.

Cinema Retro found itself in a disused Victorian warehouse in Plumstead where one of these illegal raves was taking place. Although the original press release stated the film was being shot in 35mm they were only using High Definition cameras which was perhaps to be expected. The music was proved by Pete Tong, a well known British DJ, and the drugs were fortunately only props. The atmosphere on set was quite relaxed with most of the leg work being done by the Assistant Director, Hoene spending most of his time behind monitors or with the principal actors.

To complete the party atmosphere a fire breather had been brought in from a local circus, and Cinema Retro managed to somehow stand right next to him for most the action. It was hot but quite exciting. Amongst the dancing extras were many Hammer fans who wanted to be involved in the first Hammer horror film since To The Devil a Daughter in 1976. Sadly none of them were wearing Hammer t-shirts, which would have been a nice touch.

The climax of the evening involved the vampires donning gas masks and poisoning everyone on the room whilst death metal band Chrome Hoof performed on stage. Much to everyone’s disappointment the band had gas masks too. On cue all the extras choked and collapsed slowly to the floor, Cinema Retro included. Unfortunately two sweaty ravers landed on top of me ruining any chance of a decent close up.

The film is to be released in downloadable sections for mobile phones, iPods and the internet, hopefully with a DVD release to follow. With a purported production budget of only £200,000 it is unlikely to find a theatrical release, but if successful could pave the way for bigger Hammer productions to come. Maybe even that remake of The Devil Rides Out Christopher Lee has been desperate to make for the last ten years.