Source: Alan Jones
http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/
January 31, 2011
"I haven't seen creature features like Grabbers for a long time now and I've missed them," observes director Jon Wright on the Irish coastal town location of what promises to be a 2012 genre highlight. He continues, "You know, the sort of comedy monster movie like Gremlins and Tremors, something hugely entertaining with terrific characters, but that's still scary too. The moment the Grabbers script landed in my lap, it literally grabbed me, and I could see its potential. It was a brilliant concept, seeded in a very real and engaging community spirit, with that all-important ingredient, a monster 'wow' factor."
Depending on whom you talk to in the cast or crew the description of Grabbers varies between” ‘Father Ted' meets The Evil Dead" and "Jaws crossed with Local Hero" to "Shaun of the Dead by the seaside" and "Kelly’s Heroes vs. Aliens." But what everyone agrees on is how fantastic the screenplay is detailing what happens when the remote fishing enclave of Erin Island is shattered by an alien invasion of giant bloodsucking sea creatures and the tiny population realizes their only weapon is alcohol.
Written by 29 year-old Kevin Lehane, Grabbers is the first script from the Irishman to enter production after years of prior works just being optioned. "I think it's the simplicity of the Grabbers idea that fast-tracked it," Lehane points out. "Four years ago I gave up writing and back-packed around the world. Everywhere I went I kept getting bitten by mosquitoes and would be advised to eat more Vitamin B, like in the Marmite spread, so such savage attacks would stop. I found it fascinating you could ingest something that would make you immune to these vile insects. Then one balmy night sitting on a veranda getting drunk, a mosquito landed on my arm. I thought, I hope you get intoxicated too, fly into the wall and kill yourself! A light bulb went off in my head. I woke up with a hangover the next morning to find I'd written down 'Get drunk to survive' in my travel journal. Returning home I wrote Grabbers in record time."
Lehane's script was soon doing the rounds and within weeks attracted the interest of producers Tracy Brimm and Kate Myers. The Forward Films duo had already teamed up with director Jon Wright for the teen horror Tormented and thought Grabbers could be their ideal follow-up. "There was a warmth to Kevin's writing we sparked too," explains Myers, "That, combined with his storytelling skills, clear understanding of the Irish locale, culture and charm, and a delightful rogue's gallery of characters you really cared about." Brimm adds, "There was an Amblin movie old school feel about it in the Gremlins and Jurassic Park tradition that felt authentic and not manufactured. The moment the three of us met Kevin there was clear synergy between us all. Kevin loved Jon's fan-boy credentials – they spent hours talking about all things John Carpenter – and he liked the fact we made no crucial changes to his screenplay while promising him a movie that would look at least five times its budget."
In his first starring role since appearing in the blockbuster Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Richard Coyle plays O'Shea, the washed-up local policeman forced to sober up when the fang-jawed, barbed tongued, multi-tentacle spider-like aliens start invading his sleepy shores. "Being funny and frightening is a hard balancing act to maintain," remarks Coyle. "But I thought the Grabbers script got that tone exactly right. Plus the irreverent comedy element had a great deal of substance to it. O'Shea does the minimum to keep people happy. Then the giant Grabber turns up followed by the smaller mother and the baby ones we call Jumpers because of their springy tails. So he has to clean up his act real fast - a big alien monster chasing you along a beach squirting nasty liquid will do that!"
O'Shea also has another motive for his sudden change in lifestyle: Lisa, played by Dublin-born Primeval TV series actress Ruth Bradley. "She's an uptight workaholic cop whose idea of a vacation is going to Erin to help out," states Bradley. "She's so obsessed with being busy to hide her loneliness and insecurity. But then she meets O'Shea and her teetotal days are over. I loved the script because it affectionately poked fun at Irish culture in the way that Waking Ned did and the core relationship between O'Shea and Lisa is a superb foundation for exploring that quality. Jon Wright, Richard and I got completely drunk one night and filmed it just so we could see what we were like under the influence and what mannerisms and actions we could use when we came to shoot the scenes. I was completely mortified! It made us all realize the drunkenness had to be faked. I made sure Jon destroyed the tape. It will not be turning up as a DVD extra I can assure you."
Vying for Lisa's affections is research scientist Smith played by Russell Tovey, star of the hit TV fantasy Being Human. "I'm the only Englishman on the island so I didn't have to learn an Irish accent like Richard," laughs Tovey. "Smith thinks he's discovered a new species when encountering the Grabbers but soon learns the awful truth. Jon has told me I'm the best drunk in the movie, which slightly worries me. I mean, is that a compliment? But I must say I've loved doing the stunt work tonight as we've all congregated at Maher's pub where we're besieged by the creatures Night of the Living Dead style."
That public house location is in Moville, County Donegal, a perfect match to interiors filmed before Christmas 2010 in nearby Belfast. "Aliens always landing in America really bothers me," comments director Jon Wright. "And Grabbers was the ideal script to blow that notion out of the water and funnel the fun monster mayhem through an independent movie prism. In these days of Monsters, District 9 and Moon, where you can't tell what's CGI anymore, Grabbers can deliver all the action and thrills of a Hollywood tent pole. We have an extensive post-production period where Nvizible visual effects supervisor Paddy Gleason [Clash of the Titans] can augment the work of prosthetic creature effects man Shaune Harrison [Captain America] to create and finesse the exciting alien action. I want something feral, primal and H. P. Lovecraft influenced, like in The Mist, that if it came at you out of the dark you'd experience an adrenalin rush. And when people are also drunk while battling these nightmares, well that's the most entertaining movie I could possibly think of, one that pushes both horror and comedy buttons hard."
THE SKETCHBANK SHOW
Press play:
Looks fishy
SineadKeenan: Big love to all you beautiful tweeple who enjoyed last night's episode. You're a kinky little bunch aren't you??!!! Xxx
Tom_In_Oz_: @SineadKeenan I felt sorry for the pot plant for second...also noticed @russelltovey didn't have a Star of David but a fish on his chain ???
russelltovey: Yeah it's official... I have a 2 day hangover x
Tom_In_Oz_: @russelltovey lol as long as it's not alcohol poisoning...eeek ur liver will pack it in extra eeek!
emmafreud: @russelltovey *ahem* have you done your Royal Television Society homework yet?
bbc3tv: @BloodyPearl @Tom_In_Oz_ You asked for it...we're making it happen. Music playlists for @bbcbeinghuman coming soon! #bbc3 #poweroftwitter
5:45pm 31-1-2011 hilarypeterson: I will remember this forever as the moment I reached my most jealous EVER as my sis @LucyTGA just walked past @russelltovey on the tube.
Tom_In_Oz_: @russelltovey Russ Tovey Announced For SFX Weekender http://www.sfx.co.uk/2011/01/31/russell-tovey-announced-for-sfx-weekender/
Kinkyclawz: @Tom_In_Oz_ SQUEE! @russelltovey is coming to the @SFXmagazine Weekender! *happy bounce* Made up! A shame no Tony Head/Sylvia Anderson tho.
Russell Tovey Announced For SFX Weekender
http://www.sfx.co.uk/
Cardiff’s finest werewolf confirmed for this year’s event, to replace unfortunate last-minute withdrawals We’re delighted to announce that one of the star’s of BBC Three’s smash hit Being Human, wearer of the finest fangs in telly-land and all round top bloke Russell Tovey will be making an appearance at this year’sSFX Weekender.
He’ll be throwing himself into the festivities as SFX invades Pontin’s at Camber Sands later this week, and will be taking part in a live Q&A as well as signing sessions.
Aside from his brilliant depiction of werewolf George in Being Human, Tovey is a familiar face to sci-fi fans having made appearances in the likes of Doctor Who, Ashes To Ashes and His Dark Materials. Outside of the world of SF, he starred in The History Boys on both stage and the big screen, and was also in that other Barry-based BBC Three smash Gavin And Stacey.
The flip side of this brilliant news is that unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, neither Anthony Head nor Sylvia Anderson will no longer be appearing at the Weekender. An updated schedule will be available soon.
Above: Press play for a behind the scenes look at Ep.2 Being Human season three.
Above: Russell arriving at BBC1 Radio with the cast of Being Human. Click picture to enlarge.
Just shoot me
russelltovey: Just doing photo shoot for Marie Claire with another Russell... Kane... Funny x
SineadKeenan: @russelltovey Hot! Xxxx
Above and below: Some proof shots from one of Russell's photographic layouts. Click picture to enlarge.
JUST ANOTHER MANIC MONDAY
Jen_osaurus: Still annoyed my uncle didn't mention #beinghuman was being filmed at his house, I would’ve been on @russelltovey like cheese on a Big Mac
KazzBalls: My Mum is friends with George ze Werewolf/Russell Tovey (Y)
britchick84: as much as I lust after Aidan Turner, Russell Tovey is the best thing about #beinghuman
KazzBalls: @russelltovey used to live a few doors away from where my Mum works :O
1HotSausage: @Carol_Clements I must buy 1st & 2nd series as never seen it and @russelltovey himself told me it will change my life!
mrchrissullivan: @BoyGeorge desperate to see black Sean but as yet no time- is it as good as advertised?
russelltovey: @mrchrissullivan who the hell is black Sean? X
russelltovey: @mrchrissullivan I died in the night, but gave myself mouth to mouth and now all ok ta GB x
mrchrissullivan: "@russelltovey: @mrchrissullivan I died in the night, but gave myself mouth to mouth and now all ok ta GB - hope ya brush ya filthy animal xx
guy_interruptd: @mrchrissullivan Yay! We need to get together with @russelltovey and have a session soon! X
russelltovey: RT @3BallG: @russelltovey PLEASE RT- @DjMuppet did 24hr DJ set&is still trying to raise £10k for Barnardo's http://www.justgiving.com/djmuppet/
Tom_In_Oz_: @russelltovey The DJ muppet retweet the original had no link..he's tried 3 times to ask you again..Chris Sullivan was supposed to tell ya
3BallG: @russelltovey THANK YOU for the retweet! Ps. Being Human ep2 was awesome! Was worried a 3rd season would lose it, but keeps gettin better!
Tom_In_Oz_: @3BallG @russelltovey I kept nagging and we got there so now onward and upward eh Gavin!!! xxx Tom
3BallG: @Tom_In_Oz_ @russelltovey Thanks for the support! @djmuppet will be very grateful for any extra donations generated by your assistance! :D
russelltovey: Myself and @SineadKeenan and Lenora C are Chatty tonight on Alan Carr's sofa... :-) x
Tom_In_Oz_: @russelltovey @SineadKeenan is that his big ass sofa?
ianthomas74: @Tom_In_Oz_ @russelltovey @sineadkeenan Are you saying Russell and Sinead have big arses?
Tom_In_Oz_: @ianthomas74 @russelltovey @sineadkeenan no but @AlanCarr might be implicated lol and thanks for the re-tweet Russ...he's a nice man!
boydhilton: @mrchrissullivan @russelltovey can we all get together and make a film called Black Sean? x
Tom_In_Oz_: @boydhilton @mrchrissullivan @russelltovey Now boys you know the old saying..."Once you gone....Sean....there ain't no going back!"
BEING HUMAN SUNDAY
mrchrissullivan: Rehearsing for Bye Bye Birdie today! - exhausted but coming along great - and Being Human ep. 2 tonight bbc3 @9 - tres excited!
russelltovey: @mrchrissullivan love you GB x
russelltovey: RT @bbcbeinghuman: Only four hours to go until #beinghuman on BBC3 at 9. Check the blog for all the buzz and a clip of this week's showhttp://bbc.in/gCdYej
DrDexxy: @russelltovey hello, just realise my GF's already asked you this but it really doesn't sound like you on Sun, Sea and Suspicious Parents?!
russelltovey: @DrDexxy tis me x
DrDexxy: @russelltovey oh wow! Really doesn't sound like you, thankyou for settling our dispute though =)
SarahTruesdale: @russelltovey I think you should come back to Shenfield School for a day... Me and my friends are big fans, #imjustsayin' :) x
russelltovey: @SarahTruesdale sure x
SarahTruesdale: @russelltovey Mr Marshall would love it I'm sure. x
Hysteriaaaaa: RT @Tom_In_Oz_: @russelltovey More than 85% of all Google images of U come from the Tovey Blog. An interesting fact from Google image search. Viva la blog!
mchrissullivan: @russelltovey lobe you GB - left at 10:30 last night home at 12:45 - trains suck - but beer in hand now - how was last night?? X
russelltovey: Had serious indigestion and nausea... Drunk flat coke... Vommed... Now I can sleep x night night me stunning wittys x
heasgarnich: @russelltovey Clearly you're pregnant.
GavMarkJones: @russelltovey flat coke is the best cure for a dodgy stomach! Forget any expensive medical stuff!! Lol!
philshapley: @russelltovey try some peppermint if u r still suffering Mr. Tovey (oil in water - or tea) - works a treat - sleep tight x
russelltovey: @philshapley thanks Phil x
mrchrissullivan: @russelltovey Ahh you took my flat coke advice- good girl! sleep well and if you make it through the night update me in the morning! C x
russelltovey: RT @kentonallen: Boyd Hilton says move #himandher to BBC1? Views? Russell Tovey @boydhilton http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jan/30/danny-cohen-middle-class-comedy
Copy of article by
Boyd Hilton and Euan Ferguson
The Observer, Sunday 30 January 2011
Are TV sitcoms too middle-class?
Controller of BBC1 Danny Cohen said recently that too many TV comedies were about middle-class people. Boyd Hilton and Euan Ferguson debate whether he has a point – and whether it matters…
NO – says Boyd Hilton, TV and reviews editor of Heat magazine
I don't like to get carried away, but TV comedy is in pretty rude health at the moment. Last year we had such excellent series as Peep Show, The IT Crowd, The Inbetweeners, Miranda, Whites, Grandma's House, Him & Her, Getting On, Rev and Outnumbered. Of those, only Outnumbered was on BBC1. And yet it is, horror of horrors, about a middle-class family. A very middle-class family. But now we hear new controller of BBC1 Danny Cohen thinks there are too many middle-class sitcoms on TV and he wants more working-class ones. Call me old-fashioned and bourgeois, but I'd just like to see more comedies on BBC1 that are as good as Outnumbered.
My favourite new comedy of last year was BBC3's Him & Her. It was about a slobby young couple arsing around in a bedsit in London. They might be working-class or lower middle-class but I'm not 100% sure. All I know is that they were totally believable, engaging, likable and above all funny. Danny Cohen should put it on BBC1 immediately.
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