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SOME of the New Ross district’s most beautiful and dramatic areas formed the backdrop of gothic horror film The Lodgers, which was launched in New Ross recently in front of a large crowd.
The red carpet launch was attended by Loftus Hall owner Aidan Quigley,
The entire film was shot over a month last year in Wexford, where other locations included Tintern Abbey, Johnstown Castle and Clongeen. A number of locals who had roles as extras and crew members attended the premiere.
Julianne Forde of Tailored Films said: ‘ A huge thank you to everyone who made the film possible - Aidan Quigley, all the extras, crew members, Wexford County Council, all of the people involved in the locations, Johnstown Castle, the OPW, Coillte, Tintern Abbey, Hook Tourism, Clongeen Parish Hall, Clongeen Shop and everyone in Wexford, thank you’, she said.
The credits included a dedication to the late Martin Waters, a friend of shopowner Jimmy Lawlor, who helped out with filming in Clongeen.
Loftus Hall owner Aidan Quigley recalled Julianne arriving down to view the location. It wasn’t the first approach he had about using the house as a film set but it was the best match and the story perfectly suited the place.
Aidan said he was delighted to have been able to attend last year’s Toronto International Film Festival where The Lodgers was shown during the spooky 666th anniversary of Loftus Hall. When people in Canada heard how old the house is they were blown away. Toronto was celebrating 150 years as a city.
‘What we don’t realise really is the depth of our heritage’, said Aidan who had a special word of thanks for Caroline Godkin, Economic Development Officer with Wexford County Council.
The Lodgers stars Charlotte Vega (American Assassin), Bill Milner (Son of Rambow), Moe Dunford (Patrick’s Day, Michael Inside), David Bradley (Harry Potter, The World’s End) and Deirdre O’Kane (Noble).
Nominated for three IFTAS, the film is set against the backdrop of 1920s rural Ireland. Anglo Irish twins Rachel and Edward share a strange existence and every midnight, the mansion is haunted by the sinister presence of The Lodgers who enforce three rules upon the twins.
When troubled war veteran Sean returns he is immediately drawn to Rachel who in turn begins to break the rules, putting her into a deadly confrontation with her brother and the curse that haunts them.