Welcome to the official page for “Roast in Peace” – our inaugural film produced as part of the Crow House Projects Film Accelerator.
Roast in Peace is a short horror film cast and crewed in Aberdeen, Scotland. Supported by part one of our £40k grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this groundbreaking project marks the beginning of two exciting film accelerators in 2024.
About the Film
“Roast in Peace” is a darkly surreal, twisted tale that combines elements of horror and dark comedy with an unconventional family drama. The story follows the tumultuous MacDonald clan, who gather for one final, bizarre test of legacy set in a grand stately home. As long-hidden secrets come to light in a night of macabre inheritance, the film blurs the line between reality and nightmare—challenging traditional family dynamics and questioning what it means to inherit not just wealth, but the very essence of identity.
The Production Experience
Where: Shot entirely in the historic Aberdeen Town House
When: Filmed over an intense, 5-day period
Cast & Crew:
- 25 dedicated Crow House participants
- 10 seasoned industry professionals
- 20 passionate volunteers
A Baptism of Fire
Participants embraced a hands-on approach, choosing roles that sparked their interest and taking on real responsibilities. Many later described the experience as “a baptism of fire” – offering more insight into the film industry than any formal education could provide. One standout challenge was managing the town house’s clock tower, which added both difficulty and unexpected humor as it rang every 15 minutes during our shoot.
For an in-depth look at our unique production process and the challenges we faced, read this feature in the Press & Journal.
Meet The Creative Leads
Will Harvey (Monster FX)
SFX
Will Harvey, the creative force behind Monster FX, flew in from London to bring his exceptional SFX expertise to “Roast in Peace.” As the founder and Creative Director of one of the UK’s leading suppliers of film-quality silicone prosthetics, Will and his team delivered a range of jaw-dropping effects—from intricately crafted monster prosthetics and a lifelike decapitated head to an innovative human rig for an ambitious human gore gag. Known for their work on projects like BBC’s Glow Up, Monster FX’s practical makeup effects added a visceral, unforgettable dimension to our film.
Impact on Careers
Several cohort members have already advanced their careers. For instance, Scott started as a best boy on “Roast in Peace” and has been promoted to gaffer for the next accelerator film, Shoulder Deep. This upward trajectory is a testament to the immersive, industry-led learning our accelerator provides.
Behind the Scenes
Dynamic Learning
Participants reported that taking on real production roles, with full creative and technical responsibility, offered a learning experience unparalleled by traditional classroom settings.
Unexpected Challenges
The constantly ringing clock tower became both a running joke and a production hurdle, symbolizing the unpredictable nature of creative collaboration.
Creative Synergy
The intense, fast-paced environment fostered innovation and collaboration, setting the stage for future projects and a sustainable filmmaking ecosystem in north-east Scotland.
