FED up with the hustle and bustle of city life, filmmakers Karen Bird and Louise Parker retreated to the beauty of Llangollen - and have made the tranquil countryside a backdrop for their own horror movies.
The would-be movie moguls formed the production company Free Birds after meeting through mutual media contacts, and have made the imposing Trevor Hall their 'one stop horror shop'.
Karen is originally from Llangollen and was a pupil at Ysgol Dinas Br n. She completed a foundation course at Wrexham College of Art before going on to study Film at the University of Kent.
London's media industry beckoned and she made a name for herself directing music videos, commercials and working in television and film.
Louise was equally successful as a tour manager for pop bands. Louise is from London but was attracted to the serenity of Langollen's countryside.
With Karen's creative mind and Louise's head for finance, the two feel they make a perfect partnership.
Ed Evers-Swindell, of St Asaph, is editor for Free Birds and also has his own production company, Racing Snake. Ed's film Infestation has been distributed internationally.
Free Bird's first film, Expiry Date, is in post-production. The film's plot centres around a group of teenagers who find a cursed credit card which draws them into a world of horror.
The action takes place at Trevor Hall, and scenes were shot in Langollen and at Yale College. Karen and Louise used talented youngsters from Yale and Ysgol Dinas Br n for the film.
Karen said: 'I was overwhelmed by the acting talent, and the professionalism of all those involved. We are drawing on vast talent here in Llangollen - why go to London when North Wales has it all?
Further local support comes from Andrew and Amy Gale, who run a film company called Dog's Dinner. Film maker Richard Knew, who has had success with the film Lab Rats, is also involved, as is director Neil Marshall, whose films include Dog Soldiers. Special effects for Expiry Date were created by Russell Hughes, of Ruabon.
Karen's brother Simon, a Sky Sports cameraman, is shooting the film.
Free Birds is following in the footsteps of former horror giants Hammer, which used the imposing building housing its own studios as the set, keeping budgets low. Trevor Hall is an ideal backdrop for horror.
Karen and Louise describe their films as 'horror for the Buffy generation'.
Karen said: 'Our ultimate goal is to make films for the international market, but first we need to make money to make films with bigger budgets.'
Free Birds took a trailer of Expiry Date to the Cannes film festival to show to contacts from the industry, where they sought advice and received help for the soundtrack.
Expiry Date is due for release towards the end of the summer, but visitors to the Fringe in Llangollen will be able to see a sneak preview of the trailer and clips from the film. Clips will be shown during the Fringe's Macabre Cabaret on Monday July 25. Actress Bethan Mascerenhas, who plays Suzi in Expiry Date will also be singing as part of the Macabre Cabaret .
Karen said: 'We have supported the Fringe and now the Fringe is supporting us. It's a shame it won't be finished in time for the Fringe, but there's no point in rushing it.'
Karen and Louise are passionate about film, but Karen has decided to take a back seat for some of the other productions.
'I always knew I'd direct films, but it's hard when you get swept up by the making of a film, it's an all-consuming process and I couldn't direct all of them - it would kill me,' she said.
To book tickets for the Fringe, phone 01978 860600 between 11am and 2pm, buy online at www.llangollenfringe.co.uk or you can email contact@llangollenfringe.co.uk.
