Twins' DIY Horror Film Premieres Amidst Hollywood Glasgow

Glasgow is currently a hub for filmmaking, hosting Hollywood productions alongside a burgeoning independent scene. Among the notable projects is "Welcome to G-Town," the debut feature film from twin brothers Ben and Nathan McQuaid. Graduating from the University of Stirling just weeks prior, the 22-year-old filmmakers embarked on this ambitious microbudget project with support from fellow alumni.

The film, an alien invasion comedy horror, was inspired by a chance sighting of graffiti. The McQuaid twins and their team utilized everyday found objects, such as cardboard and even prunes for alien blood, demonstrating remarkable resourcefulness. This creative approach, coupled with lessons learned from the fast-paced environment of student filmmaking, forms the backbone of their production.

"Welcome to G-Town" is set to premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival, with its initial screenings already selling out, prompting a third screening to be added due to high demand. This success marks a significant milestone for the young filmmakers, who have aspirations to follow in the footsteps of admired directors like Bill Forsyth and the Coen Brothers, while maintaining a focus on local talent and independent cinema.

Executive producer Graham Hughes, who also composed the film's score, emphasized the invaluable practical skills gained by the team, particularly in areas like festival strategy and distribution. These are lessons often unaddressed in formal film school education. The film's journey from a student project to a festival hit underscores the vibrant independent film community emerging from Scottish universities.