Visiting the Set of the FMV Horror Game GHOSTS
FMV World's Barry Aldridge was one of the lucky few to visit the set of the forthcoming real-time horror game GHOSTS.
I've been an avid supporter of the live-action horror game GHOSTS since the Kickstarter launched in 2021. The multi-camera video game, which looks to be a unique cross between Night Trap and Not For Broadcast, incorporates "real-time" technology which is designed to render the full game playable only at 10pm in your local time zone.
In the game, you play as a broadcast television producer on a supernatural tv show about ghost hunters. As the ghost hunters enter the haunted house, your decisions determine who lives and dies during the live broadcast, so the pressure is on with each choice you make.As a Kickstarter backer, I was one of the first to receive an invite to attend the filming of several scenes for the forthcoming game. I was sent an address, a day, and a time — and that was all I needed. This was an opportunity I couldn't miss.
After a two-hour train ride from my home in South England to London then to Surrey, I finally arrived at the secret filming location. My journey had taken me to Weybridge, a town about 17 miles southwest of central London. There I found myself within a former motor raceway in the industrial area within Brooklands circuit. As I stepped foot inside Brooklands Studios, I was astounded by the sheer size of the massive production space where several scenes from GHOSTS would be filmed.
Upon entering the space, I was greeted warmly by the writer/director of the project, Jed Shepherd.
"As we are filming on a sound stage, rather than on location, it means we can bring people down to see us in action for the day," said Shepherd. "Today, we are filming some of the connective tissue that ties the action together. Our guests get to see some really emotional scenes take place AND get to meet the wonderful cast and crew."
I can attest the cast and crew were amazing! They were extremely friendly and took time out to pose for photos with all their guests. Jed even showed us some pre-release gameplay, including the mechanics of how GHOSTS played and what to expect inside the haunted house which is at the heart of the game.
As filming started, Jed told the guests the scenes we were about to see were pivotal to the game's story, and we were therefore sworn to secrecy. Although I can't reveal any plot details, Jed generously allowed me to share the following set photos with you all.
Without giving much away, I can say the scenes filmed were similar to the "diary" or "confessional" scenes you see on popular reality TV shows like Big Brother where participants talk directly to the camera. Some wild things happened on set, and I'll just say this is a game you'll definitely want to pick up when it's released later this year.
The above photo is one of my favorites. The middle fingers were my idea to have a little laugh. As you can see the group played along brilliantly! Featured in the photo is (clockwise from top left) Radina Drandova, Jemma Moore, Jed Shepherd, Emma Louise Webb, Barry Aldridge, and Haley Bishop.
After an enjoyable day of filming, photoshoots, and laughter, it was time to call it a wrap.
"We now only have one more sequence to shoot and then the game is completed!" said Shepherd. "We will also be extending invites for people to come down to see us shoot some pretty spectacular sequences."
Stay tuned to the GHOSTS Kickstarter, Discord, and follow Jed Shepherd on X to stay up to date on the latest GHOSTS news.
Thank you to Visible Games, Jed Shepherd, and the cast of GHOSTS for the wonderful day!
Ghosts is scheduled to be released later this year. ★
