On Saturday, filmmaker friend Richard Purves, whom I met at the Burbank Fest last March, popped by to join us in Whitby. We caught what would be my favorite film of the fest – The Fox Family, another totally wack Asian pseudo-horror, musical, rom-com I guess you’d call it. Whatever the case, it was pure brilliance. Do whatever you must to check it out.
After we ventured into town to check out the abbey that inspired Dracula’s castle, hang in a fabulous cemetery and grab 
some pints of Guinness and the best fish and chips EVER at the Magpie Cafe (a must if you’re in Whitby). 
Man, the seafood is amazing in this town. Langoustines, oysters, haddock, cod, scallops…mmmmmmm! Every restaurant has a view, too. It’s almost a shame the festival was so enjoyable as I’d've liked to have spent more time exploring the town. Fortunately, the evening’s films we’re well worth returning to the theater for. The Cellar, though not my favorite of the fest, was one of those indie movies whose low-budget simplicity inspired my own idea for a new screenplay for which I wrote a whole outline during the next break. Then we watched the fabulously twisted Aussie horror Dying Breed, written and produced by Rod Morris, whom fast became a fun beer buddy with whom we discussed horror for hours on end. Death in Charge played 
next and went quite well. 
I’ve found U.K. audiences tend to be more reserved, so I wasn’t expecting our usual chuckles and gasps, but Richard’s loud enthusiasm seemed to break the ice and we did indeed get some fun audience participation (though it was nothing compared to my own uncontrollable hoots and howls at the midnight movie, Inside. My buddy Spider had given me a copy that I had yet to watch, warning me it was totally messed up. But it did not begin to prepare me for the madcap mayhem that ensued. I’m quite sure the rest of the audience thought me quite mad. Michael said he began laughing merely because my own laughter was so contagious). 
If you’re willing to let go of all reason and just enjoy the maniacal ride, Inside will not disappoint.