Casting call for Westbury director’s Edgar Allan Poe-inspired film

A Westbury film-maker is enlisting creative talent to extend the cast for his latest project. 

John Wheeler is working on a new film, Poe Abound, inspired by the life and work of Edgar Allan Poe. 

Currently in the pre-production stage, the team has issued a casting call in a creative video, which also features co-director Christopher Upton.  

John said, “Even with casting call videos, a professional attitude is essential. 

“There’s no deadline [for people to get in touch], but there are only so many great characters – and if anyone wants to play one, better snap it up sharply!” 

The film-maker’s previous work includes the feature film Renfield Unbound, which involved local people and was screened at the Westbury Festival. 

John added, “‘Poe Abound’, which is a working title, is a follow-up to Renfield Unbound, a film that was heavily filmed around Westbury. I got the idea to do a follow-up when I remembered that Hammer Studios did the double whammy of The Curse of Frankenstein in 1957 and then The Horror of Dracula in 1958. 

“Because Poe only wrote short stories, I couldn’t do a straight adaptation – and I don’t really like anthologies. A solution was needed: a framing device. In the end, we decided on film noir – specifically 70s noir – with The Long Goodbye by Robert Altman being a heavy influence. So far, we’re 10 minutes in and we’re looking for people who want to contribute. 

“Even though it’s often hard work, film-making is the most rewarding experience I have ever encountered – especially if it’s a good film, which it isn’t always. Renfield took two years to complete and is my best work – hopefully Poe will be better.” 

To view the casting call, visit: https://youtu.be/mVq3pVUze6A 

If you’d like to be involved, email: johnwheeler_film@yahoo.com