Video Nasty, a six part original comedy drama written by Hugh Travers, is set to air in early 2025 on BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Three and BBC iPlayer in the UK, Virgin Media Television in the Republic of Ireland and ARD-Mediathek in Germany.
The series will star Justin Daniels Anene (Sanctuary), Cal O’Driscoll (Sanctuary) and Leia Murphy (Fair City). Additional cast confirmed include Valerie O’Connor (Red Rock), Declan Rodgers (Patrick Melrose), Simone Kirby (His Dark Materials) and Emmanuel Ighodaro (Shameless).
Video Nasty is produced by Deadpan Pictures in association with Boat Rocker with support from Northern Ireland Screen, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán. Series Producer is Ailish McElmeel (Northern Lights, Can’t Cope Won’t Cope) and it is produced by Julie Baines (Something in the Water, Triangle).
Teen best friends, Billy (Justin Daniels Anene) and Con (Cal O’Driscoll) are in the final year of school and are going on one last hurrah when things are complicated by the unwelcome addition of Con’s older sister Zoe (Leia Murphy). Seemingly simple friendships become complicated and complex family dynamics are made to withstand unprecedented pressures. The three teenagers go on an epic quest to complete a cult VHS collection, only to get mixed up in a gruesome murder investigation, becoming chief suspects and public enemies.
Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland says: “We have a wonderfully funny cast and showcase for the next generation of talent in a series that blends laugh-out loud comedy with compelling horror-themed drama. It’s a joyful and nostalgic reflection on growing up in a time of shell suits and high-top sneakers, punctuated by anarchic silliness and edge-of-your-seat thrills.”
Anthony Nilan, Director of Programming, Virgin Media Television says: “From the moment Justin, Cal and Leia appear on screen they rewind the tape back to the 1980s and you become fully immersed in their world. We can't wait for viewers to see them in action and discover these incredibly talented actors for themselves."
Keith Potter, Head of Film at Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, says: "Screen Ireland is delighted to support fresh new comedy series Video Nasty. With sharp, funny scripts and an exciting young cast, we're looking forward to audiences discovering Video Nasty's pastiche of familiar horror tropes and the 1980s backdrop of VHS tapes and analogue TV."
Ailish McElmeel, Producer says: “Our fantastic cast and crew worked incredibly hard to bring Hugh’s scarily funny scripts to screen, helmed by the talented Chris Smith and Megan K. Fox. I can’t wait for audiences to see the fruits of their labour.”
The series is executive produced by Boat Rocker’s David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg, Nick Nantell, and Erik Pack, in addition to Eddie Doyle and Raphaëlle O’Loan for BBC, Frank Tönsmann for WDR, SWR and NDR (FabFiction-Initiative), Nada Cirjanic for Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and Ailish McElmeel, Paul Donovan and Marc Lorber for Deadpan Pictures and writer Hugh Travers.
Boat Rocker is distributing the series globally.
Pictured: Justin Daniels Anene, Leia Murphy and Cal O’Driscoll
