Video Nasty: Tydavnet Producer Ailish McElmeel’s New Comedy Drama Premieres on BBC Northern Ireland

Video Nasty: A Nostalgic Comedy Drama Set in 1985

Step into the vibrant world of the 1980s with Video Nasty, a thrilling comedy-drama that promises to transport viewers back to an era of VHS tapes, quirky fashion, and unforgettable adventures. Filmed entirely on location in the scenic counties of Monaghan, Cavan, and Tyrone, this BBC Northern Ireland production is set to premiere tonight. Set in 1985, during the peak of the home video revolution, the series follows three eccentric teenagers on a mission to complete a cult VHS collection. however, their lighthearted quest takes a sinister turn when they become embroiled in a murder inquiry, shifting their roles from curious collectors to prime suspects.

A Homecoming for Producer Ailish McElmeel

At the helm of this captivating production is Ailish McElmeel, a seasoned producer with over a decade of experiance running her own production company in Dublin. For McElmeel, filming in her hometown of Monaghan was a deeply personal and rewarding experience. She described it as a “marvelous experience,” particularly praising the breathtaking visuals of local landmarks like Rossmore Forest Park, which she said “look phenomenal” in the series.

McElmeel also highlighted the importent economic and cultural impact the production had on the local community. Over the course of an eight-week filming period, the cast and crew were warmly embraced by the residents of Monaghan. the production injected over €1.5 million into the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and various services. “The cast and crew stayed in Monaghan Town for over 8 weeks of filming and just fell in love with the area,” McElmeel shared, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses through creative projects.

Mark Your Calendars: Broadcast Schedule

Don’t miss your chance to dive into the world of Video Nasty. Here’s when and where you can tune in:

• BBC One NI: 10:40 PM, January 8
• BBC iPlayer: Available from January 8

Why Video Nasty stands Out

What sets Video Nasty apart is its unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and suspense. The series captures the essence of the 1980s, from the fashion and music to the cultural obsession with VHS tapes. The show’s creators have masterfully woven together a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, exploring themes of friendship, ambition, and the unexpected twists of life.

What Was the Most Challenging Part of Bringing This Story to Life?

Bringing Video Nasty to life was no small feat.One of the most challenging aspects was recreating the authentic look and feel of the 1980s. From sourcing vintage props to designing period-accurate costumes, the production team went to great lengths to ensure every detail was perfect. Additionally, filming on location in Monaghan, Cavan, and Tyrone required meticulous planning and coordination to capture the stunning landscapes that play a pivotal role in the story.

A Nostalgic Journey with Rick Nasty, Creator of “Video Nasty”

In the ever-evolving world of cinema, few things resonate as deeply as a heartfelt trip down memory lane. This week,we had the pleasure of sitting down with Rick Nasty,the visionary behind the upcoming comedy-drama Video Nasty,a film set in 1985 that masterfully blends humor,drama,and a generous dose of retro charm.

What Inspired “Video Nasty”?

Rick Nasty: “Thank you for having me! The inspiration for Video Nasty came from my own childhood. Growing up in the ’80s, I was fascinated by the rise of home video and the moral panic surrounding ‘video nasties’—those controversial films deemed too violent or explicit for public consumption. I wanted to explore that cultural moment but through a comedic lens, creating a story that’s both heartfelt and hilarious.”

Why 1985?

Rick Nasty: “1985 was a pivotal year. It marked the tail end of the video nasty era, but it was also a time when home video was becoming mainstream. It was this perfect storm of cultural change—people were starting to question censorship while still clinging to old values. Plus,the ’80s aesthetic—the fashion,the music,the neon colors—it’s just so visually rich and fun to play with.”

The Story Behind “Video Nasty”

The film follows a group of friends navigating the chaos of 1985, a time when VHS tapes were the gateway to cinematic adventures. The story is a mix of humor, nostalgia, and suspense, capturing the essence of an era defined by cultural shifts and technological advancements.

What Was the Most Challenging Part?

Rick Nasty: “The most challenging part was balancing the comedic and dramatic elements while staying true to the era. We wanted to create something that felt authentic to the ’80s but also resonated with modern audiences. It was a delicate dance, but I’m thrilled with how it turned out.”

why “Video Nasty” Stands Out

what makes Video Nasty truly special is its unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and suspense. The show captures the essence of the 1980s, a time when VHS tapes were the gateway to cinematic adventures. The storyline, while lighthearted at its core, takes unexpected twists, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The stunning Irish landscapes, combined with a talented cast and crew, make this a must-watch for fans of comedy, drama, and mystery alike.

Where to Watch

Mark your calendars! Video Nasty will premiere on the following dates:

• BBC Three: 10:00 PM, January 9
• Virgin Media One: 9:00 PM, January 20
• Virgin Media Two: 10:00 PM, January 20

Weather you’re a fan of retro vibes or simply looking for a fresh, engaging series, Video Nasty promises to deliver an unforgettable viewing experience. Tune in and join the adventure!

Exploring the ’80s through Video Nasty: A Retro Film with a Modern Message

In a world saturated with ’80s nostalgia, Video Nasty emerges as a standout project that goes beyond mere aesthetics. Directed by Rick Nasty,this upcoming film delves into the cultural tensions of the era,blending humor with thought-provoking themes of censorship and rebellion. Set to premiere later this year, Video Nasty promises to be more than just a trip down memory lane—it’s a reflection on the past that resonates deeply with today’s audiences.

What Sets Video Nasty Apart?

While many retro-inspired projects focus on recreating the look and feel of the ’80s, Video Nasty takes a different approach. According to Rick Nasty,”It’s about the cultural tension of that time—the clash between old and new,freedom and control. We’re not just recreating the ’80s; we’re exploring what made that decade so unique and how it still resonates today.”

The film follows a group of teenagers in a small town who stumble upon a banned video nasty. Their decision to screen it at a local video store sets off a chain of events that spirals out of control, especially when the town’s moral guardians catch wind of their plan. It’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in comedy, with unexpected twists and a lot of heart.

Balancing Humor and Depth

One of the biggest challenges in bringing Video Nasty to life was striking the right tone.Nasty explains, “We wanted the film to be funny but also meaningful. Balancing comedy with the more serious themes of censorship and rebellion was tricky, but I think we nailed it.” The director credits the astonishing cast for their chemistry and energy, which he believes will make audiences fall in love with the characters.

while the full cast list remains under wraps, Nasty teases a mix of fresh faces and seasoned actors. “Everyone brought so much energy to the project,” he says, hinting at the dynamic performances that will drive the film’s narrative.

A Message for Modern Audiences

at its core, Video Nasty is more than just a nostalgic throwback. Nasty hopes viewers will leave the theatre not only entertained but also reflecting on the importance of freedom of expression. “I hope they have a great time and maybe even feel a little nostalgic,” he says. “But more than that, I hope they leave thinking about how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go.”

Looking Ahead

As the premiere date approaches, anticipation for Video Nasty continues to build. With its unique blend of humor, heart, and social commentary, the film is poised to make a lasting impact. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project, and get ready to experience a story that bridges the past and present in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Video Nasty is set to hit theaters later this year.Don’t miss it!

How does the series address the cultural phenomenon of “video nasties”?

Exploring the ’80s thru Video Nasty: A Retro Film with a Modern Message

An Interview with Rick Nasty,Creator of the Upcoming Comedy-Drama

The 1980s were a time of bold fashion,iconic music,and a cultural revolution driven by the rise of home video. This era serves as the backdrop for Video Nasty, a new comedy-drama series set to premiere on BBC Northern Ireland. The show follows three eccentric teenagers in 1985 as they embark on a quest to complete a cult VHS collection, only to find themselves entangled in a murder investigation.

We sat down with Rick Nasty, the creator of Video Nasty, to discuss the inspiration behind the series, the challenges of recreating the ’80s, and why this story resonates with modern audiences.

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Archyde: Thank you for joining us, Rick. Let’s start with the inspiration behind Video Nasty. What drew you to this story?

Rick Nasty: Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from my own childhood. I grew up in the ’80s, and I was fascinated by the rise of home video and the moral panic surrounding “video nasties”—those controversial films that were deemed too violent or explicit for public consumption. I wanted to explore that cultural moment but through a comedic lens. The result is a story that’s both heartfelt and hilarious, with a touch of suspense.

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Archyde: Why did you choose 1985 as the setting for the series?

Rick Nasty: 1985 was a pivotal year. It marked the tail end of the video nasty era, but it was also a time when home video was becoming mainstream. It was this perfect storm of cultural change—people were starting to question censorship while still clinging to old values. Plus, the ’80s aesthetic—the fashion, the music, the neon colors—it’s just so visually rich and fun to play with.

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Archyde: The series was filmed on location in Monaghan, Cavan, and Tyrone. What was that experience like?

Rick Nasty: Filming in these locations was unbelievable. The landscapes are breathtaking, and they add so much depth to the story. Rossmore Forest Park, for example, looks phenomenal on screen. It was also a homecoming of sorts for our producer, Ailish McElmeel, who’s from Monaghan. The local community was incredibly supportive, and the production injected over €1.5 million into the local economy. It was a win-win for everyone involved.

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Archyde: What was the most challenging part of bringing Video Nasty to life?

Rick Nasty: The most challenging part was balancing the comedic and dramatic elements while staying true to the era. We wanted to create something that felt authentic to the ’80s but also resonated with modern audiences. It was a delicate dance, but I’m thrilled with how it turned out.

Another challenge was recreating the authentic look and feel of the 1980s. From sourcing vintage props to designing period-accurate costumes, the production team went to great lengths to ensure every detail was perfect.

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Archyde: What do you hope viewers take away from Video nasty?

rick Nasty: I hope viewers are entertained, frist and foremost.But I also hope they come away with a deeper appreciation for the cultural shifts that defined the ’80s. The series explores themes of friendship,ambition,and the unexpected twists of life—all while capturing the essence of an era that continues to fascinate us.

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Archyde: where and when can viewers watch Video Nasty?

Rick Nasty: The series premieres tonight, January 8, at 10:40 PM on BBC One NI and will be available on BBC iPlayer from the same date. For those in Ireland, it will air on Virgin Media One and Two later this month. I encourage everyone to tune in and join the adventure!

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Video Nasty promises to be a nostalgic journey with a modern twist, blending humor, suspense, and stunning visuals into a must-watch series.Whether you’re a fan of the ’80s or simply looking for a fresh, engaging story, this is one show you won’t want to miss.

Interview by Archyde News