Finally that film what I wrote is unleashed upon an unsuspecting public! UNWELCOME is in UK cinemas today (it’s coming to the USA March 10, and the rest of the world soon after). Does this mean I’ll stop spaffing on about it? Nope. Once again for those at the back, here’s the trailer…
The question I get asked the most is, “Are you going to see it?” To which the only reply is, “No bloody way.” I had my dream screening at the Sitges Film Festival, and with all due respect to the good folk munching popcorn, slurping on vats of coke, and checking social media during the screenings at my local megaplex, it just won’t be the same. Plus, I’m a big chicken. And I really want to see The Fabelmans.
I also get asked, “Is it on near where I live?”, like I go around with a list of screenings in my head (I can barely remember what day of the week it is). It’s on 300 screens in the UK/Eire this week, and my podcast colleague Mr Desvaux reassures me that clicking on this link will give you the local screening times/places… Though when my dad tried it, he got listings in Singapore, so I’m now worried that he’s probably been hacked.
If you want to know more about the making of the film, there’s a Bestseller Experiment Deep Dive with me and director Jon Wright. We recorded this back in the summer of 2021, when we were doing what they call EPK (Electronic Press Kit) interviews and had all the cameras and mics handy…
And Jon is also on a special episode of the Film Stories podcast talking about the film and his career…
My thanks to those who were lucky enough to go to the previews on Tuesday and said kind things. I’m keeping track of of the various bits of press and publicity and have bundled them all here on a special UNWELCOME page, which I’m currently updating on a daily basis!
Mark Stay Writes 
It’s showing at the Vue in Merthyr, an easy bus ride from Aberdare and a short walk from the town centre. I think I’ll go and check it out tomorrow afternoon.
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Thank you! Really hope you enjoy it!
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I liked your little cameo appearance in the trailer, by the way.
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Ha! Don’t have nightmares.
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Fair play, Mark, it’s a helluva lot more violent and bloodthirsty than I’d bargained for. I thoroughly enjoyed it all the same, and recommended to a pal of mine yesterday. It was on at weird times, though (1125 and 1820), so I had to go to the earlier showing. I was spared the popcorn munchers, Coke slurpers and social media posters – I was literally the only person in the cinema. I hope that doesn’t bode badly for the film in general. I think it’s probably more symptomatic of Valleys apathy.
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Thanks, Steve. So glad you enjoyed it! The film’s had very little marketing spend so I suspect your experience is not uncommon, so I doubly appreciate you making the effort to see it on the big screen! Thank you!😁
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