Welcome to G-Town is the “micro budget” debut feature from filmmaking twins Nathan and Ben McQuaid, fresh graduates from Stirling University who decided that shooting a film on the streets of Glasgow during summer was a brilliant idea. What could possibly go wrong, right?
Brace yourselves, folks: this film is one of the must-see premieres at the Glasgow Film Festival, mostly because it features three recent grads trying to save Glasgow from shape-shifting aliens. Because, of course, pesky aliens can’t help but lurk around just when you’ve finally figured out where to best hide from student loans.
Shot in a record-breaking 12 days—because time is money and who has money?—the McQuaids, originally from Bothwell in Lanarkshire, pulled off this sci-fi comedy horror extravaganza with about as much budget as you’d expect from two students living on pot noodles. In a stroke of genius, they decided to edit just in time to submit for this year’s film festival, prompting the organizers to add another screening due to overwhelming public demand. Isn’t desperation adorable?
The McQuaids have had plenty of stellar influences, like the sci-fi horror classic *Invasion of the Body Snatchers*—perfect inspiration when trying to capture the essence of Glasgow on a shoestring budget. They also admire Bill Forsyth, who directed local favorites like *That Sinking Feeling*, perhaps resonating with their own plight of sinking deep into financial absurdity. But, no pressure, lads!
Ben shared an insightful revelation: “We started with stop-motion videos using clay and Lego on the carpet—pure cinematic genius, if you ask me.” One might wonder how parents feel when their kids grow up to debut a film featuring alien invasions. Nathan chimed in, “The sweet comfort of Covid allowed us to hone our ‘splatter’ skills in secluded woods. Nothing says ‘serious filmmaker’ like a backyard horror movie during a global pandemic.”
The McQuaids wrapped production in 12 frenzied days last June, surviving on caffeine and a thin layer of goodwill from friends who may or may not still be speaking to them. Acquiring the cheapest alien masks and morphsuits possible became essential, because who doesn’t want to terrify their friends with subpar Halloween costumes? “Let’s just say our props had their own unique charm,” chuckled Ben.
As the big premiere approaches—set to take place at the not-so-casual Glasgow festival on February 28—Nathan reflected on the local spirit of the festival. It’s a magical moment when you realize your film might actually play in a theater. “It was a massive ‘pinch me’ moment,” he said, right before they probably pinched themselves again about the budget.
In a world where Scottish cinema is often either medieval epic or gritty street drama, *Welcome to G-Town* finds a sweet spot somewhere in between. “We serve comedy horror with a side of Scottish humor, so just keep your expectations low,” added Ben, as they prepare to unveil a film that raises new questions about life, aliens, and, most importantly, how to stretch a budget like a pro.
