In Aiden, the lead character suffers from PTSD and states of hyperarousal - so is this something you have personal experience with, and/or did you do any research on the subject? And wjoöe we're at it, is the treatment he's going through based on any actual form of therapy, however remotely?

My interest in this area is based on my conversations and observations of my partner who has PTSD and often enters states of hyperarousal where his view on reality and threat becomes hypersensitive, and his paranoia and state of high alert becomes heightened to the point his rational seems irrational to others.

He has things that trigger his flashbacks and nightmares and has had to lean into weekly therapy sessions to give him coping mechanisms.

One thing he does is capture his emotions and understand the triggers behind them. He does this when he is alone and has time to reflect. This was my starting point with Aiden, taking this to an isolated place where he seeks refuge.

(Other) sources of inspiration when writing Aiden?

A close friend is a survivor of domestic abuse and one of the biggest support systems was when they sought refuge. This was a much-needed escape and safe space that was necessary when the abuse was literally life threatening.

What can you tell us about your movie's approach to horror? And a few words about your directorial approach to your story at hand?

I noticed that my partner with his PTSD and my friend who sought refuge both entered the state of hyperarousal. Which is horrific to witness in loved ones, but nothing compared to going through this in first person. I wanted the real-life horror of being in a state of hyperarousal to play out in a real-life scenario where Aiden brings in his emotions in first hand as he shares his journals in first hand looking at the phone addressing the audience in a confidential manner. It was important the audience was up close and personal with Aiden on his journey to recovery.

In Aiden I wanted the threat to be ambiguous, I wanted the audience to question what is real or what is in Aiden’s mind. To me the scariest things in horror films are the things that are uncertain as you never really know where you stand. This is probably more a reflection of what scares me in real life too.

You also play the lead in Aiden - so what can you tell us about your character, what did you draw upon to bring him to life, and did you write him with yourself in mind from the get-go?

Bringing Aiden to life in the film was therapeutic to me in helping me understand my partner's and friend's journey with both PTSD and hyperarousal. Most scenes I played were making sense of this state and having empathy to the condition. I wanted to do the subject matter justice. I did not want to appear to be acting but more showing what it's like to be in this confused state for real. So, it was more about being then acting.

Do talk about the rest of Aiden's cast, and why exactly these people?

It was crucial for my process to work with people from non-acting professional backgrounds. I wanted to work with people I could trust that where receptive to a process that felt non-performance driven. I did not want to work with actors that had processes in place that I had to undo.

I worked with Darren Williams in a similar method in Paranormal Farm, he was receptive to this approach as he was essentially playing a version of himself, a farmer. His authenticity resonated with audiences who watched the trilogy across the globe.

Working with Ivan Alexiev was crucial too, having someone who appears both sexy masculine but who can play those moments of vulnerability too was crucial for the believability of not only the character but a believable chemistry with Aiden that was crucial to the authenticity of the film. I knew from our relationship creating content for social media he was able to live and breathe this character and make him 3-dimensional.

About your location - that's the same farm you've also shot your Paranormal Farm movies at, right? So what drew you back to that location, and what was it like filming there this time around?

The location was important as it had to feel isolated and remote from the world, it was great that the cabin in the countryside was the beating heart of the film. We never shot in that area of the place in Paranormal Farm. So it just made sense, the farmhouse was used in the film but with the dressing it had a different vibe.

What can you tell us about the shoot as such, and the on-set stmosphere?

What made this film magical was working again with Mumtaz Yildirimlar from My Spotlight Independent. We are both so connected in our passions and joy of filmmaking and care to make the project the best it can be. It's like going out to play with your best friend after school. When Mumtaz Yildirimlar and I get together we have an electric atmosphere. we laugh and find the joy of the craft of making films. Not something you get on every set, I guess we make our own rules which is somewhat of a luxury.

Anything you can tell us about audience and critical reception of Aiden?

Aiden has just been released and fans of the Paranormal Farm franchise have taken to this film, and they love the salute to Paranormal Farm. Whilst enjoying a film that tells an important story. Also, it’s been applauded by having a strong voice for the LGBTQAI+ community, something that I’m passionate about with equal representation all seven of my features have in common

Any future projects you'd like to share?

Feeling lucky? Want to search any of my partnershops yourself for more, better results? (commissions earned)

The links below will take you just there!!!

Find Carl Medland at the amazons ...   amazon.com   amazon.co.uk   amazon.de Looking for imports? Find Carl Medland here ...   eThaiCD.com Your shop for all things Thai

I have a slate or three feature films, all horror with equal representation and relevant stories. Will aim to shoot one in 2025.

Your/your movie's website, social media, whatever else?

www.myproduction.co.uk/vod

Anything else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?

It will be out in a couple weeks on Amazing Prime worldwide.

Thanks for the interview!

Thank you!