A Boltonian filmmaker who has previously worked with Netflix and the BBC is set to debut his first short “horror-comedy” – filmed entirely in Rivington.

Michael Patrick Clarkson, who grew up in Smithills, created the short film, “UPHOLSTERGEIST” with the BAFTA award-winning company Agile Films.

Michael has previously written for Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor (2024), The Wheel of Time (2021) and is co-creator/showrunner of Red Rose which was shot and set in Bolton, now available on BBC and Netflix.

The horror-comedy film, which was shot entirely in Rivington, features a star-studded cast including Game of Thrones’ Tara Fitzgerald, Adam Nagaitis from Chernobyl and The Terror and Aaron Pierre, who will star in the upcoming Disney musical drama, Mufasa: The Lion King later this year.

Speaking on his inspiration for the film, Michael said: “It was during lockdown, and I was watching The Repair Shop on BBC. It was very beautiful with light, heartwarming stories and my mind began to twist it into something darker.

“I came up with the concept of people bringing a dark and haunted item for someone to repair.

“There’s a fine line between comedy and horror, there’s an awkwardness – that’s what I wanted the film to explore.

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UPHOLTERGEIST was completed earlier this year and has since been submitted for a number of prestigious film awards.

The short movie will see its world premiere at Bolton’s International Film Awards taking place on October 2, will feature at the prestigious North American Austin International Film Festival running from October 4 and will also play at Screamfest LA, New York Horror Film Festival and FREAK SHOW horror film festival in Florida.