David Bridges
Exciting news in the film industry: Avalon Studios, Umbrella Leisure, and renowned producer Liz Mullane are joining forces on the highly anticipated project, “Delia’s Ghost,” created by Elizabeth ‘Biz’ Crummett. This collaboration adds significant momentum to a film that recently earned the prestigious Frontières FanPitch Finest Characteristic Pitch Award at the esteemed 2024 Sitges Worldwide Improbable Movie Pageant, highlighting its potential to captivate audiences worldwide.
Positioned as an elevated supernatural drama infused with elements of horror, “Delia’s Ghost” is poised for its debut at the upcoming Frontières Market. This market runs concurrently with the vibrant Montreal Fantasia Movie Pageant, providing an excellent platform to showcase the film to industry professionals and enthusiastic audiences alike.
Avalon Studios, located in Wellington, New Zealand, will play a crucial role as a co-producer and investor for this film. Known for its high-quality productions, Avalon has previously worked on major titles such as Mortal Engines and Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2045, establishing itself as a key player in the global film industry.
Umbrella Leisure, a prominent force in local film production, has officially signed a letter of intent to handle distribution for “Delia’s Ghost” across both Australia and New Zealand. This strategic partnership is expected to enhance the film’s reach and foster a deeper connection with local audiences who resonate with its themes.
In a pivotal role, Liz Mullane, an accomplished casting director known for her work on the iconic Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, has joined “Delia’s Ghost” as the casting director. Her expertise and reputation in the industry are anticipated to attract a talented ensemble cast that will bring the compelling characters to life.
“Delia’s Ghost,” co-written by Crummett, is being developed under Be Hope Movies, a company led by Belindalee Hope. Hope’s impressive portfolio includes producing the acclaimed film “The American,” featuring stars like Talia Ryder and Diane Kruger, which was a standout at the Deauville 2023 closing night. Additionally, she produced the successful TV series “Madam,” starring Rachel Griffiths, which garnered accolades at the 2024 Monte Carlo TV Pageant and the Asian Academy TV Awards.
At its core, “Delia’s Ghost” tells a poignant redemption story centered around Eddy, the frustrated spirit of a punk from 1979. Trapped in the home where he met his untimely demise, he grapples with feelings of anger and abandonment while stuck in a repetitive cycle of despair. This haunting narrative invites audiences to explore themes of hope, transformation, and the longing for connection.
The story takes an intriguing turn when 10-year-old Cordelia moves into the same house. Possessing the unique ability to see ghosts, Cordelia is not easily frightened and carries a backpack filled with lighters, ready to confront the supernatural. She seeks out Eddy’s help to battle her formidable adversary, Headmaster Barlow, a malevolent specter who continues to exert control over the school he founded more than a century ago, fueled by the trapped souls of his ghostly students.
Cordelia’s journey becomes perilous as her no-nonsense mother, Molly, struggles to pull her back from the brink of danger. Undeterred, Cordelia decides to take matters into her own hands. In her quest to liberate the trapped ghost children, she is willing to risk everything, including her own safety, highlighting the film’s themes of courage and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds.
At the heart of “Delia’s Ghost” lies the profound relationship between Eddy and Cordelia. Their evolving bond transforms Eddy from a mere poltergeist into a protective guardian angel, allowing him to discover a sense of purpose that eluded him during his earthly existence. This relationship serves as a powerful narrative device, demonstrating the potential for healing and connection beyond life and death.
Crummett poignantly describes the film as “a narrative about loss, limbo, and the power of connection” – a story told through the unlikely friendship between Cordelia, an outcast, and Eddy, a bitter ghost trapped in purgatory. Their unique bond is the emotional core of the film, offering moments of humor and heart, ultimately leading to themes of redemption and personal growth.
Belindalee Hope emphasizes that “Delia’s Ghost” embodies the struggle to reclaim hope, even when the world feels bleak, and even when one has lost faith in oneself. The film presents a deeply human narrative about transformation through connection, reminding audiences that healing occurs in community and that even the most isolated souls, including ghosts, can find solace in companionship.
Crummett’s original horror feature film script, “Pantomime,” was developed by Blumhouse Photos in 2018 under the guidance of the late executive producer Rae Roberts. Furthermore, her 2023 short film “The Understudy” premiered at the iconic Grand Chinese Theater in Los Angeles and has since been selected for numerous prestigious international film festivals, including Screamfest LA, New York City Horror Fest, and San Diego Comic-Con.
For “Delia’s Ghost,” the screenplay will also feature contributions from Hamish Brown, who brings a wealth of experience with credits that include “Pantomime,” “The Understudy,” and the original animated series “Omega Joe,” which was selected for premiere exhibition at the Asian Animation Summit in South Korea, showcasing his versatility as a writer in the industry.
Production preparations for “Delia’s Ghost” are set to commence in March 2026, with principal photography scheduled for April to May 2026 in the vibrant city of Wellington, New Zealand. Liz Mullane, who served as the casting director on Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed film “Heavenly Creatures,” which marked Kate Winslet’s breakout role, is now actively conducting a thorough search for the two lead characters of “Delia’s Ghost,” ensuring that the casting process is as meticulous as the storytelling itself.
Tessa Everly
Ivy Caldwell
