ADVENTURES IN URBEXING

This summer we were very excited to be approached by Virgin One about a new horror show they were in the process of commissioning. At the heart of the drama was the eponymous Bedlam Heights. A newly renovated asylum, the building represented much more than a backdrop to the action and was instead the chinese puzzle at the centre of the series. Our idea was to treat the building like a starring character, a protagonist with its own story and dark appetites.

Having met a leading Urbex photographer, Sophos9 from talkurbex.com, earlier in the year, we were already well aware of the cultural fascination that exists around abandoned Victorian asylums. It struck us that there were two broad groups we could reach out to: those communities primarily interested in the paranormal in the real world; and those heavily invested in constructed worlds (gaming, comics, cult tv and film).

We sought to build a back-story for Bedlam Heights working with local historians, and Urbexers to create a credible narrative grounded in historical context. We then proposed articulating this as a web-comic before mapping the newly renovated Bedlam Heights as an interactive online space for potential residents (and viewers) to explore. The plan being to use this space as a second screen destination to expand the narrative beyond each episode, complementing and deepening the story told on the linear channel with background details and further plot twists.

Alas, as can be the case, the project never happened. From scouring a few forums it looks like the series is in production for Living. Apparently, it is due to star Will Young. Maybe not our cup of tea after all!