‘Kells isn’t just the backdrop, it’s a main character in the film’

Lights, Camera, Action! Kells has gone all Hollywood for a new sci-fi drama set to come out next year.

The streets of the town have been turned into a fully fledged film set over the last number of weeks to conclude the shooting of new sci-fi drama film ‘The Dead Don't Log Out’.

From the script writing, to the production, to the acting, the entire film is a Meath-based affair and is a celebration of local talent and proof that ambitious, compelling stories can be made right here in the heart of the Royal county.

From top grade cameras to make-up artists, the street of Church Lane felt nothing short of a blockbuster production on the first Sunday of February. The sun was shining down and spirits were high as shooting was being wrapped up for the Kells-based film.

‘The Dead Don't Log Out’ is a new sci-fi drama, co-produced between Kells-based Scriptoria Pictures, run by writer Jonny Farrelly and director Mark Smyth, and Dublin-based Hot Coffey Productions. The production is led by producer Mark Coffey, with Ciara Costello and Jennifer Keane rounding out the creative team.

The production brings together local and national talent both in front of and behind the camera, with the film being a true Royal County affair. From the cast and crew being from Kells themselves, to the film being set in the town and the main character playing a Meath man, Kells truly is the backbone of the production.

Producer Mark Coffey said: “The chance for Scriptoria Pictures and Hot Coffey Productions to work together on this feature film in Kells has been a fantastic experience and we have already discussed returning to the area for our next project in 2027. The people we worked with in the county have been so welcoming and the locations in and around Kells have been the perfect backdrop for this film. We can’t wait to return for the next one.”

The film centres around a cynical man named Cody who struggles with addiction. Cody returns to his hometown of Kells on the anniversary of his father and brother's tragic death where an unorthodox priest takes Cody under his wing. The priest offers Cody access to a pilot VR therapy that is designed to confront unresolved trauma. Cody is forced to face the past that he has spent years trying to escape as the boundaries between memory, subconscious, technology and reality begin to blur.

One of the final days of shooting was taking place outside and inside of Kells Handball Club. Members of crew directed traffic on the quiet street while the cameras were rolling to avoid excess noise and it was fascinating to see the amount of hands that were needed on what seemed to be a relatively small set. The cast and crew filmed for 20 days in five day blocks, with the entire process being a tiring one to say the least.

Several cameras from different angles began to record the scene as director Mark yelled 'action' and the rest of the cast and crew went quiet. It was as if the only two people on the street were the two actors for those few minutes as they walked side by side and acted out their scene.

The same scene was filmed a number of times, and despite sounding tedious, it was a truly educational experience. When we watch films, we are usually more focused on the plot and the enjoyment of the film rather than the various angles of the one scene. The time and effort that goes into one 20 second shot is incredible, which I soon learned on the set of the ‘The Dead Don't Log Out’.

Director Mark Smyth told the Meath Chronicle: "Filming "The Dead Don’t Log Out" in my hometown has been amazing - it’s a local story rooted in themes of identity, memory, healing, and forgiveness. Kells isn’t just the backdrop, it plays as a character in the film, from its handball legacy to resilience and community spirit. I’m very grateful to the people of Kells who helped us bring this unique story to life.”

The entire creation of the film was a community affair, and script writer and Kells native Jonny Farrelly acknowledged those from the county who made ‘The Dead Don't Log Out’ happen. Jonny said: "I’d especially like to thank Micheal McKeown, Susan O’Shaughnessy, John Conaty, James Tallon, Paul and Carol Farrelly, and Gerardette Bailey of Meath County Council and all the staff at the Kells Courthouse and the many, many others who without them this film wouldn’t have been made."

With filming now nearly complete, ‘The Dead Don’t Log Out’ is moving into post-production, edited by Julian Ulrich, best known for his work on the Academy Award nominated and seven time British Independent Film Award winner, the Kneecap film.

The team is hoping to secure support from Screen Ireland, paving the way for a festival run with the goal of a potential world premiere at Sundance 2027.

For the filmmakers and the community that welcomed the production so warmly, the project is a celebration of local talent and collaboration and proof that ambitious, compelling stories can be made right here in the heart of Meath.

‘The Dead Don't Log Out’ is planning on release for 2027. Keep an eye out for more updates.