Four Horsemen of Muckenthwaite
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have to get part-time jobs on Earth after being made redundant.
This dark comedy-fantasy, based in a small, grim, fictional town of Muckenthwaite is a tongue in cheek, creative take on the archetypes of the 4 Horsemen with a Northern twist. Characters live life in a world that doesn't accommodate for their individuality, much like the experiences of those with neurodivergence.
We follow Death, Cupid, Famine, War and Pestilence as they try to make new lives on Earth. Done in the style of an exploitative daytime documentary, we see them find jobs and make friends all whilst resisting the urge to wipe out humanity with their supreme powers.
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Jay SillenceWriterGary Numan x Officers Music Video - 'Petals' , 'In The Footsteps Of Hank Haydock' - Short Film, 'KPOW!' - Short Film
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Dan MarshallWriterEdinburgh Fringe
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Gemma BrownProducerThe Supermarket, Reel People, Four Horsemen of Muckenthwaite, Leftovers
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Project Type:Screenplay, Short Script, Television Script
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Genres:Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
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Number of Pages:26
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Country of Origin:United Kingdom
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First-time Screenwriter:Yes
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Student Project:No
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New York Movie AwardsNew York
February 8, 2025
Best Short Script -
Chicago Script AwardsChicago
October 21, 2024
Best Synopsis -
Slick FilmsBradford
October 1, 2024
Official Shortlist -
New York Script AwardsNew York
December 20, 2024
Official Selection -
Clown Film FestivalParis
November 9, 2024
Finalist - Best Pilot Script
Jay wrote a series of 10 short films on Sex and Relationship Education for Youth Engagement Services, of which he also acted as director. These were a mixture of comedy and dramatic films dealing with consent and the law screened internally in schools across the UK.
He came up with the concept for Four Horsemen and began writing the screenplay, eventually linking in with Dan Marshall.
The co-writer of this project, Dan, has an MA in Comedy Writing and has a BA in Writing, Directing and Performance.
He has written comedies for university television and is a regular performer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Done in the style of an exploitative Channel 4 documentary, we follow Death, War, Famine and Pestilence as they try to make new lives for themselves in this dull, depressing real world. We see them do the small things in life - find jobs, try to get on with humans and look for love, all whilst trying not to wipe out humanity with their supreme godly powers.
Ultimately this is a fish-out-of-water story as these initially bizarre, unlikable characters are shown to be relatable and endearing. They go through all the same struggles we do and fret about not living up to their potential and this film’s heart focuses on the deeper questions of personal meaning and trying to fit into the world with differences that make them stand out.
In a similar vein to What We Do In The Shadows, Preacher and Good Omens, this film is a creatively tongue in cheek take on the archetypes of the 4 Horsemen with a Northern twist, whilst also paralleling experiences relating to neurodivergence.