From a very young age I've loved watching films. No sooner had I watched Star Wars on the television then The Empire Strikes Back was released at the cinemas. I went to see that twice. Clash Of The Titans followed but it was Raiders Of The Lost Ark that made a huge impact on me as it was the first time that I wanted to find out how the baddies head melted and how the other one's head blew up! I can clearly remember asking my dad how this happened….how was it done?
Very soon I was interested in the making of films and what goes on behind the scenes. Film tie-in magazines with The Temple of Doom illustrated the cameras, actors and matte paintings Behind the scenes TV documentaries on Empire/Return Of The Jedi helped to open my eyes further.
When my dad purchased something called a video recorder it opened a door to a world full of action, horror, comedy, science fiction and kung-fu! My old man used to return home on a weekend with a stack off sometimes ten video cassettes. Highlander, Krull and Beverly Hills Cop rubbed shoulders with films like Stuff, Neon Maniacs, Kindred, C.H.U.D, The Video Dead, House, Troll, Ghoulies, Xtro, Return Of The living Dead, Razorback and The Lost Boys…to name but a minuscule few.
Living in England there were many films that were banned or severely censored. That was until an American friend in the late 80's introduced me to The Exorcist, Texas Chainsaw, Dawn Of The Dead, Deliverance and a whole host of other films which had, until that time escaped me.
Throughout school and college my interest in films and filmmaking grew. I watched Hollywood fare in addition to all kinds of indie horrors and genre films. I went to Uni and obtained a degree in Documentary Production. Along the way I shot a few horror shorts. This was followed by a Post Grad in Broadcast Journalism. I enjoyed working as a TV news cameraman/editor for several years and as a sideline, started shooting promos and corporate/training films for organisations and companies.
Ten years later and I run my own one man band video production company. I've had a chance to travel a bit with work and I get to meet lots of different people and see some amazing things.
Along the way, I've continued to shoot little horror shorts and worked on friends and colleagues larger film projects. However, ZOMBIES are my absolute favourite! I've contributed toward several zombie film projects, including a Bafta Nominated zombie film project with the BBC. I've also enjoyed making cheesy trailers for zombie films that don't exist.
When I heard about Zed Fest it seemed like an opportunity too good to miss! My naff, cheesy little zombie film trailer had a chance to get seen by film fans in a real cinema! Wow! How awesome is that?!
I was hugely proud in 2010 that, firstly anyone would even watch my zombie trailer but secondly that it had been awarded a trio of grin inducing awards! :)
2010 - Zombie Flesh Bastards - '3rd Place - Zombie Shorts Contest', 'Best Voice Over' and 'Best Blood Splatter'
In 2013 I submitted a new trailer entitled, Zombinos! Zombinos! Zombinos! Once again I was dumbfounded to have been awarded the 'Outstanding Trailer Spoof' award!
ZED FEST RULES!
This year I have been invited to view and judge all of the submissions and films for Zed Fest 2014! I am very honoured and excited to be part of this process and am utterly blow away by the quality of films. There are some truly outstanding horror/genre shorts and I have nothing but the utmost respect to everyone who has submitted a film. You're spoiling this judge with some hugely entertaining films. The festival this year will be utterly awesome! |
