If there’s a lesson to be learned from editing a documentary, its that whatever structure you have in place, throw it out!
As I’m finalising the edit on FANZ (my flick about DOCTOR WHO fans), I’ve realised that I’ve so much good footage that I’m in a constant battle to swap, exchange, bin or replace footage to make the final cut. It’s almost there now and with a running time of an hour, I think I’ve put together quite a comprehensive overview of DOCTOR WHO fandom.
I’ve some brilliant interviewee’s including J Jeremy Bentham (Doctor Who Historian), David J Howe (Telos Publishing), Lawrence Miles (Faction Paradox), Justin Richards (Writer), Stephen James Walker (Writer), Toby Hadoke (Comedian), Alistair Lock (Actor), Nick Scovell (Dalek Stage Plays), Steve O’Brien (Cult TV Writer), Paul Wilson and Seb Brook (Doctor Who Online), Stuart Robinson (Writer), Anthony Weiner (Doctor Who Appreciation Society), Neil Oseman and Rob Tizzard (Filmmakers), Gareth Preston (Westlake Films), Dan Harris (Sci-Fi Sea Cruise) and The Who Shop (Retailers) plus guest appearances from Nicholas Briggs (Voice of the Daleks) and Louise Jameson (Leela).
I know it’s a bit overdue but I hope people will enjoy it so watch this space!
We’ve a couple of paranormal investigations coming up in the next couple of weeks. We have the Viaduct Tavern in London and Carew Manor in Surrey. With Carew, I’ve wanted to get in there for years and we will be the first paranormal team to explore this Grade 1 Listed building…it’s allegedly very active of course, we shall see!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Spirit comes out to play
We were invited by those top folk at Dark Encounters Paranormal Group and The Spiritual Connextion Awards to film a Charity Ghost Hunt at Southsea Castle in Portsmouth on Friday 19th October. With Special Guests Richard Felix, the mighty Phil Whyman (both former Most Haunted dudes) and Mark Webb joining the investigation, it was a really great evening with us finally meeting face to face our mates Lee and Chrissy from WightGhost (they are also the presenters of the rather superb Pulse Radio). A big shout out also to Norie and the team at Dark Encounters for organising it all and hope to be doing some more work with them in the not too distant future.
Whilst we’re on the subject of the paranormal, I want to let you know about our experiences on Saturday 13th October in Oxford. I was invited by a lovely lady called Karen to film a joint investigation with herself, David Vee (he of TV’s Haunted Homes), the guys from Extreme Paranormal and us. We were supposed to do a Victorian House but we ended up at Abingdon Town Football Club that they had arranged and what an excellent location this turned out to be.
Things started slowly as we didn’t arrive at the location until 10.30pm and had to wait for the punters to leave. But then it kicked off, we had Karen (a psychic) allegedly having two possessions during the night but it was the communication circle around a small table in the meeting room upstairs that changed my outlook overnight…Alan led the circle and we had very loud and definite taps on the table to almost all questions asked.
This was done in two sessions, as spirit did not seem to want me to film the first time so I sat in on it (we had a Dictaphone though). Now, taps would have been good enough but when the table elevated many times on command, I could hardly believe what I was seeing and I’m the kind of person who try’s to exhaust every rational explanation before declaring it ‘unknown’. I’ve always questioned this sort of table tipping in the past but it seems I’ve been proven wrong, I, of course was constantly checking under the table to make sure everyone’s feet were away from the legs of the table. The table was also quite heavy and misplay would have been very difficult.
Luckily on the second session, I managed to get plenty of video footage of this phenomena and is very compelling footage of spirit activity...oh, and the trigger objects (3 coins) had moved in the room whilst all this was going on.
Now how about a full-blown apparition and have done with it?
Whilst we’re on the subject of the paranormal, I want to let you know about our experiences on Saturday 13th October in Oxford. I was invited by a lovely lady called Karen to film a joint investigation with herself, David Vee (he of TV’s Haunted Homes), the guys from Extreme Paranormal and us. We were supposed to do a Victorian House but we ended up at Abingdon Town Football Club that they had arranged and what an excellent location this turned out to be.
Things started slowly as we didn’t arrive at the location until 10.30pm and had to wait for the punters to leave. But then it kicked off, we had Karen (a psychic) allegedly having two possessions during the night but it was the communication circle around a small table in the meeting room upstairs that changed my outlook overnight…Alan led the circle and we had very loud and definite taps on the table to almost all questions asked.
This was done in two sessions, as spirit did not seem to want me to film the first time so I sat in on it (we had a Dictaphone though). Now, taps would have been good enough but when the table elevated many times on command, I could hardly believe what I was seeing and I’m the kind of person who try’s to exhaust every rational explanation before declaring it ‘unknown’. I’ve always questioned this sort of table tipping in the past but it seems I’ve been proven wrong, I, of course was constantly checking under the table to make sure everyone’s feet were away from the legs of the table. The table was also quite heavy and misplay would have been very difficult.
Luckily on the second session, I managed to get plenty of video footage of this phenomena and is very compelling footage of spirit activity...oh, and the trigger objects (3 coins) had moved in the room whilst all this was going on.
Now how about a full-blown apparition and have done with it?
Friday, September 14, 2007
Portobello, Nylon and Conventions
Been a bit full on lately. When I mean full on, I don’t mean some big dude sitting heavily on my person but creatively. We’ve just announced a big Sci-Fi project that’s just going into pre-production and is going to be quite an ambitious production. Considering the talent we have onboard, I think we can pull it off.
On 19th August, we attended a screening at Westbourne Studios of RETURN TO RAVENSWOOD. This was part of THE PORTOBELLO FILM FESTIVAL and was a very welcoming experience. It was the first film of the day and as we settled back in the screening room, I was quite taken aback when one of the organisers asked me to introduce the flick…so there I was, spouting some nonsense which vaguely resembled gratitude to the cast and crew who helped make the film before rushing back to my seat and wishing I had something better prepared…this from a guy who made the movie with unscripted, improvised dialogue! Afterwards, someone from the audience wished we’d done a Q&A…maybe next time my friend!
I accompanied my mate Tom Golding to his first ever-autograph session at THE LONDON FILM AND COMIC CON at Earls Court, London (Tom was in the last episode of DOCTOR WHO Series Three). I was also seeing Alistair Lock who was signing CD’s of the re-imagined (and very good) audio plays of BLAKES’ SEVEN…although Alistair is an old hand at this sort of thing now. Tom however, was quite bemused by the whole thing although he really did enjoy himself. It was interesting watching people humbly and politely (and sometimes with a fit of nerves) going up to his table and getting an autographed photo or an image taken with him. It was a fun day and even I was chuffed as Gary Kurtz passed me and threw a smile, the man who produced the original STAR WARS trilogy - It’s the guys behind the cameras who make the magic, not just the actors!
Oh, shameless promotion time. As part of comedy sketch group THE NYLON EFFECT, we have another gig on Wednesday 19th September at The Albany, Great Portland Street, London (opposite the tube station). The show starts 8.00pm so please come along if you can.Finally, Season six of Larry David’s CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM has begun in the States and I’m now wondering how long it will be until we get the series over here in the UK (or better still, the DVD box set)…I’m waiting patiently, it’s the funniest thing on TV at the moment. Fact (well, that and Saxondale!).
On 19th August, we attended a screening at Westbourne Studios of RETURN TO RAVENSWOOD. This was part of THE PORTOBELLO FILM FESTIVAL and was a very welcoming experience. It was the first film of the day and as we settled back in the screening room, I was quite taken aback when one of the organisers asked me to introduce the flick…so there I was, spouting some nonsense which vaguely resembled gratitude to the cast and crew who helped make the film before rushing back to my seat and wishing I had something better prepared…this from a guy who made the movie with unscripted, improvised dialogue! Afterwards, someone from the audience wished we’d done a Q&A…maybe next time my friend!
I accompanied my mate Tom Golding to his first ever-autograph session at THE LONDON FILM AND COMIC CON at Earls Court, London (Tom was in the last episode of DOCTOR WHO Series Three). I was also seeing Alistair Lock who was signing CD’s of the re-imagined (and very good) audio plays of BLAKES’ SEVEN…although Alistair is an old hand at this sort of thing now. Tom however, was quite bemused by the whole thing although he really did enjoy himself. It was interesting watching people humbly and politely (and sometimes with a fit of nerves) going up to his table and getting an autographed photo or an image taken with him. It was a fun day and even I was chuffed as Gary Kurtz passed me and threw a smile, the man who produced the original STAR WARS trilogy - It’s the guys behind the cameras who make the magic, not just the actors!
Oh, shameless promotion time. As part of comedy sketch group THE NYLON EFFECT, we have another gig on Wednesday 19th September at The Albany, Great Portland Street, London (opposite the tube station). The show starts 8.00pm so please come along if you can.Finally, Season six of Larry David’s CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM has begun in the States and I’m now wondering how long it will be until we get the series over here in the UK (or better still, the DVD box set)…I’m waiting patiently, it’s the funniest thing on TV at the moment. Fact (well, that and Saxondale!).
Saturday, July 28, 2007
News, Screenings and Gigs
The latest SPIRAL Paranormal Episode is now online at: http://www.mevproductions.co.uk/spiral.html
With reports of strange noises, unseen footsteps and objects moving by themselves, Spiral has been called in to investigate a spirit in suburbia!
The video can be either downloaded or viewed online. There’s also extra footage and full report. The episode is available at a screen resolution of 720 x 576 for download only. If you are watching online, the standard resolution (320 x 288) applies.
Upcoming investigations include THE OLD RECTORY in Cheam and with Phil Whyman’s DEAD HAUNTED NIGHTS team; PETERBOROUGH MUSEUM and PRESTON MANOR in Brighton.
Our comedy short films SHELF LIFE (2003) and WHATEVER HAPPENED TO MARK FIELDING (2006) are currently being broadcast on TV on Propeller (UK SKY channel 195) as part of the next 5-week schedule.In a side note regarding SHELF LIFE, a feature film script based loosely on this short film was written in 2005 between Matt Wolf and myself and is being pitched in LA with potential producers. Matt is my creative partner in this (currently in LA and was last seen in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 3) and has linked up with various parties and I will post news of any developments with this project as it happens…if indeed it does!
As part of comedy sketch group THE NYLON EFFECT, we have a gig this week on Thursday 2nd August at The Battersea Barge, Nine Elms Lane, London SW8. We'll be part of a talent-style night called Cheese n Crackers. The show starts 8.30 and it's £8 (£6 conc) to get in: http://www.millionthmuse.com/london_cabaret/cheese-n-crackers.html
Finally, our feature RETURN TO RAVENSWOOD is playing at this year’s PORTOBELLO FILM FESTIVAL in London on Sunday 19th August at 2.00pm. The film is being screened at Westbourne Studios (the first film of the day which they have given a 15 certificate for!!!). If you’re around, you would be most welcome to join us for the screening and drinks.
With reports of strange noises, unseen footsteps and objects moving by themselves, Spiral has been called in to investigate a spirit in suburbia!
The video can be either downloaded or viewed online. There’s also extra footage and full report. The episode is available at a screen resolution of 720 x 576 for download only. If you are watching online, the standard resolution (320 x 288) applies.
Upcoming investigations include THE OLD RECTORY in Cheam and with Phil Whyman’s DEAD HAUNTED NIGHTS team; PETERBOROUGH MUSEUM and PRESTON MANOR in Brighton.
Our comedy short films SHELF LIFE (2003) and WHATEVER HAPPENED TO MARK FIELDING (2006) are currently being broadcast on TV on Propeller (UK SKY channel 195) as part of the next 5-week schedule.In a side note regarding SHELF LIFE, a feature film script based loosely on this short film was written in 2005 between Matt Wolf and myself and is being pitched in LA with potential producers. Matt is my creative partner in this (currently in LA and was last seen in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 3) and has linked up with various parties and I will post news of any developments with this project as it happens…if indeed it does!
As part of comedy sketch group THE NYLON EFFECT, we have a gig this week on Thursday 2nd August at The Battersea Barge, Nine Elms Lane, London SW8. We'll be part of a talent-style night called Cheese n Crackers. The show starts 8.30 and it's £8 (£6 conc) to get in: http://www.millionthmuse.com/london_cabaret/cheese-n-crackers.html
Finally, our feature RETURN TO RAVENSWOOD is playing at this year’s PORTOBELLO FILM FESTIVAL in London on Sunday 19th August at 2.00pm. The film is being screened at Westbourne Studios (the first film of the day which they have given a 15 certificate for!!!). If you’re around, you would be most welcome to join us for the screening and drinks.
The venue is free entry.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Together as One
Things are gearing up for a joint investigation between Spiral and UK5 Paranormal on 30th June. This has been developed over the last month between Ray Jordan of UK5 and myself and should prove very interesting as we visit an old jail in Wiltshire. This is the start of an ongoing project of joint investigations and will keep you kids posted on developments.
Also coming up this Month is another screening of our short spoof REVERSING THE POLARITY – MEMOIRS OF TIME AND SPACE. Our original TIMEQUAKE retrospective movie is being screened at the APOLLOCON Convention in Texas on 22-24th June 2007.
Also coming up this Month is another screening of our short spoof REVERSING THE POLARITY – MEMOIRS OF TIME AND SPACE. Our original TIMEQUAKE retrospective movie is being screened at the APOLLOCON Convention in Texas on 22-24th June 2007.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Spiral Investigates
Blimey, we were brave weren’t we? Brave? You? Sod off…well, we did our first paranormal investigation on 20th April with our new team SPIRAL (Surrey Paranormal Investigation and Research). Joining myself was my co-founder Alexis along with Hannah, Byron and Lisa.
Well, as a result of that first investigation, we have launched the Spiral website at: http://www.spiralparanormal.co.uk
At the website, we present full-length video episodes detailing paranormal investigations, which can be either downloaded or streamed online. You can also access reports, images, archive video files and leave messages in our forum. In our first online episode, we visit The Studio House in Surrey.
Numerous reports of an unseen presence in this business property bring the team to explore the location as well as providing a taster of things to come. So please view our first video episode with Alexis, Hannah, Byron, Lisa and Marq, bumbling about in the dark.
Finally, talking of paranormal occurrences and as I’ve mentioned before, I’m sure that all technical aspects of RETURN TO RAVENSWOOD were being influenced by the Dark Side of the Force which we have been calling ‘The Curse of Ravenswood’. Well, it’s now all over and we have the final cut of the movie that will be sent forthwith to cast and crew and some upcoming Festival deadlines. For a flick that should have been completed a year ago, I am now just glad it’s done and dusted…hooray!!!
Well, as a result of that first investigation, we have launched the Spiral website at: http://www.spiralparanormal.co.uk
At the website, we present full-length video episodes detailing paranormal investigations, which can be either downloaded or streamed online. You can also access reports, images, archive video files and leave messages in our forum. In our first online episode, we visit The Studio House in Surrey.
Numerous reports of an unseen presence in this business property bring the team to explore the location as well as providing a taster of things to come. So please view our first video episode with Alexis, Hannah, Byron, Lisa and Marq, bumbling about in the dark.
Finally, talking of paranormal occurrences and as I’ve mentioned before, I’m sure that all technical aspects of RETURN TO RAVENSWOOD were being influenced by the Dark Side of the Force which we have been calling ‘The Curse of Ravenswood’. Well, it’s now all over and we have the final cut of the movie that will be sent forthwith to cast and crew and some upcoming Festival deadlines. For a flick that should have been completed a year ago, I am now just glad it’s done and dusted…hooray!!!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
An Evening with Da Vader!
Had the pleasure of attending a small private talk last night with the man who was Darth Vader, Dave Prowse. As he lives locally, he kindly gave a fascinating insight into his career and life. Looking back at his time in the industry, he talked of his days on the Hammer Horrors, his involvement in some pretty forgettable flicks (his words), the Green Cross Code years, unashamed name dropping and working with the likes of Kubrick, Donner, Lucas and escaping the advances of Frankie Howard!
Interestingly, not much time was given to his most iconic role as the Dark Lord of the Sith but it was still fascinating to learn that he never saw the scripts for EMPIRE or JEDI but only the pages he was doing on his particular shooting days!
On a radically different note, we are gearing up next week for our first paranormal investigation, which should prove very interesting. We did a baseline test recently and have a great team onboard including an experienced medium. I’ve always been interested in paranormal matters (though I don’t take things with face value) and this seems a natural extension of that interest which is shared by my colleague Alexis. As I said earlier, this is our first investigation so no doubt we’ll cock up somewhere as we learn the procedure of ghost hunting. I’m sure that any potential spirit person will be laughing away at us saying ‘Look at these knob sucks, they haven’t a bloody clue what there doing!’ Joking aside, this is going to be a serious investigation and we’re using the location as a test to see how we all bond as a team (it’s all made up of people who know each other well). A full report will be made in a couple of weeks.
This also relates to a potential TV pilot we are shooting soon called ANCIENT ISLE, a documentary that focuses on the myths, legends, history and folklore of the British Isle’s. The pilot is being shot at the Avebury Stone Circle in Wiltshire and we’ll fill you in as this project progresses.
Now I need to sit down and digest the final episode of LIFE ON MARS - role on ASHES TO ASHES!
Interestingly, not much time was given to his most iconic role as the Dark Lord of the Sith but it was still fascinating to learn that he never saw the scripts for EMPIRE or JEDI but only the pages he was doing on his particular shooting days!
On a radically different note, we are gearing up next week for our first paranormal investigation, which should prove very interesting. We did a baseline test recently and have a great team onboard including an experienced medium. I’ve always been interested in paranormal matters (though I don’t take things with face value) and this seems a natural extension of that interest which is shared by my colleague Alexis. As I said earlier, this is our first investigation so no doubt we’ll cock up somewhere as we learn the procedure of ghost hunting. I’m sure that any potential spirit person will be laughing away at us saying ‘Look at these knob sucks, they haven’t a bloody clue what there doing!’ Joking aside, this is going to be a serious investigation and we’re using the location as a test to see how we all bond as a team (it’s all made up of people who know each other well). A full report will be made in a couple of weeks.
This also relates to a potential TV pilot we are shooting soon called ANCIENT ISLE, a documentary that focuses on the myths, legends, history and folklore of the British Isle’s. The pilot is being shot at the Avebury Stone Circle in Wiltshire and we’ll fill you in as this project progresses.
Now I need to sit down and digest the final episode of LIFE ON MARS - role on ASHES TO ASHES!
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