The Wind-down Part 2 - FILMS OF 2015

FESTIVALS!

It's also been the month of FESTIVALS and QnA's! Most notably the Widescreen Weekend at the Bradford Film Museum and the big horror fest in Sheffield, Celluloid Screams!

I rocked up to the final day of the Widescreen Weekend to meet a buddy who's a regular to the festival. He was in it for the long haul and went to pretty much every screening and talk there - projectionists, award winning FX artists etc.

The big hitter was a presentation by the legendary Douglas Trumbull. If you don't know who Doug Trumbull is, get educated. '2001', 'Blade Runner', 'Close Encounters', 'Silent Running'...this guy was the FX supervisor. So yeah, he's kinda a big deal. Shit, he even turned Star Wars down (as you do). Along with the 70mm screening of '2001 A Space Odyssey', he presented a talk about his work, film in general, and what he sees the future of film as a medium.

Thoroughly fascinating in a pure nerdist sense, it was an eye opener. The man himself couldn't be a kinder gent. A class act.

Up next was the annual horror jaunt Celluloid Screams. An absolute treat of a weekend it was too. A good mix of great and not-so-great movies, shorts, and general bollocks talking over gallons of ale.

Opening night was a great night with three flicks that ranged from terrible (The Invitation), to sublime (Goodnight Mommy), to the batshit crazy (Yakuza Apocalypse). It also showcased Andy Stewart's new short film 'Remnant'. See last years BLOG on his excellent short film 'INK' just to remind you on how much of a great talent the feller is.

'Remnant' itself is a showcase of the filmmaker trying to stretch himself but still keeping a signature style. The short lingers long after it finishes and has a gritty, bile-tinted visual style that unsettles for the runtime.

Capping it all off, I got to get drunk with some good guys, hang out with the legendary Graham Humphreys, the ladies from Arrow Video. Also, a shout out to Ben Stiener and Michael Wallin (quiet Nordic nutter and FX guy).

FILMS OF THE YEAR 2015 

As for this years movie intake? Well...compared to last year, it's been poor. Check out last years blog HERE

The list of my faves is shorter, and the quality isn't as high (minus a few choice flicks), and the majority are Documentaries.

QnA for 'The Wolfpack' with director Crystal Moselle and Angulo brothers

FILMS 
Black Mass - Scott Cooper
Steve Jobs - Danny Boyke 
Yakuza Apocalypse - Takeshi Miike
Goodnight Mommy - Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala
Sicario - Denis Villeneuve
Straight Outta Compton - F. Gary Grey
The Man from U.N.C.L.E - Guy Ritchie
Maggie - Henry Hobson
Mission Impossible Rouge Nation - Chris McQuarrie
Electric Boogaloo; Story of Canon Films - Mark Hartley
Jurassic World - Colin Trevorrow
Mad Max Fury Road - George Miller 
Cobain: Montage of Heck - Brett Morgen
The Wolfpack - Crystal Moselle

Oh, no Star Wars: The Force Awakens???? Well, yeah. It wasn't the flick I signed up for if I'm honest.

Also, your Revanant's and Hateful Eight's will rock out in January, so I'll bunch them in with 2016 list.

Here's to next year. Hopefully it'll improve. I'm sure it will as a new Shane Black flick is out.

The Wind-down 2015: PART ONE

Howdy.  This turned from just the one month blog to the end of the year one.  So sit back, relax, and I hope I don't bore you to death.

Had a busy arle year so I'll hit you up with what's been going down:

MUSIC VIDZ

Two music videos leathered for this year that I've produced, written, and directed.  A personal record especially from a one-man-band style operation.

Both videos were for the rock band Black Neon Knights for two singles - RISE UP and 'NECROMANCER'

You can read about the production and release of 'Necromaner' HERE and HERE

'RISE UP' is the latest taken from their soon to be released album in February. You can also check out the history HERE

It's a cracking rock tune and I love what the guys are churning out.  The lads were happy with the video as its something unique to the usual rock music video style.

Again, I can't thank all the people involved (see previous BLOGS) enough.  If you ain't caught it, check it out below.

Feedback has been really great. There's a sense of the unexpected with it and you don't really know where the video is going until it goes completely off the rails. Lots of praise for the visuals which was a huge incentive for the project in the first place and something I'm most pleased about.  A lot of time and effort went in to creating the authentic VHS look which, while now a cliched style to use, is often not done in the right way.  Aspect ratios and the colour drain plays a huge part that worked well in offsetting the band footage before opening it up with the full HD footage.

I'm really happy with how it turned out.  Some kind words from Chris Barnes over at SLAUGHTERED BIRD horror site, as well as the nicest's guys in horror Mr Liam 'Banjo' Regan and Andy 'INK' Stewart capped it all off.

Might be small time for some people, but fuck you it's prolific from me (hehe)

Please head over to the FACEBOOK page to check out TONS of behind the scenes photos and concept art. It's a good little insight into the production on how the video became.

NEW WEBSITE

Designed and launched this bad-boy earlier in the year.

Check it out and share for all your music video needs.  Feedback is welcome.

http://www.dereksdontrunfilms.com/

SCRIPT-LIFE

Other personal highlights include actually ranking in a big screenplay competition.

While I do appreciate reaching the semi-final, you have to win it. You don't get anything for 2nd place.  But what it does do it gives you that push to say "Hey, it's not all shite that you're doing" so keep going.

I met one of the finalists, Ben Stiener (director of the multi-award winning short 'The Stomach') and hope it gives him a big push. Really good guy.    

COMFORT ZONE

In addition to the above, I've been dipping my toe is things outside my comfort zone. I'm currently collaborating/helping out with a writer I met on the Creative England course from last year, Rachael Genn.

I've tried to give her a helping hand organising script read-through's with a drama group for her comedy series. In addition to helping her direct a section for a unique pitch video for a installation she's trying to get funding for.

We've worked well together and its been a lot of fun. It's great to collaborate with people like this and remove myself from my own little bubble.  I just hope I don't fuck it up.

So, keep an eye out for my festival travel blog as well as my top films for 2015.

As for 2016?  I've got plans.  The music video gigs should take a step up. The writing should get more of a push. And...well...hopefully get a narrative short off the ground.

Thanks for everyone who's helped out over the year. I met some new friends all on the edge of doing exciting things. Stay tuned and don't forget to holla atcha boy!

See ya on the flip side....Danny.

NEW MUSIC VIDEO RELEASE!!!!!

So, how do we do?

Three months since the last blog update and now I can finally show you all the new music video we've been working on for BLACK NEON KNIGHTS .

Ladies and gents....RISE UP!!!

 


I would like to thank everyone who worked on this and helped out, all listed below.  All talented folks that I'm very grateful to have met and worked with. You're all good eggs.

Rachelle Shaw -
https://twitter.com/RachelleShaw9
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Minnaie/556929171000215?fref=ts
http://minnaie-model.co.uk/

Jayne Hyman -
https://twitter.com/JayneHyman
http://www.jaynehyman.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jayne-Hyman-SFX-Props-Creative-Services/205618286173465?fref=ts

Sarah Walker -
https://twitter.com/SarahWalkerMUA
https://www.facebook.com/SarahWalkerMakeUpArtist

Cheryl Fowler -
https://twitter.com/Chezibabe2014

Chris Earl -
https://twitter.com/Sheff_Nerd

Ed Cartledge
https://www.sortoffilms.com

Rob Speranza
https://www.syfn.org

The Slaughtered Bird (Chris Barnes)
http://theslaughteredbird.com

Had a great screening last night at the Showroom Cinema, Showroom Shorts. Looks great on a big screen to round off the night with some award winning horror short films.

I'll be venturing to this years Celluloid Screams Horror Festival (www.celluloidscreams.com) this weekend also. Should be a fun weekend to catch up with some folks, check out some flicks (GOBLIN!!!). Holla at ya boy if you're around!

See ya on the flip side...Danny

DELAYED THANK YOU'S AND SHIZ

Bonjour!

As you may have gathered, we shot a music video last Saturday!

If you follow most of my silly ramblings on social meeedjah you'll have got all kinds of teaser photos - pre-production, production, and post-production.  All of if very intriguing without giving the whole game away.

As for the shoot itself?  Couldn't have gone any smoother to be fair. From planning and casting to the actual shoot - everything went like a dream.  I'd like to put it down to my meticulous eye for detail...or maybe it was down to knowing what I could/couldn't do and what I could get my hands on. Either way, let me bask in my producer-director glory for a change you judgemental creatures.

Go check out more updates over at the FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM page.  Maybe give them a like too.

It could also be down to the talented cast and crew who seem to feel "safe" working with me in the full understanding that what we're shooting isn't an episode of Rasta Mouse (although I could easily do a nutty version of that).

So I'd just like to say thanks to all involved. Sarah Walker, Jayne Hyman, Cheryl Fowler, Chris Earl, and Rachelle Shaw.   Go give em some love below by following or liking their pages if you'd be so kind.

Rachelle Shaw -
https://twitter.com/RachelleShaw9
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Minnaie/556929171000215?fref=ts
http://minnaie-model.co.uk/

Jayne Hyman -
https://twitter.com/JayneHyman
http://www.jaynehyman.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jayne-Hyman-SFX-Props-Creative-Services/205618286173465?fref=ts

Sarah Walker -
https://twitter.com/SarahWalkerMUA
https://www.facebook.com/SarahWalkerMakeUpArtist

Cheryl Fowler -
https://twitter.com/Chezibabe2014

Chris Earl -
https://twitter.com/Sheff_Nerd

On top of this, not only did we finish a shoot earlier than expected, I happened to dive-bomb on a little get together with some top UK Horror movie-makers who had just hit Sheffield's Horrorcon this year (something I was unable to make due to said video shoot).

Ended up being a great night.  I finally got a chance to sup a few ales with ANDY STEWART, the director of the awesome body horror trilogy - Dysmorphia, Split, and INK.  As you may know, I threw INK in my top films I saw last year HERE - so it was cool to just chat the shit with him and have a bit of a chuckle. Go check out his flicks HERE or on Eli Roth's CRYPT TV pretty soon.

On top of THAT, there was a young buck named LIAM REGAN who also got a severe ear-bashing from yours truly. He's got a new flick on way called BANJO - a UK indie horror flick which is a cross between Troma (and is endorsed by Lloyd Kaufman BTW) and Frank "Basket Case/Frankenhooker" Henenlotter.  Really enjoyed talking to him as we threw our favourite Toxic Avenger 4 quotes at each other.

Check out the TRAILER and show it some love!  It's also good to see Dan Palmer pop up in a few things as I really dug his first movie "Freak Out" years ago!

In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for updates!

See ya on the flip side...Danny

Something out there...and it ain't no man

Howdy, been a few weeks since the last update.

Reason for that? Pre-Production on the new BLACK NEON KNIGHTS music video.

It's gonna be very cool. I'm looking forward to it.

Keep your eyes open for further updates in the next few weeks - pre-production/production shots etc.

Check out the blog for more ramblings here - http://dereksdontrunfilms.blogspot.co.uk/
Check out our previous videos here - http://www.dereksdontrunfilms.com/

Please share and keep sharing!

Meanwhile, check out our previous video for the band below!

See ya on the flip side...Danny

NEW WEBSITEY

Hello neighbourinos, new bit of work popped up.

I've decided to spruce up the Derek's Don't Run Films bandwagon, give it a lick of paint, and smacked it on the arse.

So, up and running is new website for my little music video venture.  I present to you......

WWW.DEREKSDONTRUNFILMS.COM

Feel free to spread the word and throw some feedback at me (which isn't just "that's a bit shit").

In other news, the screening last week mentioned HERE for the band Black Neon nights went very well.  Piccies below

Got a great reception and was good to see it with a crowd.

See ya on the flip side....Danny

SCREENAGE AND STUFF

Howdy peeps.

May kicking in so it must mean SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER time. So far, so average, but plenty of the year left movie-flick wise.

Anyway, back on song. By now you should've already checked out NECROMANCER by BLACK NEON KNIGHTS. If not, why not? Get clicking and share the mofo as much as!

If you're unable to do that because you'd prefer to see it live and with an audience, well then...we've got something lined up just for you.

The good Rob Speranza and the SYFN are screening the video at SHOWROOM SHORTS this Tuesday, 12th May at 8:45PM. More deets HERE.

Should be good as it's their Documentary night, which is usually full of interesting mini-docs made by local filmmakers and around the country. It's free, based in the Showroom bar, kinda a second home now. Come down if you can.

Also, you can now check out Black Neon Knights EP on all ya streaming platforms below:
SPOTIFY
iTUNES
DEEZER

It's been a busy two weeks doing the meet and greet thing. Had the chance to sit down for a Directors talk with Marco Van Belle who has just finished the rather impressive ARTHUR AND MERLIN. It's a fantasy epic that I miss out being one of the Assistant Directors on (yeah, pissed me off).

The film was shot for £200,000 which is mind-blowing to me. All involved just knocked it well out of the park with some bollocks to pull off what they did (it's basically as well made as an episode of Game of Thrones). Anyway, was a great talk. Really told you the home-truths of low budget filmmaking on that scale. Probably one of the best talks I've been too.

Along with that I got to see the new film by Duane Hopkins called BYPASS and met the films producer Samm Haillay. I chewed his ear off after the screening over a beer. Great feller with lots in the pipeline and gave some great advice to keep ploughing on. You may get that luck.

So...get to the screening. If you can't watch below and share people. Share. It.

 

 See ya on the flip side...Danny.

NECROMANCER IS ALIVE!!!!

Well, well, well.   I've been busy. And below is the reason why.

Thanks to Rob Harris, Alice Harris, Dove and Rainbow, the band (Paul, Gareth, Matt, Geoff) and above all my wife Reem.

Give the band some love here -
https://www.facebook.com/therealBNK
https://twitter.com/therealbnk 
https://soundcloud.com/black-neon-knight 
http://www.reverbnation.com/blackneonknights4

I hope you watch, share, and above all enjoy. It's been a breeze to work on really.

PLAY LOUD!


 

 See ya on the flip side...Danny.

BLASTAGE 2015

Okey dokey pig in a pokey, first post of 2015.

So what's kickin' off?  Couple o' things.

Starting straight off with basing out a new music video for the Liverpool based rock band BLACK NEON KNIGHTS

Massive fan of these just as they're starting out.  Very much a hard-rock, metal band in the mould of Alice in Chains and Black Sabbath with some belting songs.

They were doing a gig nearby so I offered up some services to knock up a music video and work some magic.  With the help of my trusted DoP Rob Harris and his lovely wife Alice, we did my first live gig shoot.

We went all out and had a surprisingly good time.  3 camera set-up, plenty of coverage, complete freedom.  Footage looks great especially when you're not in complete control of these types of shoots.
It's gonna keep me busy for the next few months.

Meanwhile, go check out some of the Black Neon Knights TUNES and give 'em some love on FACEBOOK.

And speaking about the next few months....A new website should be up and running to pimp out my music video wares.  Hopin' it will generate some work and more adventures down the line.

In other news, I directed a music video for the band BRAVER THAN FICTION last year. This weekend I was told that the awesome lead singer Mel Lampro was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma. This is a cancer that attacks the immune system.

Mel is currently recovering well at home and I hope she makes a full recovery.  Go here to find out more information about it HERE.

See ya on the flip side....Danny.