George Clarke (filmmaker)
George Clarke is a film director from Northern Ireland. He started his company Yellow Fever Productions Ltd, in October 2007, making his first film Battle of the Bone (aka Zombie Wars: Battle of the Bone) in 2008. Battle of the Bone is about a Zombie attack on Belfast. The film won the Audience Choice award at the Freak Show Film Festival in Orlando, 2008.
In 2009, Clarke made his second micro-budget film, The Knackery (aka Zombie Games: The Knackery).
In October 2010, Clarke received world wide media attention when he uploaded a video clip entitled "Chaplin's Time Traveler" to YouTube. The clip analyzes bonus material in a DVD of the Charlie Chaplin film The Circus. Included in the DVD is footage from the film's Los Angeles premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in 1928. At one point, a woman is seen walking by, holding up an object to her ear, which appeared to be a cell phone.[1] The clip has sparked much debate and speculation regarding the true identity of the device.
In 2011, Clarke moved on from his usual 'Zombie' genre to create a ghost story based on true events, called The Last Light. Filmed in the ruins of Cairndhu House, a mansion built for Mr Stewart Clark in 1878 located on the coast of County Antrim. The house was later purchased by Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon in 1918. The house is reputedly haunted and it is reported that the cast and crew experienced chilling occurrences while filming. [2][3]
Robert Render, won Best Actor at the Freak Show Horror Film Festival for his leading role in The Last Light.
In 2012, Clarke's fourth feature film was a Clown inspired horror/comedy called Splash Area. Director Albert Pyun stated that the film was “Relentlessly fun and surprising tense… Outstanding performances and imaginative direction make Splash Area unique and exceptional!”.[4] Splash Area was awarded 'Best SFX' and the 'Jury's Choice' Awards at the Freak Show Horror Film Festival in Florida, USA.
In 2012, all four of Clarke's feature films were released on DVD and VOD in North America, by Eagle One Media.
In 2013, Clarke, for a moment, stepped away from Horror, to film Onus. A thriller filmed in Norway and Northern Ireland. In 2014 Onus screened at the Silver Springs Film Festival, in Florida where it was nominated for Best Feature. Onus is due to be released by Left Films DVD and VOD throughout the UK, Ireland and Australia in June 2016.
Clarke's 6th feature 'The Blood Harvest' won two awards at the 2015 Freak Show Horror Film Festival in Florida. Clarke's leading actor Robert Render won Best Actor for his role as Jack Chaplin and the second award was Best SFX, which was accepted by Clarke, on behalf of his special effects make-up team lead by Rachel C. Johnston and Connie McGrath. The film was later released on DVD and VOD throughout the UK and Ireland on 25 January 2016 by Left Films.[5] The Blood Harvest has also been selected to be released on DVD and VOD in North America, Australia and selected European Countries with release late 2016.
References
- ^ ABC News. "'Time Traveler' in 1928 Charlie Chaplin Film?". ABC News.
- ^ James Gracey. "Behind the Couch: Getting Darker: The Making Of 'The Last Light'". watchinghorrorfilmsfrombehindthecouch.blogspot.co.uk.
- ^ "Lord Belmont in Northern Ireland". lordbelmontinnorthernireland.blogspot.co.uk.
- ^ "Paranormal Pop Culture: 'Splash Area: Night of the Freaks' Coming to DVD and Digital Media". paranormalpopculture.com.
- ^ http://www.yellowfeverproductions.com/inproduction.htm