STAR STUDDED SECOND EDITION OF THE LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL DELIVERS ON AMBITIOUS PROMISE – NOW A SERIOUS CONTENDER AS EUROPE’S LEADING CELEBRATION OF GENRE FILM AND TV
Daniel Craig, Christopher Nolan, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, J.J. Abrams and Liam Neeson led a host of high-profile tributes to Moving Target Award winners Martin Campbell (Director: Casino Royale, Goldeneye, The Mask of Zorro) and Chris Corbould OBE (Special Effects Supervisor Inception, The Dark Knight, Casino Royale).
Kit Harington surprised fans at special Game of Thrones screening event, taking to the stage to showcase his impressive sword fighting skills.
Hollywood stars Wendell Pierce (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan), Scott Adkins (John Wick Chapter 4) and Mark Dacascos (John Wick Chapter 3) shared behind the scenes secrets from some of the biggest action franchises.
Insightful discussions featuring writer/director Nia DaCosta and actors Amita Suman and Priya Kansara highlighting the exceptional work of women in the traditionally male-dominated action genre.
Major exhibition on “The Incredible World of Spy-Fi” with original props, gadgets and other rare artefacts dazzled audiences on its first ever appearance in the UK.
[LONDON – Wednesday 28th June 2023] THE LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL returned for a blockbuster second edition with film and TV fans spoilt for choice over a five-day celebration that took in an epic
A-Z of action with everything from the writing behind All Quiet on The Western Front to the Festival’s
“Moving Target Award” recipient, Martin Campbell and his masterful direction of The Mask of Zorro. An incredible array of talent, both in front of and behind the camera, headed to locations across Kensington, to offer their exclusive insights into the making of some of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world, including, John Wick, Mission Impossible, James Bond, Fast and Furious, Game of Thrones and Marvel.
Support for the Festival in only its second year from Amazon Prime Video, Disney, eOne, HBO, Lionsgate, Netflix, Paramount, Universal and Warner Bros amongst others showed industry confidence in the Festival’s growth potential and unique approach to building exclusive events.
The festival “blew the bloody doors off” with a celebratory opening night screening of British classic The Italian Job, which featured a fascinating Q&A with people connected with the film and a fan- delighting live appearance from the iconic Minis. The packed-out auditorium had over 600 people wearing the England flag as they sang the Quincy Jones and Don Black “Get A Bloomin’ Move On” from the film’s iconic score – with a video garnering mass support online.
This was followed by a full schedule of exclusive screenings, panel discussions, talent appearances and Q&As.
Talent in attendance included Wendell Pierce (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan), Scott Adkins (John Wick Chapter 4), Mark Dacascos (John Wick Chapter 3), Andrew Koji (Warrior) and a very special surprise appearance from Kit Harington who delighted audiences by taking to the stage following a big screen showing of the Battle of the Bastards episode from Game of Thrones. Harington clearly enjoyed seeing the TV show on a cinematic scale, participating in an energetic Q&A alongside director Miguel Sapochnik, cinematographer Fabian Wagner and editor Tim Porter which even saw Harington demonstrating his sword fighting skills with a microphone, much to the joy of the audience in the packed auditorium.
A major highlight of the festival was a celebratory night at the second annual Moving Target Awards, which in 2023 honoured legendary action director Martin Campbell (the only director to have successfully re-booted the James Bond franchise twice with much speculation as to whether he’ll make that a hat trick) and Special Effects Supervisor Chris Corbould OBE. A series of A-list messages to the winners was led by a magnificent tribute from Daniel Craig who worked with both on Casino Royale and described the winners as “two people who have had a major influence on my career”.
On Martin Campbell, Daniel Craig said, “knowing that you were steering the ship [on Casino Royale] gave me tremendous confidence and I have so much to thank you for. I have tried to take that on in the movies I have made since I’m incredibly proud of the film we made together. Discussing his experience working with Corbould across several Bond films, Craig added with a laugh, “And Chris... I don’t know what to say. You have blown me up, you’ve set me on fire...but what has been incredible working with you is to have had the privilege of getting inside your imagination... I will never ever forget that”.
Other highlights of the event programme included masterclasses with renowned showrunner Jed Mercurio (Bodyguard, Line of Duty), BAFTA winning writer Lesley Paterson (All Quiet on the Western Front), the legendary Steven E. de Souza (Die Hard, Commando, 48 Hours) director Gareth Evans (The Raid, The Raid 2) and composer Natalie Holt (Loki) amongst others. Audiences were also treated to a Masterclass from Academy Award-winning Special Effects Supervisor Chris Corbould, and a powerhouse panel of the best editors in the business with Top Gun: Maverick and Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One editor Eddie Hamilton, John Wick 4’s Nathan Orloff and Game of Thrones’ Tim Porter delivering a fascinating insight into how films really are made in the editing room and sharing exclusive material that could only be seen in the room.
With the support of Prime Video, the Festival was delighted to host a Special Screening of the first two episodes of Season 4 of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan which was followed by an engaging Q&A with Wendell Pierce who plays James Greer in the series.
Celebrating the premium home entertainment release by Universal Home Entertainment of Fast X, the latest film in the Fast and Furious franchise, the Festival had an exciting double bill that looked at the incredible car stunts across the franchise as well as the cutting-edge Visual Effects used on Fast X from some of the best effects houses in the business.
As part of the celebration of Warner Bros 100th anniversary, the Festival hosted a 50th anniversary screening of the iconic Enter The Dragon, featuring a specially recorded introduction by Bruce Lee’s daughter, Shannon Lee, followed by a panel discussing Bruce Lee’s legacy that included Warrior star Andrew Koji.
Action is a genre where we can celebrate the villains as well as the heroes. In association with Lionsgate the Festival brought together Mark Dacascos (John Wick Chapter 3) and Scott Adkins (John Wick Chapter 4) for a packed, anecdote-filled session about the roles as the villains of John Wick.
The Festival included a focus on the contribution of women to the action genre, a genre that has traditionally been male dominated. Sessions include The Marvels director Nia DaCosta sharing her experience of talking the helm on one of the biggest franchises in the world, and a panel featuring Priya Kansara (Polite Society) and Amita Suman (Shadow and Bone), hosted by the Festival’s cultural curator Ashanti Omkar.
In addition to screenings and panel discussions, the London Action Festival also expanded in its second year with the UK premiere of author, film-maker and spy-fiction specialist Danny Biederman’s exhibition, The Incredible World of SPY-fi. Featuring an unrivalled collection of props, costumes, original gadgetry and memorabilia from some of the leading action films and TV shows of all time, attendees at the festival were able to explore the exhibition all weekend. The exhibition was a huge hit with fans of all ages.
Festival founders Ron Fogelman and Julian Alcantara commended on the festival’s success:
“Whether it was having hundreds of people singing a belated Happy Birthday to Sir Michael Caine, Kit Harrington’s surprise appearance delighting attendees, Scott Adkins and Mark Dacascos’s wonderful double act, three great directors discussing their favourite action set pieces and so much more, LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL 2023 proved it really is a serious contender as Europe’s leading celebration of genre film and tv. We were delighted to once again be surrounded by icons from the genre and create an action-packed, informative and, most importantly, fun experience for all attendees. We’ll be back...”
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Screening with Music and Panels including author Matthew Field and special guests
Loaded with sixties swagger, endlessly quotable dialogue and one of the most impressive car chases in movie history, The Italian Job (1969) is the ultimate celebration of “Cool Britannia”. Relive those iconic Mini car-chases, sing-along to the Self Preservation Society, and join a Q&A with Matthew Field, author of the definitive book on the making of one of Britain’s greatest action films and special guests to be announced.
Now it’s your chance to see all those iconic Minis on the big screen - sing-a-long with the Self Preservation Society, hear one of Quincy Jones finest scores performed live by acclaimed pianist, composer and musical director Peter Edwards and his Jazz Trio and join us in a Q&A with Matthew Field author of the definitive book on the making of one of Britain’s greatest action films with special guests to be announced.
Tickets at £22.50 can be purchased from the link below:
Saturday, Sunday and Full Weekend Day Passes holders are entitled to a 15% discount (subject to availability).
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Part 1: Director Showcase: In Conversation with Writer/Director Nia DaCosta * [Awaiting Clearance]
Thursday June 22nd 7.00pm @ Imperial College – Clore Lecture Theatre
In association with the Imperial College Film Society. The London Action Festival welcomes acclaimed director Nia DaCosta for a Masterclass on Film Direction. Nia is a writer/director from New York City. Her debut feature film, LITTLE WOODS, a complex family drama, made its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival and won the Nora Ephron Award for ‘spirited and bold’ storytelling. In 2021, CANDYMAN, a new retelling of the horror classic produced by Jordan Peele, had a spectacular opening weekend making history in the process, with Nia becoming the first Black female director to debut at No. 1 at the U.S. box office. Her latest film THE MARVELS for Marvel Studios, with Brie Larson returning as Captain Marvel, opens in November this year.
• All ticket holders to the special one-off performance of Yippee Ki Yay will also gain free entry to the Director Showcase: In Conversation with Writer/Director Nia Da Costa event on the same evening and located very close to each other.
On joining the Festival line-up, Nia DaCosta said: “I heard great things about what the London Action Festival team pulled off last year and look forward to being a part of it later this month. Bringing industry, talent and most importantly audiences together to celebrate our work this way is important. I value this opportunity to share my experiences of working as a writer/director with audiences who have such passion and really care about what we do.”
Part 2: LIVE PERFORMACE: ‘YIPPEE KI YAY’ by Richard Marsh presented by James Seabright.
Thursday June 22nd 9.30pm @ The Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall
This joyful and extremely funny show is a very special London Action Festival one-off performance (with an added twist!) following rave reviews for its premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe, which also won it a London transfer.
Acclaimed retelling of classic film DIE HARD from Richard Marsh – Fringe First-Winner, London poetry slam champion, BBC Audio Drama Best Scripted Comedy Drama award-winner and New York cop (one of these is untrue).
When gunmen seize an LA skyscraper, off duty policeman John McClane is the hostages’ only hope. This uplifting action romp (and unauthorised parody) pays affectionate tribute to the iconic 80’s festive fan favourite. Essential viewing for Hans Gruber superfans and newcomers alike. Content warning: divorce, foot trauma, German terrorists.
Bonus Event: What happens when Richard Marsh, who wrote and performs the show, meets the screenwriter of his most beloved movie for the first time. Find out when Richard meets the legendary Steven E. de Souza live on stage after his performance.
Tickets at £33.00 can be purchased from the Royal Albert Hall, Box Office
Saturday, Sunday and Full Weekend Day Passes holders are entitled to a 15% discount (subject to availability).
*All ticket holders to this special one-off performance will also gain free entry to the Director Showcase: In Conversation with Writer/Director Nia DaCosta event on the same evening and located very close to each other.
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The London Action Festival was pleased to announce today the initial “Moving Target Award” winners’ for 2023, to be honoured at the London Action Festival’s very own entertainment spectacular - the “Friday Night Showdown”, which returns after a sell-out success last year.
Special Guests announced so far to be honoured for their Outstanding Contributions to Action Film & TV include:
• For Direction: Martin Campbell, who directed the debuts of both Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan as James Bond in CASINO ROYALE and GOLDENEYE as well as the Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated THE MASK OF ZORRO, has certainly proven he knows how to entertain an audience throughout his career. He is a BAFTA-winner for the groundbreaking BBC-TV Series EDGE OF DARKNESS and was nominated again for CASINO ROYALE.
• For Special Effects: Chris Corbould OBE is an Academy-Award and BAFTA winning Special Effects Supervisor with an incredible body of work that takes in 15 entries in the “James Bond” franchise including NO TIME TO DIE, as well as Christopher Nolan’s BATMAN trilogy, INCEPTION and STAR WARS: EPISODE VII - THE FORCE AWAKENS.
Comedian Bennett Arron ("a Welsh Seinfeld" - The Guardian) hosts this unforgettable celebration of all things action that combines comedy, magic, music, even a game show along with in depth profiles and interviews of special guests being honoured with this year’s “Moving Target Awards”.
Bennett will also be joined by award-winning magician Nick Einhorn and together they will dazzle and confound the audience with action-themed illusions.
Peter Edwards, pianist, composer and musical director whose guileless, soulful music full of emphatic chording, Latin grooves and romantic, cinematic themes’ (The Guardian) performs.
This live event is produced with Maria Giacchino who is also a member of the Advisory Board of the London Action Festival.
Tickets at £27.50 can be purchased from the link below:
Click Here
Saturday, Sunday and Full Weekend Day Passes holders are entitled to a 15% discount (subject to availability).
ADDITIONAL MAIN WEEKEND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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NEW: A Cut Above The Rest – The Editors Tale with Nathan Orloff and others to be announced.
A showcase on the work and discussion with some of the best editors in the business. With special guest Nathan Orloff (editor on JOHN WICK CHAPTER 4) and others to be announced. It’s often said that great Films and TV Shows are made in the editing room. This is your chance to find out why.
NEW: Doing it for Real: The Chris Corbould Masterclass - A Life in Special Effects.
BAFTA and Academy Award winner Corbould delivers a masterclass charting his 40-year career. Known for working on 15 Bond films from THE SPY WHO LOVED ME to NO TIME TO DIE, STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, THE LAST JEDI, THE DARK KNIGHT and INCEPTION. He currently holds the Guinness World Record for the "Largest film stunt explosion" for his work on NO TIME TO DIE.
UPDATED: Cry Havoc – The Making of a Battle - “Battle of the Bastards” screening plus Q&A with Director Miguel Sapochnik and others
The London Action Festival is delighted to bring the award-winning episode that many consider the best of the entire GAME OF THRONES series to the Big Screen. Followed by a Q&A with its multiple Emmy Award winning Director, Miguel Sapochnik, Editor, Tim Porter and other Special Guests to be announced.
UPDATED: Anatomy Of A Set Piece - with Gareth Evans, Martin Campbell & Neil Marshall
Previously announced Gareth Evans (THE RAID, THE RAID 2) will be joined by Martin Campbell, this year’s “Moving Target Award” winner for Outstanding Contribution to Action in Film & TV (CASINO ROYALE, GOLDENEYE and THE MASK OF ZORRO), and Neil Marshall (Emmy-nominated Director of DOG SOLDIERS, THE DESCENT and GAME OF THRONES).
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NEW: THE MASK OF ZORRO - 25th Anniversary Screening and Q&A with Director Martin Campbell
In 1998, Martin Campbell brought the masked vigilante back to life with Antonio Banderas taking up the mantle of the bold renegade, joined by Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The screening of the Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominated film will be followed by a Q&A.
NEW: ENTER THE DRAGON – Special 50th Anniversary Screening Plus Special Panel Event
ENTER THE DRAGON celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and is considered one of the most influential action films of all time, with its success contributing to mainstream worldwide interest in martial arts. Released shortly after Bruce Lee’s untimely death in 1973 the film is directed by Robert Clouse, written by Michael Allin, and starring Bruce Lee, John Saxon and Jim Kelly. It was Lee's final completed film appearance.
The London Action Festival will explore the legacy of Bruce Lee with a special panel event with Mike Fury (journalist, author and acknowledged expert in martial arts cinema, he has written extensively on the subject which ultimately led him to conceive the successful book series, Life of Action) and other special guests to be announced.
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What additional programming has already been announced for the main weekend at THE LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL 2023 and what will a ticket include?
THE LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL has already announced a first round of programming for the Main Weekend of the 2023 Festival as follows (listed in alphabetical order and with the latest updates):
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Last year’s popular panel returns with leading directors from Film & TV discussing their favourite action set pieces that inspire them. Already confirmed for this year is:
• Gareth Evans (THE RAID, THE RAID 2 and the hotly anticipated HAVOC starring Tom Hardy)
• Martin Campbell, this year’s “Moving Target Award” winner for Outstanding Contribution to Action in Film & TV for Direction (CASINO ROYALE, GOLDENEYE and THE MASK OF ZORRO) and
• Neil Marshall (Emmy-nominated Director of DOG SOLDIERS, THE DESCENT and GAME OF THRONES).
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In association with World Productions. As the multi-award-winning ratings juggernaut BODYGUARD celebrates its 5th anniversary, Writer and Executive Producer Jed Mercurio (LINE OF DUTY, BODIES) explores the work of a Showrunner in its creation and production.
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presented in association The British Stunt Register: Renowned stunt professionals who have been behind the wheels of some of the fastest and most furious cars on screen discuss their adrenaline-fueled careers including moments from their work. Den of Geek will be presenting the Top #5 Car Stunts as voted for by their online audience.
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Courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery: New for 2023, THE LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL brings together key members of the production team that have created one of the most memorable battle scenes ever seen on our screens. Following a Big Screen outing for this full legendary episode we will find out what it took to bring this monumental piece of action to life with multi-Emmy Award winning Director Miguel Sapochnik and Editor Tim Porter with more special guests to be announced.
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The breathtaking Indonesian action thriller written, directed and edited by the Welsh action virtuoso filmmaker Gareth Evans. Like Evans’ previous films MERANTAU and THE RAID, the fight scenes showcase the extraordinary Indonesian fighting style of pencak silat. Gareth will join us for a Q&A on the film, his career and what’s next with Netflix's upcoming action epic HAVOC starring Tom Hardy.
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In association with Lionsgate, THE LONDON ACTION FESTICAL extends the privileges of The Continental to two very special guests; Mark Dacascos (Zero in JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM) and Scott Adkins (Killa in JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4) – two of the most memorable villains from across the $1 billion worldwide box office smash-hit “John Wick” franchise. What does it take to take on Mr. Wick? Find out in this compelling panel event as we look at the making of those films and explore highlights from Mark and Scott’s award-winning careers.
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Presented by Danny Biederman, Action Festival Holdings and Nomad Exhibitions: A UK first, Danny Biederman author, filmmaker, and internationally recognised expert on pop spy fiction - has amassed the ultimate collection of props, costumes, original gadgetry, production notes and memorabilia from some of the leading Action franchises of all time. Unique items from MISSION IMPOSSIBLE and James Bond to Britain’s own hit Spy show The Avengers will be displayed and available to Festival Day Pass holders – the exhibit is only in the UK for 2 days.
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Fiendish masterminds Dick Fiddy and Martin Coxhead pit their command of trivia against both audiences and two expert teams in a Film and TV Game Show. It’s fingers on the buzzers time. Audiences should be prepared for a pop quiz challenge from co-host, Author Marshall Julius, with prizes up for grabs.
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Multi-award-winning Natalie Holt joins us to deconstruct the modern film score during a masterclass on music, the tools at composer’s disposal and delving into the score to Marvel’s acclaimed series LOKI.
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Lesley Paterson, BAFTA Award Winner and Oscar Nominee for the remarkable ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT and Steven E. de Souza screenwriter of DIE HARD, COMMANDO and THE RUNNING MAN will be in discussion on how action and suspense is first conceived on the page to bring a film or TV show to life on screen
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A Special Screening of COMMANDO, the film that proved Arnold Schwarzenegger was more than just a “Terminator”, is presented on the big screen followed by a lively Q&A with legendary writer Steven E. de Souza discussing the film, his work with Arnold, DIE HARD and his high-octane career.
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Where will THE LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL 2023 take place?
This year’s programme of events will take place across three prestigious locations in and around South and High Street Kensington, London, for a campus-style experience:
The Science Museum’s Illuminate, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, SW7 2DD
The Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, South Kensington, SW7 2AR
The Kensington Conference & Events Centre, Kensington Town Hall, Hornton St, W8 7NX
How much are tickets to THE LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL 2023?
There are multiple ticket options available with Day and Weekend passes offering excellent value for money:
Special Evening Events on Wednesday June 21st, Thursday June 22nd and Friday June 23rd are individually tickets events (see above) with limited seating available. Saturday, Sunday and Full Weekend Day Passes holders are entitled to a 15% discount (subject to availability).
Weekend Day Passes: Includes unique access to an unforgettable day and evening of events and experiences on Saturday June 24th or Sunday June 25th at £29.99 per day with a 10% Early Bird discount offer.
Full Weekend Passes: Two whole days of action-packed events and entertainment for an unbeatable price of £49.99 for the first 100 customers.
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Festival Co-Directors Julian Alcantara and Ron Fogelman said of the 2023 festival: ‘“THE LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL is back and bolder this year, once again championing the incredible talent both in front of and behind the camera. With exciting events already confirmed and more to be announced, festival-goers will be able to immerse themselves in all things Action. 2023 is shaping up to be a stellar year of Action with the global box office already dominated by the genre, we can’t wait to welcome new and returning fans to celebrate all things action again”.
The LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL is co-founded by Julian Alcantara and Ron Fogelman along with financiers Lee Vandermolen (serving as Chairman) and Stewart Peter. The Advisory Board includes Colin Burrows, Maria Giacchino, Ian Nathan and Den of Geek’s Mike Cecchini and Chris Longo.
Den of Geek is the event’s Senior Media Sponsor with design services from Secret Origin Studios, A Den of Geek Company.
Preferred credit: THE LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL runs from Wednesday 21st – Sunday 25th June. Tickets are on sales now via the website HERE.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
About THE LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL:
Founded by Julian Alcantara, Ron Fogelman and Lee Vandermolen in 2022 THE LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL is a world class Film & TV Festival dedicated to all things Action, a celebration of the skills, creativity, talent and bravery required to create the world’s most exciting content across both Film and TV.
The festival holds the annual Moving Target Awards during the festival awarding outstanding contributions to the world of Action Films & TV.The festival holds the annual Moving Target Awards during the festival awarding outstanding contributions to the world of Action Films & TV.
About Julian Alcantara - Festival Co-Director / Founder
Julian is a producer with over 20 years of experience in the film industry and a specialist adviser when it comes to China, India and Middle East deal-making. Based in the UK, Julian has been an adviser to the Shanghai & Mumbai International Film Festivals and put together the first Mauritius Film Festival, which has inspired him to work on an Action themed event here in the UK.
About Ron Fogelman - Festival Co-Director / Founder
Ron is a producer, writer and executive working across both the creative and commercial sides of the entertainment industry. He is Special Advisor and Executive Producer for Den of Geek. Ron lead produced the stage production of The Twilight Zone based on the acclaimed CBS television series and directed by 8 times Olivier-winner Richard Jones. The show received its World Premiere at London’s prestigious Almeida Theatre. After a sell-out run it had a successful season in London’s West End at the Ambassadors and will make its debut in North America next year.
About Lee Vandermolen – Chairman / Founder
Lee started financing media projects after having been a commodities and bond trader in The City (London). He has financed media projects that include amongst others Sin City 2, Chef, 47 Meters Down, Midway and Kajaki. He was an investor and Associate Producer on the West End Theatre show The Twilight Zone.
About Stewart Peter – Director / Founder
Stewart has spent 25 years as a Senior Executive specializing in commercial and financial management in the commodities and industrial sector and more than 10 years financing media projects, including amongst others Sin City 2, In the Blood, Crooked House, A Street Cat Named Bob, Dark Matter and Kajaki.