Robert

Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc.,U.S. (15 Nov 2007)
(Amazon.com lists the publication for 2008, but McFarland's own website suggests a winter 2007 release)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0786432977
ISBN-13: 978-0786432974

Stanley Kubrick: Essays on His Life and Legacy

I contributed the closing essay to this new anthology (due to be published in November 2007) on the work of Stanley Kubrick, edited by scholar Gary D. Rhodes. The essay focuses on the myths and perceptions surrounding the public and private image of Stanley Kubrick. I'm delighted and excited by my inclusion in the book alongside 16 other splendid scholarly essays investigating Kubrick's lengthy and brilliant career.

The Old Dark House : The Unofficial and Unauthorised Guide to Hammer Films
Telos Publishing will be releasing my book (probably in 2008, assuming I can ever finish it!) to tie in with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the commencement of Hammer's gothic horror films. Written by the editor of The Unofficial Hammer Films Site , the book is the culmination of several years research and viewing. It promises a complete chronological guide to every single Hammer film from The Public Life of Henry the Ninth in 1935 through to the present day, and the story of the company behind the films.
Complimented with many illustrations, including production stills, poster artwork, previously unpublished work and specially commissioned brand new photographs. This book will present the reader with a considered objective account of the rise and fall of the independant British film company, including a comprehensive index and biographical information on the stars and crew.
Email me for further information, and to be added to the update list at [email protected]

About me
Invariably I'm trying to do too many things at once - I can't seem to work unless there's some sort of pressure. Helps the creative juices flow... I'm completely in agreement with Douglas Adams - "I love deadlines... I love the whooshing noise they make as they go past...."

I was born on the outskirts of East Belfast, educated at Campbell College and spent my life in Northern Ireland - I currently live a few miles away in sleepy Newtownards. From an early age I took a keen interest in literary pursuits and artistic endeavours. During my teenage years I took a keen interest in photography and film which has stayed with me. I gained a BA in Film Studies from Queen's University under Sam Rohdie, and in 2006 gained my Masters degree in Film and Visual Studies at the same institution. I'm currently working on a couple of book projects before embarking on a PhD.

My primary research/interest areas are British cinema, Horror cinema, Italian and French cinemas. Next year Intellect Books are launching the Journal of Horror Studies - an academic journal which I conceived, and will be editing along with Tony Earnshaw, Steffen Hantke, Reynold Humphries, and Gary Rhodes. The journal itself will fill an under-researched void in academia, and should feature some of the best work by international academics not only on the horror genre, but also the theme.

I love film - films of all types and ages. Its great as both an art form, and as escapist entertainment. A stimulating distraction. I can't abide critics who don't create though - and I've a great interest in making films as well as watching them. Over the years I've worked on amateur and professional shoots, as everything from runner, camera assistant, editor, lighting cameraman, director, writer and actor. The one thing I know I shouldn't do is to direct my own scripts - I'm much happier shooting someone else's material, and I'm led to believe I'm a good cameraman. I do miss performing though, and look forward to doing more in the future - nothing quite beats the buzz of working on stage, or in front of a camera.

Hammer Films
In 1999 I launched the Unofficial Hammer Films Site , and still edit and write for it today. Hammer were the most successful independent British film company of all time, and are perhaps best known for the slate of horror films they produced in the 1950s and 60s starring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. I've written about the films as a fan and as an academic. Next year will hopefully see the publication of my book The Unofficial and Unauthorized Guide to Hammer Films from Telos - a comprehensive historical/critical book appraising the entire history of the company to the present. Message me for more information.

In 2007 I devised a programme for the Institute of Lifelong Learning at Queen's University Belfast on Hammer Horror and the British Film, an evening course which would use Hammer horror cinema as an inroad into basic film studies, and a wider appreciation of film production and marketing.

Publications
My articles have also appeared in The Vacuum, Hammered, Little Shoppe of Horrors, and The Cushing Courier amongst others. More recent academic work includes conference papers on The Descent and The Wicker Man. Hammer and horror, aren't my life, but they've grown to make up a very important part of it - taking over much of my personal and professional lives. Thankfully, I've made some fantastic friends along the way, and its still fun to be part of.

Freelancer
At present I'm splitting my time between academic pursuits, and the commercial necessity of freelance work. This has included stints with production companies as a camera assistant, photography and writing. I've acted as an uncredited consultant on a number of DVD projects; a dvd/film reviewer (I've done my time... when can I get a paid column?!); editor; spokesperson and occasional "expert for hire".

Other Pursuits
When not working I still photograph and write regularly, and I try to take the time to sketch, paint, read and listen to music (mostly jazz when trying to unwind). I've a great interest in history and archaeology (I took archaeology during my first year at Queen's) - for years painting the ancient megaliths of Ireland and France. There's nothing more satisfying than travelling around the countryside visiting old castles, monuments and gazing at crumbling architecture.... (well, let's just say I find it relaxing).
I've developed a real affection for Paris in the last couple of years, and I now try to visit at least twice each year. Its a beautiful city, with a great sense of history and creativity.

Future Plans
Next year sees the publication of the journal and book. I'm also slowly working on a novel - itself spawned from the short film and stage plays I wrote and directed as a teenager. Although I'm fast of the opinion that an audio format might be the best way to realise those stories.
As of September 2007 I'm working on a new radio series project that I hope will see production next year.
Northern Ireland holds little promise for me, and I do plan to move away eventually. The debate continues as to where though - Dublin, Paris or Brighton seem the most attractive at the moment....