RELEASES
2022
The Ballad Of Bessie Mae
dir. Oliver Guy-Watkins
The Ballad of Bessie Mae is about escapism. It’s a space where adults can play and create worlds that appease their imagination. Taking them away from the everyday and putting them into characters and environments they have composed. Allowing for a sense of freedom.
A documentary following Nicole & Chris as they embark on a project to set up their own LARP (Live Action Role Play) site and stage games they have written themselves. An investigation into the dedication, community and artistry it takes to turn a past time into a lifestyle.
Screened at Romford Film Festival 2023 / Central Scotland Documentary Festival 2022
2021
dir. Oliver Guy-Watkins (78 mins)
From playing Frank Longbottom in Harry Potter to Adolf Hitler in Captain America, as well as standing in for Anthony Hopkins and Jude Law; James Payton has been part of the British Film Industry for the best part of 20 years. Yet he is still largely unknown.
Director Oliver Guy-Watkins followed James for a year as he attended Comic Cons, taught wizardry skills to children and was cast as Tony Blair in the Nick Moran helmed film Creation Stories.
This is a story of fandom, loneliness and perseverance, that plays with the boundaries of reality and fiction, but do we find out Who Is James Payton?
Available on demand Foxtel Australia until end 2023 / Visions Du Reel Film Market 2021 / Jury Award – Central Scotland Documentary Festival / Audience Award Best Documentary – Romford Film Festival / Angry Imp – Indie Lincs / Best Documentary White Deer Film Festival / Best Documentary – Scotland International Festival of Cinema / Best Documentary – Unrestricted View Film Festival.
2019
dir. Oliver Guy-Watkins (60 mins)
In this documentary, director Oliver Guy-Watkins reflects on his 20-year love affair with London by asking how the rapid pace of redevelopment is affecting the creatives and communities that are the city’s backbone. Featuring interviews with 40 contributors including Rhoda Dakar, Becky Tong, Kojey Radical, Liv Little, Jamz Supernova, Pallas Citreon and Frank Turner.
Best Documentary at Brighton Rocks Film Festival / available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime / Broadcast on London Live in the UK and Sky Arts in New Zealand
2018
dir. Oliver Guy-Watkins (55mins)
A documentary following artist Martin Firrell as he marks the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act in the UK, which legalised homosexual sex in the UK. Firrell asks a number of organisations to question their gender representation which culminates in a public artwork across England.
Selected for Visions Du Reel 2018, and screened on Sky Arts in New Zealand. Coming to Amazon Prime – Fall 2020
IN PRODUCTION
2023
Being Herman ten Kate
dir. Oliver Guy-Watkins.
A documentary following the life of Herman ten Kate, a man who had a severe stroke 7 years ago and who has shown unparalleled determination to adapt to his new life. Once an accomplished mathematician, painter and lecturer, he is now limited by both his body and his mind. This film shows how his family have provided a backbone for him to live his life to the fullest, and how the worst situations can still provide a life of hope and positivity. Coming end 2023
2025
dir. Oliver Guy-Watkins
A performance film and documentary looking at the career of James Stout, a Principal Dansuer with the Dutch National Ballet. The collaborative performance film will be exhibited in Amsterdam and Vancouver in 2021/22 with the documentary continuing to shoot until 2024/25. A film about the balance of performing at the peak of your abilities whilst recognising that your craft is time limited.
Coming 2025