Tim Burton
Deep Fusion Films has started production on a new Sky Original, a feature documentary commissioned to celebrate Hammer Films' 90th anniversary in November. "Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters", ordered by Sky head of co-production Jack Oliver and produced in association with Hammer Films, will TX in November 2024, timed to coincide with the month that the legendary UK film production company was founded by comedian and businessman William Hinds in November 1934.
The 90-minute documentary, helmed by Deep Fusion’s co-founder Benjamin Field, will track Hammer Films’ progression from a back office in London’s Regent Street to its iconic status in the horror-film universe. The film is executive-produced by Hammer Films CEO, John Gore with all international rights outside of the UK to be managed by Hammer Films.
Benjamin Field, co-founder of Deep Fusion Films, said: “Hammer Films has a rich and storied history that has captivated audiences for decades. 'Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters' aims to honour and celebrate that legacy and provide an insightful, entertaining experience for both long-time fans of horror, as well as new converts to the genre. And we couldn’t hope for better partners on this journey into the bloody heart of horror than Sky and Hammer Films.”
Filming on "Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters" has started this month in three separate locations and sets based on cult classics such as "The Quatermass Xperiment" (1955), "Dracula" (1958) and "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957).
Phil Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts, said: “At Sky Arts we’re all about bringing legends to the screen, and we couldn’t be happier to be sharing the thrills and chills of Hammer’s trailblazing work in gothic horror with our audiences. Prepare for demons, vampires, mummies and perhaps the odd abominable snowman too…”
John Gore, Chair and CEO of Hammer Films, and executive producer of the documentary continues: “As a lifelong fan of Hammer Films, I am incredibly proud to celebrate our 90th anniversary with this remarkable, insightful and celebratory documentary. 'Heroes, Legends and Monsters' pays tribute to the people behind Hammer – in front of, and behind the camera - and sets the stage for an exciting future. Hammer has always been at the forefront of horror, and with the dedication of a talented team and the support of Sky, we are poised to continue thrilling audiences with Hammer magic for the next decade and beyond. Here's to the next 90 years of Hammer and its heroes, legends and monsters!”
In addition to pioneering the gothic horror genre, Hammer Films also made global stars out of its top talent, notably Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Included in the documentary will be a host of key contributors, many interviewed for the first time, as well as unseen archive footage and interviews with notable directors including Tim Burton, John Carpenter & Joe Dante.