Express & Star

Walsall film director Tom ready to unleash new horror

Brace yourselves - an up-and-coming director is gearing up to release his terrifying new project to the world.

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Walsall born director Tom Paton relaxing with Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon on the set of Paton's new film Redwood

Director Tom Paton, 31, who grew up at The Hatherton Arms pub in Lichfield Street, Walsall, has spent the last year working on Redwood, a horror movie which features former Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon and Mike Beckinhgham, younger brother of Shaun of the Dead star Simon Pegg amongst its acting credits.

The movie, which was filmed in Poland last summer tells the story of musician Josh and his girlfriend Beth head out to a secluded national park in search of some solace following tragic news back home.

However, they get more than they bargained for when they come face to face with The Redwood's legendary wildlife.

A trailer for the film has already been released and it has been given a preview airing at the SciFi Weekender at Camp SFW, North Wales, in April with a worldwide general release planned for 'very soon'.

Tom is hoping that Redwood can follow on from the success of fantasy movie Pandorica, which was released last year and premiered at Walsall town centre's The Light Cinema.

He said: "Redwood has been an amazing journey that started roughly this time last year. "

"We shot in Poland during a very hot summer over the space of 14 days and I’ve been locked away in a darkened editing suite ever since.

"The movie has its first screening to a room of over 2000 people back in early April and the response so far has been incredible.

"It will be out on general release worldwide very soon and I’m really excited for everyone to see it."

After the success of Pandorica and hopefully Redwood, Tom will return to the West Midlands for his next movie, called Black Site.

He will shoot in Kidderminster over the summer for scenes that will be depicted as being set in middle America when it comes to releasing the film.

He said: "My next movie Black Site is gearing up for production starting in late July. "The film itself is a cross between John Wick and Men In Black set in an underground facility.

"I am proud to be bringing production back to the Midlands for this one as shooting will take place over the summer in sunny Kidderminster, which will be standing in for middle America believe it or not.

"It’s a really cool action movie and I think there is a lot in there for everyone to enjoy."