TV / Documentary
Contributions as crew / self
Banterflix
NVTV.
2024
I guest-hosted an episode of the Banterflix tv show, airing on 24 September 2024.
In studio with me were Danny Brown from FrightClub NI and local writer Maria McQuillan. We covered Inside Out 2, Shaun of the Dead and The King of Comedy, as well as a conversation around film-related public art in NI.
The episode is available to view online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksp4MRam_mY&t
The Men Who Made Hammer
Dir. Sarah Appleton.
Caprisar Productions.
2023
I was interviewed for this documentary on Hammer Films, to tie in with the release of the late Denis Meikle's final book.
The film premiered at DarkFest 6 on Saturday 25 November 2023
https://thedarksidemagazine.com/product/darkfest-6/
Hammer A.D. 2023
Dir. Benjamin Field.
Hammer Films.
2023
I was interviewed about the history and impact of Hammer Films, as well as providing archival imagery from my own collection for this short documentary that screened before the West End premiere of Hammer Films' Doctor Jekyll on 11 October 2023. It received a general release via Hammer's YouTube channel on 5 November 2023.
The film also includes contributions from Mark Gatiss, Madeline Smith, Caroline Munro, Mike Muncer, Sam Clemens and new Hammer owner John Gore.
View the film on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar6XNk3MR0c
The film also appears as an extra on the UK/Ireland Blu-ray release of Doctor Jekyll, released 5 August 2024. You can buy it here: https://amzn.to/4fwQQ9c
Ben Simpson, Aislinn Clarke, Robert JE Simpson during filming at QFT Belfast for The Found Footage Phenomenon
The Found Footage Phenomenon
Dir. Sarah Appleton and Phill Escott.
Caprisar Productions / Fractured Visions.
2021
I recorded an interview with filmmaker Aislinn Clarke for this documentary at the QFT, Belfast. I fielded questions and acted as cinematographer for the section, while Ben Simpson handled sound.
We recorded our section during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 for the film's directors.
The documentary was acquired and released by Shudder in 2022.
Horizon: What's The Matter With Tony Slattery
Dir. Clare Richards
Sundog Pictures.
BBC Two. 21 May 2020
I'm featured in the documentary, interviewing Tony Slattery on stage at a CinePunked event in Belfast, as well as preparing and promoting The Comedy of Madness show with co-creator Robert Ross, and guest Slattery.
The shows featured in the film have been released in audio form as podcasts via CinePunked.
Tales of Cinema: Irish Cinema
Al Araby TV
2 July 2018
As CinePunked, I was interviewed alongside colleague Dr Rachael Kelly, discussing issues surrounding Irish cinema, the local film industry and identity.
Filming the pilot for the Banterflix tv show at NVTV. Left to right: Robert JE Simpson, Ethan Barr, Jim McClean, Conor Smyth
Banterflix
NVTV
Contributor, assorted episodes: 2015-2018, 2024
I was a regular on-screen contributor during the first three years of the Banterflix tv show on local NI cable station NVTV. Alongside reviews, I also presented a selection of historical discussions.
I've also featured separately on the Banterflix podcast.
Glenn Tilbrook photographed for The Arts Show.
© Robert JE Simpson
The Arts Show In Performance: Glenn Tilbrook
BBC Northern Ireland.
June 2014
I edited the video of this online exclusive performance by Squeeze's Glenn Tilbrook of 'Up the Junction' for The Arts Show. Filmed in The Black Box, Belfast.
I also took behind the scenes stills for the segment.
On location in Belfast for The Arts Show, 2014
The Arts Show.
BBC Northern Ireland.
2014
I worked as runner/production team member for several episodes across 2014. Working in the office and on-set, as well as managing the show's social media accounts and providing behind-the-scenes photos of the production.
Hammer Films YouTube introductions
Hammer Films / YouTube.
2012
During 2012 I wrote, presented and self-shot a series of filmed introductions for a series of crime dramas from Hammer Films to accompany the release of each film on Hammer's official YouTube channel. Among the titles featured were Dick Barton: Special Agent, River Patrol, Cloudburst, Stolen Face, and Murder By Proxy.
With the series unavailable on the channel by 2022, I've reposted several of the videos on my YouTube channel here.
As my experience and equipment has improved since then, I'd rather like to revisit this project and perhaps compile intros for some of the other films we skipped.
Hammer Horror: A Fan's Guide
Duke Video.
2008
I was one of the contributors to this DVD documentary about the classic Hammer horror films. My segments feature throughout the hour-long documentary, interspersed with a range of experts and veterans of the company. On the day of filming, I met Roy Ward Baker for my first and only time - a director I had long admired.
A short extract featuring me talking about Dracula can be played here.
Film Fever: The Horror! The Horror!
400Blows Productions
Channel 4.
2002
My first ever television. I was interviewed about my interest in Hammer Films, and participating in fandom via the Unofficial Hammer Films Site I was then curting. I was filmed in Black Park alongside my dear friend the late Robert Lane, a Theatre Designer from Dublin. Also featured in the documentary is Wayne Kinsey.
To watch the short documentary, click the image.