A film-maker has scooped prestigious awards for his first feature film.
Coz Greenop, from Flockton Moor, got two awards at the renowned British Horror Film Festival at the Empire Cinema at Leicester Square for his debut Wandering Rose, also known as Demon Baby.
Coz, 29, said he was left “in shock” when he was crowned best director and his film got the British Lion Award for best film on a low budget at the ceremony. His main actress in the film, Carina Birrell, also received best actress.
They had to compete against some of the brightest British horror film talents with their film, which follows the story of a young couple who try to rekindle their relationship with unnerving consequences.
Coz said: “When I found out that the film and crew had made it onto the shortlist in five categories in October that was a massive achievement but I didn’t think that we would have a chance of winning. So when they called my name and the film out I didn’t know what to do.
“I hadn’t planned a speech so just did it off the cuff and thanked everyone who’d taken part and helped.
“I’m sure there are some embarrassing videos of me doing it somewhere on the internet”.
It was a great boost to Coz, who attended Emley Moor First School and Kirkburton Middle School, and has embarked upon a full time film making career.
The filming took place over a few days in the Cairngorms and around Huddersfield, all of which was made possible by £20,000 that Coz had intended to use as a house deposit.
“I created the film last year and it had a few UK screenings and was shown at Cannes festival. But now the rights have been given to South Korea, Japan and north America and it’s going really well.
“It’s been released on DVD and can be watched and downloaded on Amazon and on Red Box, which is the north American equivalent of Love Film.
“We’re planning a British release for early next year”.
He has plenty of plans for his next projects.
“I’ve just signed on as director of a horror film called Bridge Encounter and I’m trying to get finance for my next personal film that I’ve been writing with my team which I hope to go into pre-production with early next year.
“The aim is to be able to make films on bigger budgets, so at the moment I’m travelling down a lot to London to have meetings– I want to put in the hard work now so hopefully it will all pay off in the future”.
