I was very pleasantly surprised when I saw Tim Biddiscombe's film, Night Dragon, is getting a commercial release this summer. I have been one of the lucky few to have seen it so far. A friend of mine had been invited to the premier of Night Dragon in the directors home town. Knowing that I was a big fan of Alan Ford, through his roles in Snatch, and Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, that friend invited me. I was told the film was an all British affair and had indeed been privately financed. Although this was no glitzy West End premier showing, it was an exciting event, particularly as I wasn't sat too far from Mr. Ford.
I wasn't expecting to enjoy the film as much as I did, but I found Night Dragon a very pacey, well written thriller, with an excellent twist at the end. I thought the story was excellent, as indeed was the acting and the filming as a whole. I was gripped throughout and the time just flew by. At the films conclusion, there was a standing ovation from the packed audience and it really felt as if I was part of something special. Tim Biddiscombe gave a short speech and I don't think he could have been any prouder if you had just given him an Oscar.
Afterwards, there was a post-film party, which I managed to blag my way into. At some point (after a few beers), I managed to collar Tim and congratulate him on the film and to wish him luck with its release. Tim was happy to stand & chat and I was really impressed to hear some of his stories of the demanding conditions in which Night Dragon was made: I would love to have been there when the police closed off a London street in order that a scene involving a speeding car and stunt crew could be filmed. Apparently, about 100 local people came out of their homes to watch and some even invited various crew members into their homes for cups of tea and applications of make-up to the actors.
I give Night Dragon 10/10, because, without corporate financial backing, it is an incredible achievement to have brought to fruition and I firmly believe this kind of hard work and talent deserves rewarding. I even got to meet Alan Ford and have my photo taken with him. Impressed? Yes, I was!
