All photographs on this website |
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As the film progressed it became obvious that with Richard we had a nascent film icon in our midst. Despite his protestations that he is as straight as something very straight indeed, Ben
and Jon spent an inordinate length of time planning further cinematic projects in which Richard's undoubted
talent for over the top camp acting could be utilised to the full, and his reputation as one of Britain's foremost cryptozoologists be ruined for ever..
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Whilst on the right we see Richard preening himself in his most disgustingly narcissistic manner on the left we see the most glorious piece of character acting
in the movie. Ben Cusden, insisting that as Alfred Hitchcock always had a cameo part in each of the movies
he directed, then he should do the same. Therefore, in a sequence directed by Jon, ben plays the part of the
notorious Lemonade Man of Ponsa-'where the fuck is that'-nooth. This is a semi-legendary character who jumps out at unwary travellers exhorting them to
buy lemonade from him for no apparent reason!
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After a series of misadventures Jon and Maxine (with Toby the Dog) finally reach Mawnan Old Church where they not only deliver a piece to camera but unwitingly stumble upon the most magickal
experience of the film to date
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Deep in the woods surrounding Mawnan Old Church they unwittingly stumble upon an arcane magical
ritual featuring Muzzlehutch the Magician (Richard Freeman in a gloriously Heterosexual role) and an unnamed skyclad witch (Eve Strange).. For various reasons (not unconnected with the fact that the woods surrounding Mawnan Old Church are a popular tourist site during the summer months) the magickal invocations of the Owlman himself were filmed at a secret location away from the church. Because the folk involved are REAL magicians and because the invocation that was performed was a real one, we at the Centre for Fortean Zoology would not be particularly surprised to find that sightings of a bona fide feathered humanoid fuigure start to happen at the location where the filmed invocation actually took place. Ritual magick is after all a very strange and serious thing! Here we would like to say that although there is a definite amusing (even farcical) element to this film, the project itself, as is the book on which it is based is a very serious thing! "Doc" Shiels, our mentor, and the man without whom the book and film (and probably even the Owlman - make of that what you will) would probably never have existed, once told us that the best way to avoid the curse of psychic backlash was to keep a sense of humour. Making a film like this is the best way that we know of obeying his advice! |
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I would not like anyone to think that this was an excuse for us to print
a gratuitous picture of Eve's (admittedly lovely) buttocks. Perish the
thought! Here we should, I think, say a few words about Eve. Not the least being that EVE STRANGE is her real name and not one made up for the purposes of the movie. As her boyfriend Marco said recently - her name could not be any more perfect! |
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Unfortunately we spent so long filming the invocation sequence within
the dark woods that by the time we got to do the group pic we hadn't
really got enough light. But here goes -
L-R Ben, Richard, Jon, Eve, Maxine, Graham (in owlman costume) The films of His Owliness himself will be posted on this site in a week or so... |
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Whilst Jon and Maxine are at Mawnan Old Church undergoing a quasi-mystical
experience, the two villains are also travelling towards Mawnan Old Church
for their appointment with destiny! However, on the way they get lost, and whilst they are poncing about on Maenporth Beach attempting to impress the locals with their knowledge of Celtick culture they get a well-deserved come-uppance!
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D'ya want to see the rest of this film?
Is this the sort of thing that you think should be more widely available on British television?
If so, petition the commissioning editors of the TV station of your choice or indeed anyone else that you can think of. If you think that you can contribute in a more concrete fashion (with loans of cash or equipment) please e-mail us at jon@eclipse.co.uk
OK, we are asking for charity, but this is a special case and the Arts Council won't touch a project like this with the proverbial bargepole! A movie like this doesn`t fit in with our beloved Tony's vision of "Cool Brittania". If it did, we wouldn't be wanting to make it!
This is a film that desperately needs to be made. YOU can do your bit for both art and forteana by helping us realise its potential!
Cover illustration by Gareth Davies |
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"It would be unfair of me to reveal Jon's conclusions on the entire affair; however, I found myself agreeing with his assertions and would implore anyone with even the remotest interest in reports of mystery beasts roaming the wilds of Britain to secure a copy of Jon's book at the earliest opportunity. A must buy! And if you ever hear above you the beating of strange and powerful wings, tell Jon. He may put you in his next book!"
- Nick Redfern (Author of A Covert Agenda and The FBI Files - both published by Simon and Schuster)
ANOMALIST AWARD WINNER 1997
What The Anomalist said: "The director of Britain's Centre for Fortean Zoology has produced a delightful, brew-soaked, surrealistic, fortean romp about the sightings of - and shennanigans surrounding - a big, feathered "birdman" reported in Cornwall in the mid-1970s ... I can't help but recommend this ... illustrated volume, which also happens to deal with the Loch Ness Moster, UFOs, witches, ghosts, faires, and a host of colorful characters like the infamous Doc Shiels."
Go to CFZ website for info on other mysterious, fortean or cryptozoological entities...
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