Grimm Up North has a wide range of talented folks operating behind the scenes, all of which have a passion for film and a dedication to bringing the best experience possible to everyone who visits the festival. Read more about them here!
Of course, many of them are a little shy and prefer to work under the cover of darkness, but below are some of the faces you can expect to see at Grimm screenings this year, as well as a little about what they do.
Simeon Halligan
Festival Director
As one of the people behind Not A Number Productions, a UK film company based in the north west of England, Simeon has directed a selection of award-winning short films and most recently completed his first feature Splintered - which hits cinemas across the UK in September 2010.
An RCA graduate, Simeon trained initially as an art director and has worked on numerous shows for TV, as well as commercial and feature films. Having seen his work selected for a host of international festivals, he is now focusing on the development of his next project – a sci-fi horror feature. Simeon is scared of frogs!
Rachel Richardson Jones
Festival Director
Rachel also heads up Not A Number Productions as company Director and produced their first feature film Splintered – a psychological horror due for cinema and DVD release in September 2010.
Rachel applies her extensive production knowledge and business acumen to Grimm Up North. “This festival is the perfect opportunity to build relationships with creative people and businesses on a regional and national level. I am thrilled that Grimm Up North is part of Manchester’s thriving festival scene.”
Rachel has produced award winning broadcast shows, corporate material and TV commercials. Experienced in handling complex budgets and with an extensive knowledge of production at all levels, she has worked internationally for some of the largest global blue chip companies. Rachel has also worked with Island Records for bands such as U2, and for various music channels such as, VH1 and Smash Hits.
Steve Balshaw
Festival Programmer
Steve Balshaw been obsessed by the art of film for over 30 years. At various times he has gone without food, drink, clothes and sleep to feed his cinema addiction – and would probably do so again.
He has been programming and consulting on film festivals in the North West for the past seven years and is now unsuited for any other kind of work. By day, Steve is the respectable, mild-mannered Programme Manager of Salford Film Festival, but by night, he stalks the shadows in black cape, wide brimmed hat and surgeon‘s gloves as Grimm’s fearsome film programmer. Steve does not like strong light, mirrors or having his photo taken.
Laura Smith
Film Co-ordinator
As Grimm Up North’s Film Co-ordinator, Laura is charged with the task of researching, sourcing and acquiring content for the festival. This means looking after all manner of feature length and short film submissions, as well as dealing with distributors, movie companies and other folks in the securing the most vital element of the fest.
Laura admits to having a particular penchant for films that leave you asking questions for days after, but is less enamoured with movies that “involve scary fish”. A fear of sharks mean it is less than likely you’ll catch her watching Jaws, Jaws 2 or Jaws: The Revenge.
Ben Ross
