Sunday 11 September 2011

Dark Passions - Official Trailer


So here it is - set for release sometime next year (2012).

Many thanks to everyone who helped me get this one together.

Friday 9 September 2011

Dark Passions - Trailer

After several months of hard work we now have a completed film trailer for the film "A Passion for Murder" although the title of the film has now changed to "Dark Passions - of a Sexual Serial Killer"

The film starts Danielle Wood, Matthew Sheppard, Steve Bourne and Kerrie Denning and was written, directed and produced by myself.

Now it's over to the states with all of the material and hopefully a release on DVD sometime in 2012.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRAILER

Sunday 28 August 2011

Principal Filming Completed

For the past five weeks I have been working on a very exciting feature film along with the British Youth Film Academy.

I can't say too much about the film itself at this stage as I don't want to jump the gun on their own scheduled PR, however I can talk about the organization.

The BYFA is a charity organization part funded by the Co-Operative and they run yearly summer camps up and down the country for young, aspiring film-makers.  It is a wonderful opportunity for people between the ages of 14 - 25 to go and get real, practical experience of working on an actual film set.

I can't offer enough praise for the people I have been working with these past five weeks.  Everyone, from the students to the organizers, have been a positive joy to be around and work with.  The level of professionalism and dedication has been extraordinary.

This year alone the BYFA have filmed four separate feature films and I hope to keep you informed of their progress in the future.

As for myself, I consider myself honored to have been asked to be a part of this years summer camp and I hope to maintain close ties with the BYFA in the future.

Thanks to everyone involved - I miss you all already.

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Haunted Magazine

Ok so I've been a little quiet this month - busy as always.  The latest film is coming along well and a trailer will be going up very soon so look out for it.

That is not the purpose of this up-date however.  As some of you may have already noticed this blog of mine has received a seriously cool face-lift thanks to a wonderfully talented and generous individual from Haunted Magazine by the name of Andy Soar.

This is no coincidence as from October onward I will be providing the magazine with articles and movie reviews.  For all of you interested in all things paranormal but are looking for a fresh and exciting take on the subject then this is definitely the magazine to look for.

Wednesday 29 June 2011

A Passion for Murder

A Passion for Murder is my latest project.  Written, Directed and Produced by myself and starring Danielle Wood and Matthew Sheppard this is going to be a tense and disturbing psychological thriller.

Filming has completed already and the project is now in the post production stage with the trailer planned for release by the end of next month.


Friday 10 June 2011

The Experiment - Release 2012

The Experiment is due for release in the early part of 2012.  The final artwork for the DVD cover has been approved .  Stay tuned for more up-dates closer to the time.


In the meantime pre-production work on my next film is nearly complete.  "A Passion for Murder" starts filming on the 17th of this month.  The web site is currently under construction and should be available sometime in July.

Wednesday 8 June 2011

Fit4Talent

Fit4Talent.com is set to become the Leading Online Resource for anyone currently working in or looking to enter the Talent and Entertainment Industry

Milton Keynes – 1st May 2011 - Fit4Talent are pleased to announce the re-launch of its ever popular website www.fit4talent.com, which is set to go public in June 2011. The innovative new website is set to become the leading online resource for anyone currently working in or looking to enter into the Talent and Entertainment Industry. With a new aesthetically pleasing look, it will feature familiar services such as News, Events and Help Guides, as well as an in-depth Resource Area containing Guides and Downloads relating to all aspects of the Talent and Entertainment Industry. An extensive Jobs area will be available, allowing relevant vacancies to be found with ease and applications made promptly. At the core of the Website will be an Online Directory, allowing Members to be searched and found easily, with personal profiles featuring Text, Photos, Audio and Video content. Social Networking tools will be incorporated, allowing members to connect with other members and companies, exchange personal messages and communicate via a forums and message boards, also allowing close integration with other major Social Networks such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Existing users will notice massive improvements when compared to the current website and will benefit hugely from the enhanced layout and effortless navigation, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all users.
Jamie Stimpson, Co-Founder said “It’s a tough world to be in, not everyone wants to live the 9-5 lifestyle, people have goals and dreams to achieve but often feel held back because of the lack of opportunities, we aim to change that by delivering something that enables people like me to have every chance possible in making it”. Mark Stuart, Co-Founder said “We’re utilising the latest in technological advances to ensure we deliverer a fast and responsive system, allowing us to enhance the users experience and ensure total privacy and security. We will ensure users feedback is a top priority and that the website continually grows with new content and features.”

About Fit4Talnet Fit4Talent was founded in 2010 by local artist Jamie Stimpson and entrepreneur Mark Stuart with the aim to revolutionise the online Entertainment and Talent industry. Fit4Talent has already attracted vast industry interest from corporations such as BBC, ITV and TalkBack Thames, and enjoys a continuously increasing membership base.




Sunday 22 May 2011

MSTV launches in June on Sky Channel 201

Here is the official trailer for MSTV - it launches on Sky Channel 201 in June and will be available to watch every Wednesday at 5pm and Sunday at 9pm.

Just remember that Mindscape TV is also available to watch on-line and the first three episodes are already waiting for you.  Just log on to Mindscape.TV and enjoy.

Wednesday 11 May 2011

Paranormal Haunting - Curse of the Blue Moon Inn

Aside from all the fun and games in the Mindscape world Philip Gardiner and myself have also been hard at work on our second movie of the year, Paranormal Haunting - Curse of the Blue Moon Inn .


This is a wonderful Horror movie shot in the classic "Hammer House of Horror" style.  Written and directed by award winning film-maker Philip Gardiner, Produced and starring myself and including a wonderfully dedicated and talented cast this film is going to be a real treat for horror fans everywhere.

Set for release on DVD in October 2011 the official trailer is here:


MSTV Episode 1 Video by Mindscape

Well it's been a little quiet on the John Symes front lately.  In this case however, quiet means very, very busy.

For the past few months I have been working alongside a group of very talented individuals, led by my Good friend Mr Philip Gardiner.  The project has been kept deliberately quiet until we were in a position to really tell the world all about it.

Well that time has arrived and here is the project in all its glory:

Mindscape TV




What is Mindscape TV?
It’s Esoteric Top Gear on Speed…Get ready for the most controversial, exciting and entertaining show you’ll ever experience in the genre. Mindscape Magazine brings you Mindscape TV.��� Celebrity and Special Guests�� Live Music...


But don't rely on just my word for it - why don't you take a good look yourself?

MSTV Episode 1 Video by Mindscape

This is not just going to be an on-line phenomena.  In June Mindscape TV launches on Sky 201 twice weekly, Wednesdays at 5pm and Sundays at 9pm.

Monday 11 April 2011

The Experiment: Official Trailer

Well after much time and effort (and no small amount of fun) the official trailer for The Experiment is finally here.



A special thanks to Amy Hall for providing such a stunning performance.  The film itself is finished now and hopefully we will get a release later this year.  Keep checking back for up-dates on this and future projects.

Friday 4 February 2011

The Experiment

This year is already getting off to a fine (and incredibly busy) start.

Last year was all about building.  Building a reputation, building contacts, and building a sound knowledge base from which to focus my activities.  All in all, I can say it exceeded my expectations by quite a considerable margin.

Possibly the most exciting and rewarding thing to come out of my endeavors has been the working partnership and friendship that has developed between myself and Philip Gardiner.

Last year we gave you Cam Girl and House of Sin.  This year we plan on giving you a whole lot more.

That all starts with "The Experiment".  Here we continue in the same vein as  Cam Girl.  An experimental film made in a minimalistic style.  The film is already in it's final stages of editing and we hope to be releasing it later this year.

Tuesday 1 February 2011

House of Sin Trailer

"Some call him the Mage. Nobody knows his real name. Nobody knows how old he is, or where he came from. But the people come to him. They find themselves at peace in this place - free to be themselves. But at what cost?"

Starring John Symes as The Mage, Nik Spencer as Paul and Sarah Dunn as The Slave. A Chemical Burn Entertainment Production in association with Chalk Productions and Red Sky Productions. Written and Directed by Philip Gardiner. Produced by Warren Croyle, John Symes, Nik Spencer and Philip Gardiner. 


Monday 31 January 2011

House of Sin

Following close on the heels of Cam Girl came the second venture into the film world for myself and Philip Gardiner .

House of Sin was intended to be an exploration of societies values and perceptions of what is and is not acceptable.  With a much larger cast and crew and a wider variety of locations than Cam Girl this definitely proved to be a far bigger challenge for us both and an incredible learning experience.

Ultimately we believe we delivered what we set out to deliver, although in the end it will be you, the public who will decide.

House of Sin is set for a release date on DVD sometime around June.  Please keep checking back for up-dates.

Sunday 30 January 2011

Cam Girl - Latest Review

    Cam Girl is set to be released next month and will be available to buy from Amazon (although it is already available for pre-order).  Over recent months a number of film critics have been viewing the film and we have already received a number of great reviews.

Here is a link to the latest review posted in the on-line forum Horror News.Net

Please take the time to read it - then buy the film and judge for yourselves.

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Cam Girl : The Movie - Information & Trailer

Mary O'Brian is a nursing student, she's struggling to make ends meet but it's proving difficult to pay her rent and tuition. She's never had any real luck and has no family to fall back on. She's tempted by the lure of being a cam girl, a girl who videos herself for Johns that pay good money for this strange type of entertainment to fulfill their fantasies. Should she, or shouldn't she? It's tempting, it's free and it pays well. But at what cost? Mary's world is about to get very complicated as a dark and sinister force becomes obsessed with her, watching her, waiting for the right moment and for Mary to go too far. ..




 A new film-noir thriller from award-winning filmmaker, Philip Gardiner. Featuring glamour model and actress Layla Randle-Conde. Written by Philip Gardiner with John Symes. Directed by Philip Gardiner. Producers Warren Croyle, Philip Gardiner, John Symes. Music by Corjan, No Redemption, Angellis, Freakhouse and Crystal Kovach. Produced by Reality Films. In association with Red Sky Productions and Chalk Productions. Sound engineering by Olive Grove Studios.



Monday 24 January 2011

Debut Film Release

Cam Girl


The debut film Co-produced by myself through my company  Red Sky Productions goes on official DVD release in the US and will be available to buy through Amazon.


This is a great little thriller, short on budget but big on content and it is already receiving some great reviews.

Having taken the leap from acting in movies to forming my own production company and making movies, this is truly an exciting time for me.  I am very proud of my contribution to this film and very thankful to a man who has become a good friend and working partner Philip Gardiner for having trust and faith in me.

This is the first of hopefully many films to be produced by us so look out for us in the future.

Sunday 23 January 2011

Opening Thoughts

Having worked and struggled in the film industry for almost ten years now I thought it was about time I shared my experiences (both good and bad) with other would-be actors, writers and film-makers.  It is a long and tough road to follow and maybe some of the experiences I have had along the way may help others to walk the path a little easier.

Should anyone wish to comment on my thoughts or my work then please do, all comments are welcome as are criticisms (so long as common decency and respect is shown).

For those new to the business looking for advice or help getting started - this door is open to you please feel free to ask me anything and I will endeavor to answer to the best of my abilities.

For the moment though I will just say that the road to success in this industry is long, winding, fraught with numerous set-backs and uncountable challenges.  But stay on the path, the rewards are well worth the effort.