FOlks BEhind the Scenes
Thomas Hamilton
Director - VOLTAGE FILMS LTD
I have a passion for cinema history and for sharing stories which shed light on the unsung aspects of popular culture. Beyond the subject of CINEMA, I’m committed to making films which not only entertain but shed light on the human condition.
Voltage Films Ltd WAS INITIALLY ESTABLISHED TO COMPLETE PRODUCTION ON THE already filmed “Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster” which I had been working on since 2018 with Ron MacCloskey.
Following completion of a 20 minute demo and thanks to the help of Ilmar Vanderer & Richard Abramowitz, we secured a pre-sale from Shout! Studios which ENABLED THE FILM TO BE COMPLETed AND RELEASED IN US theatres FROM Sept 17th 2021, AS WELL AS IT’S SUBSEQUENT streamING via “Shudder” .
A special version including companion piece film “Boris Karloff: The Rest of the Story” was released on Blu-ray & DVD in time for for Halloween 2022.
Both received strong reviews from reviewers online and in print media and WE garnered two Rondo Hatton Awards, for Best Documentary of 2021 and Best DVD bonus features in 2022.
Voltage Films is currently working on “Horror Icons” a 12-part series EXPLORING THE MAJOr ICONS FROM THE FIRST HALF CENTURY OF THE GENRE, as well as other original one-off and series concepts. Read about that HERE
Outside of my own projects AND DRAWING FROM MY EXPERIENCE OF USING ARCHIVE MATERIAL WITHIN MY PROJECTS, I cAN ADVISe OTHER FILM-MAKERS On THE PROS AND CONS OF FAIR USE In DOCUMENTARIY PRODUCTION.
I ALSO guest on various film discussion panels IN THE UK & ABROAD AND HAVE HOSTED AND INTRODUCED A VARIETY OF FILM EVENTS.
If you are planning a Classic Horror film screening or organising a discussion panel on cinema related matters and would like me to participate, I CAN BE CONtactED AT
thomas-hamilton@VOLTAGE-FILMS.COM
Jenny Mettee
I was born and raised in Lutherville, Maryland by my mother and grandparents. I've always been interested in unusual film, absurdist comedy, and left of center music. My grandfather cultivated my love for classic horror, shaping my affinity for the genre. The 1986 Wolf Man action figure from Imperial Toy Company was one of my earliest collectibles, solidifying my fascination with Lon Chaney Jr even before I watched any of his films.
Since my high school days when I started editing my first shorts on a Video Toaster, I have been honing my skills in editing music videos, creating social media mini-documentaries, crafting motion graphics, and delving into live performance visuals. I won an award for my anxious, comedy short in the local, "29 Days Later Film Project" in 2018. Using sharp lighting and textures along with dramatic cuts, I create animation and video editing styles that draw inspiration from nostalgia, pre-digital - pop culture aesthetics.
Furthermore, I am a professional musician and voice artist, actively engaged in the vibrant, independent music and film communities. My musical project, Fun Never Starts, merges WaxTrax Records-style beats, live instruments, vocals, and live-switched video, creating a multimedia sideshow with an ever-changing cast of characters. Additionally, I'm a member of Mondo Baltimore, a collective dedicated to showcasing B to Z-grade movies of all genres, with monthly screenings at Baltimore's renowned Ottobar.
My residence is in Baltimore, Maryland, where I share my home with my husband and a menagerie of pets, eagerly anticipating the next full moon.
After almost 15 years' experience, I edited my first feature-length documentary, "Félix et moi", retracing the life of a french singer, a native of my hometown, once a big star now completely forgotten. I also edited a lot of trailers. an exercise i particularly enjoy. Telling a story and conveying emotions in such a short space of time is an exciting challenge.
When I heard about the Horror Icons project, I immediately wanted to bring my passion and expertise to bear on the project by editing trailers for the series' fund-raising efforts. I'm very fortunate to be part of the Horror Icons technical team and helping to share the cinema that I love, so well championed by Thomas and Voltage Films Ltd.
IN ADDITION I'm developing a documentary project aBOUT Bela Lugosi and have an all-consuming passion for jazz music.
Anthony Magnoni
My love of cinema began very early, thanks to Hollywood movies I used to record tirelessly on VHS. Right from the start, I was fascinated by the magic of movies and how they were made. Like an apprentice magician, I was always trying to figure out what "the trick" was.
Around the age of 10, I discovered a tv show called "Movie Magic". Each episode was dedicated to a special effect technique. Then came the episode about movie make-up. Suddenly, Lon Chaney, Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and all the great horror movie stars appeared before my eyes. I was immediately fascinated! I fell in love with the monsters and they never left my side. My love for them only grows with each passing year.
At the same time, I began to shoot short films using my grandfather's camera, and wrote bits of screenplays. I wanted to become a movie director. I quickly discovered editing. Once again, it was love at first sight! I learned and enjoyed telling stories by editing film extracts. I went on to make my own short films in high school with friends, took film classes and developed my cinephilia. I started as a freelance videographer right after graduating.
Bill Fleck
Bill Fleck is a freelance writer, musician, and a retired educator.
A lifelong Monster Kid, Bill is particularly interested in Classic Horror. His book CHANEY’S BABY—which deals with a rough time in actor Lon Chaney, Jr.’s life—was nominated for a Rondo Award (Best Book, Nonfiction) in 2022.
It was thanks to CHANEY’S BABY that Bill connected with Thomas Hamilton of VOLTAGE FILMS. Tom read the book and immediately got in touch. The two hit if off personally and professionally, paving the way for Bill to serve as one of the producers of THE CHANEYS: HOLLYWOOD’S HORROR DYNASTY. Bill will also be interviewed fir the project.
In addition, Bill’s website—Bill Fleck’s Classic Horror Behind the Scenes—was nominated for a Rondo in 2023 (Best Website). Bill updates his site once a month with a new, in-depth article.
Bill’s freelance writing services include fiction, nonfiction, scriptwriting, and copy editing.
Bill is married to cake artist Kim M. Simons, winner of Food Network’s HOLIDAY WARS (2019). He has two grown sons, two grown stepchildren, and three grandkids. Bill can be reached here: billfleckenterprises@gmail.com