Geoff Thompson: Writer – Teacher – Martial artist

Just having a minute between jobs, so I thought I’d drop you all a few lines to let you know how things are going in my world and what is happening with the films and books and the classes and the residential course.

For a start off Clubbed is going great guns; the actors have just come back from a rapturous reception in France. Colin Salmon rang last week to tell me how delighted he was,  he loves French cinema so was made up when he found out that we have a cinema release in France with a premier in Paris before Christmas. He was telling me that when the actors walked into restaurants at the Dinnard festival people stood and applauded.  It is great that the film is so well appreciated in the home of cinema.

Not by everyone of course, the savage nature of some of the scenes in Clubbed and the clarity of the message (about facing down fear) has polarised some; one or two reviewers hate it, others have watched Clubbed and subsequently remortgaged their houses so that they can invest in our next film (28k).

I like polarity; it is good for me (it tempers me) and it is good for the film.
Clubbed is due out in cinemas January 16th.

Roman’s 12; 20 is currently in LA (so far it has been in four international festivals to brilliant receptions), at a big festival there where it has been nominated for best short. It is also in BIFA and BAFTA; we are hoping (and praying) to get nominations. I will let you know the moment we know. For those that think shorts don’t make a difference let me tell you this; the Shammasian brothers (who directed Romans) have picked up a Hollywood agent on the base of this film. And they are being wined and dined from London to New York (where’s my call!)
I am currently working on a six part drama for the BBC, with the Comedy Unit in Glasgow, I have just finished the extended treatment for the first episode, it is early days still but it is an amazing idea (will talk more about this as it evolves) and I love writing it.

I am working on a feature called Last Will and Testament, an adaptation of my novel Red Mist. I am developing it with Screen WM, and it is currently looking very powerful. I intend to make the fight scenes the most realistic ever, and the clarity of the message (violence begets violence) as clear as spring water. I have had amazing notes from Paul and Ludwig Shammasian, I intend it to be a stand alone, hard hitting, savage, honest drama/love story for cinema. And if you have seen how beautiful the Shammasian brothers shot and directed Romans you will not doubt me on that.

I have just finished writing a play called 3 Sacks Full of Hats for a London theatre, a lovely guy called Titas Halder asked me to write it, I am on the first draft, and so far it is probably the most emotive stuff I have written. It is about my brother’s death from alcoholism, I have been holding it in for many years, and when I started to write, it exploded out in one day. I will keep you informed. We are talking to the Young Vic in London; I will let you know how it progresses.

I am also working on a great film for Neil Thompson and Martin Carr at Formosa. It is called 28k, and if you go to the Formosa website www.formosafilms.com you can read all about it. We are aiming to shoot in next May, we are still fund raising  at the moment, but the script is going really well and we are intending to attach an A list cast very soon.

The masterclass is going great. Two more sessions for this group and then they matriculate. A six month investment which has paid off for us all, I am delighted to say, this is a solid group of amazing folk, and I have loved every minute of it.

The next masterclass (if I decide to do another one) will be advertised late December. If you want to book on, now is the time to start thinking about it.

Residential course. People have been asking about seminars, the only public one that I am doing this year is 27-30 November at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, probably the best training facility in Britain. Actually, when you look at the pictures you will see that it is more of a country mansion retreat than a training centre, the place is exquisite. Man you have to see this place to believe it – it is beautiful.
I am not sure if or when I will be doing another seminar. I will be away a lot of next year working on the films and plays. So, this is a rare opportunity to spend three days with me and Peter, don’t put it off and plan to attend next time, there may not be a next time. Me and the old fella (Peter) will be there all weekend, we will be eating, drinking and training martial arts and motivation. This (my friends) is a weekend not to miss.

Have a look at the Lilleshall website…
http://www.leisureconnection.co.uk/centre/3/79/lilleshall_national_sports_centre.html and you will know why me and Peter are bringing our family with us, we are treating it as an early Christmas break. I am bringing Sharon and my son Louis along, Peter will be with Dawn (I think Iain Abernethy might be bringing his pet whippet – we may even get an impromptu string demonstration!) I really cannot recommend this course highly enough. If you want to get some world class instruction and also invest in some great down time with your loved ones this is the most exciting, inspiring place to be this year.

I guarantee that it will inspire a record breaking 2009 for you. You can come and train just for the day, or you can stay the whole weekend, food and accommodation are included. It is going to be jam packed with training and information from me and Peter, also Rick Young is going to be there and….well, visit www.geoffthompson.com or ring Dawn on 01132 429686 and you can get more information on the prices, instructors and the schedule.

I will be doing some great physical work, restricted striking, ground techniques, etc, and also talking about the films and books and the philosophy of great living – I’ll also be signing copies of the re-released Watch My Back, which includes a new epilogue and loads of pictures from the film and from the BAFTA’s etc. And also, for the very fist time, I’ll be releasing the audio version of Watch My Back – visit www.geoffthompson.com and listen to the preface this week.

I have had it read by an amazing RSC actor, Simon Trinder and it is a fabulous job; 14 hours of listening spread across 12 CD’s.

So that’s all for now. Hopefully see you all for tea at Lilleshall.

Be well.

Geoff Thompson

PS. Are you due a Dan grading? Peter is offering a free dan grading (worth £200) to anyone that books onto the full three day course.
PPS. If anyone wants to bring presents, I like books and Peter likes Jaffa cakes.

Residential course information – visit http://www.geoffthompson.com/bca.asp