Hammer Films, the legendary horror studio, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, and Sky is joining in on the festivities. Together with Cardiff’s Deep Fusion Films, Sky will be launching a 90-minute documentary titled Hammer: Heroes, Legends, and Monsters in November, just in time for the studio’s milestone birthday.
The documentary will take a deep dive into Hammer’s history, from its humble beginnings in London to its iconic status in the horror genre. Founded by William Hinds in 1934, Hammer Films produced classic movies like The Curse of Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Quartermass Xperiment, catapulting actors like Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing to stardom.
Benjamin Field, co-founder of Deep Fusion Films, is directing the documentary, which will feature interviews with key contributors and unseen archive footage. The film will explore how Hammer Films influenced renowned directors like Tim Burton, John Carpenter, and Joe Dante.
Production for the documentary has already begun in various locations, recreating sets from Hammer classics like Dracula. Hammer Films CEO John Gore is serving as the executive producer, overseeing international sales rights.
Gore expressed his pride in celebrating Hammer’s legacy through this documentary, highlighting the studio’s impact on the horror genre. Phil Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts, emphasized the excitement of sharing Hammer’s groundbreaking work with audiences, promising a thrilling experience featuring demons, vampires, mummies, and more.
Field shared his goal of honoring Hammer’s contributions to cinema and providing an engaging experience for both long-time horror fans and newcomers to the genre. He praised Sky and Hammer Films as ideal partners for this project.
Hammer Films rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, producing iconic films like Dracula, The Gorgon, and The Plague of the Zombies. Despite facing financial challenges in the late 1970s, the studio experienced a revival in the 2000s under new ownership, leading to the creation of successful films like The Woman in Black and The Quiet Ones.
Under the leadership of Tony Award-winning producer John Gore, Hammer Films is planning to launch new productions and a direct-to-consumer shop offering merchandise and remastered editions of their classic movies. The future looks bright for Hammer Films as they continue to captivate audiences with their unique brand of horror for years to come.