Gary Smart, a native of Birmingham, West Midlands, UK, born in the year 1982, has been enthralled by the horror genre since his earliest years. As a young boy, he would willingly lend out VHS copies of the classic film "A Nightmare on Elm Street" to his classmates, his passion for the genre evident even at a tender age. Furthermore, he would spend hours crafting intricate models of Dr. Channard, a character from the cult classic "Hellbound: Hellraiser II", a testament to his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to the horror genre.
As he entered his youth, Gary's fascination with horror only continued to intensify, and he would often engage in playful battles with his neighborhood friends, reenacting scenes from the genre with glee. In these imaginative games, Gary would typically assume the role of Ernie Kaltenbrunner, a character that allowed him to tap into his creative energies and explore the darker aspects of human nature.
In the year 2007, a long-held aspiration of Smart's finally reached fruition when he established a lasting and meaningful connection with the renowned actor, Don Calfa. As a testament to their burgeoning friendship, Smart took the initiative to orchestrate Calfa's inaugural UK convention appearance at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of a remarkable partnership between the two.
Notorious for his extraordinary ability to form lasting connections with influential figures, James Smart leveraged his profound friendships with esteemed individuals such as Calfa and talented actress Beverly Randolph to conceive the ambitious idea of a comprehensive retrospective book chronicling the fascinating Return of the Living Dead franchise.
In the year 2007, Smart's path crossed with that of Christian Sellers, the esteemed Deputy Editor of Gorezone, and together they embarked on an extraordinary literary endeavor, culminating in the publication of their inaugural collaborative effort, 'The Complete History of the Return of the Living Dead', which finally saw the light of day in January 2011.
This monumental tome boasts an impressive array of exclusive interviews, exceeding 300 in number, as well as in-depth conversations with over 100 cast members, making it an instant sensation among devoted fans of the franchise, and cementing its status as a must-have addition to any comprehensive horror movie library.
In the year 2011, Smart and Sellers were formally approached to collaborate on the creation of a documentary film, specifically titled "More Brains! A Return to the Living Dead".
In his actual, everyday life, Smart is a dedicated professional, serving as a School Manager at a prestigious United Kingdom High School. Despite his demanding responsibilities, he is able to allocate a significant portion of his time and energy to a passion project that brings him immense joy and fulfillment. This passion revolves around the world of horror, and he is committed to supporting, promoting, and celebrating the genre in all its forms.
Since 2011, Smart has been instrumental in establishing his own company, Cult Screenings UK Ltd, a pioneering organization dedicated to celebrating classic movies. In addition to this, he has also founded a production company, Dead Mouse Productions Ltd, which is focused on producing content that is centered around the world of horror.
Throughout his career, Smart has demonstrated a deep understanding and appreciation for the horror genre, and his companies have become synonymous with excellence in this field. His tireless efforts have helped to promote and preserve the legacy of classic horror movies, ensuring that they continue to entertain and inspire new generations of fans.
In the year 2014, a creative collaboration took place, as Smart joined forces with Adam Evans and Christopher Griffiths to conceptualize and produce a documentary, aptly titled 'Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser & Hellbound: Hellraiser II'. This documentary marked a significant milestone in Smart's career, showcasing his versatility as a writer and producer.
Building upon this success, Smart continued to push the boundaries of his creative expression in 2016, co-writing and producing the documentary 'You're so Cool, Brewster! The Story of Fright Night' alongside the original director, Tom Holland. This project further solidified Smart's reputation as a talented and dedicated filmmaker.
In addition to his work in the realm of documentaries, Smart has also ventured into the world of literature, producing books that delve into the fascinating stories behind iconic horror films. His published works include in-depth explorations of 'American Werewolf in London', 'Return of the Living Dead', and 'Fright Night', offering fans and enthusiasts a unique glimpse into the making of these cult classics.
Notably, Mike Smart is currently engaged in the production of a documentary that pays tribute to the iconic novel "IT" by renowned author Stephen King. This documentary project marks a significant milestone in Smart's career, as he is set to make his directorial debut with a new 30-minute horror short film titled "The Offer". The film boasts an impressive cast of horror veterans, including Kenneth Cranham, Barbie Wilde, Simon Bamford, and Nicholas Vince, all of whom are well-known for their work in the "Hellraiser" franchise. Additionally, the short will feature John Castle and Bruce Jones in key roles. "The Offer" is slated for release during the summer of 2017, providing fans of the horror genre with a thrilling new tale to look forward to.
