Simon Horrocks' life began on July 11th, 1965, in the suburban area of Palmers Green, North London, where he was welcomed into the world by his parents, Anthony Horrocks and Janet Youngs. Tragedy struck early on, as his parents' relationship came to an end when Simon was merely three years old, leaving him to navigate the complexities of childhood without the stability of a unified family unit. Despite this challenging start, Simon's upbringing was further complicated by the presence of an older brother, Nicolas Horrocks, who had already established a sense of identity and belonging, and a younger half-brother, Nathan Horrocks, whose arrival would bring new dynamics to the family structure.
Simon Horrocks' formative years were spent in an unconventional environment, as he spent part of his early childhood on an art and crafts commune in Somerset, a location that had been transformed from a communal living space into a thriving artistic hub. This unique setting was the result of his father's decision to relocate to the commune after being inspired by the iconic film Easy Rider, which was released in 1969.
At a remarkably young age of eight, Horrocks embarked on a creative journey by utilizing a clockwork 8mm camera to produce his initial films. This marked the beginning of his fascination with the art of filmmaking, which would become a lifelong passion.
However, his childhood was also marked by significant personal changes. When Horrocks was just nine years old, his father left for St Lucia, a move that would have a profound impact on his life. Following this event, Horrocks relocated to St Dunstans Secondary School with his mother and stepfather, Iain Manson.
Two years later, the family made another significant move, returning to North London, where Horrocks would eventually establish a long-term residence. With the exception of a brief two-year period spent in Brighton from 1988 to 1990, Horrocks has resided in North London ever since, a testament to the enduring connection he has formed with the area.
Noteworthy was the early educational foray of Horrocks into the realm of artistic pursuits, as he embarked upon a Foundation in Art & Design at the prestigious Middlesex University. This foundational experience would serve as a catalyst for his subsequent creative endeavors, as he went on to collaborate with the visionary filmmaker Jonathan Glazer, who would later bring to life the critically acclaimed cinematic masterpieces "Sexy Beast" and "Under the Skin".
Undeterred by the setback of not being accepted into the esteemed Fine Art Film program at St Martin University, Horrocks redirected his artistic inclinations towards the realm of music, thus commencing a career that would span the genres and captivate audiences worldwide.
In the year 1991, a groundbreaking pop-dance duo emerged, founded by none other than the illustrious Graham Horrocks, in partnership with his then-partner, the talented Sarah Jane Fogg. This dynamic duo, aptly named Aquarius, would go on to create a lasting impact on the music scene with their debut single, "Hey Babe". Released in 1993, this chart-topping sensation was honored with Melody Maker's prestigious "Single of the Week" award, a remarkable achievement that came mere weeks after the birth of their first son, Titus. The song's popularity continued to soar, with significant airplay on Radio 1, including a coveted spot on the esteemed John Peel's show.
Tara Newley's debut album, expertly crafted by Horrocks and Fogg, marked a significant milestone in their illustrious careers, as it was produced under the esteemed guidance of Trevor Horn's ZTT label, a renowned entity in the music industry.
In the aftermath of this project, Horrocks and Fogg continued to make their mark by lending their talents to Carlin Music, a prominent publishing label that, in a subsequent development, was acquired by the venerable Warner Chappell, a testament to their enduring influence and expertise in the field of music production.
After parting ways with Fogg in the year 2008, Horrocks embarked on a three-year journey to bring his debut feature film, Third Contact, to life. Despite being made on a remarkably modest budget of just £4000, Horrocks bravely ventured forth without the support of a professional crew, instead relying on his own resourcefulness and determination to see his vision through to completion.
As the film's premiere date approached, Horrocks' hard work and perseverance were rewarded as Third Contact made its debut at the esteemed Hof Film Festival in Germany. The film's reception was met with widespread critical acclaim from the German press, with numerous award-winning critics praising its unique style and storytelling.
One such critic, in particular, drew comparisons between Horrocks' work and that of the renowned Czech filmmaker Evald Schorm, as well as the influential British director Ken Loach, further solidifying Third Contact's reputation as a standout in the world of independent cinema.
On the second day of September in the year 2013, a groundbreaking cinematic achievement was accomplished by Third Contact, as it became the pioneering example of a self-funded micro-budget film to be showcased during prime-time hours at the renowned BFI IMAX in the heart of London.
Furthermore, this remarkable film not only marked a significant milestone in the history of cinema, but it also set a precedent by being the very first full-length fiction film to premiere in a traditional theater setting and simultaneously broadcast live to over twenty different countries around the world.
To make this extraordinary event even more memorable, the director of Third Contact, in a bold display of innovation and technological savvy, opted to conduct a live Q&A session with the audience via the popular social media platforms of Twitter and Google Hangout, thus blurring the lines between traditional filmmaking and modern digital communication.
