Deep Fusion Films Preps Sky Original

Deep Fusion Films has started production on a new Sky original feature documentary about the gothic horror genre icon Hammer Films.

Hammer Films, behind such titles as Dracula (1958) and The Curse of Frankenstein (1957), was founded by comedian and businessman William Hinds in November 1934. The upcoming Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters will feature unseen archive footage and interviews with notable directors and filmmakers such as Tim Burton, John Carpenter and Joe Dante.

Helmed by Deep Fusion’s co-founder Benjamin Field and produced in association with Hammer Films, the doc is set to debut in November 2024, in honor of Hammer’s 90th anniversary. Filming on Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters has started this month in three separate locations and sets based on the company’s cult classics.

Phil Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts, said: “At Sky Arts, we’re all about bringing legends to the screen, and we couldn’t be happier to be sharing the thrills and chills of Hammer’s trailblazing work in gothic horror with our audiences. Prepare for demons, vampires, mummies and, perhaps, the odd abominable snowman too…”

Field added: “Hammer Films has a rich and storied history that has captivated audiences for decades. Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters aims to honor and celebrate that legacy and provide an insightful, entertaining experience for both long-time fans of horror and new converts to the genre. And we couldn’t hope for better partners on this journey into the bloody heart of horror than Sky and Hammer Films.”

John Gore, chair and CEO of Hammer Films and executive producer of the documentary, commented: “As a lifelong fan of Hammer Films, I am incredibly proud to celebrate our 90th anniversary with this remarkable, insightful and celebratory documentary. Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters pays tribute to the people behind Hammer—in front of, and behind the camera—and sets the stage for an exciting future. Hammer has always been at the forefront of horror, and with the dedication of a talented team and the support of Sky, we are poised to continue thrilling audiences with Hammer magic for the next decade and beyond. Here’s to the next 90 years of Hammer and its heroes, legends and monsters!”