10.11.2025
DATE OF EVENT: 15.11.2025
Shot by Gretton Productions
07906695881
Whilst working full time at a law firm, Alasdair Gretton, Jacob Poole, and their crew have made another short film after the previous success of award-winning Masked Conspiracy.
Dead on Distribution, made on next to no money, was made in the spare time of the crew, but proves to be a unique and exciting experience. Not only this, but there will be live music and DJs in a one-of-a-kind all day event at the Matlock Bath Pavilion for only £10!
Starring: Brain Clarke, Jacob Poole, Kathryn Gergiohu, Callum Gascoyne, and Gillian Shimwell
‘Dead on Distribution’
Set in the Summer months of 1980, just before the video store boom, Dead on Distribution follows the story of film producer William Flagg as he struggles to get his latest sleazy picture on the big screen after terrible critic reviews. Becoming desperate for any kind of distribution deal, he encourages his unhinged lead actor Danny Felt to come up with an unorthodox idea to promote the film. Little does he know that what Danny Felt is about to do may take self-promotion a bit too far. Dead on Distribution is a bold, fast-paced short. It boasts stylish, experimental editing in Alasdair Gretton’s undeniable trademark style. The film will no doubt shock audiences, just like a good video nasty should!
After-Party:
After the Q&A, the party begins!
From about 8:00PM (subject to minor change), West Midlands punk band Wallace & Vomit will be playing. This will be followed by a series of DJs. Chef Nicky, who mixes House and Garage & Breaks. Blue Fields, who will be performing a live ambient set. Utah Blah Blah, who will be playing dances tunes until late.
Event closes around 11:30PM.
Director, Alasdair Gretton:
Filmed mostly around the Matlock area, including the Matlock Bath Pavilion itself, the 80s Video Store in Alfreton, and at Derby Conference Centre, Alasdair Gretton is bringing cinema back to his hometown.
“I am really excited to work on this new project. What makes it special is that we made it as a group of friends, some of which have known each other since primary school whilst some we have just become acquainted with. We are indebted to the Pavilion who have helped accommodate this event as well as allowing us to film on their premises. Film making is something my crew and I are very passionate about, especially from a community perspective. It means a lot that we have been able to continue making films in our local area with local people while still being able to have these films shown at festivals overseas.
The video boom and UK video nasties scandal is a topic that is of particularly interest to me, both as a legal professional and as a fan of horror cinema. The video boom of the 1980s is a very strange period in British society where court trials were brought against films that range from award winning cinema screened at Cannes, to trashy low budget exploitation movies nobody should really remember. In preparation for the making of this film, I watched all 72 of the government listed video nasties which were prosecuted, most of which probably do not deserve any of the attention or the extent of legal resources the government gave to prosecuting the film makers.”
An exhibition on the video nasties will be available for viewing throughout the day.
Matlock Bath Pavilion Events Coordinator, Deb Bowater:
The Grand Pavilion in Matlock Bath is reclaiming its picture house history and wishes to step once more into the spotlight as a hub for film production, screenings, and industry networking in Derbyshire.
Built in 1910, the Pavilion has long been a cultural landmark for live music, theatre, and community events. Now the venue wishes to develop its potential as a film-friendly location and exhibition space, with a growing programme of screenings, filmmaker collaborations, and industry events.
“The Grand Pavilion is one of Derbyshire’s hidden gems,” says Deborah Bowater. “It’s a stunning Edwardian theatre with a rich history, and it’s an inspiring backdrop for film and TV productions. At the same time, we want to bring independent cinema, festival screenings, and filmmaker Q&As to local audiences — turning the Pavilion into a home for local film culture.”
The Pavilion is now a registered film location and has already attracted interest from ITV, Channel 4, independent filmmakers, and music video producers. Its unique architecture and atmospheric spaces make it ideal for period dramas, live performances, and distinctive set builds.
Alongside production opportunities, the Pavilion has begun hosting film premieres. Plans are underway to establish a bi-monthly film club and an annual celebration of local films.
“We see the Pavilion as more than just a venue,” adds Deborah. “It’s a house of dreams — a place where filmmakers, audiences, and communities can come together to share stories.”
Unique features of the event:
The premiere will take place on 15.11.2025 at Matlock Bath Grand Pavillion. For more information, please visit: Dead on Distribution – The Grand Pavilion Matlock Bath, or visit shot_by_gretton on Instagram
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