Rocket Rider (Short Film)

An RAF Test Pilot is trapped in a stricken jet descending rapidly to Earth. Will he be able to eject in time? And what was the experiment for?

Made and funded myself, 'Rocket Rider' is a ‘proof of concept’ short film to show my visual eye as a director and to test filming techniques for two yet unmade projects. The project also satisfies my life-long desire to create my own Hollywood action sequence.

This project has been an exciting challenge: the F-35 cockpit set began life as two photographs and was eye-matched to scale and built using plywood, art board and a vast array of switches and bottle tops. I also had to research and source the authentic flying clothes and a Martin Baker ejection seat, which took 10 months alone. Studio space has also been improvised, resulting in the blue screen set being re-built and filmed in numerous barns, village halls and garages in Worcestershire & Warwickshire. Out of the films 152 shots, 101 involve visual effects. Having no previous experience in film VFX, I had to discover the techniques and then learn the various software packages needed to complete the film.

ROCKET RIDER CAST:

Test Pilot: Stephen Michael Critchley

Radar Operator: Nick Lancaster

Flight Sargent: Roger Harding

Voice of X-RAY 002: Dominic Skinner

ROCKET RIDER CREW:

Producer & Director: Ross Bradley

Colourist: Gwyn Evans

Composer: Bruce Souter-Smith

Sound Designer: Owen Shirley

Here is a short film showing the film's visual effects:

Actor Stephen Michael Critchley talks about acting in Rocket Rider:

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