Sebastian Smith is one of the 3 directors of Dead Wood, with David Bryant and Richard Stiles. They met at film school in Newport, Wales and remained friends ever since, forming Menan Films. Their first short as a trio, also titled ‘Dead Wood’ won a prize in the Zone Horror/Frightfest’s ‘Cut’ competition and has screened at festivals around the world. Dead Wood the feature was released on DVD in the UK on April 13th. In addition to directing, Sebastian is a television documentary editor. IndieFlicks was lucky enough to grab a few words with Sebastian to discuss Dead Wood and its creation.

IndieFlicks: What got you started in film?

Sebastian: I was drawn to the dark side of films by accident. My Mum and Dad took me to see Watership Down when I was a kid - I must have been about 6. I think they thought it would be rabbits having fun and it’s so violent! It freaked me out but at the same time I loved it. So violence in film does corrupt young fragile minds. When I was about 15 a mate of mine had a big old VHS camera and we made a bad horror movie. It was just a laugh - we went to the local butchers and asked for a pig’s eyeball and he carved it out of a head there and then. The film was absolute shit but it was such fun, I was hooked from then on.

IndieFlicks: Where did the idea for Dead Wood come from?

Sebastian: The idea for Dead Wood came about as we realised we needed to make a film for as little as possible, using things that were free. Trees are free. It started from there and grew.

IndieFlicks: How long did it take to write the script?

Sebastian: We had a few story meetings in the pub. I don’t actually remember them, they degenerated into drunken rantings after a few hours. But somehow from that David Bryant was able to pull a script together in 3 days! That script bears slim resemblance to the final film but that’s what we basically shot.

IndieFlicks: How did you raise money for the film?

Sebastian: We didn’t. We realised it would be really difficult to raise money and we wanted to spend that time and energy making the film. So we just grabbed our cameras and off we went.

IndieFlicks: How was it received?

Sebastian: We’ve been very pleased with the response Dead Wood has got from people. Watching it at festivals with other people is the most nerve-wracking experience. And when people laugh and gasp at the right places it’s an incredible feeling. In the industry too, we had about 10 sales agents all wanting to represent the film, we sold to Lionsgate in the US so it was great to think yes, we did something right.

IndieFlicks: What can we expect to see from you in the future?

Sebastian: We’re working on a new film called ‘Hunting Ground’ about a team of army cadets that get trapped on an island with a group of psycho-crazed special forces guys. It’s a relentless action-packed bloodbath!

IndieFlicks: What advice would you give to any budding filmmakers out there?

Sebastian: No one cares about you, no one wants to give you anything, you’re not special. So pick up a camera and prove everyone wrong. Every time you hit record you’re saying “Fuck you, I’m doing it anyway.” What are you waiting for?

For more information on Dead Wood please visit the official website - click

If you wish to purchase the film you can find it at Amazon and Play