M.J. Bassett

MICHAEL J. BASSETT is an English screenwriter and film director who has made a variety of films, both for television and cinema.

Bassett's first feature, the horror film Deathwatch, was set in the trenches of World War One. Bassett's most recent film project, the heroic fantasy adventure, Solomon Kane, was released internationally in 2010.

Bassett grew up in Shropshire in the Midlands of the United Kingdom. With his rural upbringing he developed an obsession with wildlife and nature and it was not until later that Bassett's fascination with films would arise. Bassett's childhood aspirations were of being a wildlife veterinarian in Africa. But even though he spent most of his teenage years as a vets' assistant as well as running his own wildlife hospital, his less than ideal grades in school meant that a veterinary career soon became out of the question. At the age of 16, Bassett left school and became a wildlife film maker's assistant, where he was taught photography and filmmaking.

After his time as an assistant, Bassett decided to go back to school to do his A-Levels with a plan to go on to university in the hopes of getting a zoology degree. Whilst studying, Bassett wrote to a variety of TV producers, looking for work as a nature presenter. Eventually, he was contacted by famed TV producer, Janet Street Porter and shortly after, he began working as a presenter on the children's show 'Get Fresh' where he presented the science and nature segments. After working on several other TV programs Bassett bought a video camera and began making short films. People expected films about wildlife and nature but instead Bassett made thrillers, horrors and comedies - winning several awards along the way.

Still in his early 20's Bassett gave up the presenting and focused on film making. Initially unable to get his own features off the ground Bassett made a living making EPKs - 'behind the scenes' documentaries - interviewing numerous actors and directors. At the same time he wrote several feature scripts which he used to try to catch producers' attention. Finally, Bassett got some notice with a horror script titled 'No Man's Land'. A lot of companies offered to purchase the script, but Bassett was determined to direct the film himself. One company accepted his terms and in 2001 the film was made, starring Jamie Bell and Andy Serkis. It was retitled Deathwatch and released in 2002.

When he's not traveling Bassett stills lives in rural Shropshire and follows his passion for natural history and wildlife. He has three dogs, a ferret called 'Gus', numerous injured birds and a pet raven called 'Roxie'.

© 2012 Open Road Films