WIREDGOV

The world premiere of Caradog James’ made in Wales horror feature film "Don’t Knock Twice" that was supported by the Wales Media Investment Budget takes place at the 24th annual Raindance Film Festival in London tonight.

The supernatural thriller from the award winning team at Cardiff based Red and Black Films was the first Welsh company to benefit from the Media Investment Budget which funded a significant proportion of the production’s budget and is advised by Pinewood Pictures. 

Ffilm Cymru Wales provided support from an early stage with both development and production funding for the production starring Katee Sackhoff (“Oculus,” “Riddick,” “Battlestar Galactica”) and Nick Moran (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows).

All of the principal photography was filmed in the Cardiff area. The production’s high Welsh spend ratio, a condition of the funding, supported a significant number of jobs in the film sector and created wider economic benefits for a range of businesses in Wales.

“Don’t Knock Twice”  brings together the winning combination of producer John Giwa-Amu and director Caradog James who founded Red & Black Films and whose most recent production - sci-fi thriller “The Machine” was released to critical acclaim, winning numerous awards.

“Don’t Knock Twice,” an emotional story, full of suspense and twists, is about a guilt ridden mother who wants to reconnect with the daughter she was forced to place into care. To save her estranged daughter, she has to uncover the terrifying truth behind the urban legend of a vengeful, demonic witch.

Economy Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates said: 

“I’m delighted the Media Investment Budget is supporting Welsh talent and Welsh companies and helping to raise the profile of Wales internationally as a key location for the industry. It’s great to see a Welsh company doing so well and I wish Red & Black films every success with their latest production.”

The Raindance Film Festival is the largest and most important independent film festival in the UK. Now in its 24th year, it is based in the heart of London's West End film district. It showcases features, shorts and music videos by filmmakers from the UK and around the world to an audience of film executives and buyers, journalists, film fans and filmmakers. 

Content Media is selling worldwide rights to the film, just as the company did for James's "The Machine". Content’s President of Film, Jamie Carmichael, serves as Executive Producer.

John Giwa-Amu said: 

“It’s been an incredible asset to have the support of the Media Investment Budget and film Cymru Wales in Don’t Knock Twice. Together with the Welsh private finance we’re very proud to have a major feature film green-lit entirely from Welsh sources.”

Ffilm Cymru Wales’ Head of Creative Sector Development, Hannah Thomas comments: 

“We're thrilled to see Red & Black films go from strength to strength and we're proud to have been a part of their journey from providing support for their first feature The Machine to helping grow the company via our Company Support initiative  and now with development and production support for Don't Knock Twice. John and Caradog deserve every success.”