Dean Midas film writer and director exclusive interview

We got to chat with the Award Winning Film Director of The Rag Dolly & Eve Valentine Horror Franchise Dean Midas.

We’re excited at MarkMeets to have recently interviewed Dean ‘Gold Fingers’ Midas about his film making experience.

Back in 2020 Dean started working on his acclaimed low budget horror short film franchise in County Durham, England and was expecting his Lockdown films would get up to 3,000 or 4,000 views at the most. Just over 12 months on and his ‘The Rag Dolly’ & ‘Eve Valentine’ franchise currently stands at 121,000 views and rising. All five films have also been Officially selected at fourteen festivals around the world. 

The reality pr guru told us at MarkMeets Media that back in October 2020, Dolly v Eve has a film premiere at the Odeon Durham Luxe and it was an overwhelming moment for him. All five short films were made for next to nothing (they were all filmed on a mobile phone). Read what Dean had to tell us about his experience in the showbiz industry and as a film writer and director of short horror films.

Valentine’s Eve and Valentine’s Eve 2 are both short horror movies which have proved to have been well received with audiences. What came first, the storyline or character?
The character came first, but my first intention was to release the film near Christmas. It quickly became apparent that time was against us, so I changed her story and made her a Valentine killer. I also renamed her Eve Valentine as her original name was Eve Muerta. 

This was the cameo role for Sam Lavery (She’s pretty amazing in the film), so tell us how you managed to assemble the cast?
Sam was always the first name on my list to play Eve. I was over the moon when she agreed to do it as Sam is the ultimate professional. I have known Sam for a long time and also supported her during her time on The X Factor in 2016. Sam and her family are amazing people. 

Now without giving too much away from those people who have not yet seen it, what made you decide to choose the Spade in the movie as the symbol object?
I was at the beach at Filey, Yorkshire and a spade was left in the sand, with a note saying “Please use, but return for others to use”. I thought, what if the spade belonged to someone unhinged and if it wasn’t returned, they went looking for it. That’s how the Rag Dolly’s spade was born. 

Now onto your other short movie ‘The Rag Dolly’, we loved the name Willo Vale secure unit but what was the inspiration in the name?
I live in a beautiful place called Willington in County Durham. The nickname for the local football and cricket teams is Willo. A few brainstorming sessions later, we came up with Willo Vale Hospital.

Being on location during the pandemic, how did you find it and choosing locations, was it hard?
It was tough. My main goal was to make sure the cast and crew were safe and protected at all times. We were very lucky that The Manor House Hotel, West Auckland (West Manor in the films) allowed us to film at their venue. 
Quite simply, we could not have made the films without their help. 

What was the most challenging part of the filming process and putting it all together.
I made The Rag Dolly Returns, pre-pandemic and again, I received some priceless help from my neighbours Andrea and Stuart. I was desperate for a house to film ‘the investigation’ scene just as I was about to give up, they stepped forward and offered their property. If they hadn’t, I really don’t think that we would be where we are now. 

What did you learn from making the movies and what is next for you?
It is hard work, long days and nights. I love it, so I am certainly not complaining. A 15 to 20 minute short film can take well over three months to pull together, from start to finish. 

You mentioned how making the horror film saved your sanity, is there anything else you would have liked to invested your time instead?
In all honesty. No. Making these films, gave me something to focus and concentrate on, during tough times for us all.

Having premiered Dolly v Eve at the Durham Odeon Luxe and seeing it up on the big screen, what impact have you seen as we’ve even seen t-shirts of the character online!!
Absolutely unbelievable. Seeing one of my films on the big screen is something that I will never forget. 
Yes, Neal Jones in America has made a Rag Dolly t-shirt and it looks amazing. It is available to buy on Amazon. 

From producing, managing a family to the concerted efforts it takes to make it in the industry, where did the love of working in the entertainment including reality TV begin?
The X Factor was the main influence and one of the main reasons that I am where I am now. I didn’t start helping to champion people until 2005 and I carried on until 2016. I loved every minute of it and I have made lifelong friendships in the media and personally. 

Besides being a filmmaker, you have worked in sport and also media, tell us more about the pr side as you’ve worked with stars from 1D to Ben Haenow and Louisa Johnson amongst many others.
Predicting One Direction’s success and helping to champion them via Liam’s then Manager, Paul Bailey was a life-changer. At the time (2010) many people in the industry challenged my decision, saying I had got it wrong. Comments being that the lads would be “no higher than sixth and would be finished in a year…

I was lucky enough to champion many finalists, including winner’s, Ben Haenow (2014) and Louisa Johnson (2015) 
I am keeping everything crossed that the show will return next year. I might even come out of reality TV retirement. 

Dean added “Huge thanks to Sam Haynes and Jenna Learoyd for providing our fantastic music and Adrian Holmes-Morris, Jason Redman, the Dhiman family and the whole cast and crew for their invaluable help.”

Leave your comments below.

Leave a Reply