Michael Boyd: A Visionary Of Short Film Returns With Supernatural Thriller Wiccan
Celebrated Scottish filmmaker Michael Boyd is once again drawing attention for his latest experimental drama Wiccan, a 15-minute supernatural thriller produced by Wady Films and co-edited with Eriks Mikevics. The film stars Lorenzo Allchurch as Ryan Salem, a young man entangled in a web of modern witchcraft, alongside Michael Daviot as Father Jared Rappaport and Gabz Barker as Mother Salem.
The film boasts a talented crew including Adolf El Assal (Producer), Gergana Popova (Director of Photography), Paul Hartmann (Sound Recordist & Music Supervisor), and Jack Weir (Score Composer & Performer). The film’s visual world was shaped with Thomas Morton on storyboard and Michael Vicary on concept art. Additional crew included Anna Rooney (Art Director), Sophie Barlow (Wardrobe), and Whitney Stewart (Makeup).
Wiccan continues Boyd’s tradition of independent, story-driven cinema. With past works including literary adaptations, music video experiments, and psychological thrillers, Boyd has established himself as a multifaceted auteur in the UK film scene.
A Look at Boyd’s Distinctive Filmography:
Whistle and I Will Come to You (25 mins, 2011):
A chilling adaptation of M.R. James’ classic ghost story. Starring Alec Beaton as Professor Piers Hordern, Stella Beaton, Mark Rust, Martin Passmore, and Michael Boyd himself as the Porter. Shot by Logan Vaughan and Boyd, with camera and sound support from Graeme Croal and Tyler Dane, the film was directed, written, and edited by Boyd. Makeup was handled by Par Boyd.
Wish (20 mins, 2013):
A modern retelling of The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs. Boyd played Connor, starring alongside Marc Fossey, Gabz Barker, and Tyler Dane. He also served as writer (adaptation), director, editor, producer, and director of photography. Costumes were designed by Barker.
Contractors (18 mins, 2014):
A gritty, dialogue-driven drama featuring Gabz Barker, Bruce Smith, and Gregor Grant-Suttie. Boyd was again at the helm in multiple roles: writer, director, editor, producer, and cinematographer. With sound by Paul Hartmann and music by Ben Hesney, the film added strong production support from Dave Miller (DoP) and Graeme Croal (Runner).
The Care and Attention of Swimming Pools (19 mins, 2012):
Adapted from a story by William Boyd, this atmospheric short stars Mark Rust as Neptune Waters, Megan H., and Tyler Dane. Cinematography by Graeme Croal and Danyal Kadir, with dual makeup artists Pat Boyd and Noemie Delclos.
Monochrome (6 mins, 2022):
A stark experimental film in black and white starring Andrew Halley. Boyd handled writing, directing, editing, and cinematography.
Tinnitus – Unborn (3 mins, 2012):
A visceral music video featuring music by Unborn (Thomas Walker, Grant Cropley, and James Webb). Boyd was responsible for directing, editing, cinematography, VFX, audio mixing, and vision mixing.
Valtari – Sigur Rós Music Video Challenge (6 mins, 2013):
Co-created with Graeme Croal, Boyd both acted and operated camera for this official entry into the Sigur Rós Valtari Mystery Film Experiment.
With a body of work spanning over a decade, Michael Boyd’s cinematic language remains uniquely introspective, often blending experimental form with literary source material. His continued exploration of themes like isolation, belief, and consequence marks him as a singular voice in British independent cinema.
Wiccan is currently making the rounds at international short film festivals, further cementing Boyd’s reputation as a director to watch.
