Mercury Rapids Blog

n a fan of the movie, The Valley of Gwangi, ever since I saw it on television as a small boy of about six or seven years of age (in black and white, I might add). I was amazed at the effects work of Ray Harryhausen and the way he integrated his monsters into a world of cowboys and rodeos with seamless ease.

The Valley of Gwangi, though, is almost one of Harryhausen's lost classics, being eclipsed by his other work, such as Jason and the Argonauts, the three Sinbad movies and Clash of the Titans.

With the recent remake of Clash of the Titans (which wasn't anywhere near as good as the original!), I wondered if Gwangi would deserve the remake treatment. I mean, monsters are always popular in the cinema and the western is always well-received, what with the success of the remake of True Grit. So, how about a retelling of The Valley of Gwangi? I'd love to write it and see it up on screen with today's whiz-bang CGI effects. With that in mind, I hammered out a treatment for what, I think, would be a good, exciting monster movie. You can read it below
and, remember, this is just a script treatment, a guide to the main features the final script should include.

I hope you enjoy it.

http://www.mercuryrapids.co.uk/gwangi.htm

'The Devils of D-Day

I have been a fan of the novels of Graham Masterton ever since I picked up a copy of The Devils of D-Day when I was about fourteen years of age. I only realised later that I had been aware of his work through the film, The Manitou, which was based on his first book and released in 1978. To be fair, it's not a great movie, but it gives you some idea of the creativity in Masterton's work. His books are very visual and conjure images that should be easily transferred onto the big screen.

For some reason, though, only his first book traversed the divide between the printed page and the silver screen.

I have published a full script treatment for The Devils of D-Day. I have reworked the story into the popular genre of 'found-footage'. The first-person narrative of the book lends itself well to that particular style of film-making, I believe.

So, have a read and let me know what you think. If Graham Masterton is reading this, I do not mean to bend any copyright. I am merely a fan entertaining a dream of seeing Graham's work on the screen once more.

http://www.mercuryrapids.co.uk/devilsofd-day/devilsofd-day.htm

'A70'

I am very happy to announce that 'A70', the true story of a terrifying alien abduction in Scotland, has gone into production. Produced by Dionne Rose and based upon research by Malcolm Robinson, the screenplay for 'A70' was written by myself and Dionne Rose.

More details can be found at The A70 Movie Facebook Page

'Mercury Rapids' Kindle ebook

When Bill Lewis is abducted by extraterrestrials, little does he know that he will embark on an adventure that will see him pitting his wits against alien forces intent on destroying the Earth.

Originally released as a paperback trilogy, enjoy the complete story in one Kindle ebook.

Available now in the Kindle Store!

'Silent Predator' Kindle ebook

The idyllic peace of the northern English countryside is shattered when gruesome killings occur close to a large government laboratory. A local school teacher and a maverick scientist find themselves on a deadly quest to track down a family of big cats that regards a small Yorkshire village as its hunting ground.

A new novella from Steven Johnson(writing as Steve JC Johnson)

Available now in the Kindle Store!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

'Dead Start'

Added a new short screenplay, continuing my 'Dead...' series. :) It's called 'Dead Start' and can be found here: http://www.mercuryrapids.co.uk/mercshortscreenplays.htm

Friday, September 10, 2010

Thousand Oaks

A California family are terrified by a disembodied scream
and more other-worldly phenomena in and around their home.

Click here for more.

THE SCREENPLAY IS A WORK OF FICTION THAT IS INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY
TOLD TO CANADIAN UFO RESEARCHER, BRIAN VIKE ON HIS RADIO SHOW.

AN ACCOUNT OF THE TRUE STORY CAN BE READ HERE.

The Stainless Steel Rat

An original screenplay by STEVE JOHNSON,
based on the 'Stainless Steel Rat'
series of books by HARRY HARRISON.

This is my adaptation for the screen of the adventures of 'Slippery' Jim diGriz,
galactic crook and conman turned secret agent for the Special Corps.

In this adventure, we see how he was recruited to the Corps and how he is flung into an adventure that sees him and his partner, Angelina, battle to save present-day Earth from an aggressive, reptilian race, bent on galactic domination.

Click here for more.

Short Screenplays

I have created a web page for my short screenplays. They can be read as PDFs here

"Tell Me You're In There!"

I am extremely happy to report that "Tell Me You're In There!" is being brought to the screen by DRB Entertainment and is currently in development.

Click here for the DRB Entertainment website and more information.

Friday, December 04, 2009

LIMITED FREE DOWNLOAD

FREE BOOK!!

For a limited period, I have made the pdf e-book of the complete Mercury Rapids Trilogy available to download completely free.

Yep, Free! No Charge! Nothing To Pay!

Click here to enter the Mercury Rapids Website

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

UFO DATA Magazine Conference 2008

UFO DATA MAGAZINE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
‘CLOSE ENCOUNTERS’
PARKSIDE HOTEL, PONTEFRACT, WEST YORKSHIRE
25th & 26th OCTOBER, 2008

CONFERENCE LINE-UP

Saturday 25th October.

Doors open 9.00 am

10.00-10.15: Introduction.

10.15-11.15: Rosalind Reynolds
Rosalind Reynolds had her abduction experience in September 1983. Rarely has she spoken about these events in public. Her presentation will not only deal with the events in question, but the aftermath and how to deal with such experiences.

11.15-11.45: Coffee Break

11.45-12.45 Kevin Goodman
Kevin is the author of UFO Warminster-Cradle of Contact. Kevin’s presentation will feature the UFO events around the small Wiltshire town of Warminster along with his own experiences.

12.45-13.45: Lunch

13.45-14.30: Alan Turner MBE
Wing Commander Alan Turner (RAF retired) was a career RAF officer. Here he speaks in public for the very first time detailing his observations of numerous UFOs on several military radar systems while on active service at RAF Sopley in l971.

14.30-15.oo: Coffee Break

15.00-16.00: Russel Callaghan.
Russell is the co-editor of UFO DATA Magazine and his presentation will concentrate on the various UFO reports, video clips etc that have come across his desk over the last 12 months.

16.00-16.30: Coffee Break

16.30-18.00: Dr Roberto Pinotti
Speaking in the UK for the very first time since 1980 is one of Italy’s foremost UFO researchers. An international lecturer, author and broadcaster he is the head of the C.U.N. organisation in Italy. Dr Pinotti will be sharing highlights of his long standing research into the UFO subject.

20.00: Meet the speakers buffet (Ticket holders only)

Sunday 26th October.

Doors open 9.00 am.

10.00-10.15: Introduction

10.15-11.15: Brian Allan
Brian is one of Scotland’s leading UFO & Paranormal researchers. An established lecture and author. In this fascinating presentation entitled, 'The Hole in The Sky', paranormal investigator, Brian Allan, presents evidence that there a number of 'portals' and 'window areas' both here in the UK and in the USA.

11.15-11.45: Coffee Break

11.45-12.45: Peter McCue
Peter McCue is a retired clinical psychologist who lives in Scotland. He has a Ph.D. based on research into the nature of hypnosis. In his talk, Peter will offer a critical appraisal of the way in which sceptics and debunkers deal with UFO cases and related anomalies.

12.45-13.45: Lunch

13.45-14.45: Gary Heseltine
Gary is co-editor of UFO DATA Magazine. He is a Detective Constable with the British Transport Police. Gary’s presentation will feature close encounter cases by UK police officers.

14.45-15.15: Coffee Break

15.15-16.15: Andrew Russell
Andy has been researching UFOs for the past 18 years and has had numerous sightings himself. His current research is using the Freedom of Information Act to elicit information from the MoD and is researching the abundance of sightings around South Wales and the Bristol Channel.
He is a clinical hypnotherapist/psychotherapist and has helped abductees regain hidden memories of their experiences.

His presentation follows the use of the FOIA to gain information on UFOs, the way the MoD bends the rules to not reveal information, the "two-track" system of information regarding UFOs within the MoD and finishes with the UFO activity within the South Wales and Bristol Channel area.

16.15-16.45: Coffee Break

16.45-18.15: Haktan Akdogan.
Speaking in the UK for the very first time is Haktan Akdogan. Haktan is Turkey’s leading UFO researcher. He is an international lecturer, writer and broadcaster on the UFO subject. Haktan will be sharing many new UFO cases and video film all of which are discussed in the UK here for the very first time.

NB: All speakers will take questions from the audience at the end of each presentation. There is an opportunity to meet a chat socially with many of our speakers on Saturday evening at our buffet (tickets holders only). Please be aware that there is no recording or filming permitted during any of the presentations.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day and you are advised to order your lunch well in advance if you intend on dining at the Parkside Hotel. If you require any further details on any aspects on the conference please do not hesitate to contact us at: conf@ufodata.co.uk or via the other contacts details on the UFO DATA web site: www.ufodata.co.uk

The conference organisers reserve the right to change the time of presentations and speakers without prior notification.

UFO DATA MAGAZINE,
PO BOX 280,
LEEDS,
WEST YORKSHIRE,
LS26 1AN

Tele: 0113 2865566 or 07957 223358

Click here for the PDF booking form

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

UFO DATA Magazine - Jan/Feb 2008

The Jan/Feb, 2008, issue of UFO DATA Magazine is out now and it’s another packed issue. Everybody on the team would like to thank you all for contributing towards the magazine’s success in the last two years and into the future.

David Cayton looks at a UFO case involving the RAF from 1957.

Russel Callaghan talks with Martin Stubbs about the importance of his video collection

Philip Mantle puts the lid on events in an interview with the magical
Spyros...

Nick Pope finishes off his article from last issue, asking, "If Roswell Happened Today...?"

Our new Co-Editor Gary Heseltine presents his 6th PRUFOS Police UFO Sightings Report...

Plus all the usual news, reviews and correspondence from this fabulous world of ufology.

Subscribe now by dropping us a line at:

UFO DATA Magazine,
PO Box 280,
Leeds,
West Yorkshire,
LS26 1AN

You can also subscribe via our secure, online store, which can be found at http://www.ufodata.co.uk/

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Sunday, April 08, 2012

Saturday, April 07, 2012

Friday, April 06, 2012

Thursday, April 05, 2012

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Monday, April 02, 2012

Sunday, April 01, 2012

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Friday, March 30, 2012

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Monday, March 26, 2012

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Friday, March 23, 2012

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Monday, March 19, 2012

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Friday, March 16, 2012

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Monday, March 12, 2012

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Friday, March 09, 2012

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Friday, September 10, 2010

Friday, December 04, 2009

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Wednesday, February 06, 2008