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/

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

UFOData Magazine - July/August, 2007

The July/August issue of UFOData Magazine will be out at the beginning of July and we have another packed issue for you.

This time, we focus on the enigma of the Flying Triangles. Omar Fowler delves into the mystery, including one report that is reminiscent of the recent ‘drone’ sightings in the States; Nick Pope shares his opinion on the Triangle phenomenon and Steve Johnson digs up some cases from over the years.

Dr Peter McCue has written two fascinating articles for this issue, the first being about ‘the psychic internet’ and how it might affect the UFO subject and the second exploring the ongoing activity in and around Rendlesham Forest; NASA advisor, James Oberg, offers his opinions on the validity of pilots reporting UFOs; Andrew Pike has written a hugely entertaining article about astronomical events over the years; Brian Allan takes a look at the notion that there may be more to the UFO subject than the extra-terrestrial hypothesis; Russel Callaghan gives his opinion on the recent ‘drone’ photographs from California; the UFOs sighted over Guernsey have been all over the news lately and we have a full report; Irish film-maker, Ronan Gallagher, describes the inspiration for his latest documentary, Loving the Alien; Peter Robbins takes us on an investigation in Kentucky, seeking out an alleged UFO crash site; Philip Mantle gives us an update on the alien autopsy film; Sam Willey reviews the recent LAPIS Conference in Blackpool.

Of course, there is also the latest news and reviews from around the ufological world. This issue also has two very exciting competitions for you to enter:

You can win a copy of Witness to Roswell, the excellent new book from Tom Carey and Don Schmitt by answering a simple question.

Want to attend the International UFO Congress event in Laughlin, Nevada, in March? Well, we have a pair of tickets to give away! The winners will receive 8 days and 9 nights of hotel accommodation, as well as a full pass to the conference, ticket to the Cocktail Party, Film Festival Entrance every night, Keynote Speaker Dinner and EBE Awards Banquet ticket, all courtesy of our friends at The UFO Congress and Film Festival. In total, the prize is worth almost $1400!

Subscribe now by dropping us a line at:

UFOData 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/

Don’t forget that the Roswell 60 conference will be held at the Parkside Hotel, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, on October 20th-21st, 2007. Tickets are still available and full details are in the magazine or on our website, http://www.ufodata.co.uk/

Thursday, April 26, 2007

May/June, 2007, Issue of UFOData Magazine

UFOData Magazine is pleased to announce that the May/June edition of our 68-page, full-size, glossy issues will go on sale at the beginning of May, 2007.

If you haven't subscribed yet, don't waste time searching the shops, visit our online store at www.ufodata.co.uk and order your subscription online, safely and securely. You can also purchase individual copies of the magazine to plug any gaps in your collection.

If preferred, you can order by post, by sending a cheque or postal order (payable to UFO DATA) to:

UFO DATA
PO BOX 280
LEEDS
LS26 1AN

Don't forget to tell us which issue you require or which issue you want your subscription to start from (e.g. May/June 2007).

If you have a PayPal account you can simply send a payment to
pay@ufodata.co.uk (Don’t forget to tell us your name and address and issue/subscription requirements).

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Roswell Incident, the May/June issue of UFOData Magazine features many articles about the world's most famous UFO crash.

Dennis Balthaser tells us about the 2007 Roswell UFO Festival.

Neil Morris, of the Roswell Photographic Interpretation Team, examines the famous images taken in General Ramey's office.

Dr Kevin Randle gives his overview of the current state of Roswell research.

Philip Mantle interviews Ray Santilli about his infamous alien autopsy film and what the future may hold for this controversial footage.

Ed Gehrman visits one of the alleged Roswell crash sites.

Nick Pope looks at some of the 'side issues' that have arisen with regard to Roswell.

Also in this issue, Steve Johnson and Chris Rolfe investigate an encounter by two American F-15 fighters with an unknown object in January, 2007; Robbie Graham describes his experiences with DI55, the 'real' British government UFO desk; UFOData looks at other UFO crashes over the years; David Cayton describes an incident from 1958 when a UFO was detected on radar in the Mediterranean; Malcolm Robinson explores military abductions (MILABS); Kevin Goodman looks back at the mysteries of Warminster; Brian Vike provides details on a creepy encounter in California in 1975; Joe McGonagle and Gary Anthony cast a critical eye over The Cosford Incident; plus all the usual news and reviews.

This edition of UFOData Magazine is not to be missed!

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Strange, Bright Object Photographed Over Leeds, UK

On Thursday, February 1st, 2007, a video recorded on a cameraphone was sent to Russel Callaghan at UFOData Magazine. It also appeared on local BBC TV news programme, Look North.

The clip can be found at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MArCbVRiQVw

By a remarkable stroke of fortune, UFOData Magazine researcher and features writer, Sacha Christie saw the object and took a great photograph (close-up enclosed). It can be found in the 'General UFO Discussion' section of the UFOData Forum ( http://www.ufodata.co.uk/forum )

The clip was shown for a second time the following night and that clip can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzI8_iDKM3s

Enquiries have been made into what this could be, including contacting RAF Fylingdales, and UFOData Magazine will publish the findings when we learn more. It could be a piece of debris entering the Earth's atmosphere, either natural or man-made.

The object is somewhat similar to what was photographed in Wales in 2003. That was initially thought to be a meteor or bolide exploding in the atmosphere and it made the Astronomy Picture of the Day for 1st October, 2003. That was eventually explained as an aeroplane contrail illuminated by the setting sun. What was seen today, however, does not seem to be the same, as the object was seen to move across the sky.

Hopefully more answers will emerge soon.

Thanks,

Steve Johnson
Features Writer
UFOData Magazine

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

UFOData Magazine Issue 6

UFODATA are pleased to announce that issue six of UFODATA Magazine goes on sale soon.

This issue, the last in its A5 format before we go to the 68-page A4 size, concentrates on man-made UFOs, ranging from misidentifications to hoaxes and everything in between. Also taking up a large part of this issue is the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle and similar regions around the globe. We hear from Roswell researcher, Kevin Randle. American writer and former federal investigator, Joseph Guthienz, has written a great piece about the thefts of prized Moon rocks. Dr David Clarke, tells us about some of the difficult to explain cases he has come across. Russel Callaghan writes about the strange, deep sea creatures that were washed ashore during the terrible Boxing Day tsunami of 2004 and also explores a famous 'boomerang' UFO case, with a possible explanation.

Also in this issue are articles by UFO researchers, Brian Allan and Ed Sherwood, Irish researcher, Dermot Butler, writes about a case from the Emerald Isle and regular contributor, Steve Johnson, has some stuff in there too, including a full review of The Second Great British UFO Show.

SUBSCRIBE See website for details www.ufodata.co.uk

Thursday, September 07, 2006

UFOData Magazine Issue 5

UFO DATA are pleased to announce that issue five of UFO DATA Report goes on sale from Monday 4th September 2006.

This issue concentrates on NASA's association with UFOs over the years. We hear from STS-48 UFO footage analyst, Dr Jack Kasher. American NASA video collector, Jeff Challender has written a great piece about anomalous objects being captured by NASA cameras. We remember the late Colonel Gordon Cooper, Right Stuff astronaut and outspoken proponent of UFOs. Russel Callaghan writes about the 'Smoking Gun' film and the documentary itself is included on the FREE DVD!

Also in this issue are articles by UFO researchers, Brian Allan and Tony Topping, American researcher, Dennis Balthaser, recounts his experiences at Area 51 and
Michael Horn offers his expertise on the Billy Meier case.

SUBSCRIBE
You can subscribe on line or by simply sending a cheque for £18.00 to UFO DATA PO BOX 280 LEEDS LS26 1AN Single issues can be ordered on line or direct from the address above. Issue two features a free DVD and higher costs mean a single issue with DVD is £3.50. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the magazine. See website for details
www.ufodata.co.uk

Advertisers can make use of our classified service, we have free limited space for individuals or organisations who can place up to 25 words free of charge. Webmasters you can advertise your websites for just £2.50 per issue by way of a banner advert right along the bottom of our magazine pages.

For further details or to place an advert simply Email

ads@ufodata.co.uk

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Special Offer in the Mercury Rapids ShopZone!

SPECIAL OFFER!!

Until July 31st 2006, order Mercury Rapids and Mercury Rapids: The Thoth Imperative and receive Mercury Rapids: The Mountains of Tomorrow FREE!

Click For Details

Thursday, April 05, 2012

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

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Saturday, March 31, 2012

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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Monday, March 26, 2012

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Saturday, March 24, 2012

Friday, March 23, 2012

Thursday, March 22, 2012

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Monday, March 19, 2012

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