Shaun of the Dead - Edgar Wright Interview

In this internet exclusive Shaun of The Dead director Edgar Wright talks about his love for writing and directing his own film, on his aspirations for its success and the Batman soundtrack.

Edgar has been making comedy films since he was 14. His creative streak continued through college, where with the help of his school friends he made his first ever, no-budget, feature length film ‘A Fistful of Fingers’, a Western spoof shown on Sky Movies and put on limited theatrical release. He was 20 years old.

This paved the way for Edgar’s foray into television comedy and a move to the Paramount Comedy Channel, where he directed sketches in ‘Mash and Peas’ and then directed and co-wrote ‘Asylum’, a black comedy series on which he first joined forces with Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson. Edgar’s talent soon took him to the BBC, to work on several comedy series — ‘Alexei Sayle’s Merry Go Round’’, ‘Is it Bill Bailey’ and ‘Sir Bernard Chumley’s Stately Homes’. He also directed an episode of ‘Murder Most Horrid’ as well as the 1998 ‘French and Saunders Christmas Special’.

‘Spaced’ saw Edgar returning to his creative roots - teaming up again with Simon and Jessica. The 1st series of ‘Spaced’, which was shown on Channel 4 in 1999 and which received nominations at The British Comedy Awards, BAFTA and Montreux, was an immediate hit and Edgar’s talent as a director and his unique visual style were singled out by many of the critics, confirming his status as one of the most exciting new directors in the country. The 2nd series of ‘Spaced’ was an even bigger success and picked up nominations at BAFTA and the International Emmy’s. Edgar was snapped up by CAA in US.

Before going into production on ‘Shaun of the Dead’, Edgar directed commercials and promos for leading British commercials company Godmans.

The Interview

• Edgar Wright Interview (Windows Media - 56k)
• Edgar Wright Interview (Windows Media - ISDN)

• Edgar Wright Interview (Real Player - 56k)
• Edgar Wright Interview (Real Player - ISDN)