Don’t Fear Death

Today is the first day of the end of your life.

A fast-paced comedy arguing the joys of being dead, aided by a montage of corpses and a dance-crazed Grim Reaper. Starring Rik Mayall and associate produced by Ed Bye. Commissioned for Channel 4’s Random Acts.

Credits:

A Dice Productions film in association with Lupus Films and Channel 4.

CAST:

Rik Mayall

Marc Silk

Myles McLeod

CREW:

Director’s Statement:

*Edit June 2014: The sudden and tragic death of Rik Mayall has been a loss for generations of comedy fans and has robbed the world of one it’s most irreplaceable humans. The morbidly ironic fact that this film is now one of his last projects thankfully hasn’t been lost. It’s nice of people to think that this would have been a fitting two-fingers to the world on the way out. From my point of view it’s hard to tell if the humour of the film’s been tainted as Ian and I felt quite close to him. But maybe everyone else can just see his vast body of hilarious work and incredible life for what it is. I just keep hoping that he faked it and has been in on the joke the whole time.

The aim of this film was to twist the connotation of death in an absurdly positive way, while still making a rich, layered film that rewarded multiple viewings. Hopefully we’ve created a 3 minute film that you could happily watch on a loop for 15 minutes.

Starting with Ian’s great script, we weaved in as many jokes, visual gags and plot twists as we could. When Rik Mayall came aboard and added his glorious performance the ambition of all aspects of the production were raised. A lot of attention to detail was spent on the character animation, music and sound design to heighten every laugh and to bolster Rik’s voice at the forefront of the film.

Over 50 characters were created to make the film feel like it was exploring different aspects of a world, rather than just a series of isolated events. Using a brightly lit ‘90s throwback world full of lumpy worn people gave the film a grubby kitsch which felt right for a cast that are being eyed up as potential corpses.

While the film is a series of vignettes with a punchline, the actual plot is non-linear. When put in order it is about a criminally insane butcher who poses as a pilot so he can crash a plane. Although partly told in the real world, most of the scenes occur within the pilot’s imagination. Plane passengers are addressed to as he places them in scenes, and he envisions himself as the Figure of Death. [hr]

Press:

Interview with Skwigly

Review by the film’s commissioner, Chris Shepherd

British Comedy Guide’s Top 12 Online Comedy Films of 2013

One of Rik Mayall’s last projects: Guardian, Telegraph, Metro, Huffington Post

Rik Mayall was a British comedy icon and pioneer of the alternative comedy scene. In 2014 he suddenly and tragically did, leaving a legacy that has inspired generations of British comedians. He starred in shows such as The Young Ones, The Comic Strip, Blackadder, and Bottom, and he was the title character of the film Drop Dead Fred. Don’t Fear Death was, in true distasteful form, one of his last projects.

Achievements

Aired on Channel 4 – Monday 5th August 2013, 11.05pm
Vimeo Staff Pick (2013)
Audience Award – Anibar (2014)
Best Drama/Fictional Programme nominee – RTS Midlands (2013)