Independent Vampire film to promote tourism in Stoke-On-Trent

"Making a period piece is a challenge, however being able to tap in to the history of the city that I’ve grown up in and put it on the big screen has been a fantastic experience and I've loved every second of making it."

Chris Stone, Director of Blood and Bone China and BA (Hons) Media (Film) Production graduate

A graduate filmmaker is hoping leave his mark on Stoke-on-Trent with the premiere of his vampire drama.

Staffordshire University graduate, Chris Stone, will open the Stoke Your Fires Film Festival with Blood and Bone China, a Victorian vampire drama inspired by real-life investigations into the existence of vampires in Stoke-on-Trent

The film, which is set in locations across Stoke-on-Trent, was commissioned by the festival and supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and is seen as an innovative and entertaining way to promote the city and it's history as a pioneer of the ceramics industry.

Chris, 27, a BA (Hons) Media (Film) Production graduate from Burslem, said: "Making a period piece is a challenge, however being able to tap in to the history of the city that I’ve grown up in and put it on the big screen has been a fantastic experience and I've loved every second of making it.

“It has been made on a budget of £3000, which is less than 1% of the cost of the recent 'low budget' British films such as 'Monsters' and 'Kill List’. It goes to show that with a good story, creativity and determination you can make a film on any budget. 

Since graduating, Chris has earned international recognition, scooping awards in the LA and New York Film Festivals and has seen his work screened on the BBC, ITV and MTV. 

Blood and Bone China will kick-off a fortnight of activities at the Stoke Your Fires Film Festival on February 10, with current BA (Hons) Media Production students also getting the chance to screen their films.

Arrive 12 will screen the best short drama’s from second-year BA(Hons) Media (Film) Production students at the Stoke Film Theatre on Wednesday, February 15, with All Fired Up shining the spotlight on third-year students latest films on Wednesday, February 22.