The recipient of that love is Hammer, the iconic British horror studio which was absent from the film world for far too long.
Although the revived studio has actually made a couple of films in recent years, like many film reviewers and bloggers I consider The Woman in Black to mark its real return.
Just as I loved seeing The Inbetweeners and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy do so well last summer, I’m also thrilled to see Hammer and The Woman in Black achieve box office success and win almost universally rave reviews.
It’s vital for the health of the UK’s culture that we make successful films, the success of these three will hopefully provide inspiration to other British movie makers.
Last summer I was lucky enough to interview The Woman in Black’s director James Watkins, a treat which was followed up this week by interviewing Hammer’s CEO Simon Oakes.
Both were so passionate about the film that I’m thrilled its proving such a huge success.
Speaking to Oakes this week, I was struck at how passionate he is about Hammer and its legacy, as well as the farsightedness of his plans for the studio and brand.
So many films and brands are cynically exploited these days, much-loved films are lazily remade as a quick cash-in with little thought of creating an enduring legacy.
It’s the reason I’m so cynical whenever I hear about a remake, a reboot or revival.
My sense is that Hammer is going to be very different, that Oakes and Exclusive Media are going to take a studio many of us remember with affection and make it relevant and prosperous again.
I look forward to many future thrills and scares from the studio.
If you’ve not yet done so, do go see The Woman in Black.
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