You never quite know what to expect when you’re invited onto a film set, especially when the film in question is a horror short, shot entirely on a mobile phone, and directed by a man whose imagination seems permanently tuned to the eerie and uncanny.
But when Dean Midas asked me to join him for a day’s filming on his latest project in Durham City, curiosity got the better of me.
Dean, who lives in Willington, has built a reputation for low‑budget horror that punches well above its weight.
His films have a loyal following, and he has a knack for spotting young talent and giving them space to shine.
This new short, titledThe Stitcher, marks the first time he has filmed in Durham, and he’s clearly relishing the chance to use the city’s atmospheric corners to unsettling effect.
The film introduces Silas Vane, a chilling new addition to Dean’s growing catalogue of original characters.
By the time I arrived, the crew had already shot scenes at the Shakespeare pub, which Dean described to me as “perfectly atmospheric… exactly the kind of place that gives you something extra on camera”.
I caught up with the crew at the Radisson Blu hotel, where a lounge scene was being filmed. It takes place the morning after a disturbing event – but I’m not giving that away, you’ll have to watch the film to find out.
Dean captures the action in a scene from his latest film, The Stitcher (Image: ANDREW WHITE)
Inside, the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed. No barking orders, no frantic rushing, no diva behaviour. Just a small group of people quietly getting on with the job.
Dean was joined by regular collaborator Wayne Peacock, who was doing secondary filming. Between them, they moved with the rhythm of people who’ve done this many times before.
Meet the actors
The young cast – Sam Phillipson, 24, from Cockfield; Thomas Richardson, 24, from Darlington; and Eleanor Carter, 27, from Wheatley Hill – were already in position, chatting, laughing, and occasionally practising lines. All three hope to make acting their full‑time career, and watching them work, you get the sense they might just manage it.
Sam, who plays Julian, a man with “things to hide”, told me this is his third film with Dean.
Sam Phillipson, 24, from Cockfield in character during filming for The Stitcher at the Radisson Blu hotel (Image: ANDREW WHITE)
“I love acting and playing dual roles,” he said. “It’s great to work with these guys as well. It’s a good atmosphere and really chilled.”
When I asked about the difference between theatre and film, he said: “There’s not much rehearsal. It’s really fun and exciting because you don’t know what’s happening next. Dean keeps you on your toes.”
Thomas, meanwhile, is new to Dean’s projects. He’s been part of the National Youth Theatre academy, but this is his first film.
Thomas Richardson, 24 and seen here playing the part of Robbie, is making his first film for Dean. The Darlington man would like to be a full-time actor (Image: ANDREW WHITE)
“I’m finding the process very enjoyable,” he said.
“I’ve got quite a bit of experience in theatre, but this is quite different. You need different skills, there’s a different environment – and it’s great. I enjoy people working together to achieve a common purpose and a common goal.”
He plays Robbie, a postgraduate student who becomes a suspect.
Dean directs the young cast, using just a mobile phone (Image: ANDREW WHITE)
“I would love to be a professional actor,” he added – it’s clearly a driving ambition.
Eleanor, who plays Nell – a caring, loyal character who looks after her friends – has been acting since she was eight.
She has a drama degree from Newcastle University and has appeared in shows, adverts and several short films. This is her third time working with Dean.
Eleanor Carter, 27, from Wheatley Hill has been acting since she was eight. Seen her during filming, she says she enjoys Dean’s easy-gong style (Image: ANDREW WHITE)
“It’s quite easy‑going,” she told me. “Dean is really easy to work with, very friendly, and if you’ve got any questions he’ll answer straight away, which puts your mind at ease. People bring different ideas and bounce off each other.”
Acting is her main job, though she supplements it with other work, including for her dad’s bathroom design business and she is also a qualified make‑up artist.
Director Dean Midas captures the action for his latest horror short, The Stitcher (Image: ANDREW WHITE)
Watching Dean direct them was a lesson in efficiency. He shot four or five takes of the scene, each one slightly different, each one done with calm precision. There was no fuss, no wasted time. For a man filming on a mobile phone, he has the focus of someone handling a Hollywood budget.
An unexpected cameo
After wrapping at the hotel, the team moved on to the city centre and Odin’s Hoard, a new independent pop‑culture shop filled with sci‑fi memorabilia, horror collectibles and enough curiosities to keep any genre fan occupied for hours.
Owner Benn Clarkson, 46, from County Durham, had agreed to let Dean film there – and found himself unexpectedly cast in a cameo.
Benn Clarkson, 46, agreed to let Dean film in his shop, Odin’s Hoard – and ended up with a cameo role in his new film (Image: ANDREW WHITE)
“Dean wandered in one day and took an interest in the shop,” Benn told me.
“I think he enjoyed the way it looks, especially the horror items. He asked if he could use the shop to film a scene – but I didn’t know he would want me to take a part in it.
“It was a little bit nerve‑wracking. I think anybody would be nervous. It was done on the spot, but I quite enjoyed it and I’m really looking forward to how it looks.”
A nervous Benn Clarkson acts for the first time as Dean Midas holds the camera – a mobile phone – for a scene filmed in Odin’s Hoard in Durham (Image: ANDREW WHITE)
By the end of the day, what struck me most wasn’t the horror, or the tension, or the mystery of the plot. It was the sense of community.
Dean’s commitment to using local young talent isn’t just a talking point—it’s the backbone of his work. He gives people opportunities, trusts them, and makes a positive environment where creativity feels natural.
And for a film about fear, secrets and the unknown, that warmth is perhaps the biggest twist of all.
The film is set for release on Friday, October 2 via Dean Midas Films on YouTube.