SPOTLIGHT:MIKE DAVIES

FILM DIRECTOR

DARK QUILL FILMS

BIO:

Mike Davies, is an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and author

from Liverpool, UK. With a distinct voice and a deep-rooted passion for psychological thrillers and emotionally charged storytelling. Mike has carved out a compelling space for himself in the world of independent film cinema.

Known for his intense narratives and rich character work, Mike is the creator of the Veil Trilogy, which includes the acclaimed psychological thriller The Veil of Silence—a haunting exploration of trauma, identity, and descent into darkness. He also serves as co-CEO of Dark Quill Films and Paul Hughbanks Entertainment, driving forward a slate of original projects both screen and publication.

FILM SUMMARY:

Beneath the sterile halls of a quiet hospital lies a darkness no one dares to confront.

THE VEIL OF SILENCE

Thomas Greene, a quiet and seemingly unremarkable theatre support worker, lives a life of routine and solitude—until one tragic night fractures his reality forever.

When an act of self-defence turns deadly, something inside Thomas begins to unravel. Haunted by trauma and plagued by a silence that stretches beyond the physical world, he slips into a chilling descent where morality blurs and sanity begins to fracture. As bodies start to appear and suspicion creeps into the shadows, one woman—Erica—comes dangerously close to uncovering the truth.

Q&As:

DG Q: Your current film project is a dark psychological thriller called The Veil of Silence. A dark and haunting exploration into trauma, identity and descent into darkness. Can you share what inspired you to delve into this subject?

MIKE: The Veil of Silence is a dark psychological thriller that dives deep into trauma, fractured identity, and the silent descent into darkness.

What inspired me to tell this story wasn’t just imagination—it came from a deeply personal place. I’ve faced my own mental health battles, including the very real experience of living with a split psyche and confronting the choice between two very different paths: one of light, and one of darkness.

It’s easy to give in to the darker road when you’re in pain—when you feel broken or unheard—but I made the conscious choice not to go there. I’m a disabled father of five, and now a grandfather too. That love, that responsibility, that legacy… it keeps me grounded. It gives me purpose.

This story is about what could happen when someone doesn’t have that grounding—when silence and isolation become louder than hope. The Veil of Silence doesn’t just explore horror for the sake of fear; it exposes what happens when we ignore pain, when trauma festers unspoken. It’s raw, it’s personal, and it’s a reflection of a fight many people quietly endure every day.

DG Q: Personal experiences often find their way into films/books/music this was certainly the case for me in my own storytelling. What personal experiences influenced or found their way into your film?

MIKE: Personal experiences often find their way into films, books, or music—and that was definitely the case for me with The Veil of Silence.

I worked for the NHS in operating theatres for 12 years, and during that time I met people from every walk of life. Patients, colleagues, families—they all had stories. When you’re working in that environment, especially in moments where life hangs in the balance, people tend to open up. They share things they’ve never told anyone else. I became a quiet listener to a thousand private battles.

Those conversations stayed with me. I started to see patterns—grief, guilt, regret, fear—and how often people suffer in silence. That silence, that internal struggle, became a central theme in The Veil of Silence.

A lot of the emotional weight in the story comes from that lived experience: seeing how trauma shapes people, how some carry it quietly while others crumble beneath it. Working in the NHS didn’t just show me the fragility of the human body—it showed me the fragility of the human mind. And that shaped this film more than anything else.

DG Q: What challenges have you had to overcome as a filmmaker/director?

MIKE: Honestly—just about everything. I’d never written a book or directed a film before. My background was 12 years working in the NHS, specifically in operating theatres, where I saw the best and worst of humanity. But everything changed after I had a fall that fractured my spine. It was a life-altering injury, both physically and mentally.

That fall forced me to stop. I couldn’t work the same way anymore, and my mental health took a serious hit. I felt lost—like my purpose had been ripped away. Writing became a lifeline. It started as a way to process my own pain, to make sense of everything I was feeling. From there, storytelling grew into something much bigger—something that gave me a second life.

Stepping into the world of filmmaking with no formal background was a huge challenge. I had to learn everything from scratch: writing, directing, producing, building a team, and believing in myself through it all. But I pushed forward because I needed to. Because stories like The Veil of Silence—and my own story—deserve to be told.

Now, I’m not just a filmmaker. I’m a disabled father of five, a grandfather, and someone who refused to let pain be the end of my story. I turned it into the beginning of something new.

DG Q: What was the most significant hurdle you faced while making The Veil of Silence?

MIKE: The most significant hurdle I faced while making The Veil of Silence was myself.

I was dealing with a fractured spine, recovering from a serious fall, and navigating the mental health impact that came with it. At the same time, I was entering a completely new world—writing and directing a psychological thriller with no formal training, no industry background, and no roadmap.

There were moments I doubted everything—my ability, my vision, even whether anyone would care about the story I wanted to tell. Physically, I was limited. Emotionally, I was fighting to stay afloat. But The Veil of Silence became more than a film—it became my therapy. A way to turn pain into purpose.

On top of that, balancing the realities of independent filmmaking—budget constraints, schedules, logistics, casting—while managing chronic pain and being a disabled father of five was no easy task. But I refused to let those things stop me.

Getting to the finish line with The Veil of Silence was a victory over every internal and external obstacle. It reminded me why stories matter—because sometimes, they’re the only thing that can pull us back from the edge.

DG Q: Which directors/films from the past influenced you the most?

MIKE: Without a doubt, Kathryn Bigelow and Joel Schumacher had a huge impact on me. Near Dark and The Lost Boys weren’t just films—they were experiences that shaped the way I see storytelling, atmosphere, and character.

There’s something raw, gritty, and stylish about the way they approached horror and darkness, especially in the 80s, and that stuck with me.

 I’m a massive 80s fan. That era of cinema had a fearless energy—films weren’t afraid to be bold, emotional, or weird. They had style and soul, and they made you feel something. Whether it was the moody, sun-scorched nightmare of Near Dark or the vibrant, rebellious vibe of The Lost Boys, those films planted the seeds of what would one day become The Veil of Silence.

That mix of aesthetic, music, and emotional depth is something I try to carry into my own work—not to copy it, but to honour it. Because those films didn’t just entertain me. They gave me an escape. And now, I want to create stories that do the same for others.

DG Q: Do you have a routine or ritual that helps you stay focused?

MIKE: Yes—my kids. They’re my grounding force. No matter how chaotic life gets, or how deep into a story or production I go, they bring me back to what really matters. Just being around them, hearing their laughter or having a simple conversation, reminds me why I do all of this in the first place.

I don’t have a strict creative ritual like lighting candles or playing a certain song—but I do take quiet time, often late at night, when the house is still and the world slows down. That’s when I write. That’s when I reflect. But the energy that fuels it all comes from my children. They’ve seen me at my worst and supported me through my recovery. Knowing they’re watching pushes me to keep going, stay focused, and make them proud.

So, in a way, my routine is simple: I write with them in mind. They keep me balanced, and they remind me that I’m still here, still fighting, and still creating—because of them.

DG Q: What technical challenges have you faced on set and how did you overcome them?

MIKE: We haven’t begun filming The Veil of Silence yet, but as we prepare for production, we’re already anticipating the kinds of technical challenges that often come with independent filmmaking.

One of the biggest ones we’re planning for is sound. Capturing clean, professional audio—especially on location in a busy city like Liverpool—can be tough. We’re building a solid sound team and looking at ways to minimise background noise while still maintaining the natural atmosphere of each scene.

Lighting is another area we’re focusing on. Because The Veil of Silence has a dark, psychological tone, we want to create a moody, atmospheric look without relying on expensive gear. We’re exploring creative lighting setups using practical effects, natural light, and minimal equipment to bring that vision to life.

Scheduling will also be a challenge, as many of our cast and crew have other commitments. But we’ve already built a strong team based on communication, flexibility, and a shared passion for the project—which makes a huge difference.

We’re going into this with realistic expectations, a lot of preparation, and a mindset that every problem has a solution. It’s about adapting, staying calm, and keeping the bigger picture in mind: telling the story the right way.

DG Q: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from your filmmaking journey thus far?

MIKE: That resilience and passion will take you further than experience ever could.

Coming into this world with no formal background—just a man recovering from a spinal injury, struggling with his mental health, and trying to find purpose—I learned quickly that the most important thing isn’t knowing everything. It’s being willing to learn, adapt, and push forward even when things get tough.

Filmmaking is full of setbacks, doubts, and obstacles, but if your “why” is strong enough, you keep going. For me, that “why” is my children, my love for storytelling, and the need to turn pain into something meaningful.

I’ve also learned the power of collaboration—surrounding yourself with people who believe in the vision, even when it’s just an idea on paper. No film is made alone. And every person involved, no matter their role, adds something unique.

The biggest lesson? Just start. Don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait until everything is perfect. If you have a story to tell—tell it. Because you never know who it might reach, or how deeply it might resonate.

DG Q: How do you balance creative freedom and financial constraints?

MIKE: That balance is one of the biggest challenges in independent filmmaking—but it’s also where the magic can happen. When you don’t have a huge budget to fall back on, you’re forced to get creative in ways you never expected. And that can actually lead to more original, more authentic storytelling.

With The Veil of Silence, every decision is shaped by both vision and reality. I always start with the story—what absolutely needs to be there emotionally and visually—then work backwards to figure out how we can achieve it with the resources we have. It’s about prioritising what matters most and being open to alternatives that still serve the story.

Sometimes that means shooting in real locations instead of sets, using practical effects instead of CGI, or trimming scenes to keep things tight and focused. It’s not about compromising your vision—it’s about adapting it in smart, thoughtful ways.

Financial limits force you to strip everything back to what’s essential—and that’s often where the most powerful moments come from. Creativity thrives under pressure, and I truly believe some of the best stories are told not in spite of limitations, but because of them.

DG Q: How do you ensure the final production stays true to its original vision?

MIKE: Honestly, this has been one of the hardest tasks so far. The Veil of Silence started as a novelette, so adapting it into a full-length screenplay has meant expanding scenes, developing new moments, and adding layers while still staying true to the heart of the story.

It’s a delicate balance—honouring the original tone, themes, and character journeys, while also making sure the film version feels cinematic and complete. Every new scene I’ve written had to serve the core vision: a dark, psychological dive into trauma, identity, and the silence that isolates us.

I keep the original book close throughout the process, almost like a blueprint, constantly checking back to ask: “Does this still feel like The Veil of Silence?” I’ve also leaned on collaboration—bringing in trusted creative partners who understand the story’s emotional weight and aren’t afraid to challenge or refine ideas.

In the end, staying true to the vision isn’t about copying the book word-for-word. It’s about capturing the soul of it—and making sure every frame, every line, and every performance reflects that same haunting, emotional truth the story was born from.

DG Q: What is your favourite and least favourite part of the production process?

MIKE: My favourite part has to be the writing and creative development—those quiet moments where the story comes to life, where characters begin to speak for themselves, and the world starts to take shape. Writing The Veil of Silence was incredibly personal, and every word I put down felt like a piece of myself being poured into the story. Seeing that evolve into something visual, something real, is incredibly powerful.

My least favourite part? The waiting. Whether it’s waiting on funding, schedules, approvals, or just the logistics lining up—it can be frustrating. As a passionate, hands-on person, I like to keep things moving, and the natural delays that come with filmmaking can test your patience. Especially when you’re so emotionally invested in the project.

But even those frustrating moments are part of the journey. They teach resilience, patience, and the importance of trusting the process—because in the end, when everything finally comes together, it’s worth every setback.

DG Q: What’s the biggest innovation in filmmaking you’ve seen?

MIKE: I think the biggest innovation has been how accessible filmmaking has become—especially with the rise of high-quality digital cameras, affordable editing software, and platforms for distribution. You no longer need a Hollywood budget to tell a powerful story. If you’ve got a camera, a voice, and a vision, you can make something real.

That shift has opened the door for people like me—someone who came from working in the NHS, with no formal training, and turned pain into storytelling. I’ve seen filmmakers shoot entire scenes on smartphones that rival professional cameras, and small crews produce content that emotionally hits just as hard as big-budget films.

But beyond the tech itself, I think the mindset is the real innovation. There’s a growing focus on authenticity and raw storytelling—audiences want depth, not just spectacle. That shift has made space for indie filmmakers to thrive and tell stories that matter.

Technology is evolving fast, but the true innovation is that it’s now in more hands than ever before—and that’s changing the industry from the inside out.

DG Q: How do you see AI affecting/changing the film industry?

MIKE: AI is already starting to reshape the industry in ways we couldn’t have imagined a few years ago—and it’s only going to grow from here. On one hand, it’s a powerful tool. It can speed up pre-production tasks like script formatting, scheduling, budgeting, and even basic editing. For independent filmmakers like myself, it offers a way to streamline the process, reduce costs, and focus more energy on the creative side.

But on the other hand, it raises big questions—about originality, ethics, and the future of human storytelling. I think AI should be used to enhance creativity, not replace it. A film’s emotional core comes from lived experience, from real human struggles, pain, love, and connection—AI can’t replicate that. It can assist with structure and polish, but it shouldn’t be the storyteller.

I personally see AI as a helpful tool in the toolbox. I’ve used it to help organise scripts, brainstorm ideas, and stay productive—but it’s always grounded in something deeply personal. As long as we keep people and passion at the centre of filmmaking, AI can support us rather than overshadow us.

DG Q: What is your proudest achievement as a filmmaker/director/producer?

MIKE: Honestly, it’s getting The Veil of Silence off the ground. From writing it during one of the darkest periods of my life—after a serious injury, dealing with mental health struggles, and adjusting to becoming a disabled father—to now seeing it turn into a fully developed film with a cast, a crew, and a powerful story to tell… that journey alone is my proudest achievement.

I came into this industry with no formal training, no connections—just a passion for storytelling and a need to turn my pain into something meaningful. And now, not only am I telling that story, but I’m doing it as a director, producer, and writer, with people around me who believe in the vision.

More than anything, I’m proud that I didn’t give up. That I turned trauma into art. And that my kids can look at this and see that no matter how far you fall, you can always build something from the ground up—something that matters.

DG Q: What advice would you give to someone starting a similar journey?

MIKE: Start where you are—with what you have. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, the right budget, or someone’s permission. I came from a completely different world—working in the NHS for 12 years—then suffered a fall that changed my life. I’d never written a book, never directed a film. But I started anyway, one step at a time, using my pain and experiences as fuel.

The biggest thing I’d say is: be fearless in telling your truth. Don’t try to copy what’s popular. Tell the story that keeps you awake at night, the one you feel deep in your gut. That’s where the power is.

Also—surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, but don’t be afraid to wear multiple hats if you have to. You’ll learn everything along the way. And when it gets tough—and it will—remember why you started. For me, that was my kids. They kept me grounded. They still do.

So, my advice? Stay honest. Stay humble. Stay hungry. And don’t let fear stop you from building something that could change your life—or someone else’s.

LINKS:

Website: https://darkquillfilms.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKzLQhPOlew/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/share/14KKP6m5hMB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16434105/

Amber Brooke US Actress