Andy Mark Simpson
Writer-Director
Biography

Andy grew up in Ashington near Newcastle in the former coal-mining area of Northumberland which has a distinctive celtic culture very different from the rest of England and Andy’s pride in his Northumbrian heritage shines through in his work, especially Young Hearts Run Free which utilises traditional folk music and bagpipe instruments.

Andy studied at the University of Liverpool (because he's a massive Beatles fan) and has a degree in History and Politics. This helped to inform the social and political backdrop of Young Hearts Run Free and the relevant debates about living in a crumbling economy but Andy is more interested in people than in politics; the films are more about the fascinating relationships and characters that audiences can fall in love with.

After starting as a runner whilst still a student, and working his way up to production manager on several feature films, Andy started his own company Bede Films aged 23. Aged 24 he saved money from part-time jobs and self-funded his first feature; made on a tiny budget in the former mining areas of Northumberland, the film grabbed national press attention (***Total Film, 'Heartfelt' The Guardian), won festival awards in Britain, USA and India and was released in cinemas around the UK, in a  unique distribution strategy devised by Bede Films.

Andy also works in other roles within the communities in which he films, including working as a teaching assistant and with disadvantaged children from poor backgrounds, something he loves just as much as filmmaking, especially leading them in drama sessions. 
This work adds to the authenticity of his social realist short films and to debut feature film ‘Young Hearts Run Free’.

What the press say:
‘warmhearted, with evidence that Simpson will have more to offer in his next film.’
The Guardian

'a wonderfully realised debut from a seriously talented newcomer.’ - Project Bootleg

'This has probably been the most enjoyable evening of everyfilmin2011' everyfilmin2011.com

Greatest achievement:
Still to come I think.
Favourite film:
It's A Wonderful Life, then Back To The Future.
Favourite football team:
Newcastle United (season ticket) and Ashington AFC.
Favourite Music:
The Beatles, Motown, Soul and old-fashioned R&B, Jazz, Punk, Britpop, Northumbrian folk.
Fears:
I'm chronophobic - scared of Time.
Interests:
Social reform, politics, literature, philosophy, Time-travel

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