2CIFF Speakers and VIP Guests

PETER PEDRERO

Stunt Co-ordinator / 2nd Unit Action Director

VIP Speaker & Special Guest Judge: Peter Pedrero

We’re delighted to welcome Peter Pedrero to the 2CIFF judging panel.

Peter is an internationally acclaimed Stunt Coordinator, 2nd Unit Action Director, and performer with a remarkable career spanning nearly 40 years. His journey began at just 14, shooting his own action sequences on a Super 8 camera - the spark that ignited a lifelong passion for filmmaking.

Since then, Peter has built an extraordinary body of work across film and television, contributing to major productions including:

🎬 Harry Potter

🎬 The Bourne Ultimatum

🎬 Game of Thrones (Season IV)

🎬 28 Days Later

🎬 The Hitman’s Bodyguard

His achievements include three Taurus World Stunt Award nominations, multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards, an Emmy, and induction into the Hollywood Stuntmen’s Hall of Fame in 2005 - a testament to his impact on the global stunt community.

Peter’s expertise also extends into high‑profile commercial work, most notably his instrumental role in Volvo’s iconic “Epic Split” campaign featuring Jean‑Claude Van Damme, one of the most celebrated adverts of the decade. He continues to coordinate large‑scale campaigns for leading international brands.

Alongside his work in Hollywood and Europe, Peter has written and directed action sequences for Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam cinema, further showcasing his versatility and global reach.

Still actively performing, his recent credits include DC’s Clayface, Channel 4’s The Siege, Netflix’s Eloise, and stunt coordination on The Butler and We Came By.

We’re thrilled to have Peter’s insight, creativity, and world‑class experience supporting this year’s 2CIFF as a VIP Speaker and Guest Judge.

fabian wagner

FABIAN WAGNER - CINEMATOGRAPHER

The 2 Counties Independent Film Festival is delighted to welcome Fabian Wagner ASC, BSC as a special guest speaker at 2CIFF 2026.

Fabian Wagner is a world renowned cinematographer, with an extraordinary career spanning major Hollywood productions, award-winning television dramas, and internationally acclaimed feature films.

His work is renowned for its striking visual storytelling, technical excellence, and ability to create unforgettable cinematic moments.

Audiences around the globe will recognise Fabian's cinematography from some of the biggest productions ever made, including Game of Thrones, where he served as Director of Photography on several iconic episodes, as well as major projects such as Justice League, Sherlock, The Crown, House of the Dragon, Venom: The Last Dance, and the new Masters of the Universe feature film.

Throughout his career, Fabian has collaborated with some of the industry's most celebrated directors, actors, and creative teams, helping to shape the visual identity of stories seen by millions worldwide. His work has earned numerous industry accolades and established him as one of the leading cinematographers working today.

At 2CIFF, Fabian will share insights into the art and craft of cinematography, working on large-scale productions, creating powerful visual narratives, and navigating a successful career in the film and television industry. Fabians Q and A will be facilitated by the super Teymour Tehrani

This is a rare opportunity for filmmakers, cinematographers, actors, and film enthusiasts to learn directly from one of the creative minds behind some of the most visually stunning productions of our time.

Fabian will also be awarding the Best cinematography award during the awards show ...........

Fabian Wagner ASC, BSC – live at the 2 Counties Independent Film Festival 2026.

www.fabianwagnerdop.com

kathryn carmichael

Kathryn Carmichael

Kathryn is an award-winning writer, director, and producer, BAFTA Cymru member, and Director of Bad-Fox Productions. With a Master’s degree in International Film Production, she has built a diverse career across feature films, shorts, commercials, and television development.

Most recently, Kathryn directed the feature films A Christmas at Foxglove Zoo and Hot Flash, following a successful career directing commercial campaigns for leading brands including EasyJet, Cîroc Vodka, and Heineken.

Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including Director of the Year 2023 at the RS Film Festival and an Audience Award at the Berlin Lift-Off Film Festival.

Kathryn is best known for directing The Orchard, an award-winning sci-fi short that won Best Sci-Fi at multiple international festivals and screened on the Big Screen at Piccadilly Circus.

Her writing credits include Division9 and The Orchard – A Seed of Hope, reflecting her passion for ambitious, character-driven storytelling.

Through Bad-Fox Productions, Kathryn has produced a slate of acclaimed films featuring BAFTA-winning talent, including Feathers and Blood, I DO, Iridescent, and The Orchard. She has also produced feature film trailers for Bharal, Peace In Our Time, and Division9, and is currently attached as producer on two television series in development alongside a growing slate of feature film projects.

Kathryn will be speaking on Saturday 22nd

JAMES BUSHE

James is a multi-award-winning filmmaker, having written, produced and directed a number of short and feature-length films that have been screened at festivals worldwide, including BIFFF, Leeds International Film Festival, Molins, Frightfest, Crystal Palace International Film Festival, Horrorfest and New York Horror Festivals.

James’ debut feature film, horror/comedy ‘Cannibals & Carpet Fitters’ played in over a dozen festivals worldwide and received great reviews, being hailed as the next Shaun of the Dead. James' second feature film ‘Lore’, a anthology horror that he co-wrote and co-directed, also enjoyed a very strong festival run worldwide, and was released in the UK towards the end of 2024. James' short film, the medieval fan film, ‘Predator Dark Ages’ became a viral success and gained over 16 million views on YouTube so far, with critical acclaim.

James is also the founder of Fascination Pictures, which is focused on high concept genre feature film projects., including World War 1 horror 'Angel of Death', prison horror 'Condemned' action/horror 'The Devil's Lair' and medieval horror 'Lazarus'.

James is joining us on Saturday 22nd at 16:10 hrs in the VIBE ROOM

2CIFF 21 - 23 AUG 2026