Story

An interview with writer, director and producer Chris Shepherd

black and white portrait photo of a man head and shoulders

Written byKevin Quinn
Published date 25 September 2024

Central Saint Martins PhD Candidate and Co-Founder of Post-Grad Interest Group 'Subcultures' Kevin Quinn, interviews writer, director and producer Chris Shepherd.

Who are you?

My name is Chris Shepherd and I’m a writer, director and producer. I’ve created many films for all kinds of folk including Channel 4, BBC, Arte and Canal+. I’ve been nominated twice for a BAFTA and won a British Independent Film Award. I was the producer for the MOMI Channel 4/British Film Institute (BFI) Scheme and curated the animation for Channel 4’s Random Acts.

I’ve also worked as an educator at Kingston University, Middlesex University and now at Central Saint Martins on the Character Animation MA. I was described by someone one time as a raconteur. But I’m not sure I would describe myself that way.

I’ve done a lot of things over the years, but I’ve never published a book until now. My 272-page debut graphic novel called Anfield Road is out in October with Titan Books.

illustrated book cover — **Chris Shepherd,** **Anfield Road Book Cover design**

How did the book come about?

I wrote a feature film script which chronicled the 80s Liverpool of my youth, but I couldn’t raise the funds to make it. Then COVID hit and another feature film I was developing bombed out on me. So, I thought – I can draw, I can write; I will make my film script happen in a different way. I just started drawing – and drawing. Bit by bit it came together. It took four years, but I kept going.

At first, I was resistant to locking myself away as I like collaborating but the more I drew, the more it captured me. It was realty calming to draw. I really loved drawing old buses and Liverpool scenes that have long since gone. Indeed, I kept adding more Liverpool references and jokes.

When it was near completion I showed the book to the wonderful Duncan Baizley from Titan who published it and it will hit the shelves on 29 October, which is so exciting. A massive thanks to Duncan and everyone at Titan.

Please summarise what your graphic novel is about?

It’s a coming-of-age story about a boy called Conor Sterling. ‘Conor lives at home with his Gran on Anfield Road, Liverpool. Life is routine — Findus Crispy Pancakes for tea, drunk scallies on the way to the footy, and a school that’s more like a prison.

But Conor dreams of getting out of Liverpool and going to art college in London with his girlfriend Maureen… but he’s terrified of leaving his sick grandmother behind and striking out on his own.’ That’s what the synopsis for the book says. Ultimately it is a love story, a celebration of family and having the courage to follow your destiny.

How much of it is autobiographical? Is it the work you were born/destined to create?

The book and its characters are fictional, although it is inspired by growing up on Anfield Road in the 80s. When the book begins I set the stage by saying it’s a “Northern Fantasy”. So, I like to think the main character Conor can make the impossible happen, creating a world in which things can be resolved in a way it would be difficult to nail in real life. This gives Conor the tools to breakout from the 1980s conventions and barriers that hold him back. Of course, it also gives me a chance to crack a few jokes and tell a story that I hope entertains.

I’ve always been drawn to Liverpool when telling stories. Those formative years shaped who I am. It’s funny to think that I’ve lived in London now longer than I ever did in Liverpool. But I’ve never lost my accent and can never get the city out of my blood stream. I love the place and its people. It’s a special place. Was I destined to create it? Probably. I’ve been drawing and storytelling ever since I was a kid. I drew cartoons in primary school. Of course, if you said to me that I would publish a book I just wouldn’t have believed it.

When I look back, I can see I’ve used a range different genres to express myself and tell stories, including being in a band as well as creating films. Why do we have to stick to the same way of expressing ourselves?

ullustration two man staring across a tale at eachother — **Chris Shepherd,** **'Stare Out Final'**

Did anyone ever win on Big Train’s ‘World Stare-Out’ competition?

The winner of the Stare Out was Sigmund “The Eye” Spatsky from Poland. He was pretty much unbeatable. Even Italy’s Kampagnola couldn’t match his stare. I worked on the 1998 World Championship Final which put many other sporting events to shame, just for the sheer professionalism.

I’ve been selling prints from Big Train on my Etsy shop and they have been a firm favourite.

But if you want to know everything about Stare Out, the ultimate staremaster is Paul Hatcher. He created the seminal comic book that the TV sketches are based on. You can check out Paul Hatcher here.

You’ve collaborated with some of pop-culture’s luminaries such as Chris Morris, Kurt Wagner and Holly Johnson. Must be some tales there?!

That’s a big question. Of course, those projects are very different from each other. So, it’s hard to think of a quick answer. I’ve always seen myself as a bit of actor. Creating completely different styles for different people. Sometimes live action – other times animation. I love making pop promos as I’ve spent my whole life watching bands. I love music. I’ve been lucky as I’ve worked with a lot of folks I’ve been inspired by. Those three especially are total legends.

Could you tell us more about Bar Shorts?

Bar Shorts is a film night that I curate and run with Dave Anderson from animation company DogNRabbit. We used to run it as a short film showcase punctuated with bar breaks in Hoxton’s Book Club. It was a brilliant way to see new work and old, live action and animation.

We moved to the wonderful Garden Cinema in 2023 and since then we’ve been running programmes where we invite notable creatives to select their favourite short films. Some great nights have sprung up from this including selections from Robert Bradbrook, DogNRabbit, Carl Davis, Helen Brunsden and Jonathan Hodgson. I will be selecting the films for the next Bar Shorts on the 21st November. For full details on upcoming screenings check out the Bar Shorts Facebook page.

What’s next for the book?

Once it’s released the book will be out there in the world and who knows what will happen? I’ve never published a book before, so it is all new for me. We have some signings and talks coming up at some great locations.

In Liverpool we have events lined up at Forbidden Planet (2nd Nov) and Waterstones (7th Nov).

In London there are events at Central Saint Martins (6th Nov), Manchester Animation Festival (11th Nov), Bookseller Crow in Crystal Palace (14th Nov), Bar Shorts (21st Nov) and the London International Animation Film Festival (27th Nov). I will also be at Thought Bubble in Harrogate in November.

More events will be announced but you can keep track of them on the Anfield Road Story website.

There’s a mailing list there which you can sign up to. I have started thinking about a London sequel to the book. But watch this space for that one.

Subcultures Post-Grad Interest Group

The UAL Subcultures, Post-Grad Interest Group is managed by current PhD student at Central Saint Martins, Kevin Quinn. The group is open to all postgrads interested in the residual power and value of British subcultures on life and fashion today.

For more information on the UAL Subcultures Interest Group please contact Kevin k.quinn@fashion.arts.ac.uk