James Baxter Interview
James Baxter is the Creator, Producer, Lead Writer and Director of the Matlock Tapes. As if that wasn't enough, he also plays the part of Professor Matlock, uncredited.
My podcasting career started with X-06:FUTURESPY, an audiodrama inspired by the cult 60's spy and Supermarionation TV shows. To my surprise, it took off, creating a small but dedicated fan base.
The second series introduced a Professor-type character for whom the voice I used was inspired by Peter Cushing's Dr Who, and it seemed a good idea to take this character and put him in his more natural - or supernatural! - home: a horror series.
It's fun to do these stories, as I get to create new adventures very influenced by some things I love:
Boris Karloff - Like Cushing and Price, obviously a very gentlemanly and nice man in real life. An inspiration for the character of Matlock, coming out in some mannerisms.
Fortean Review of the Year 1994 - BBC documentary from "Weird Night". A childhood terror. Can still recall the music and narration to this day. Look it up on You Tube.
Ghostwatch - Scared my sister and me to death as kids. Still a bit scared of Mr Pipes, decades later.
Hammer and Amicus Horror - Especially the vampire films. We don't get many strangers round these parts.
Kolchak - the Night Stalker - Monster of the week, 70's style. Panama hats. We owe a lot to this, but I've only actually watched one episode!
Peter Cushing - Professor Matlock gets many of his verbal tics from Mr Cushing, an actor who's the best thing in every film he's in.
Quatermass - Poor old Brian Donlevy doesn't get much love but I think he's great and much more interesting than the other actors who played the part.
The Wicker Man - One of the best movies ever made.
The X-Files - Monster of the week, 90's style.
Twilight Zone - Specifically, the introductions.
Working on the Matlock Tapes has brought me into contact with some very talented people, and I'm indebted to Mister Brown who created the musical themes, Giles Cosgrove for Presenting and Writing, and Charlotte Grant for bringing out the director in me. I don't know where this will lead, but these folks are making the journey very enjoyable indeed!
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