About

Known credits:
15
Birthday:
1980-04-07
Place of birth:
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK
Website:
N/A

Mike Clarke

Overview

Mike Clarke is a British film director and screenwriter whose work spans psychological horror, socially charged drama, and darkly comic storytelling. Known for his cinematic precision and emotionally layered narratives, Clarke has been recognized as one of Britain's most compelling emerging filmmakers.

A lifelong cinephile, Clarke began making short films in the early 1990s, earning early recognition from international film critics and publications. After a creative hiatus, he returned to directing in 2013 with a series of award-winning shorts including A Hand to Play (starring Doug Bradley), Paper and Plastic (with Anthony Quinlan), and Love's Innocence Lost (with Damien Ashley). These works earned acclaim on the festival circuit for their atmospheric style and strong performances.

His transition to feature filmmaking began with The Stranger, a genre-bending horror co-directed with Paul Gerrard, followed by A Light Through Coloured Glass-a gritty British drama that went on to win over 30 awards worldwide. The film solidified Clarke's reputation for sharp, character-driven storytelling and visual grit.

In 2023, he directed Squeeze, featuring Josh Hamilton (Eighth Grade, The Walking Dead) and Sallieu Sesay (Manodrome, Barry), further expanding his international profile.

Clarke has completed production on his latest feature, Semolina Pilchard, a crime comedy set for release in 2025. The ensemble cast includes Joe McGann, Jack Ryder, Sophia Leanne Kelly, Louis Emerick, and Tina Malone. He also filmed the hard-hitting short drama Make Believe starring Sophia Leanne Kelly and 6-year old Anastasia Hesketh in her debut.

Known for

Directing

2023 Squeeze Directing Director N/A
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2023 In The Dark We Bleed Directing Director N/A
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2022 A Light Through Coloured Glass Directing Director 58
Average
2022 The Stranger Directing Director 59
Average
2013 Paper and Plastic Directing Director N/A
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Semolina Pilchard Directing Director N/A
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Make Believe Directing Director N/A
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Writing

2022 A Light Through Coloured Glass Writing Writer 58
Average
2022 The Stranger Writing Writer 59
Average
2013 Paper and Plastic Writing Writer N/A
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Semolina Pilchard Writing Writer N/A
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Make Believe Writing Screenplay N/A
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Production

2013 Paper and Plastic Production Producer N/A
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Semolina Pilchard Production Producer N/A
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Crew

2013 Paper and Plastic Crew Cinematography N/A
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