MAX Alan Payn

Director profile

A s a director, I’ve always tried to push my creations without relying heavily on the use of CGI, and ‘Drexis’ is a prime example of this. Because of my varied background in the arts, I’ve always found myself able to negotiate the more practical elements like; special effects, costume, acting, artistic design and blend these creatively using my technical skills garnered over 2 decades in the film industry. My purpose is to create a seamless, immersive experience for the audience that feels tangible to the human experience.

Pushing the creative limits of practical effects

M ax is a co-director of special effects company Oracle FX Ltd. He is a highly skilled special effects makeup artist and film/video director renowned for his impressive contributions to film, television, and theatre. With a career spanning over two decades, Max has helped craft inspirational practical effects that have brought decades of fictional characters and stories to life.

Max’s passion for storytelling through special effects began mid-way in his career, leading him to collaborate with variety of production teams on various high-profile projects. His expertise has been showcased in a wide array of genres, from sci-fi, horror, fantasy to period dramas and action films, where his work has consistently elevated the visual experience.

Drexis: “The Beach”

A glimpse of something far grander – an incomplete vision, still lingering in the air and echoing beneath the surface.

Drexis was an ambitious project from the start, a story that stretched far beyond this single moment. Originally conceived as a half-hour short film, “The Beach” represents both the beginning and the finale of the larger narrative. Though Oracle Fx Ltd and Max Alan Payn took the helm to complete the project to the best of their ability, the film was always meant to be more than what it became.

Drexis: “The Beach” serves as a fragment of what might have been. Yet, in its simplicity, it still holds the heart of the original vision. My new scene, Drexis – “The Outcast”, seeks to expand on the lore of this same world and acts as a companion piece to “The Beach”.

EMPTY: Music Video

An ambitious endeavour, showcasing an animatronic robot creature at its heart, Empty is a ground-breaking music video for the band Chroma Red. Directed by Max Alan Payn and Oliver Lyndale, the video blends cutting-edge practical effects, masterfully crafted by Oracle FX Ltd., bringing a futuristic vision to life in stunning detail.

“A man withdraws into the quiet embrace of solitude, distancing himself from the world that turned its back on him. Yet, the shadows of the past – those same forces that once wounded him – now creep toward the fragile sanctuary he’s crafted. They whisper, they beckon, but he remains resolute, refusing to surrender to their siren call, guarding his peace with unwavering resolve.”

I n addition to his work in special effects makeup, Max has begun to make his mark as a director, bringing his unique creative vision to film. He has created and directed a number of projects that blend his technical expertise with his artistic sensibilities. These have been learned through his background in art and design, physical performance, acting and music. This varied background, combined with his deep understanding of visual and practical effects, mean he can push boundaries and merge the technical aspects of film making with a more grounded and artistic approach.

ORACLE FX

Oracle FX Ltd is a UK-based special effects studio specializing in prosthetic makeup, creature effects, props, and animatronics. Established on June 24, 2023, the company was founded on 28 years of industry experience of directors Thea and Max Alan Payn. Oracle FX Ltd delivers high-quality practical effects for film, television, and other media productions. Their work is not just of industry standard but it’s some of the best in the industry. Their services include:

  • Prosthetic makeup design
  • Character design
  • Creature effects
  • Props and special effects (SFX)
  • Animatronics
  • Silicone actor replicas and mould-making

The studio collaborates with varied network of skilled professionals, including sculptors, mould-makers, animatronic engineers, artistic designers, silicone technicians and painters, to ensure the highest quality, hyper-realistic effects. Oracle FX Ltd has contributed to notable productions recently such as Avengers Doomsday, Doctor Who and upcoming Blumhouse productions. Their work strives for photorealistic effects and imaginative characters executed with precision. Oracle Fx Ltd was set up with the intention providing high quality prosthetics and FX for budgets of all sizes based in the UK. They have built their reputation with many leading producers, art directors, make up designers and production designers.

For more info please check us out at oraclefx.co.uk

+44 7707 409987