Richard Raaphorst

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Richard Raaphorst
Raaphorst in 2023
Born
Richard Raaphorst

(1971-06-21) June 21, 1971 (age 54)
Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
Alma materWillem de Kooning Academy
Occupation(s)Film director, writer, storyboard artist
Years active1995–present

Richard Raaphorst (born 21 June 1971) is a Dutch film director, screenwriter, and storyboard artist. He is best known as the co-writer and director of the feature full-length film Frankenstein's Army (2013).

Before graduating in 1996, Raaphorst created several independent short films, including Zombi 1 (1995) and began work on his project concept Worst Case Scenario, and later the film adaptation planned for release in 2008 that was ultimately cancelled due to financial problems.[1] He has collaborated with several filmmakers, including horror film producer and director Brian Yuzna.[2]

Raaphorst also began his career in 1998 as a storyboard artist on Who Am I?, directed by Jackie Chan.[3] He later worked on horror films such as Faust: Love of the Damned (2000), Dagon (2001), Beyond Re-Animator (2003) Fragile (2005), and Black Book (2006).[4][5] In 2008, he served as storyboard artist, second-unit director, and concept artist for The Silent Army, directed by Jean van de Velde.[6] His more recent works include Late Phases (2014), Blood Red Sky (2021), Brooklyn 45 (2023), and Infinity Pool (2023).[7]

Early life

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Richard Raaphorst was born in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands. His father worked for an oil company and once took him to the job site, where he was struck by the size of the machines.[8] Raaphorst studied at the Willem de Kooning Academy and graduated in 1996, where he directed Zombi 1 as part of his studies.[9] He also attended Graphic Lyceum the leading institution in Rotterdam.[10]

Career

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1990s and 2000s

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Raaphorst began his career in the film industry after graduating in 1996. His graduation project, the short film Zombi 1, was released on 14 June 1995, featured in the film anthology Nether Horror Collection.[11] He started developing on Worst Case Scenario in the early 2000s, releasing a proof of concept in 2004.[12] Two years later, in 2006, Gorehound Inc. released a teaser[13] and a limited promotional trailer[14] for the film on DVD in 2008 and was nominated for a Golden Trailer Award in 2005 in the category of "Best Movie Trailer".[15] However, due to numerous financial difficulties, the film was ultimately canceled in March 2009 before its completion.[16]

In 2008, Raaphorst wrote and directed the Dutch short drama film Popo, starring Victor Löw in the title role as a clown, who have a psychological problems.[17] The film premiered on 11 April 2008 in the Netherlands. Popo was later selected for the Nederhorror Short Film Festival, held on 22 March 2009 at Cinema OT301 in Amsterdam, where it competed alongside nine other Dutch horror shorts,[18] and it was screened at the Rotterdams Open Doek Festival in 2016.[19]

2010s

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In 2012, Raaphorst directed the short film The Rocketeer starring Stephan Evenblij [nl] and Pauline Greidanus [nl]. The film premiered at the 2012 Netherlands Film Festival and was later screened at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.[20][21]

Raaphorst at the Edinburgh International Film Festival

Following the collapse of the Worst Case Scenario film project, Raaphorst proposed a new story using some of the concepts and designs, set in 1945, exploring the final stages of World War II in the German–Polish borderlands.[22] The project was intended as a prequel to Worst Case Scenario, titled Army of Frankenstein, and would have focused on Wehrmacht soldiers reinforced by zombie troops. The concept was later renamed and reworked into Frankenstein's Army,[23] with a screenplay written by Chris W. Mitchell and Miguel Tejada-Flores.[24] The found-footage film was released on 26 July 2013 worldwide and later became available for streaming on 10 March 2014.[25] Raaphorst earned a Special Mention in the Official Fantàstic Panorama competition (Méliès d’Argent) at the 2013 Sitges Catalan International Film Festival for directing Frankenstein’s Army.[26]

In 2016, outside of his film projects, Raaphorst worked with Pedri Animation, an animation studio, where he directed paper-folded animation commercial for the Dutch company Independer. The animation was produced by Elmer Kaan and Sergio Lara Jimenez.[27] He also directed a series of clay animation commercials for the Dutch online bank Moneyou. A total of eleven clay-animated clips were created, all directed by him and animated by Elmer Kaan.[28] In 2017, Raaphorst directed and co-wrote The Profundis with Shane Berryhill, also serving as the film's producer. The project won the Pitch Contest at the Imagine Film Festival.[29][30]

2020s

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In 2020, Raaphorst attempted to revive his earlier abandoned project Worst Case Scenario by launching a crowdfunding campaign for a graphic novel adaptation of the story.[31] It was later reported in early May 2023 that the completed 144-page graphic novel was presented at "Strips op de Markt", a comics market event.[32]

In 2021, Raaphorst, head of the special effects group Mad Scientists Movement, was enlisted by filmmaker Jan van Gorkum to contribute to the short film Shiny New World,[33] for which he later received an award for special effects at the ToHorror Film Fest in Italy.[34] On May 10, 2021, Raaphorst claimed that the design of a boss monster in Capcom's Resident Evil Village resembled a creature from his 2013 film, Frankenstein's Army. He stated that the design was used without authorization or credit, calling it a "one to one" copy.[35][36]

In early 2025, Raaphorst and writer Eron Sheean announced that their upcoming film Möbius had entered pre-production, with principal photography scheduled to begin in the summer in the Netherlands. The film was being developed by Raaphorst's Mad Scientists collective in collaboration with Brandon Cronenberg and Rob Vermeulen (under Holland Harbour Entertainment BV), and has received support from the Dutch Film Fund.[37] That same year, Raaphorst was announced to return to feature filmmaking with Children of the Moor. The project was presented at the Frontières Platform at the Marché du Film in Cannes, an industry event supported by Canada's Fantasia Festival and the Marché du Film. The film was backed by Raaphorst's creative collective, The Mad Scientists, in collaboration with 52 Films, a U.K.-based production company headed by screenwriter Adam Park. The principal photography for Children of the Moor was scheduled to begin in spring 2026.[38]

Filmmaking style

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Style and themes

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Raaphorst has expressed a strong preference for practical effects over CGI, criticizing the overuse of digital enhancements in modern filmmaking for producing artificial and lifeless imagery.[39] He often applies an "oil painting" approach to filmmaking, building visual richness through layered practical elements.[40] His signature "zombots" (zombie‑robots) stem from a lifelong fascination with industrial machinery and repurposed found objects, especially influenced by early experiments in which he transformed dolls into robot-like puppets.[41] A recurring narrative motif in Raaphorst's films described as "the marriage of war and grotesque fantasy." In Frankenstein's Army, for instance, the Nazi-industrial setting is populated with monstrous, steam-powered creatures built from human corpses and scrap metal.[42] According to an interview with Raaphorst by Film International, the aesthetic of Frankenstein's Army is described as Dieselpunk rather than Steampunk, with the industrial technologies of the era serving as direct sources of inspiration.[43] He has also described his interest in using the language of propaganda and gaming in his films.[44]

Influences

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Italian horror directors Dario Argento (left) and Lucio Fulci (right), both of whom Raaphorst has identified as major influences on his visual style and approach to genre storytelling.

Raaphorst has cited a wide range of influences, from horror cinema to animation and industrial design. He has named filmmakers such as Peter Jackson, Terry Gilliam, David Cronenberg, and Italian horror directors Dario Argento[38] and Lucio Fulci as key inspirations for both style and storytelling.[45] He cited John Carpenter's The Thing (1982) as a major influence on Frankenstein's Army, particularly for its use of practical effects and creature design.[8] He expressed admiration for David Lynch's surreal and unsettling aesthetics, highlighting works like Eraserhead (1977) as formative influences on his own visual approach.[45] He also named the Japanese animated film Akira (1988) as one of his all-time favorites.[40]

Selected filmography

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Short and full-length films directed, produced, or written by Richard Raaphorst
Year Title Director Writer Producer Ref.
1995 Zombi 1 Yes Yes No [46]
2007 Eigen wereld No Yes No [47]
2008 Worst Case Scenario Yes No No [48]
Popo Yes Yes No [49]
2012 The Rocketeer Yes Yes No [21]
2013 Frankenstein's Army Yes Yes No [50]
2017 The Profundis Yes Yes Yes [51]
2022 Gnomes No Yes Yes [52]
2023 The UFOs of Soesterberg No No Yes [53]
TBA Möbius Yes No No [54]
Children of the Moor Yes No No [38]

Awards and nominations

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Raaphorst has received recognition at several international genre film festivals for his work as a director and special effects artist.

Year Film Award / Festival Category Result Ref.
2005 Worst Case Scenario Golden Trailer Awards Best Movie Trailer Nominated [15]
2013 Frankenstein's Army Sitges – Catalonian International Film Festival Grand Prize of European Fantastic Film (Silver) – Special Mention Won [34]
2017 The Profundis Imagine Film Festival Pitch Contest Winner Won [29]
2021 Shiny New World ToHorror Film Fest (Italy) Best Special Effects Won [34]

References

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  1. ^ Romero, George A.; Landis, John; Alexander, Dave; Dante, Joe; Yuzna, Brian (31 August 2021). Untold Horror. Dark Horse Comics. ISBN 978-1-5067-1903-0.
  2. ^ "Crowdfund This: Worst Case Scenario Gets Made - As A Graphic Novel". ScreenAnarchy. 20 May 2020. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  3. ^ Sight and Sound, Volume 9, Issues 7-12. British Film Institute. 1999.
  4. ^ Kaay, Kathleen Fernandez-Vander; Kaay, Chris Vander (2018). Indie Science Fiction Cinema Today. McFarland. ISBN 978-1-4766-6933-5.
  5. ^ Romero, George A.; Landis, John; Alexander, Dave; Dante, Joe; Yuzna, Brian (31 August 2021). Untold Horror. Dark Horse Comics. ISBN 978-1-5067-1902-3.
  6. ^ Romero, George A.; Landis, John; Alexander, Dave; Dante, Joe; Yuzna, Brian (31 August 2021). Untold Horror. Dark Horse Comics. ISBN 978-1-5067-1903-0.
  7. ^ DiVincenzo, Alex (9 April 2025). "'Frankenstein's Army' Director Richard Raaphorst Returns with Folk Horror Film 'Children of the Moor'". Bloody Disgusting!. Archived from the original on 21 June 2025. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  8. ^ a b James, Jonathan (11 September 2013). "Q&A with Frankenstein's Army Director Richard Raaphorst". Daily Dead. Archived from the original on 28 August 2017. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  9. ^ "KVIFF | Frankenstein's Army". Karlovy Vary IFF (in Czech). Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  10. ^ "Personen in de Nederlandse filmsector". Nederlands Film Festival (in Dutch). Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  11. ^ "Recensie NETHER HORROR COLLECTION, THE () | Review op Schokkend Nieuws". Schokkend Nieuws Filmmagazine (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 26 March 2025. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  12. ^ "Interview Richard Raaphorst | The Cult Corner". The Cult Corner. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  13. ^ Arturo Merino (18 February 2008), Worst Case Scenario - first teaser, archived from the original on 21 December 2021, retrieved 28 July 2016
  14. ^ JonathanBarkan (5 June 2016). "Which Horror Movies Are You Pissed Never Got Made?". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  15. ^ a b "Worst Case Scenario nominated in the Golden Trailers Awards News Article". eatmybrains. Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  16. ^ Vijn, Ard (15 June 2010). "News: All seems dead for Worst Case Scenario, yet..." Twitch Film. Archived from the original on 15 June 2010. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  17. ^ Burg, Jos van der (13 June 2016). "Focus: Vijf jaar Rotterdams Open Doek Festival" [Focus: Five years of Rotterdam Open Cloth Festival]. Filmkrant (in Dutch). Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  18. ^ "Het Nederhorror Korte Filmfestival" [The Nederhorror Short Film Festival]. Filmtotaal (in Dutch). 17 March 2009. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  19. ^ Burg, Jos van der (13 June 2016). "Focus: Vijf jaar Rotterdams Open Doek Festival" [Focus: Five years of Rotterdam Open Cloth Festival]. Filmkrant (in Dutch). Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  20. ^ "The Rocketeer". Nederlands Film Festival (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  21. ^ a b "The Rocketeer". International Film Festival Rotterdam. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  22. ^ Fischer, Russ (2 May 2011). "'Frankenstein's Army' Teaser Clip: Unearthed Newsreels Reveal Shocking Nazi Zombie Forces". SlashFilm. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  23. ^ Magilow, Daniel H.; Bridges, Elizabeth; Lugt, Kristin T. Vander (1 January 2012). Nazisploitation!: The Nazi Image in Low-Brow Cinema and Culture. A&C Black. ISBN 978-1-4411-8359-0.
  24. ^ Adams, Mark. "Frankenstein's Army". Screen Daily. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  25. ^ "Frankenstein's Army | Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on 26 June 2025. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  26. ^ "Awards 2013 | Sitges Film Festival". Sitges Film Festival. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  27. ^ "Pedri Animation BV - The Onestop Motionshop - Independer - Jacht op vergeten autoverzekeringen". Pedri Animation BV. Archived from the original on 5 October 2023. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  28. ^ "Pedri Animation BV - The Onestop Motionshop - Moneyou Clay animation". Pedri Animation BV. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  29. ^ a b Moore, Debi (13 May 2016). "Frontières@Fantasia Announces First Wave of Projects; Industry Registration Now Open". Dread Central. Archived from the original on 26 June 2025. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  30. ^ "Competition – pitch and fund your fantastic film project". Dutch Directors Guild (in Dutch). 12 February 2018. Archived from the original on 15 April 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  31. ^ "Worst Case Scenario Will Be Made, But There's Also A Best Case Scenario..." ScreenAnarchy. 16 July 2020. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  32. ^ "Worst Case Scenario bij Strips op de Markt". ZoGouds. 6 September 2020. Archived from the original on 7 September 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  33. ^ "Shiny New World: Jan van Gorkum Shooting Horror Short This November". ScreenAnarchy. Archived from the original on 6 July 2025. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  34. ^ a b c "Kavel 22: Schilderij "Vrouw voor het raam"" [Lot 22: Painting "Woman in the Window"]. Rotary (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 27 November 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  35. ^ Wiseman, Liam (10 May 2021). "Movie Director Says Resident Evil Village Copied His Monster Design". IGN Southeast Asia. Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  36. ^ Shaw, Luke (11 May 2021). "Filmmaker Richard Raaphorst claims 'Resident Evil Village' copied monster design". NME. Archived from the original on 26 June 2025. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  37. ^ "Holland Harbour – Rotterdam Based Award Winning Independent". Holland Harbour. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  38. ^ a b c Lang, Jamie (9 April 2025). "'Frankenstein's Army' Director Richard Raaphorst Returns With Gorey Thriller 'Children of the Moor,' Pitching at Cannes' Frontières Platform (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  39. ^ Sources:
  40. ^ a b Price, Jason (6 September 2013). "IT'S ALIVE! — Richard Raaphorst On Bringing 'Frankenstein's Army' To Life!". Icon Vs. Icon. Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  41. ^ Barton, Steve (18 September 2013). "Exclusive: Richard Raaphorst Talks Frankenstein's Army and More!". Dread Central. Archived from the original on 22 January 2025. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  42. ^ Kermode, Jennie. "Eye For Film: Interview with Richard Raaphorst about Frankenstein's Army". Eye For Film. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  43. ^ "Behind Enemy Lines: An Interview with Frankenstein's Army Director Richard Raaphorst and Star Alexander Mercury". Film International. 12 October 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  44. ^ Gallagher, Brian (13 September 2013). "Director Richard Raaphorst Talks Frankenstein's Army [Exclusive]". MovieWeb. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  45. ^ a b Kermode, Jennie. "Eye For Film: Interview with Richard Raaphorst about Frankenstein's Army". Eye For Film. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  46. ^ "Zombi 1". Nederlands Film Festival. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  47. ^ Eigen wereld - de albumfilm (2006) [Eigen wereld - the album film (2006)]. 2006. Retrieved 1 August 2025 – via Netherlands Film Commission.
  48. ^ Mack, Andrew (15 April 2009). "'Worst Case Scenario' director talks briefly about 'Army of Frankenstein'". Archived from the original on 3 August 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
  49. ^ "Kortfilmfestival Leuven - Popo" [Short film festival Leuven - Popo]. Kort Film Festival (in Flemish). Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  50. ^ Kemp, Stuart (9 February 2012). "Berlin 2012: Momentum Pictures Stitches Up U.K. Rights to Richard Raaphorst's 'Frankenstein's Army'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 13 August 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  51. ^ Vijn, Ard (26 January 2017). "This Clip Shows A Peek At Richard Raaphorst's Upcoming Project, THE PROFUNDIS". ScreenAnarchy. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  52. ^ Kroll, Justin (3 February 2023). "Sony Pictures Lands Rights To Richard Raaphorst and Ruwan Heggelman Short Film 'Gnomes' With 21 Laps Producing". Deadline. Archived from the original on 25 July 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2025. Alt URL
  53. ^ "Credits". The UFOs of Soesterberg. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  54. ^ Vigilla, Hubert (20 February 2020). "Director Richard Raaphorst reveals new horror projects • Flixist". Flixist. Archived from the original on 23 June 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2025.

Further reading

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