PETERBOROUGH ACTOR STARS IN NEW HORROR

Photo: Tracy Shankland

Peterborough actor set to terrify audiences in new Prime Video horror film

Peterborough has produced its fair share of homegrown talent over the years, and here at ESP Magazine, we're always proud to shine a spotlight on local creatives who are making their mark.

One of those rising stars is actor Jamiyka Jones, who is set to appear on screens around the world later this year after landing the title role in upcoming indie horror film The Snow Demon, directed by Dominic Ellis.

The feature, which is scheduled for release on Prime Video, follows a group of friends who reunite at an isolated wilderness cabin one year after a mysterious disappearance, only to find themselves stalked by a relentless mythical predator. That predator? The Snow Demon himself, played by Jamiyka.

Images: Champdog Films

His journey began with a dream shared by many young performers – and a few people who believed in him when it mattered most.

Growing up in the care system from the age of five, Jamiyka spent much of his childhood moving between Peterborough and Kent. It was during a childhood theatre trip that he first realised exactly what he wanted to do with his life.

"I remember going to see a pantomime when I was seven," he recalled during our chat. "I turned to one of my care workers and said, 'I wanna be them one day.'"

Fortunately, two carers, Maria and Barbara, took those words seriously.

They encouraged him to join a local drama club before he went on to train at the Pauline Quirke Academy in Rochester, where he studied everything from television and film performance to musical theatre.

"I absolutely loved it there," he said.

Images: Champdog Films

After studying musical theatre full-time at college, Jamiyka moved back to Peterborough at the age of 17 and rebuilt a close relationship with his mother. Not long afterwards, he signed with his first agent and began pursuing acting professionally.

"The work has just been rolling in ever since," he said. "I love this industry because of the amazing people you meet and the connections you make with people who share the same passions."

For a lifelong horror fan, The Snow Demon represented the perfect opportunity.

"Stepping into a creature role was completely different from anything I'd done before," he explained. "My background is heavily rooted in musical theatre, so getting into that darker headspace and bringing a physical monster to life was an incredibly fun challenge."

Images: Champdog Films

Jamiyka said the film stood out because of the passion behind it, praising the cast and crew at Champdog Films for the energy they brought to the project.

He also believed independent horror was currently enjoying a golden age, with audiences increasingly turning to smaller productions over some of Hollywood's bigger-budget offerings.

"I think audiences are craving original, risk-taking stories. Without massive studio oversight, indie filmmakers can lean into genuinely unsettling, boundary-pushing ideas. Horror relies heavily on atmosphere, creativity and passion, and audiences can really feel that."

Images: Champdog Films

Despite his growing success, Jamiyka remained grounded and was quick to acknowledge the people who had helped him along the way.

From the carers who encouraged a young boy with a dream, to his partner Ryan Young, who he described as his biggest supporter, Jamiyka said a strong support network had been crucial throughout his journey.

"Not every aspiring performer has that backing," he said. "Supporting local theatre groups, indie productions and academies really does help young creatives achieve their dreams."

With The Snow Demon heading to Prime Video (distributed by ITN Studios) later this year, Jamiyka Jones is another reminder that some of the most exciting talent can come from right here on our doorstep.

And if his latest role is anything to go by, audiences may be seeing a lot more of him in the years ahead.

Mike Clarke

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in3WbxWEhxw