I'm Dayle, a comedy, horror and sometimes comedy-horror director making films that blend absurd humour with sharp social commentary - and more often than not, lots of gore. My short films combine dark comedy with emotionally honest storytelling, often exploring class, identity, and the messy ways people connect. Whether it's creatively burnt-out hitmen, exploding heads, or biting social satire, I'm interested in finding humour in uncomfortable truths while asking bigger questions beneath the laughs. Alongside directing, I've spent over 15 years working across film, television, and commercial production, giving me a practical, collaborative approach to filmmaking. As both a filmmaker and a judge, I'm always excited by bold storytelling, distinctive voices, and films that can surprise, challenge, and entertain in equal measure! I LOVE films and what better way to enjoy them than spending a Sunday watching a slate of excellent films made by talented people! 

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I want to be a judge for the Newcastle Film Challenge because not only does the club very regularly produces AMAZING work, but it brings together tons of incredibly talented people, proving that talent in Newcastle is alive and well and THRIVING! And it's nice to be a festival judge as opposed to a submitter, as someone with a wealth of experience on that side of it, I have a lot to share and feedback. And of course I love to judge! 

My passion is the performing arts and the creative industries. I studied music performance in Hoxton for 3 years where I became a trained drummer, then shortly after that the theatre got caught up in my life and I’m so happy it did, as it gave me my first boost into acting. In 2024, I acted in a amateur play called Little Women, where I played the character of John Brooke and I have also taken part in stage management and backstage crew roles, sound and lighting as well. I have appeared as an extra in TOWIE and I also played a henchman in a short film called The Company last summer. In April this year I acted in Live Theatre Newcastle, for Live Writes which was a small piece called Fine Lines which I thoroughly enjoyed. My most recent project is acting as a supporting artist on a Bollywood Film that is currently being filmed in the UK and also on BBCs Silent Witness. I have also recently been involved with a YouTube shoot for open university and as an actor for a show on YouTube’s Channel 4.0. 

I want to be a judge for this competition as I love keeping up to date with the most recent films and TV dramas, and I have a great eye and ear for detail when making boxes tick in terms of entertainment and great writing which ultimately the film relies on. Also, coming from an acting and musical background, I can see flawless acting ability and what makes a film of this genre stand out. I also love scriptwriting in my spare time so it will be interesting to see other peoples creative ideas and I’m looking very forward to being a judge and seeing what the different competitors bring to the screen.

The film directors of Terror on Tyne will be part of the judging panel for the Traditional Media Category. Paul Doherty and Duncan Falconer are amazing filmmakers and film enthusiasts who have setup the only horror genre festival in the North East - Terror on Tyne.  

Liza is the innovation specialist at Sunderland Software City. She will be part of the judging panel for the Immersive Media Category.

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Learn more about Sunderland Software City here. 

We are currently looking for 3 NFC members to judge the films submitted for these challenges based on the criteria seen below! 

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If you're interested in judging, please send an email tilted 'Deja View Judge' to newcastlefilmclub@gmail.com