Peter O’Brien was born in Jersey, where he discovered his passion for music and entertainment at a remarkably young age.
Surrounded by the beauty and richness of the Island's culture, Peter found himself captivated by the world of creative expression. He spent countless hours immersed in writing songs and composing music, developing his talent and refining his craft in the process. By 1994, his dedication to his artistry bore fruit when he was accepted into The London Guild of International Songwriters & Composers, a significant milestone that acknowledged his burgeoning prowess in the industry.
For those interested in exploring Peter's musical creations, a selection of his songs can be found at the bottom of the page.
In 2017, Peter's creative aspirations took a new direction as he began exploring opportunities within the British film industry. His initial foray into this exciting realm materialized in late 2017 when he made an investment in a film project called Fanged Up. Distributed by Altitude Films, this hilarious comedy revolves around a young rogue named Jimmy, who finds himself incarcerated for a weekend, only to discover that the guards are blood-sucking vampires and the inmates are their unsuspecting prey. The film features a standout performance from the legendary actor Steven Berkoff, further enhancing its appeal.
As the dawn of 2018 approached, Peter continued to expand his horizons. He took on the role of Executive Producer in his second project, The Heiress, a supernatural film based on a true story. The narrative follows cousins Claire and Anna, who possess a mysterious connection to a dark family secret. Following the death of Claire’s grandmother, ancient spirits are unleashed, thrusting the women into a struggle against ‘Lilith’, a malevolent spirit intent on claiming Anna’s unborn child. Directed by Chris Bell, who co-wrote the film alongside Danny Prescott and Jezz Vernon, The Heiress features a diverse cast of British actors, including Candis Nergaard, Jayne Wisener, and David Schaal. Notably, Peter and his daughter Chloe made small cameo appearances, earning credits for their contributions.
In 2019, Peter’s journey continued as he served as Executive Producer for Once Upon a Time in London, a British crime drama directed by Simon Rumley. This gripping film delves into the lives of notorious gangsters Billy Hill and Jack Corner, detailing events leading up to the infamous Krays. Starring notable actors such as Leo Gregory and Holly Earl, this production once again saw Peter receiving credit for his involvement.
The budding filmmaker ventured into the documentary realm in February 2020 by investing in United Nation: Three Decades of Drum & Bass, which offers a shocking yet entertaining exposé into the origins and evolution of the electronic dance music scene. Continuing his commitment to documenting musical movements, he also invested in 25 Years of UK Garage Documentary in 2022, celebrating the prominent figures and influential tracks of the UK Garage scene.
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During the Covid-19 pandemic, when travel restrictions limited many creative pursuits, Peter collaborated with his long-time friend Keith Badman to craft a compelling narrative based on the life of John Lennon. Their project, titled If Tomorrow Never Knows, explores themes of fleeting fame and deep devotion. The story centers around Sally Simpson, an ardent fan blessed with supernatural abilities, as she embarks on an obsessive quest to protect her beloved music icon, John Lennon.
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Sapphire Cinema: A New Era of Filmmaking in 2024
As the landscape of filmmaking continues to evolve, Peter O’Brien and Keith Badman have founded Sapphire Cinema, set to debut in 2025. This innovative production company aims to redefine storytelling in film and television, continuing the duo’s legacy of exceptional production quality and engaging narratives.
Another one of Sapphire Cinema’s completed projects is When The Fabs Met The King, which vividly recounts the historic encounter between two musical legends, Elvis Presley and The Beatles, on the unforgettable evening of August 27, 1965. This momentous meeting has now been captured in a dramatization that is sure to resonate with fans of both artists.
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​​​Other future film projects under development include:
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Looking ahead, Peter and Keith are already working on several promising film projects, including “A Date with Terror,” featuring three haunting tales designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. In addition, One Bad Habit aims to bring to life the harrowing true story of Curtis Warren, often referred to as Britain’s Pablo Escobar, tracing his journey from Liverpool to becoming one of the most wanted criminals. Lastly, Beyond The Slapstick will narrate the legendary story of comedic duo Laurel and Hardy, capturing their rise to fame and the poignant aspects of their lives, all while celebrating their enduring impact on the world of comedy.
Through his diverse ventures in music and film, Peter O’Brien continues to make an indelible mark on the creative landscape, captivating audiences with his passion and storytelling abilities.