WHO WE ARE
Four Candles is an independent film production company led by Paul Hendy and Emily Wood. Our aim is to make films with personality, heart and a clear sense of audience. We work very closely with writers and focus on strong stories, distinctive voices and work that feels genuinely cinematic.
The Team
Paul Hendy is an award-winning scriptwriter, filmmaker, director, and producer.
In a previous career, Paul was a TV presenter and hosted shows such as THE DISNEY CLUB; DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME with Davina McCall; WHEEL OF FORTUNE; and the BAFTA nominated, DEAR MR BARKER. He has directed over 100 theatre shows including the five-star, critically-acclaimed, LENA and a UK tour of the Olivier-award winning, MORECAMBE. He also wrote, directed and co-produced the five-star, smash-hit, THE LAST LAUGH, which, following a successful West End run also played in New York and a major UK tour. He has also written, directed and produced several multi-million pound pantomimes.
Paul has directed and produced several short films including: THE TERRORIST PRINCESS; MISTER SUNSHINE; THE CHOICE (Best Horror at Ignite Film Festival); HELP! MY TEACHERS ARE ALIENS!, and, of course, the short film, THE LAST LAUGH (Best Film at Manchester Film Festival; Best Comedy Drama at Los Angeles Independent Film Festival etc). He has also directed several TV ads. As well as THE LAST LAUGH, Paul is currently developing MISTER SUNSHINE, a feature film about Morecambe and Wise.
Emily read French and Italian Literature at Oxford University. On leaving university, she made high-end cinema commercials for the likes of Guinness, Stella Artois, Xbox and Levi’s. During this period, she worked alongside OSCAR-winning film director, Jonathan Glazer, on BIRTH starring Nicole Kidman, and UNDER THE SKIN, starring Scarlett Johannson.
As well as FOUR CANDLES, Emily also runs EVOLUTION PRODUCTIONS with Paul Hendy. The company is now one of the largest producers of pantomimes in the world, and has produced around 230 shows across the UK and beyond.
Emily co-produced the West End run, the New York transfer and the subsequent UK tour of THE LAST LAUGH and is co-producing ‘Shantify!’ a new sea-shanty musical. Emily also brought a new, spectacular projection show called LUMINISCENCE to the UK, which launched at Manchester Cathedral in 2026 followed by a run at Westminster Cathedral.
Tom supports Four Candles Films across production, scheduling and day-to-day delivery, working on projects from prep through to shoot. His work includes assisting the director, coordinating schedules and information, organising actors and extras, supporting shot lists, and helping make sure the right material is captured on camera.
He also has a strong background in theatre production and family entertainment. Since 2017, Tom has worked with Evolution Productions, where he is now Production Coordinator, helping deliver large-scale pantomimes across the UK. He has also directed several pantomimes at The Hawth Theatre, Crawley, as well as Dick Whittington at The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, which was nominated for Best Pantomime.
With experience across production offices, rehearsal rooms, venues and shoot days, Tom brings a calm, organised and practical approach to each project.
Dannii is the Finance Administrator at Four Candles Films, overseeing the company’s day-to-day financial operations. She manages payroll across productions, supports budgeting and accounts, and ensures the smooth running of the business behind the scenes. With a meticulous eye for detail and a calm, organised approach, Dannii plays a vital role in keeping both productions and the wider company operating efficiently.
Florence Clarke is the Personal Assistant to director and producer Paul Hendy.
Her interest in the arts developed through her studies in film, where she began exploring different aspects of the creative industry.
During her training, Florence gained experience both behind and in front of the camera, taking part in screen lessons and workshops that deepened her understanding of performance, production, and the filmmaking process. She later wrote and directed her own short film, which was showcased at a film festival at the Markova Theatre, demonstrating her creative vision and practical filmmaking skills.
Alongside her creative background, Florence brings strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication to her role as a Personal Assistant, supporting the day-to-day coordination of a busy creative environment.
Features
The Last Laugh
Pre-production
The Last Laugh
Three of Britain’s all-time greatest comedy heroes – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse – sit in a dressing room and discuss the secret of life, death, comedy and what it means to be funny… really funny!
Based on the smash-hit, West End play of the same name, The Last Laugh is touching and insightful, warm, funny, nostalgic and poignant.
The Choice
In Development
The Choice
THE CHOICE is directed and produced by PAUL HENDY and written by BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning writer, TIM WHITNALL.
Currently in development as a feature film, THE CHOICE is a haunting, psychological drama, which tells the story of a famous TV personality whose life and career implodes when a mysterious visitor comes to call..
Shorts
The Terrorist Princess
The Terrorist Princess
A short film directed by Paul Hendy. Set in St Petersburg in 1881, The Terrorist Princess tells the true story of a Russian aristocrat who assassinated the Tsar of Russia.
The Last Laugh (Short)
The Last Laugh (Short)
Written and Directed by Paul Hendy, this award-winning short film stars Damian Williams, Bob Golding and Simon Cartwright. Three legendary British comedians, Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse sit in a dressing room discussing the secret of life, death, comedy and what it means to be funny…
The Last Laugh won ‘Best Film’ at The Manchester Film Festival, ‘Best Comedy Drama’ at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival and ‘Best Short’ at the London International Film Festival
The Choice
The Choice
THE CHOICE is an award-winning short film directed and produced by PAUL HENDY and written by BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning writer, TIM WHITNALL. Starring RITA SIMONS (EastEnders, The Krays) and ALEX MACQUEEN (Inbetweeners, In the Loop), THE CHOICE is a haunting, psychological drama, which tells the story of a famous TV personality whose life and career implodes when a mysterious visitor comes to call.
The Choice won Best Film at the Ignite Film Festival, Best Horror Film at HorrorCon UK and Best Director at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival.
Mr Sunshine
Mr Sunshine
MR SUNSHINE is a short film (currently in development as a feature) about the life of the legendary comedian, ERIC MORECAMBE.
At the climax of a chaotic performance, a famous comedian collapses on stage. As bedlam breaks out all around him, the veteran performer’s life flashes before his eyes… Directed by Paul Hendy, written by BAFTA and Olivier-winner, Tim Whitnall and starring Bob Golding, Wendi Peters and Kate Burrell.
Contact
Get in touch
Get in contact with the team at Four Candles Films!
Email: tom@evolution-productions.co.uk