Stanley Long – Alpha Video

Stanley Long was a prominent figure in the British film industry, particularly known for his work in the exploitation and sexploitation genres. He had a long and varied career as a cinematographer, director, producer, and distributor.

Stanley Long: Background and Career

1. Early Career: Stanley Long began his career as a cinematographer, working on various low-budget films. He quickly gained a reputation for his ability to work efficiently within tight budgets.
2. Exploitation and Sexploitation Films: Long is best known for his work in the exploitation and sexploitation genres, directing and producing films that pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable at the time. Some of his notable films include “Nudes of the World” (1961), “Primitive London” (1965), and the “Adventures” series in the 1970s (“Adventures of a Taxi Driver,” “Adventures of a Private Eye,” and “Adventures of a Plumber’s Mate”).

Setting Up Alpha Video

Stanley Long’s venture into video distribution, including the establishment of Alpha Video, was a natural progression from his film career. Here’s how he and his brother Peter Long set up Alpha Video:

1. Formation: In the early 1980s, Stanley Long, along with his brother Peter Long, founded Alpha Video. This was during a time when the home video market was burgeoning, and there was a growing demand for diverse and often controversial content.
2. Distribution Focus: Alpha Video focused on distributing a wide range of films, including many titles that other distributors might have avoided. This included horror films, cult classics, exploitation films, and even some of Stanley Long’s own works. Their approach was to capitalize on the niche markets that mainstream distributors were ignoring.
3. Market Strategy: The Long brothers employed a strategy of aggressive marketing and eye-catching packaging to attract attention in video rental stores. They understood that the video market thrived on visual appeal and curiosity, which was especially important for the genres they were focusing on.
4. Impact: Alpha Video quickly became known for its eclectic catalog and contributed to the vibrant home video culture of the 1980s in the UK. The company’s success can be attributed to Stanley Long’s experience and intuition about audience interests, as well as Peter Long’s business acumen.

Legacy

Stanley Long’s impact on the British film and video distribution industries is significant. He was a pioneer in recognizing and exploiting the potential of niche markets, and his work laid the groundwork for future independent distributors. His films and the titles he distributed through Alpha Video remain cult favorites and are often celebrated for their audacious and boundary-pushing content.

In summary, Stanley Long’s establishment of Alpha Video with his brother Peter Long was a strategic move that leveraged their combined expertise in filmmaking and business. This venture allowed them to carve out a significant niche in the early home video market, leaving a lasting legacy in the industry.

Autobiography

In 2008 Stanley Long wrote his autobiography, “X-Rated – Adventures of an Exploitation Filmmaker”

Stanley Long’s autobiography, “X-Rated: Adventures of an Exploitation Filmmaker,” offers an insider’s perspective on his career and the world of British exploitation cinema. Here are some key points about the book and its contents:

About the Book

• Title: “X-Rated: Adventures of an Exploitation Filmmaker”
• Author: Stanley Long
• Publication Date: The exact publication date may vary, but it was published during the latter part of Long’s career when he reflected on his extensive experience in the film industry.

Content and Themes

1. Early Life and Career:
   • The autobiography delves into Long’s early life, his initial foray into cinematography, and his gradual transition into directing and producing films.
   • It explores his experiences working on low-budget films and how these early projects shaped his career.
2. Exploitation and Sexploitation Cinema:
   • Long provides a candid account of his work in the exploitation and sexploitation genres, detailing the challenges and rewards of creating films that pushed societal boundaries.
   • He discusses some of his most famous works, such as “Nudes of the World,” “Primitive London,” and the “Adventures” series, offering behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insights into their production.
3. Challenges and Controversies:
   • The book covers the controversies and legal challenges Long faced, particularly during the era of “Video Nasties” in the UK.
   • He explains how censorship and public outcry affected his work and the strategies he employed to navigate these issues.
4. Business Ventures:
   • Long discusses the establishment and operation of Alpha Video with his brother Peter Long, highlighting their approach to video distribution and their success in the home video market.
   • He reflects on the business side of filmmaking, including marketing tactics and the importance of understanding audience preferences.
5. Personal Reflections:
   • Throughout the autobiography, Long provides personal reflections on his journey, including his motivations, inspirations, and the relationships he built within the industry.
   • He shares his thoughts on the evolution of the film industry and the impact of technological advancements on filmmaking and distribution.
6. Legacy and Impact:
   • The book concludes with Long’s assessment of his legacy and contributions to the British film industry.
   • He expresses his views on the lasting influence of exploitation cinema and the cultural significance of the films he created and distributed.

Style and Reception

• Writing Style: Long’s writing is noted for its honesty, humor, and straightforwardness. He does not shy away from discussing the more controversial aspects of his career.
• Reception: The autobiography has been well-received by fans of exploitation cinema and those interested in the history of British film. It is valued for its detailed and personal account of a unique period in film history.

Conclusion

“X-Rated: Adventures of an Exploitation Filmmaker” is a comprehensive and engaging account of Stanley Long’s career and contributions to the film industry. It offers valuable insights into the world of exploitation cinema and the home video market of the 1980s, making it a must-read for enthusiasts and scholars of film history.

Stanley Alfred Long, cinematographer, writer, director, producer and distributor: born 26 November 1933; married Julie Williams; died 10 September 2012.

Companies associated with Stanley Long