DARK STORIES.
UNTAMED LANDSCAPES.
FILMS THAT BREAK BOUNDARIES.
Rubicon is an independent British production company creating bold, atmospheric stories from the edge of the known world.
Founded by writer-director George Popov and writer-producer Jonathan Russell, Rubicon develops distinctive feature films and documentaries shaped by untamed landscapes, buried histories and the uncertain space between the familiar and the uncanny.
From the folk-horror foundations of Hex and The Droving to an expanding slate of ambitious original features, Rubicon is drawn to stories that cross boundaries: between civilisation and wilderness, belief and doubt, past and present.
George Popov
Writer & Director
Bulgarian-born writer-director George Popov is an emerging voice in British independent cinema, recognised for his distinctive visual style, original storytelling and ability to create atmospheric, thought-provoking genre films with strong international appeal.
His work combines elevated horror, psychological tension and culturally resonant narratives, positioning him as an exciting filmmaker for sales agents, co-producers and financiers seeking bold, marketable projects with a clear creative identity.
Although still early in his career, George has already made a notable impact on contemporary British cinema. His films HEX (2017) and THE DROVING (2020) are featured in Rob Young’s acclaimed book The Magic Box: Viewing Britain Through the Rectangular Window, an exploration of culturally significant British film and television described by The New York Times as “a lucid and patriotic guided tour.”
Both films also received strong critical recognition from leading UK film critic and Empire writer Kim Newman, who praised George’s work for bringing fresh energy and originality to the folk-horror genre. This critical endorsement, combined with a growing international audience, demonstrates his ability to deliver distinctive independent films that connect with genre fans while retaining wider commercial and cultural potential.
George has participated in live filmmaker Q&As, appeared on numerous podcasts and been interviewed by independent film publications, steadily building his profile within the UK and international filmmaking community.
With an expanding slate of ambitious film and television projects, he represents a compelling creative partner for companies looking to develop distinctive, director-led content for the global marketplace.
Jonathan Russell
Writer & Producer
British screenwriter and producer Jonathan Russell is an experienced independent filmmaker whose work combines compelling character development, authentic dialogue and distinctive genre storytelling. Having developed his craft across multiple feature screenplays, Jonathan brings both creative and practical production experience to projects designed for the international film and television marketplace.
His screenplay for HEX (2017) was praised for its naturalistic, authentic dialogue, while THE DROVING (2020) received recognition for its compelling characters and atmospheric storytelling.
His longstanding creative partnership with writer-director George Popov has been credited with bringing a “unique identity” to British independent cinema, combining original narratives, strong visual direction and commercially accessible genre filmmaking.
Alongside his work as a screenwriter, Jonathan has hands-on experience producing independent feature films. He produced Rubicon Films’ HEX and THE DROVING, gaining experience across development, production and the delivery of ambitious projects within the independent filmmaking sector.
Jonathan has also produced three feature-length documentaries through his multimedia platform Sideworld, further demonstrating his versatility across scripted and factual storytelling.
This combination of screenwriting expertise, producing experience and proven creative collaboration positions him as a valuable partner for sales agents, co-producers and financiers seeking distinctive, director-led projects with strong characters, clear market positioning and international audience potential.
‘I was impressed with Hex, and I'm even more taken with The Droving’
Kim Newman (Journalist & Critic @ EMPIRE) - Speaking on Rubicon’s ‘The Droving’
‘A masterclass in independent genre filmmaking!’
The Horrorcist - Speaking on Rubicon’s ‘The Droving’
‘Original and fearless throughout’
Music City Drive-In - Speaking on Rubicon’s ‘The Droving’
‘A documentary that occupies a space between fact, fiction, legend and history’
Slay Away With Us - Speaking on Rubicon’s ‘Sideworld: Haunted Forests of England’
‘Sideworld comes to us from a talented team who are not just reputable and experienced, but passiontate about film’
Warped Perspective - Speaking on Rubicon’s ‘Sideworld’ documentaries
‘Rich dialogue, taut direction and beautiful cinematography’
The Silverscreen Analysis - Speaking on Rubicon’s ‘Hex’
‘Intelligent and beautiful! Some of the framing could pass as fine art!’
21st Century British Horror - Speaking on Rubicon’s ‘The Droving’
‘A film with deeper themes of isolation, loss and grief woven throughout’
Hermanos of Horror - Speaking on Rubicon’s ‘The Droving’
‘A unique voyage of mystery, suspense and folklore’
Erebus Horror - Speaking on Rubicon’s ‘The Droving’