A Brief History of Monstructo Producto
Monstructo Producto Productions (originally known as BCHS Pictures) was founded in 1919 by Maidstone-based entrepreneurs Basil Chegwin and Horace Schmidt.
During its first 10 years of operation, the studio focused almost exclusively on romantic melodramas such as Can You Catch Me a Heron?, Bed & Brekkie and Love Consumes An Onion (the latter starring Basil Chegwin). Though largely forgotten now, at the time these early pictures were lauded for their lavish production values and pioneering lunches.
In 1948, the studio scored their biggest success to date with their prestigious science fiction epic Neville Chamberlain on Mars in the 47th Century. Over the next 60 years, the studio focused entirely on making sequels to Neville Chamberlain on Mars in the 47th Century with varying degrees of success.
Scene from Neville Chamberlain on Mars (1948).
In 2011 Monstructo Producto Productions was taken over by Charles Schmidt and Donald Chegwin, grandsons of the original founders. With both individuals well-known for their devotion to fine dining, it was little surprise that the first films produced under their tenure were food documentaries. Exquisite Cuisines of Maidstone, Exquisite Cuisines of Maidstone II and the three-hour A Complete History of the Walnut Whip were all released to near-universal acclaim.
Scene from Exquisite Cusines of Maidstone II (2012).
Schimdt and Chegwin scored another hit with the 2013 black and white concert movie The Shrew Must Go On, directed by famed rock-music pioneer Bo Draggle.
After the heartbreaking failure of their lavish horror opus Oxshott Monstructo (still yet to achieve a wide release outside of Maidstone), the duo bounced back with Baron Monstructo. With an estimated budget of zero and boasting some of the finest talents in the fields of cinematography, editing and lighting, Baron Monstructo has given new meaning to the word ‘exquisite’. Interestingly, the film has garnered extensive tabloid attention for its lavish on-set lunches. Prepared by celebrity chef James Skipp, these lunches are said to have included such delicacies as Leo’s Cheeks, Cockle & Cheddar Baguettes and Sour-Cream Pie.
Scene from Baron Monstructo (2015).
Monstructo Producto’s upcoming roster of films include Exquisite Cuisines of Maidstone III, Exquisite Cuisines of Maidstone IV and Fine Cuisines of Maidstone.
