Writer
Petch's latest script 'Afghanistan' dramatises the realities of warfare that documentaries have so far not been able to portray, depicting the Afghan War through the eyes of British soldiers. The story takes place over a week in which an exhausted British patrol, low on ammunition, fight alongside the Afghan Army against the Taliban. The script is meticulously researched: language, equipment and tactics, and even the problems facing the patrol are drawn directly from real accounts of British Army experiences in Afghanistan.
Previous scripts by Petch include 'Thug', commissioned by producer Alexei Sidorov ('Brigada'), which linked Petch's interest in history with the military, and 'The Tourist' which drew heavily on Petch's own experiences in Bosnia and was optioned by Spargo Productions.
Director
'Low Street' (2004) was written, directed and co-produced by Petch, and appeared in the Raindance, Foyle, LA and Soho Rushes Film Festivals where Petch was nominated best newcomer. A cast of two, the film stars Denis Lavant ('A Very Long Engagement', 'The Lovers on The Bridge') and Patrick Baladi ('Bodies', 'The Office'), and is shot across one location. The film was described as 'beautifully directed' by UK's Campaign Screen magazine. The film's theme of redemption and its religious undertones are influenced by the style and palette of Hopper.
Military
When 'Traitor' (2008) wanted to re-enact an SAS assault on a London town house they approached Petch. Using weapons and tactics as part of this tense and realistic thriller, Petch recreated believable action for the film, including a scene in which one of the cast had actually served with the SAS.
