Geoff Barrow, best known as co-founder of Portishead and Beak>, has launched a new chapter in his creative life: a film company called Invada Films. This move marks Barrow’s formal entry into feature filmmaking, building on years of composing, producing, and collaborating in music and score work.
Invada Films’ debut project is GAME, a thriller set in the British rave scene of 1993. Barrow co-wrote the film alongside screenwriter Rob Williams, with direction by John Minton, a longtime collaborator in Barrow’s music video and audiovisual work. The film stars Jason Williamson of Sleaford Mods and Marc Bessant; it follows the story of two men, a thief and a poacher, who must try to survive after a late-summer car crash in the woods.
Barrow describes GAME as a labour of friendships: many of the people involved are long-time collaborators, or connected through mutual creative networks in and around Bristol. Working together with John Minton, Marc Bessant, and others was part of the appeal. Barrow has said that after decades of music work, video work, and composing, he wanted to stretch into feature films.
Invada Films is an offshoot of Invada Records, the label Barrow co-founded which has a history of supporting soundtrack culture and releasing scores (including works Barrow himself did with Ben Salisbury). With this expansion into film production, Barrow is extending the label’s reach from music and soundtracks into full motion picture storytelling. Invada Films will be the means by which Barrow both produces and co-writes, taking more creative control over cinematic projects.
Barrow has made clear that GAME is only the beginning. He already has two more film projects in development under Invada Films. This suggests that Invada’s new film arm is intended not as a one-off experiment, but as a long-term endeavour in filmmaking.
The film is set to premiere October 16, 2025 at the Mayhem Film Festival in Nottingham. A wider theatrical release across the UK and Ireland is scheduled for November 21, 2025.
