A company from Newmarket is celebrating its noteworthy contribution to the film industry with the release of 28 Years Later, and their excitement is palpable. This Suffolk-based business, known for crafting lifelike fake rats and chilling zombie masks, has experienced remarkable growth in just one year since its inception, largely thanks to its involvement in this popular franchise.
Anthrotek, situated in an industrial unit in Newmarket, specializes in producing synthetic skin, animatronics, and prosthetic body parts that cater not only to the entertainment sector but also to medical facilities and seasonal events like Christmas shows. Co-founder Nazmus Tareque shared that their breakthrough came after creating a stunning zombie mask for Danny Boyle's film, 28 Years Later, which has significantly propelled their company's visibility and reputation.
Tareque expressed his passion for this creative field, stating, "Anthrotek began with a focus on cinema-related projects but has since expanded to explore various directions... We find this work incredibly fulfilling and vibrant!" The idea for Anthrotek originated from Dr. Raoul Peltier, another co-founder, whose fascination with special effects led him to experiment with film prosthetics in his garage.
The original film, 28 Days Later, released in 2002, featured actor Cillian Murphy navigating through the eerie emptiness of London following a devastating zombie virus outbreak. Fast forward to 2025, the new installment, 28 Years Later, stars prominent actors such as Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, further heightening the anticipation surrounding the franchise.
Tareque reminisced about how impactful their collaboration with renowned director Danny Boyle has been, noting, "Working with him was pivotal; it generated the momentum needed to establish our entire company. This project holds iconic status for us, and we are ardent fans of the film series."
The team’s creation of a prosthetic zombie mask was described by Tareque as "an exhilarating experience." He added, "We feel fortunate—just one year into our journey, we’ve had the privilege of receiving inquiries from some incredible individuals we aspire to collaborate with."
In addition to cinematic projects, Anthrotek collaborates with distinguished makeup artists, including David Malinowski, a BAFTA and Oscar-winning artist, who designed a lifelike face that was meticulously molded and painted for various applications.
By blending their expertise in filmmaking with diverse opportunities across different sectors, the company has experienced steady growth. One of the co-founders, with a strong background in polymer chemistry, has contributed significantly to the development of silicone prosthetics that can be expertly molded and painted for realistic effects.
In 2024, Anthrotek played a key role in creating 18 cutting-edge animatronics for the esteemed Thursford Christmas Spectacular in Norfolk. Furthermore, their innovations extend into the medical field, where they have produced items like injectable pharmaceuticals, dermal injections, and even silicone replicas of rats intended for laboratory testing.
This remarkable story raises questions about the intersection of creativity and technology in modern filmmaking and healthcare. What do you think about the blend of artistry and science in these industries? Let us know your thoughts!
