Dr Megavolt: From Geek to Superhero
Directed By
Victoria Charters
The story of America's first Electronaut, DR MEGAVOLT.
- ABOUT
- BIO
- SCREENINGS
- AWARDS
- CREDITS
DR MEGAVOLT; FROM GEEK TO SUPERHERO is a portrait of the dichotomous life of Dr. Austin Richards, Ph.D., a mild mannered physicist who performs as "Dr MegaVolt" wearing a metal Faraday suit and interacting with loud and dangerous Tesla coils.
Filmmaker Victoria Charters travels with Austin to the Burning Man festival in Nevada and other Dr MegaVolt shows around the globe. Within the history of Dr MegaVolt, lies a fascinating story of an inventor who pushed the boundaries of science to create this mesmerizing display utilizing an elemental force. From Austin's early years building Tesla coils for a basement Halloween show, to his rock star status at Burning Man, to his focus in being an ambassador for science, DR MEGAVOLT; FROM GEEK TO SUPERHERO is about a passion to understand the physical world through science, a love of extreme experiences, creativity and collaboration, Industrial Art, invention, and "passing the baton" in a world where tactile learning is out and digital is in.
Victoria directed the feature-length documentary Dr Megavolt: from Geek to Superhero, distributed by Film Buff/Gunpowder & Sky, which premiered at Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival in 2015. It won "Best Documentary" at City of Angels Women's Film Festival 2019 and "Best of the Festival" award at the 7th Annual Lady Filmmakers Festival 2015. She has participated in many group filmmaker projects including 140 (Newport Beach Film Festival 2010), Life in a Day (Sundance Film Festival 2011), One Day on Earth 10.10.10. & 11.11.11, which premiered at the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations in New York. Victoria’s past narrative short films include I Heard the Mermaids Singing, Short Film Corner Cannes 2008, official selection 17 international film festivals, 2 wins - Best Narrative Short, Great Lakes Independent Film Festival 2008; Silver Medal for Excellence, Park City Film Music Festival 2008 and Backstage, Short Film Corner, Cannes 2011. Apart from film, Victoria's first love was acting, improv and theater. Acting highlights include Crazy Bitches by Jane Clark, Ben Affleck’s Academy Award winning Argo and Angels Die Slowly filmed in post Katrina New Orleans. Australian born, Victoria's Aussie TV credits include Neighbours and Boys From the Bush. Victoria is a graduate of the University of Melbourne, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Film and received a writer’s grant from the Theatre Department.
2015 Premiere & official selection of Comic Con at at Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival, Saturday July 11, 2015
7th Annual Lady Filmmakers Festival October 24th, 2015
City of Angels Women's Film Festival, August 29, 2019
won the "Best of the Festival" award 7th Annual Lady Filmmakers Festival October 24th, 2015
won "Best Documentary" at City of Angels Women's Film Festival, August 29, 2019
Victoria Charters - director
Austin Richards - self / Dr Megavolt
John Behrens - self / additional cinematography
Monica Haynes - self
