Next to Philip K Dick, Alan Moore may just be Hollywood’s favourite ideas man. And yet unlike the iconic science fiction writer, who at least gave his blessing to Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner not long prior to his death in 1982, Moore has turned his nose up at every one of the blockbuster projects adapted from his comic books. V For Vendetta, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and From Hell were all given short shrift by the British writer, apparently because no one asked his advice on how to film them.

Even Zack Snyder’s faithful take on Watchmen – perhaps Moore’s most brilliant work – was dismissed out of hand. But if you’ve ever wondered quite what a movie made with Moore’s full cooperation might look like, now’s your chance. The writer has announced he is teaming up with director Mitch Jenkins to work on a series of “occult, noir flecked” short films titled Show Pieces, the first of which was recently shot in London.

Act of Faith, which stars Siobhan Hewlett (Sherlock, Hotel Babylon, Torchwood) will be followed by Jimmy’s End, which is due to be filmed in Northampton later this summer. The project as a whole is described as a “multi-layered, multi-episode narrative” created by Moore and brought to life by Jenkins. Both films will premiere at a New York event in October before screening via the digital arts platform thecreatorsproject.com.

“Alan Moore is widely considered to be one of the greatest graphic novelists of all time,” reads the press release. “His output has sold in the millions, lead to numerous awards and been adapted for feature films. However, Act of Faith and Jimmy’s End are Moore’s first creations written specifically for the screen and made with his endorsement and ongoing creative involvement.”

Quick Guide The five Alan Moore comics you must read Show V for Vendetta (1982 - 1989) This dystopian graphic novel continues to be relevant even 30 years after it ended. With its warnings against fascism, white supremacy and the horrors of a police state, V for Vendetta follows one woman and a revolutionary anarchist on a campaign to challenge and change the world. Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow (1986) Moore's quintessential Superman story. Though it has not aged as well as some of his work, this comic is still one of the best Man of Steel stories ever written, and one of the most memorable comics in DC's canon. A Small Killing (1991) This introspective, stream-of-consciousness comic follows a successful ad man who begins to have a midlife crisis after realising the moral failings of his life and work. Tom Strong (1999 - 2006) A love letter to the silver age of comics that nods to Buck Rogers and other classics of pulp fiction. Tom Strong embodies all of the ideals Moore holds for what a superhero should be.

The League of Extraordinary Gentleman (1999-2019) One of Moore's best known comic series, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is the ultimate in crossover works, drawing on characters from all across the literary world who are on a mission to save it.

Having recently finished the latest edition of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Century 2009, Moore is now venturing into new artistic territory from his home in Northamptonshire. While the self-described “ceremonial magician” is often described in hermit-like terms, largely because he does not have an internet connection and sees no reason to have a working television, he was interviewed twice by the Guardian alone last year, suggesting he’s less reclusive than one might imagine.

Moore is only 56, an age at which many artists are reaching their peak. He probably doesn’t care a fig – and short films are hardly the most popular of media – but it would be a welcome outcome if the writer’s latest project managed to reach a wide audience. Given that his inventive brio has infected so many of today’s best known film-makers, from Joss Whedon to Tim Burton, shouldn’t we be paying attention when he asks for it?