Sad news for fans of schlock cinema, director David R. Ellis, the man behind Snakes On A Plane, Cellular and Final Destination entries 2 and 4, has passed away.

On the 8th of January his body was found in Johannesburg, as he was starting work on Kite, his next collaboration with actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Jackson tweeted "So sad to hear of David R Ellis passing! So talented, so kind, such a Good Friend. He'll be missed. Gone too soon!"

The 60-year-old was not just a director, but worked second unit on a whole host of films, ranging from The Matrix Reloaded and Master and Commander to Made in America and Holy Man. He was also a stuntman and rose to stunt coordinator in his career, working on stunts for Scarface, Lethal Weapon and Days Of Thunder.

His directing career, after Homeward Bound 2, was firmly in silly violent fun, with Final destination 2, The Final Destination, Cellular, Snakes On A Plane and Shark Night 3D making the bulk of his CV. They may not have been classics, but for entertainment value it was harder to find someone who knew how to make things with a tongue-in-cheek style that didn't take over the whole film.

As the year rolls on, R.I.P.D. and 47 Ronin (Provided it isn't post-poned yet again) will be released, both films Ellis worked second unit on.

Ellis is survived by a wife and three kids, and plenty of fans too.