Southend gets ready for the big screen (From Echo)

Southend gets ready for the big screen

4:00pm Friday 10th February 2012 in Local News By Emma Thomas

Filming

DIRECTORS are switching to Southend to shoot their movies after the town became the backdrop to a gritty new gangster thriller.

The town played host to the cast and crew of Hard Boiled Sweets, described as the “ultimate dark crime thriller”.

Its the latest production to come to town after EastEnders spent several weeks filming last summer.

The film’s director, David Hughes, said the location was right and compared the town to the American gamblers paradise of Atlantic City.

Mr Hughes said: “I went to Southend once as a student for a night out. I had a fantastic time, it is an incredible place. I thought it was an English version of Atlantic City.

“Southend is such an integral part of the film, we shot everywhere on the pier, on the strip, we did two whole days filming on the pier all through the night. We had a fantastic time.”

The movie boost is also helping businesses in the area.

Bobby Jo’s diner on the seafront was the setting for part of the film and it has received plenty of requests from other camera crews.

Diner owner Tony Cox said: “We had quite a few film crews here, especially pop groups and models.

“Last week we had the Southend Roller Derby girls having some photos done because we are going to be sponsoring them.

“Quite a lot goes on down here because we are different. We are registered with a locations site, and have had lots of phone calls.”

Paul Cotgrove, from the Southend-based film company White Bus, said Hard Boiled Sweets would be given a red carpet screening on the opening night of the Southend Film Festival on Thursday, May 3.

He said: “It is a really tight thriller that has its tongue firmly in its cheek.

“White Bus is the official locations manager for Southend Council, so I would say Southend is the best place in the country to film.”

The movie news has been welcomed by Derek Jarvis, Southend councillor responsible for culture.

He agreed the town was becoming popular with film directors, although he wished for a greater variety of content.

He said: “It is great the town is being used more and more. There has been a series of things happening, particularly EastEnders, which used the town for a whole week.

“It is great news we are managing to change the image of the town.

“We try to ensure we get some films that don’t involve deaths, but I accept it is a broad church and there will be all sorts of things.”

Hard Boiled Sweets stars Paul Freeman and Peter Wight, who appeared in comedy film Hot Fuzz.

It follows the story of mob boss Eddie “the gobstopper” who runs Southend and criminals who are after his money.

For festival details, visit www.southendfilmfestival.com