WITH Southend’s Horror-On-Sea film festival just around the corner, one of the event’s success stories has shared his experience.

The sixth film festival, which comes to the town every year, not only celebrates the genre in all its gory glory but is an important platform for up-and-coming writers, directors, producers and actors.

It acts as an opportunity for them to showcase their work to a knowledgeable and enthusiastic audience.

For Darren Kent, from Southend, Horror-on-Sea was the catalyst to drive his career.

He is now starring in the hit Syfy grindhouse TV series, Blood Drive.

He said: “I know how hard it is to make a movie and get it recognised. Perhaps because the horror genre is so huge now many movies never get seen, which is a real shame.

“Horror-On-Sea is unique, in that it shines a spotlight on up-and-coming film-makers and actors like me, bringing our work to the wider attention of the industry. I strongly support what it stands for and am extremely pleased it’s back – and on my doorstep.”

The festival is returning for its sixth outing from January 19 to 28.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2018 festival, which will again be held at the Park Inn by Radisson Palace Hotel on Southend’s seafront, with the iconic venue hosting a series of world premieres, appearances and talks from leading lights in the horror movie industry.

Horror-On-Sea was spawned by film aficionado and movie industry insider, Paul Cotgrove, in 2013 with a desire to give aspiring filmmakers and writers in the horror genre an opportunity to have their work put in front of large audiences and people working in the film industry.

Now, Horror-On-Sea receives submissions from across the world, with America, Europe, India and Brazil represented amongst the 30 feature films and around 40 shorts.

Prices start at just £6 per film, from £20 for a day pass and, for serious fans, a weekend pass costs up to £60. Visit horror-on-sea.com