A Suffolk writer and historian has spoken of his excitement after being asked to work as a producer on a brand new feature film shot in East Anglia.
John West, from Saxmundham, said he was “still in awe” after award-winning director Jason Figgis invited him to work on the upcoming psychological thriller ‘Winifred Meeks’, influenced by M. R. James’ ghost stories.
The feature film follows writer Anna James, played by The War Zone’s Lara Belmont, as she seeks a secluded property to finish her new teen crime novel.
Once she has settled down on the coast, it is also not long before Anna becomes aware of a troubled presence within the shadow-drenched rooms of the former sea captain’s residence.
Soon Anna becomes chillingly aware that she is sharing the house with the deeply troubled and vengeful spirit of the former lady of Seaview House.
Mr West, who has been part of Suffolk’s media scene for many years, seized the opportunity after striking up a friendship with Mr Figgis online.
“I befriended Jason on YouTube. I commented on a film he did, and we just clicked,” he said.
“Recently I saw on Facebook he’d been in Suffolk and Norfolk and I contacted him and we struck up a friendship – we both love 70s horror and comedy.”
At the time, Mr Figgis was working on a documentary about renowned British photographer Simon Marsden, shot partly in Suffolk.
Mr West said: “I offered to help him out promoting the Simon Marsden documentary. He fell in love with Suffolk when he came over to do the filming.
“He told me yesterday that I am going to be an associate producer [on the Simon Marsden film] and get a screen credit.”
In his role as producer of ‘Winifred Meeks’, Mr West will seek filming locations and help out with publicity.
“I am feeling very optimistic about it,” he said. “It is all concerned with the creative arts. Obviously it will be a learning curve for me, but Jason will be very supportive.”
Mr West said he had high hopes for the project, with filming set to start in the Autumn.
“I love working on set. I am looking forward to it being M. R. James inspired,” he said.
“[My family] are really pleased and quite chuffed. I am still in awe of it all.”
Since first making his mark on Suffolk’s media scene as DJ on Ipswich radio, Mr West went on to work on Felixstowe TV documentaries, a Framlingham radio station, and Mustard TV in Norfolk.
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