Egghead’s thriller to be filmed in resort

CJ de Mooi, one of the super-smart contestants on the television programme, has a starring role in new independent movie The Renata Road – and described it as “completely unique”.

Shooting for the “claustrophobic psychological thriller” begins on Monday after film fanatics stumped up the cash for production to go ahead.

The budget has come from a crowd-funding initiative – where members of the public are invited to put forward some of the money in return for a credit in the film.

Blackpool-born director Ed Greenberg turned to the internet to raise the £10,000 he needed for the project and had 141 people come forward to help get his dream off the ground.

He said: “It really was amazingly successful, and we couldn’t have done it without the passionate support of local film fans.”

The film follows a mysterious stranger as he checks into a remote hotel, finding life inside is less tranquil than he is led to believe. It is billed as the first of its kind on the Fylde coast, using a mostly local cast and crew and being shot entirely on location in St Annes.

Principal photography for the film will take place at the Inn on the Prom hotel, on Promenade South, with some additional scenes at the Claremont, on Derbe Road.

But despite staying loyal to its roots, the film has wide appeal ,drawing support from enthusiasts from right across the globe.

Backing for the project came from as far away as Canada, Russia and even Australia.

Mr Greenberg said: “We’re delighted that our vision for the film inspired such a global following but this is very much a local production.

“We have a wealth of untapped talent here in the North West, and it’s time to put our hometown on the cinematic map.”

The film also brought in help from the Fylde coast’s youngsters, getting student filmmakers involved in the process.

Blackpool and The Fylde College student Ryan Smith worked on the filming of a 
series of trailers for movie.

He said: “I would never have acquired this level of expert knowledge on my own.

“It’s like a free film school close to home.”

No release date for the film has yet been set.

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