Heathfield production company start filming in East Sussex locations for new TV short

22nd June

Interior shots at Powdermills Hotel near Battle – Image Credit Jack White Photography

Heathfield based production company Skooch Media has been popping up all over East Sussex whilst filming scenes for its new film ‘A Curious Tale’. A ghost story loosely based on an old english mystery novel about the finding of a Crown which in turn is protected by its supernatural guardian, William Hagar.

Story synopsis

Pete Rattlebone, the main character travels south to Sussex on his search for the local legend, and he confirms that there are indeed strange goings on in the Sussex hamlet of Snowgood. He delves further into the legend and eventually succeeds in finding the treasure, the one last protected crown derived from the Spanish fleet centuries before. A conflict ensues when the ghostly guardian tries to retrieve the crown. Pete is helped by a local Doctor who decides to help him return the treasure to its rightful burial ground. During their successful mission, both men have some apprehension of being under surveillance by a supernatural presence. But after two days, Pete Rattlebone disappears and the story takes a disasterous turn……

Filming is underway at a series of East Sussex locations including Heathfield.

Leigh Tarrant, Director and Writer, Skooch Media explained why East Sussex offers such an amazing choice for locations “There is the natural beauty of the countryside, giving scenic views of both the rolling hills in the Beachy Head area as well as the dramatic coastline of Birling Gap, where the white cliff edges lend themselves to a traditional English coastal retreat.  It also offers a local steam railway which runs from Tenterden through to Bodiam Castle, ideal for the filming requirements of this particular picture. Several characterful churches can also be found, particularly in the hamlets, making for a natural eeriness for the tale to be told.  Furthermore, Rye Harbour and it’s unique estuary serves as a quaint backdrop for additional scenes.  We were particularly thankful to The Powdermills Hotel in Battle where all the interior sequences were shot.

Leigh Tarrant, Director on location in Burwash, East Sussex

The filming was also a great opportunity for one budding film maker – Jack White (15), who is currently studying for GCSE in Media and Photography at Bedes School in Lower Dicker, East Sussex. Jack commented:

” I was so grateful to be allowed to shadow the crew, it was my first experience of a professional shoot, I learned a lot and was even allowed to get behind the camera. I hope to be involved again later in the summer and I am really looking forward to seeing the finished film.”

The film is being shot over the next few months and is using mostly local crew and actors. It will be released towards the end of the year, and screened on regional TV and Amazon. So look out for it and support a local production.

Further interior filming at The Powdermills Hotel – Image credit Jack White Photography