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Local Film Crew Wins Award for Haunted House Thriller
12 Jul
Summary
- Borley Rectory: The Awakening won best thriller at the National Film Awards.
- The film is based on England's most haunted house, Borley Rectory.
- The director intentionally prioritized Essex filming locations and crew.

The film "Borley Rectory: The Awakening" has garnered significant attention, winning the best thriller award at the National Film Awards on July 1st. This award-winning production focuses on the story of Borley Rectory, a Victorian mansion in Essex famously dubbed "the most haunted house in England."
Director Steven M Smith, 52, made a deliberate choice to prioritize filming within Essex. His production company was established with the specific aim of utilizing local filming locations and engaging local talent. Although the original Borley Rectory burned down in the 1930s, the film crew continued their commitment to the region by shooting scenes at Ingatestone Hall, another location with its own collection of ghost stories.
This approach highlights the crew's dedication to supporting the local film industry and economy. By choosing to film within the county, they not only showcased Essex's unique settings but also reinforced the value of local resources in cinematic production.