Gangster movie Essex Vendetta made in Maldon to get its premiere in April

Essex Vendetta, starring former Eastenders star Danniella Westbrook and Michael McKell, of Emmerdale fame, has been made by tattooist turned filmmaker Terry Coker.

The gangster movie sees McKell’s character Spencer drawn into the world of organised crime in a bid to guarantee his wife and child’s future.

Mr Coker, 45, of Mayland, wrote and directed the film, which was shot across the Maldon district and in Malta in 2014.

He said: “Filming is all completed and we are moving forward. We are hoping to have a premiere in Essex somewhere.

“It has been a long journey, but it is amazing to be at the end of it.”

The film, provisionally called On A Prayer, has now been renamed ahead of its big release.

Mr Coker added: “We thought it was more appropriate, so we went for the name change after discussions with the distributors.

                                               Scenes being shot at Moot Hall, Maldon in 2014

“We shot all over the river Blackwater and on one Sunday we had the privilege of using the Maldon police station and the High Street.

“We did quite a big scene there and had all traffic control in place.

“We filmed pretty much everywhere in Maldon.”

Mr Coker, who is also looking to set up a film studio in Althorne, said the support from the district had been amazing.

He added: “It has been a long, amazing journey and was possible with the support of my family–Imust have driven them crazy.

“They were all in the film as well –Igave them all parts.”

Mr Coker, who along with Mr McKell has launched film school Screen Coach, said: “I couldn’t wish for more for my first production.”

The date and location of the premiere will be announced shortly.