A Mayland filmmaker’s latest project is set to be a family affair after signing up his wife and children.

Tattoo artist and filmmaker Terry Coker, 48, will start filming a new crime thriller at locations around the district later this month.

Mr Coker, who has been involved in films since 2012, has launched his own film company Cobra Productions with his wife Rita, son Bradley, 22, and daughter Courtney, 19.

He said: “We have somehow managed to gain regular commissions to make films to a brief for distribution.

“We take the brief and develop a script with a small budget and have the opportunity to create films ready for the international market.

“At our home office is where we orchestrate a concoction of collaborative talent within the Maldon district and the local surrounding areas.”

Mr Coker’s latest film has been titled Skinned and focuses on the world of tattooing.

He said: “I have been a part of this world for around 20 years with studios around Essex.

“When asked for ideas I always lean on life experiences to tell the story, whether that be a story before I was born or way into the future when I will no longer be around.”

While the story is fiction, Mr Coker said the work is inspired by true events.

Bradley has written the film script, daughter Courtney will act as producer and wife Rita will be production coordinator.

They will be joined by former Plume pupil Sam Papidas who is working as cinematographer.

The shoot for the film will begin later this month and last two weeks.

Mr Coker, who recently finished a project on a harrowing film about the Holocaust, often produces his films on sets across Maldon and Burnham.

He also uses talent from the area for roles in his movies and has previously collaborated with Emmerdale’s Michael McKell, who lives in Goldhanger.

He said: “We believe Essex especially Maldon and Burnham and the surrounding areas has an abundance of beautiful locations for us to film our movies, using as much talent locally as we possibly can.”

Mr Coker is asking actors and crew hands who would like to be involved in the film to come forward.

He is also looking for some properties to shoot the film in.

Anyone who wants to be involved should email contactterry@yahoo.com.