Maldon could be destined for international fame.

London-based company MP Productions is using the town as the backdrop for Lawless Heart, a feature film due to be screened around the world next autumn.

Using the town as a location was the idea of director Neil Hunter, who comes from Tolleshunt Major.

The film crew will be in town from November 13 to 29 and will shoot in High Street restaurant, April the Thirteenth, and the surrounding streets.

Although filming will take place in the High Street, along the Hythe and at nearby farms, Mr Pope hopes nothing will change for residents - apart from the newfound fame of their area.

Lawless Heart is described as "a film about falling in love when you shouldn't" and features Dougie Henshaw from the TV adaptation of Anna Karenina and Pyschos, among other well-known faces.

Directors Neil Hunter and Tom Hunsinger have won a number of awards for previous work, including best feature at the Turin Film Festival for their debut feature Boyfriends.

They were also shortlisted for an International Filmmaker's award at Robert Redford's Sundance Institute.

Mr Pope was unsure if extras would be needed, but hoped the project would be an interesting experience for residents in the town.

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