A Colchester housing estate could be the backdrop for a Hollywood movie.

A film charting the life of a former drug addict on the streets of Monkwick is being planned with the backing of top Hollywood producer Gary Kurtz, it has been claimed.

The movie - called Addict -will be an adaptation of the autobiography of Stephen Smith, who led a destitute life addicted to drugs on the streets of Colchester 20 years ago.

Publicist Kevin Close said a chance meeting with a student transformed Mr Smith's life. He said Mr Smith came off the drugs and had since become a successful businessman and writer, working with recovering addicts.

Mr Close, of Westworld International, said: "Gary Kurtz, Hollywood producer of Star Wars and American Graffiti, is producing a major feature film based on Mr Smith's life and plans to shoot moving scenes on the streets of Monkwick in Colchester."

But head of Eastern Screen Julian Campbell said he knew nothing of the plans and warned "there are a lot of people out there with a script".

Mr Campbell, who works to try and encourage film-makers to film on location in the Eastern region, could find no trace of the film.

He said: "It is not a film that is listed in any of the trade press as being in pre-production which is not unknown - but it is unusual."

Mr Campbell was cautious about commenting on the project until he knew more about it. "On the proviso it was a successful film and a well-made film it could reap benefits in the area as far as tourism goes," he added.

"But often modern films in urban locations do not bring huge benefits."

The last major production to pass through Colchester was the Fourth Protocol, starring Michael Caine.

Scenes were shot at Colchester station and in Chelmsford and an appeal for extras brought a huge response.

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