Behind the scenes of 'film shoot' in Clacton and Harwich

Brand Elect, a Chelmsford-based campaign agency, has been filming across the district as part of a major women's safety initiative funded by the police and crime commissioner for Essex.

Intense shooting at Clacton railway station(Image: Brand Elect)

The production, commissioned by Tendring Council, is creating awareness films for the Women's Safety Charter project, which aims to improve safety for women and girls in public spaces.

Filming underway at Clacton Pier(Image: Brand Elect)

Over two days, more than 20 actors – including local talent and performers from across Essex and Hertfordshire – worked across seven locations, including Clacton train station, the Boardwalk Bar and Grill at Clacton Pier, Clacton Pier Arcade entrance, Clacton beach, Clacton Leisure Centre, the Pier Hotel in Harwich, and Harwich Skate Park.

Shooting at Clacton Leisure Centre(Image: Brand Elect)

Shooting at Clacton beach(Image: Brand Elect)

Exciting behind the scenes(Image: Brand Elect)

Tendring Council community safety boss Peter Kotz said: "Filming is currently taking place in Clacton and Harwich as part of a wider project funded through the safer streets initiative, supported by the police, fire and crime commissioner for Essex."

Clacton leisure centre filming(Image: Brand Elect)

He added: "This work is being delivered by the Tendring Community Safety Partnership, of which Tendring District Council is a key member."

The locations were chosen following a five-week public survey conducted via the council's website in May, which received 180 responses from women and girls in the district about how safe they feel in Tendring, especially at night.

Harwich Pier hotel was used for some important scenes(Image: Brand Elect)

Scenes being filmed at the Pier Hotel(Image: Brand Elect)

Central to the project is women's safety consultant Karen Whybro, who drives change for violence against women and girls, and behaviour change culture.

Ms Whybro conducts research and focus groups in each area to determine where women feel unsafe, with filming locations chosen based on areas highest on the list.

The films will address male behaviour that makes women feel unsafe, including loitering, cat-calling, unintentional following, persistent staring and general harassment.

Brand Elect began producing women's safety awareness films with Essex councils in 2022.

The company first created a campaign with Chelmsford City Council and has since produced a second film with the authority.

The film created is here:

This was followed by productions for Harlow and Basildon councils.

In September, it shot films for Maldon, Brentwood and Rochford, with Tendring being the latest council to commission work.

The Basildon Council film is here:

The Women's Safety Charter is a programme which works with local businesses and organisations to promote gender equality, improve attitudes towards women, and support cultural change.

Ms Whybro carries out training with all businesses and organisations who sign up to the charter.

Mr Kotz added: "The film being produced will help raise awareness of the initiative and demonstrate the council's commitment to making our communities safer and more inclusive.

"Tendring District Council is proud to support this project to reduce serious violence, tackle anti-social behaviour, and support vulnerable residents."