A 200-YEAR-OLD hall in Mottram has taken centre stage in a new independent horror comedy, with filmmakers believing it could be the first feature film ever shot entirely in the village.
Angry Lynx Productions recently completed a seven-day shoot on Highly Recommended, the debut feature from Greater Manchester writer and director Steven James Griffiths, at Mottram Community Centre.
The production, which had a final budget of less than £5,000, brought together a cast and crew of around 25 people and transformed the Grade II listed community building into the backdrop for the film.
The project is also believed to be the first horror feature film shot entirely within the borough of Tameside.
The idea for the film came after Steven volunteered at the centre on Church Brow and was inspired by the character of the historic building.
Steven, who spent 12 years working behind the camera in British TV and film after serving in the British Army as an aircraft technician, said: “This film began on a volunteer day at the Community Centre, when I realised what an extraordinary 200-year-old building it is.
“Within three months we had a script, a cast, and a circle of chairs in the hall on the first night of the shoot. To find out we may be the first feature film ever shot entirely in Mottram makes the whole thing feel even more like the right place at the right time. Mottram opened the door to us. We tried very hard to make it worth their while.”
The film features familiar faces from British television and stage, including Christine Walsh, Cal Bentley, Neil Rowland, Wendy Patterson, Kelsea Knox, Alexi Papadopoulos and Salford actor Joe Chambers.
Producer Paul Morris said the low-budget production was only possible thanks to the commitment of everyone involved.
“We have made a feature film for less than five thousand pounds. People will tell you that is not possible. It only is because the right people kept saying yes and bringing the right things to set. We are extraordinarily grateful to a community that did not have to give us the time of day, and did.”
Mottram Community Centre trustees also welcomed the filming taking place at the village hall, with plans being discussed for a public screening at the venue at Halloween.
Lauren Moore, Trustee at Mottram Community Centre, said: “The trustees were proud to host the production at the centre. To have a feature film shot in our village hall is something we did not think we would ever say, let alone the first feature film ever shot entirely in Mottram.
“We are looking forward to a community screening later in the year so that everyone in the village can see the centre on the big screen.”
The production team included Director of Photography Daniel Kuptel, visual effects supervisor Simon Chiu, costume designer Mary Jean Walsh and SFX coordinator Heidi Schofield.
“I have been on a lot of sets in my career, and this was one of the best,” actor Neil Rowland, who plays Ronnie, commented.
“Small village, small crew, big script. There is nothing more British than people who barely know each other being polite about something terrifying. We have made that film.”
Highly Recommended is now moving into post-production, ahead of its planned Halloween 2026 premiere at the centre.