Film was written with Wisbech in mind, says writer/director of Dig. Dig. Dead! set to be filmed this autumn

A new film set to be filmed in Wisbech was written with the town in mind for its backdrop after the writer/director fell in love with the place and the Fens in general.

Alexander Cox, who has written Dig. Dig. Dead!, which is due to start filming in October/November this year, was in town with his cast and crew for a photo shoot and table read-through at the weekend.

He explained the film, which tackles difficult themes, including substance abuse and abandonment, is based loosely on his lived experiences and watching those around him.

“I am adopted, and my first few years weren’t the most ideal,” said Alexander, who has cast renowned EastEnders actor Howard Saddler, known for his role as the soap’s villainous Pastor Clayton, as the film’s co-lead or antagonist.

Alexander said his teenage years saw him partying and drinking too much.

“I realised I had issues, and I took myself away and got some help and started to live a healthier life,” he said.

It was those experiences that have helped inspire his project, but it was meeting the film’s casting director Eleonor Vinters, while at drama school, that led him to Wisbech.

Eleonor, who is from the town, brought Alexander to Wisbech, and he said: “I was awestruck. I’m from Glasgow, so I’m used to having hills all around me.

“So the first time I came here and saw the flat land of the Fens, I was blown away – it is such an iconic environment and Wisbech is gorgeous.”

Eleonor introduced the 23-year-old actor turned writer/director to David Crouch, of the Wisbech Society, who explained the history of Wisbech General Cemetery and the work that has been carried out to renovate the chapel building.

Alexander said: “I just knew it was the perfect setting for the project I had in mind.

“One or two of the cast and crew suggested we could film elsewhere, I had to explain that the script was written and shaped with Wisbech as the setting. The General Cemetery is perfect as the you have the building, which will be the meeting hall, and then you have the cemetery on the doorstep, there are not many places where we are going to find that.

“We have secured a couple of other locations including a field in Fen Road, and we are talking to the Angles Theatre about using the building for filming too.

“We are still looking for a flat to use in the town, and we are open-minded about what that might look like if anyone has any suggestions, or is willing to let us use their flat.”

There will also be an opportunity for locals to get involved when the filming starts as Alexander will be looking for nine or ten extras for a “support group”.

Alexander said: “We have already had so much support from local people, it has been really humbling how excited and supportive people have been, you certainly don’t always get that kind of reaction.”

He said the initial intent is to film Dig. Dig. Dead! as a short film, which will hopefully lead to it being made into a full-length feature film.

“This is going to continue as multi-year project as far as I am concerned. I am currently writing the feature film and I am enjoying the experience,” he said.

The hope is to have the short film ready for a premiere, which could well be held in Wisbech, next Spring.

Alexander also hopes to support local businesses and charities with the making of the film and most importantly to “capture the beauty and magic of the Fens and Wisbech” within the film, which he hopes will speak to people who have struggled with the issues portrayed.

The production has received £2,000 of funding from the Fenland Arts Fund to help bring the project to life.