A former police officer is to record a horror film in our town.

Upton Priory resident Steven Louis Arnold will be filming psychological horror A Sudden Death, in Macclesfield next year.

He has just launched a crowdfunder so he can pay some of the cast and crew.

Steven is originally from Tottenham, and moved to Macclesfield four months ago with his partner, who is originally from Macclesfield.

"We are a small group of passionate filmmakers hoping to create a thought-provoking horror film," he said.

The short film will be about 15 to 20 minutes.

"As a former police officer I can attest to some of the gruesome things officers see in their day to day roles.

"It's our hope that this film will not only entertain but raise awareness for depression and mental health, not only for those who work in the police but also the general public as well. 

"Donations will go towards covering actors and crews expenses, props and makeup effects. 

"All contributors and sponsors will be seen in the credits of our film, as it couldn't have been made without your support."

A work in progress model of one of the props used in the film.

Before becoming a police officer, Steve lived in Preston for six years and studied a screenwriting and film production course.

This film marks the return to his passion, while tying it together with his former career.

The short film sees a police officer being left alone with a dead body with no obvious foul play, who is left alone with it and starts to question whether it truly was a natural death.

Steve teased the synopsis as: "Being alone in a room with a dead body is unsettling for anyone, but has PC Davis done this one too many times that his mind is playing tricks on him?"

Steve hopes the film will be a springboard for his new career as a freelance screenwriter for hire.

"The story doesn't fall on either side on whether this is a supernatural thing, or whether the Constable is going through trauma."

Steve has just £325 more production costs to fundraise on the crowdfunding website GoFundMe.

"There's two big reasons why I have decided to make the film. First I want to get back into the film industry", he added.

"But second, having that time away from the police has given me time to reflect, and there is a lot of things we did in the police that the public aren't aware is part of our day-to-day job but actually weighs quite heavily on us. So I'm looking forward to getting it out there and seeing what people think of it.

Steve is part-funding the film himself, but is seeking help for covering the cost of his movie's talent.

"When I was a police officer, I would get home and not want to talk about some of the things I'd seen that day, which made what was going on inside my head even worse."

Steve wants to raise awareness for all victims of PTSD, as well as his fellow coppers.

Connoll Pavey will direct Steve's film, with the cameras to start rolling in the spring.

"I love the fact that Macclesfield is a small, quiet and creative town," concluded Steve.

Steve spent three years as a police officer in London, for which the film's premise is based on.

"Thank you to anyone who puts a few quid towards the production.

"As well as getting your name in the credits, you will be supporting the professional cast and crew that have given up their time to help make my film a reality.

"To be able cover people's fuel in these difficult times will mean a lot to people.

"I'd love to work with a local amateur drama society in Macclesfield for some of the smaller roles as well. So please get in touch with me via the crowdfunder if you are interested."

You can read a chilling, spoiler-free synopsis of the production by clicking here.

Macclesfield: You can donate to Steve's crowdfunder by clicking here.

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