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Chance to appear in film being shot in Whitstable with stars from The Exorcist, An American Werewolf in London and Suspiria

06:00, 09 May 2021

updated: 09:49, 11 May 2021

Want to die in a horror film? Well, for £391 your wish can be fulfilled.

Film buffs are being offered the opportunity to star in the seaside flick alongside iconic stars.

Tony Mardon also stars in his film The Witches of the Sands. Picture: Tony Mardon
Tony Mardon also stars in his film The Witches of the Sands. Picture: Tony Mardon

Director Tony Mardon, 48, is shooting the movie called The Witches of the Sands which features actors from films such as An American Werewolf in London, The Exorcist and Suspiria.

It is being made in Whitstable and the filmmaker has told how it has been described as "if Monty Python made horror films".

And in an inspired fundraising move fans can pay to be a part of the project.

For £19 you can get your name in the credits, £156 will land you a role in the film and for £391 you can die in the flick.

There are also chances to buy props, get your music played and your company logo featured.

To donate to the fundraiser so you can appear in The Witches of the Sands and for more information about the film, click here.

Mr Mardon said: "There are two narratives running through it, there is some music but it’s not a musical, there are some entertaining and fun elements, but it’s not a comedy.

"It’s a horror film and it’s made by horror film lovers who want something original."

It follows a director making a B-movie and the narrative of the film he is making, featuring inept paranormal investigator and podcaster, Fischer Markway, and his increasingly bizarre adventures.

Many surprises are promised and even some audience participation in the style of American director, William Castle, who produced Rosemary's Baby.

Dawna Lee Heising takes on Shakespeare in the film. Picture: Tony Mardon
Dawna Lee Heising takes on Shakespeare in the film. Picture: Tony Mardon
Debra Lamb appears as the witch Alysandra of Caerwent. Picture: Tony Mardon
Debra Lamb appears as the witch Alysandra of Caerwent. Picture: Tony Mardon

The Witches of the Sands features horror genre greats, including Linnea Quigley from Return of the Living Dead, Barbara Magnolfi from Suspiria and co-founder of Troma, Lloyd Kaufman.

There are also some fantastic opportunities to get involved with the production of the film.

"We have some great rewards and perks if you donate to the fundraiser, including a chance to be in the film with Linzi Drew-Honey from An American Werewolf in London and Pauline Peart from The Satanic Rites of Dracula," Mr Mardon added.

"There is an opportunity to be extras or to come down to act in the film. There are lots of things to entice people, like Blu-rays and DVDs when it’s finished."

Mr Mardon currently works at the Whitstable Junior School, but has previously been an actor in indie horror productions.

The Witches of the Sands poster. Picture: Tony Mardon
The Witches of the Sands poster. Picture: Tony Mardon

He chose to film in the town because of his own connection with it but also due to its links with Hammer horror legend Peter Cushing, who lived there.

The ensemble cast was carefully chosen and Mr Mardon was able to get them on-board because of his impressive contact list in the horror genre.

"They’re people I really wanted and from films I love myself like Linnea Quigley, who I grew-up watching as the most famous screen queen from things like Return of the Living Dead," he said.

"I really wanted her on-board and her scene is fantastic because it’s really funny and original.

"I chose people I wanted and went after them. There were a few people I couldn’t get but there are loads of people I’m thrilled to have on-board."

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable

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