ESSEX has been the secret star of many Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows. Now, the spotlight has been shone on Holy Innocents Church in High Beech, Epping Forest. Hollywood A listers filmed the latest in the Knives Out film there.

‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ hits the big screen this week. The blockbuster, starring Daniel Craig, Glenn Close and Josh Brolin, was filmed at the Epping Forest church in 2024. Holy Innocents church was chosen for its classic Gothic architecture and its proximity to woodland which helps capture the upstate New York setting.

The Essex Film Office, part of Essex County Council, supported the production. They secured filming permissions, coordinated with the local authority. The Essex Film Office also helped facilitate sites near a second key filming location outside Witham.

Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for The Arts, Heritage and Culture at Essex County Council, said: “Having Knives Out filmed on location in Essex underlines just how attractive our county is for film and TV productions. Essex is a desirable place for film makers as we have so many different environments in the county. This is exactly where regional film offices add real value. They help productions find the right locations, navigate logistics, and ultimately attract filming into the region. By doing this, Essex positions itself as a go-to destination for world-class projects.”

Erica Gilson, Manager Essex Film Office, is delighted that another big film has been shot in the county. She said: “In recent years we’ve welcomed Slow Horses, Spiderman and the production team for The Essex Serpent, to name just a few, here in Essex. Wake Up Dead Man was a major moment for us, it showed how our county can stand out on the global stage. The filmmakers were searching for a hero church location in the UK that could convincingly double as a church in the USA. The director had a crystal-clear vision, and over 100 churches across the UK were considered, and Essex delivered the perfect setting.”

‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ can be seen at cinemas across the UK from 26 November and will be available for streaming on Netflix from 12 December.

The Essex Film Office is the central point of contact for filming activity in Essex. It works with local authorities, location owners, and production companies to attract filming into Essex. It also collects data on filming activity and spend to support future investment.

For more information on filming in Essex, visit: www.essexfilmoffice.co.uk