Filming took place in Chelmsford at the end of last week, as production continues of the new feature documentary from award-winning Essex film makers Blatella Films exploring the ‘Essex Girl’ Stereotype. This feature documentary will explore the origins of the term, its relevance in today’s society, and the roots of Essex women being labelled as ‘outspoken.’
Filming for the new documentary will be taking place across Essex over the next few months, but last week filming took place at Patch Chelmsford, where 8 women were interviewed about their experience of the Essex girl stereotype – they included marketing and communications expert in the building industry, Helen Curry, Ellen Freese, a CASS specialist and director of the Essex Witch Museum and astrologer and lifestyle guide, Kelie Jones.
Director, Natalie Scarsbook said:
“It’s been great continuing filming interviews for the film, we’re going to be capturing interviews for the next 5 -6 months and we’re keen to hear as many stories of women breaking the EG stereotype as possible.”
“The current dictionary definition of an Essex girl is “Vulgar, shallow, low-intelligence and promiscuous.” When asked how she would describe Essex women Jules Pinkney, a DJ and festival producer replied “Powerful, dedicated and true to themselves.”
“The women I know in Essex are resourceful, and formidable, if anything.”
Said expert cake maker Eloise Durrant.
The filming was hosted by PATCH Chelmsford, and Manager Katie Deverell said of the experience:
“I loved seeing all these amazing women come through our doors… thank you for using our space for such an amazing opportunity.”
When you hear the phrase ‘Essex Girl’ you may think of the classic 80’s version of her – blonde hair, revealing clothing, and white stilettos. Or perhaps you think of the more modern TOWIE version with the fake tan, coiffed hair, and a penchant for materialistic things. But what if it goes back much further than that, to a time when women were persecuted for being witches? And why did Essex have so many cases of witchcraft?
This is a real definition, featured in the Penguin Dictionary from 2007….
Essex Girl (noun) a young woman from Essex… vulgar, empty headed and promiscuous.
Filming will continue for the next 6 months, and the filmmakers are open to talking to anyone who wants to tell their story:
Have you been labelled an ‘Essex girl,’ with that typical laugh that follows it?
Have you felt the need to hide where you grew up? Your accent?
Do you have a space you’d be happy for us to film interviews in (min. 7ftx7ft)?
Do you have a different idea of how to support this film? Would you like to be involved in its production and/or promotion?
