Independent comedy shoots in Brighton and Newhaven
Film production has moved into parts of Sussex this month as the independent British comedy Zak The Ripper films scenes in and around Brighton and Newhaven. The four-week shoot taking place throughout September brings a small, comedy-heavy cast and crew to local streets and locations.
The film centres on Zak Harris, a newly divorced and awkward man whose attempts to navigate single life are upended when a date turns up dead and he becomes the prime suspect in a series of murders. As the bodies mount and public attention grows, Zak must try to clear his name.
Leading the cast in a central role is comedian, actor and writer Tiff Stevenson, who plays Zoe. She appears alongside Sy Thomas as Zak Harris, with other cast members including Richard Herring, Jack Skipper and Esther Oladele.
“So excited to be part of this funny, original British comedy. Independent film is where so much innovation and creativity is emerging. The cast is jam packed with comedy talent and every day on set has been a blast. The crew are top drawer, with impressive credits, and on top of that they’re bringing through emerging talent. It really feels like a family, which is a nice change of pace from my egoic stand up existence. We’ve been laughing our very toned butts off on set. Can’t wait for you all to see it.”
The film is written and directed by Warren Dudley — known for scripting The Bromley Boys — and produced in collaboration with director of photography Matt Cotton. According to production notes, the shoot spans locations across Sussex with Brighton and Newhaven explicitly listed among the sites being used.
Local residents may notice increased activity and crews while filming is under way. Smaller independent shoots often use a mixture of public streets, private premises and coastal locations, bringing short-term disruption but also rental income for locations and temporary work for local technicians and suppliers.
- Production title: Zak The Ripper
- Lead cast (selected): Tiff Stevenson, Sy Thomas, Richard Herring, Jack Skipper, Esther Oladele
- Writer / Director: Warren Dudley
- Director of Photography / Producer: Matt Cotton
- Shoot length: Four weeks in September
- Noted locations: Brighton and Newhaven (other Sussex sites)
Smaller British independent films like this often rely on local co‑operation for locations, catering, equipment hire and sometimes extras. For Brighton, a city with an active creative sector, such shoots can help sustain a local ecosystem of freelancers and small businesses that service the screen industry.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shoot duration | Four weeks (September) |
| Main local locations | Brighton and Newhaven |
For Brighton residents curious about seeing scenes filmed or about possible disruption, production companies typically liaise with local councils and publish information about road closures or parking suspensions in advance. While this production is independent rather than studio-backed, the presence of names known from UK comedy circuits will be of interest to local audiences.
Beyond the immediate practicalities, the shoot underlines Brighton’s continuing appeal to filmmakers: a rich urban and coastal palette, experienced local crews and a creative workforce accustomed to serving screen projects of varying scales. With Tiff Stevenson and other comedy performers on set, the film is being positioned as a distinctly British black comedy that draws on the country’s stand-up and sketch traditions.
As production continues through the month, details about release dates or wider distribution have not been announced by the makers. Local residents interested in updates should watch for further production notices and official publicity from the film’s team.
