Written by Tyron Burtoo and Harrison Ainsworth

“I was going through a very challenging period, and they gave me an opportunity when nobody else would,” says John Langridge, owner of Drop Dead Films in Eastbourne.

With a bad credit rating, John had tried applying for loans to help with the setup of the business, but had been refused. He then came up with a business plan and contacted East Sussex County Council and applied for East Sussex Invest 3 funding, via Locate East Sussex. He was then offered a grant of £5,000 for start-up costs for a new production facility, including filming and editing equipment.

John said: “East Sussex County Council has been a wonderful help and lifeline for me. I was going through a very challenging period, and they gave me an opportunity when nobody else would.
“I am certain my success would not have happened at any point without there assistance. If anyone finds themselves in a similar position, I cannot recommend their services enough.”

So what is next for Drop Dead Films?

John hopes to employ someone else as a partner in business, and is looking into opportunities for funding internships and apprentices. He is also soon to release his next feature film, a thriller called The Dead Letter.