Keith Williams from Donnington in Telford is rather hot under the collar this week – and I have to say with good reason.

He’s upset at the local Odeon cinema for running trailers for films which never get shown, citing current hit film Amazing Grace as the latest example.

He condems the “multiplex mentality” of filling our screens with blockbusters aimed at “five year-olds”, when other films (which he rightly points out are often advertised in the foyers with large posters) don’t get shown.

He’s right. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Infuriating, in fact, for anyone who gets struck down with a summertime blockbuster overdose. I feel I must go some way to defending the team at Telford Odeon, however, who have little or no control over the situation.

They’re told by head office what to trail, told which posters must be put up in the foyer, and it’s only when they get their release schedule a few days before a film’s opening that they discover whether they’re getting the movie or not.

Then they have to try to fend off complaints from frustrated punters who share Mr Williams’ view

It’s a situation I’ve banged on about before. Shropshire is seen as something of a cinematic backwater when it comes to more “intellectual” films.

Oscar-nominated fare often doesn’t get here on initial release, because the studios don’t make enough copies to go around all the cinemas, and the big cities get first pick.

Instead, we get the likes of Police Academy 20, Scary Movie 13, or another puerile low-budget gross-our sequel.

On a brighter note, how about getting involved in a film which has a fair chance of being screened in the county . . . because it’s being filmed here?

Budding county actors or extras are being urged to come forward and join the cast of horror-comedy production Ghosthunters.con, which will be shooting in Ironbridge Gorge during September and October.

Writer and producer Richard Lees says: “Ironbridge in Shropshire provides a beautiful backdrop for the film, with its rich history and the extraordinary architectural building designs that collide with acres of wonderful woodland surrounding them.”

He tells me cast members are still required to fill a range of roles, including policemen, prison inmates, a pub landlord, and a host of extras. The team are also keen to hear from anyone interested in getting involved behind the scenes as a member of the crew.

Andy Courtney and Michael Armstrong have been cast in the lead roles as conmen Spencer Smith and David Jones, who considered themselves to be at the top of their game – until they were caught.

Released from prison and still hounded by the police inspector who put them there, the two are taken in by Spencer’s aunt, a self-proclaimed fortune teller, medium and psychic.

Richard explains: “Spencer soon discovers his aunt’s mystical power was derived from an ancient book of the occult which has the power to raise the dead and return them to their natural state.

“The two quickly see the potential of capitalising on this somewhat morbid venture – but what they don’t realise is meddling with the unknown may just be their downfall.”

The movie, being made by Boiled Egg Pictures, is described as a “fast-paced, action, comedy horror”, and the producers say they are keen to talk to anyone, whether they are experienced or just have a passion for making films.

* More information is available from the website at www.ghosthuntersdotcon.co.uk Anyone interested in getting involved is asked to e-mail ghosthunters@blueyonder.co.uk

By Movie Blogger Carl Jones