Woking Studio Scruffy Bear Media Nominated for National Film Award
Local Pride as Woking Studio Clinches National Nomination
Woking is celebrating a major cultural milestone as local independent production house, Scruffy Bear Media, secures a prestigious nomination at the upcoming National Film Awards. Their latest feature, Tales of the Underworld, has been shortlisted for Best Independent Film, putting our Surrey town firmly on the British cinematic map. This dark crime thriller, told through the perspective of a journalist, stars well-known gritty talents including Ian Burfield and Brendan Gibson. For director Darren S. Cook and producer Nicky Hagan, the nomination represents the culmination of tireless work, late nights, and sheer determination. As a prequel to their 2021 award-winning film Lucas and Albert, which took home Best Film, this new nod cements the studio’s reputation for high-quality storytelling. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is how it reflects the grassroots creative spirit thriving right here in Woking. Far from the high-budget backlots of Hollywood, this production was built on local collaboration, resourcefulness, and community support. Seeing our local filmmakers stand alongside industry giants is a proud moment for residents who have watched this independent studio grow from its humble beginnings.
From Humble Spaces to National Screens: The Indie Filmmaking Hustle
Behind every independent film is a story of grit and creative adaptation. To bring Tales of the Underworld to life, the team at Scruffy Bear Media had to juggle multiple roles and make the most of limited resources. It is a story familiar to many self-starters in the Surrey creative scene, who often begin their ventures in domestic spaces. In fact, many local artists and digital creators initially set up shop in residential properties, utilizing a home loft conversion or a garage workshop to get their ideas off the ground. Whether working with Guildford builders to structurally adapt a property or undertaking a complete loft refurbishment to soundproof an editing suite, utilizing local trades to build functional workspaces has become a common trend across Woking and Guildford. This integration of local trade and creative enterprise highlights how interconnected our community is. By transforming unused residential spaces into hubs of digital innovation, local creatives are driving economic growth right from their homes. Scruffy Bear’s success shows that with the right space, passion, and local backing, Surrey-based talent can easily compete with heavily funded London studios.
What This Means for Woking and How to Support Our Stars
This national recognition brings immense value to Woking, shining a spotlight on our local arts scene and inspiring the next generation of Surrey filmmakers. But the journey is not over yet, and Woking residents have a direct role to play in the studio’s success. The National Film Awards rely heavily on public voting, meaning local film buffs and proud neighbours can actively help Scruffy Bear Media bring the trophy home. Voting is currently open online, and our community’s backing could make all the difference ahead of the star-studded awards ceremony. Beyond voting, residents can look forward to seeing Tales of the Underworld on the big screen, with a wider cinema release planned for this autumn following its successful run on the festival circuit. Supporting local cinema ensures that independent voices continue to be heard. Keep an eye out for screening announcements at local independent venues and regional theatres. By buying a ticket, sharing their success on social media, or simply casting a vote, Woking residents can champion local storytelling and ensure our town continues to punch well above its weight in the national cultural landscape.
Source: Woking-based Scruffy Bear Media nominated for National Film Award
