Production update

12th September 2026

Principal photography on Watching Sophie, the forthcoming independent psychological horror feature written, produced and directed by Paul Harker, officially wrapped in early July 2026 following an intensive 15-day shoot across Ilkley and the dramatic landscapes of nearby Ilkley Moor.

Produced by Leeds-based independent production company Jugganort Films Ltd in partnership with Janky North and Cowpasture Productions, Watching Sophie is now deep into post-production, with the completed film expected to run for approximately 80 minutes.

The film follows two new lovers who escape to a secluded holiday apartment, only to discover that their privacy has been compromised and that they are being watched by a sinister unseen audience. Exploring surveillance, voyeurism and digital obsession, Watching Sophie combines psychological tension with a contemporary horror premise, gradually revealing a darker reality through a series of unexpected twists and turns.

Harker developed the screenplay in consultation with Colin Muir, refining the story throughout its development and into the production process.

The film’s visual identity was shaped by Director of Photography Max Elliot Lovell, working with camera team Josh Fitzmaurice, Bella Peterson and Joel Ward, supported by Theo Fenénly and Luke Pinder. Production sound was recorded by Luca Procopio, assisted by Harrison Baines, with Procopio continuing into post-production as the film’s sound designer.

Principal photography was facilitated by First Assistant Director Catherine Coleman, who also served as Script Supervisor alongside Matthew Johnston, Philip Wolff and Theo Higgs. Production Designer Mia Thomsen transformed a number of interior locations, creating the unsettling visual world of Watching Sophie, while also contributing to the costume department alongside Faye Bennett.

Hair and make-up was led by newcomer Hailey Ellis-Bennett, whose work extended beyond character make-up to include the film’s practical blood effects and squibs. Intimacy coordination was provided by Lake. Production stills and behind-the-scenes photography were captured by Nick Hardy, documenting the production from its first day through to the final slate.

The film stars Faye Bennett as Sophie, Darcy Leigh as Leah and William Robins as the sinister landlord Jasper. The central trio is joined by supporting performances and cameo appearances from Matthew Kay, Adam Marsdin, Liam Tulley, Sara Mazzanti, Chelsea Wright and Ryan Cross, alongside a guest appearance from Grumbleweeds legend Robin Colvill.

The film also features Billy Bowness, Philip Wolff, Ethan McGee, Benny Assante, Jacko Poli and Lisa Hoang as members of the mysterious Network.

Paul Harker on completing the shoot

Watching Sophie has been the most demanding production I’ve undertaken, both mentally and physically, but also the most rewarding. Every member of the cast and crew brought an incredible commitment, creativity and resilience to the project. Looking at the footage coming into the edit, that dedication is there in every frame.

The performances are fearless and emotionally authentic, while the imagery Max and the camera team have captured has exceeded every expectation. We set out to create a psychological horror that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, and I believe audiences will find Watching Sophie keeps shifting in unexpected ways right to the end.

Watching Sophie brought together a predominantly Northern England-based cast and crew, with Cowpasture Productions’ Ilkley facilities providing filming locations and accommodation for cast and crew, managed by Caroline Cheadle and William Robins.

The production is part of a growing body of filmmaker-led independent cinema emerging from the North of England, demonstrating how ambitious genre filmmaking can be developed and produced outside the traditional UK production centres. With its contemporary subject matter, contained production model and psychological horror framework, Watching Sophie aims to build on the growing audience appetite for original independent genre cinema.

The film is currently being edited by Paul Harker, with support from Colin Muir. Post-production is expected to conclude in early 2027, ahead of submissions to UK and international genre film festivals, while opportunities for sales representation and distribution are explored.

Production Details

Title: Watching Sophie
Genre: Psychological Horror
Running Time: Approximately 80 minutes
Country: United Kingdom
Status: Post-production
Production Companies: Jugganort Films Ltd, in partnership with Janky North and Cowpasture Productions

Starring: Faye Bennett, Darcy Leigh, William Robins, Matthew Kay, Adam Marsdin, Liam Tulley, Sara Mazzanti, Chelsea Wright, Ryan Cross and Robin Colvill, with Billy Bowness, Philip Wolff, Ethan McGee, Benny Assante, Jacko Poli and Lisa Hoang.

Writer / Producer / Director / Editor: Paul Harker
Director of Photography: Max Elliot Lovell
Camera Team: Josh Fitzmaurice (1st AC), Bella Peterson (2nd AC), Joel Ward (Gaffer), Theo Fenénly (2nd AC), Luke Pinder (Camera Assistant)
Production Sound Recordist / Sound Designer: Luca Procopio
Sound Recordist: Harrison Baines
First Assistant Director: Catherine Coleman
Script Supervisors: Catherine Coleman, Matthew Johnston, Philip Wolff, Theo Higgs
Production Designer / Set Dressing: Mia Thomsen
Costume: Mia Thomsen, Faye Bennett
Hair & Make-up / Practical Blood Effects: Hailey Ellis-Bennett
Production Stills & Behind-the-Scenes Photography: Nick Hardy
Intimacy Coordinator: Lake
Location Management: William Robins, Caroline Cheadle
Script Consultant: Colin Muir
Associate Producers: Colin Muir, Max Elliot Lovell, William Robins, Faye Bennett

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