A Braintree film studio is trying to make a difference to people's lives through the use of film.

Its latest production, Absence, which was written, directed and produced by Donna Taylor, DT Film Productions explores how being away from home can impact children.

Partly based around the true story of one woman's life, Braintree Community Hospital features prominently in the story where some of the action was filmed.

Braintree and Witham Times:

A still from DT Film Productions' Absence.

Ms Taylor works as a drama teacher at schools across Braintree, including Tabor Academy, Alec Hunter Academy and Notley High School, and started the production company in order to promote positive change through film.

She said: "Through pioneering ground-breaking films with a social significance, we intend to touch, inspire and ignite passion in people in our community and all over the world.

"Our films have already reached 87 million viewers and we have over one hundred thousand subscribers on YouTube."

DT Films is also in talks with Healthwatch Essex about using their films in schools to help reach children who may be affected by the issues raised.

Ms Taylor said: "We are currently working on a film which highlight the impact social media can have on our children and young people.

"Body image, cyber bullying, mental health, depression, anxiety, popularity, sexuality, grooming to name a few.

"We’re passionate about our children and for them to feel empowered and not alone in a tough society.

"If we reach them while the are young and show through film the huge impact these issues are having, including a rise in suicide.

"All our films are based on true stories and offer hope."

The company, which has worked with some established actors and even Bafta winning director David Blair in the past, released a pilot for its TV series The Block last year and has several other projects in the pipeline including one tackling domestic abuse.

Ms Taylor said: "We are tying to reach far and wide, not to just touch people with our stories, but to also have a strategy in place, where as mentioned before we can offer help and support."

A showreel of DT Film Productions' work can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJOSbLDU1a8.

Visit www.dtfilms.co.uk.