THERE were blood-curdling shrieks, punctured necks and cries of cut!' echoing around Eastnor Castle this time last year - as the BBC descended on the stately pile, near Ledbury, to film the latest version of Dracula.

The TV crew took over the castle for three weeks as the actors and production crew filmed segments of the drama, starring David Suchet.

But it is not just castles and stately homes that are needed by TV and film executives - they are always on the lookout for new places to film their productions.

Locations4Shoots, a Gloucestershire-based firm which specialises in finding places that fit TV companies' requirements, is asking for homeowners to register with them to be considered for filming.

Company director Liz Wyatt says: "We are looking for different and exciting locations which will attract a film producer's eye.

"You never know when a property will be selected - it could be tomorrow or in two years' time - but it's exciting seeing your house in a film or TV show. Plus we negotiate a fee for the owner."

Some local properites that have been used for productions in the past include:

Eastnor Castle, LedburyIn 2006, Eastnor Castle provided the setting for Dracula - a re-working of Bram Stoker's classic chiller, starring Marc Warren and David Suchet.

General manager Simon Foster said filming for the BBC1 production took over the entire castle for about three weeks.

"They were extremely considerate - the better production companies are," he said.

"You just have to make sure you are well organised in advance.

"In a historic building you have to be very careful with lights and generators and camera tripods to make sure they don't cause damage to the panels in the wall or flagstone floors, so we have to put lots of safety measures in place to make sure that the house is protected.

"We are quite used to having filming at Eastnor.

"It's really good fun for all the staff."

Another production, period drama Little Lord Fauntleroy, was also filmed at Eastnor.

Mr Foster said: "That was a big film production that took place over two months.

"They built a replica full-size set of a 19th century street in New York in the castle grounds."

Birtsmorton Court, near MalvernWith its stunning gardens and 12th century mediaeval moated manor house, Birtsmorton Court has provided a spectacular setting for many productions.

The court, set against the Malvern Hills, has been used for everything from a glamorous Versace photo-shoot to motor show Top Gear.

Simon Dawes, managing director of the family-run site, said: "It's almost completely unique and obviously fantastic for older films and period dramas where you need a fantastic backdrop.

"We get photo-shoots about three to four times a year and have film crews about once a year."

About 15 years ago the court was used to film an episode of Top Gear - in its pre-Jeremy Clarkson days - when it hosted the Ferrari Owners' Club annual concours event.

Mr Dawes added: "It was great. They were very considerate. We've never had any problems with any of our film crews."

Beautiful models and their make-up artists took over the court about five years ago for a Versace photo-shoot.

Mr Dawes said: "We have fantastic gardens so they used them, inside the house and some of my father's cars. It was great fun."

The site was also used to film Treasure Hunt - where a team uses cryptic clues to guide the skyrunner to their destination.

Severn Valley RailwayThe railway and its steam trains have graced the silver screen on many occasions - the latest of which was when they were used to film part of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

The Kidderminster to Bridgnorth line starred in the opening three minutes of the magical film, which hit cinema screens in 2005.

The locomotive that had a starring role - the 7802 Bradley Manor - is still in use today.

John Leach, SVR's marketing manager, said: "Initially they wanted to take over the railway for two weeks and cancel all the services at the weekends.

"We said no so they had to work around us, which they did and in the end were only here for about three days."

Mr Leach said having crews on site could be "fraught" and did not make much money. "It can be a huge pain in the backside," he said.

"One problem is that the vast majority of people involved in film making don't understand about railway operation and safety and are not always careful with other people's property.

"You just have to keep them on a tight rein.

"It's a lack of knowledge of what we are and what we do - once it's explained to them, it's fine."

Mr Leach said film making was not as glamorous as it appeared.

"You are just doing the same thing over and over again," he said.

"It's very boring if you're not directly involved in the film."

About 10 years ago the line at Arley, near Bewdley, was used to film scenes for wartime drama Goodbye Mr Tom, starring the late John Thaw.