A new British film is being shot in Durham and Newcastle.

The filming over six weeks took place at Durham Johnston School and in various locations throughout Newcastle.

It stars actor Terence Stamp, Oscar winner Vanessa Redgrave and former Bond girl Gemma Arterton – and over half of the cast are from the north-east of England.

The film-makers, from Steel Mill Pictures, came to the region after Newcastle-based film company Northern Film & Media invited them for a recce trip earlier in the year.

“Song for Marion is a real coup for the North East,” said Dan Brain, communications manager, Northern Film & Media.

“Production of this calibre brings immense economic benefit to the region by employing North East crews and generating local spend.

“It also has the potential to attract tourists through the popularity of ‘set jetting’ – the phenomenon of visiting filming locations.”

Song For Marion is a comedy drama, following the story of grumpy 72-year-old Arthur, who joins an unconventional choir, singing rock songs.

“It’s about old people – the relationship between old people and what they can do in terms of having fun, enjoying themselves and letting rip,” said director Paul Andrew Williams.

Although the film is based in London, the film crew decided the North East was the best location for the set.

Producer Ken Marshall, said: “Everyone here is so supportive and so friendly. We had heard a lot of good things about it [the area] and with some support from Northern Film & Media, we came up and did some scouting.

“We got a good feel for the area and we really felt it would be a very film friendly place to work.

“It had everything we needed.”

The film is due for release next year.

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