Even monsters need to eat! 'Last full day of filming' gets underway on new HBO TV series The Franchise at Leaderfoot Viaduct
Last updated 10th May 2024
What's believed to be the last full day of filming is underway on a new superhero comedy in the Scottish Borders.
Richard E Grant is among the stars appearing in scenes for The Franchise at Leaderfoot Viaduct, near Melrose.
Gordon Smith, from VisitScotland, hopes the TV show being produced for HBO could help shine a spotlight on the area.
The tourism organisation's destination development director for the South of Scotland told Greatest Hits Radio: "It's fantastic to have productions like this filming here.
"From a tourism perspective, we know that visitors are motivated to travel as a result of what they've watched on screen.
"According to our latest research, one in five visitors were inspired by TV, film or literature to visit Scotland.
"The Leaderfoot Viaduct lends itself well to star on film and TV, it is an iconic piece of engineering, and a key visitor attraction in the area."
In addition to the use of temporary traffic lights, a 30mph limit has been put in place on the A68 at Leaderfoot to improve road safety.
It follows a four-vehicle crash on Wednesday, just as filming got underway.
A man was taken to Borders General Hospital as a precaution and later released. Police say enquiries are ongoing.
Meanwhile, menacing-looking characters were pictured making their way to the filming location from the area of a dining cart, set up on a neighbouring farm.
Spotlights continue to shine bright on the banks of the River Tweed, although they're hardly needed in today's sunshine - with temperatures expected to top 20 degrees Celsius.
As well as Richard E Grant, other stars spotted on site include Billy Magnussen, Isaac Powell, Urs Rechn and Ruaridh Mollica; while creator Armando Iannucci is also rumoured to have been spotted in the area.
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our view on location...
The huge cast and crew have set up base at Charlesfield Industrial Estate - four miles down the road, near St Boswells - with a flurry of vehicles transporting them back and forth to the site.
A huge marquee and catering venues have also been set-up, with filming expected to continue until the end of the week.
Dismantling of the site will then follow from Sunday, May 12th, to Friday, May 17th.
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