From Barbie to the Borders: Production company from studios behind biggest box office smash of 2023 shines spotlight on region
Leaderfoot Viaduct to feature in 'exciting' new TV series, locals told
Last updated 29th Apr 2024
It's been confirmed a Borders beauty spot is to feature in a brand new television series.
The production company behind the "exciting" project is based at Warner Bros Studios in Hertfordshire, where the likes of Barbie and Harry Potter were made.
Work has started to prepare the site at Leaderfoot Viaduct, near Melrose, ahead of filming getting underway next week.
A series of road closures are now in place in the area, which also featured in the latest Indiana Jones movie.
In a letter to locals, Sammy Thomson, supervising location manager with Jettison Productions Ltd, said: "We are extremely conscious that we are both guests in your neighbourhood and we strive at all times to be a considerate and respectful production.
"Filming will take place during the hours of 7am and 7pm. However, on our filming days there may be an increased presence of crew and vehicles in the hours shortly before and after the filming."
The project on the banks of the River Tweed has been split into three parts - site preparation and dismantling, and filming.
The site preparation began today (Monday) and continues until next Tuesday, May 7th.
Filming will follow from Wednesday, May 8th, to Saturday, May 11th; and dismantling of the site will take place from Sunday, May 12th to Friday, May 17th, from 7am to 7pm.
Round-the-clock security guards are already on site, and temporary traffic lights are due to be installed on the neighbouring A68 to stop traffic at certain times.
Car parks at Currie Road and Netherdale in nearby Galashiels will also be closed to vehicles between Monday, May 6th, and Sunday, May 12th, to accommodate the huge production.
Sammy said: "In order to facilitate our filming activity, we have liaised with the relevant authorities to close or traffic-manage only essential roads and footpaths in the area.
"This is both to allow the filming to take place and to also ensure safe management of the area, as there will be increased vehicle movements and equipment moving around on site.
"We have been in touch with Scottish Borders Council and Film Edinburgh regarding filming plans.
"Crew will also be encouraged to make use of local businesses in the area (shops, restaurants, hotels etc) during their down time, so we hope this will be of benefit to the local area too."
It's not the only production focussing on our region. Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle - known for hit movies Trainspotting, Shallow Grave and The Beach - has been pictured just over the border in Northumberland ahead of filming getting underway on what's anticipated to be the follow up to cult movie 28 Days Later.
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