Stage is set at Scottish Borders beauty spot as signs point to filming for new HBO series The Franchise
Last updated 5th May 2024
The stage is set for what's being described as a "special event" at a Scottish Borders beauty spot, as new signs which have appeared in the last few days point to filming for new HBO series The Franchise.
Last week we revealed the production company which wrote to local residents advising them of scenes being shot around the Leaderfoot Viaduct, near Melrose, was involved in the pilot for the American TV outlet.
Now signs have appeared on the neighbouring Drygrange Bridge, along with lights and visual effect markers, which carry the colours of the Armenian flag.
And, earlier this year, a casting agency put out a call for a child actor who can speak fluent English and Armenian "to play an important role in one episode of The Franchise - an eight-part 30 minutes comedy TV series for HBO".
Filming, it added, is taking place from the end of April to middle of May.
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video from behind the scenes...
The spoof - which is being directed by Oscar-winner Sam Mendes - shines a spotlight on the film crew behind a superhero movie.
According to the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) site, it's set to include the likes of German actor Daniel Brühl - known for his role as Frederick Zoller in Inglourious Basterds; The Wolf of Wall Street actress Aya Cash; and big-screen star Richard E Grant.
It wouldn't be the first star-studded production at Leaderfoot, with scenes for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny being shot there in June 2021.
Set-building for the latest production got underway on Monday, April 29th, and continues until Tuesday, May 7th.
Filming is set to follow from Wednesday, May 8th, to Saturday, May 11th - with a number of local road closures in place.
Temporary lights are also set to be installed on the neighbouring A68, which overlooks the Tweed-side site, to control traffic at key times.
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.
"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."
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