Bollywood lines up city for more action
Dec 27 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal
BOLLYWOOD film producers are lining up Newcastle for four more movies next year. The city has scored success as the backdrop for a number of productions from some of India’s biggest cinema names. And now more are lining up to film on the streets.
Three Bollywood films were made in the North East this year – Kaun Bola, Apni Boli Apna Des and Phhir – and producers have been wowed by the region’s architecture and people.
It is believed two more are almost certain to be filmed in the new year, while a number of other producers are also expressing an interest.
Lee Aliston, location manager on Kuan Bola and a producer on Phhir, said confidence in the region as a place to shoot Bollywood films among producers is growing all the time.
He said: “I’ve got about four Bollywood producers wanting me to produce films in Newcastle.
“Logistically, it is a very easy place to film. People are so helpful and here you can turn things around rather quickly.
“It’s a beautiful city with the Edwardian streets and all the bridges are lovely.”
Kaun Bola saw heart-throb Arshad Warsi in the region, and, according to Sue Bellaby, location manager on another of the films, Phhir, the star rated Newcastle as one of the best places he had ever filmed.
She said: “Newcastle is one of those film-friendly cities you come across.
“Bollywood, although it looks like a huge thing from the outside, is actually very small because if someone comes back and says ‘you have to shoot in Newcastle’, people listen. But it isn’t just Newcastle. I really like Sunderland and parts of the Northumberland coast are incredible places to film.”
James Hails, communications manager at Northern Film and Media, said: “We’re in talks around future Bollywood films coming to the region and I know that the filmmakers enjoyed a productive time here, but nothing is ever 100% guaranteed in the film world. One thing I do know is that if we can bring more production to the region we will be willing and able to make that production a success.”
As interest as grown, Mark Jackson, corporate project manager at Newcastle City Council, has acted as a go-between for location managers and the council.
He said they would continue to balance the needs of the filmmakers with those of city centre residents.
“The increased interest is something we definitely want to keep happening though. It’s estimated that between half a billion and one billion people see a Bollywood blockbuster so the potential impact on tourism is huge.”
The Journal filmed a car flipping over down the middle of Grey Street in a spectaular Bollywood stunt. Click play to see the action for yourself
