GCR set to host filming of novels
FILMING is to take place at Great Central Railway on what could become a TV adaptation of a series of detective novels.
A short film will be shot in the autumn as a taster for commissioning editors and production companies to stimulate interest in creating a full-length network drama series of the Vignoles railway detective novels, by Stephen Done.
The stories, set in postwar Britain, focus on the life and crimes faced by Detective Inspector Charles Vignoles and his railway detective department.
The project to bring Insp Vignoles to the small screen has been several years in planning, by Stephen, producers Philip and Robert Ettinger, and publicist Peter Elson.
Writer David Griffiths, brought on board by the Ettinger brothers, has written a 10-minute screenplay based on the short story One Way Ticket, from the collection The Mountsorrel Mystery and Other Stories, published in 2017.
The novels are based in the East Midlands, on the former Great Central Railway trunk route, axed in the 1969 Beeching cuts.
Stephen said: “We had a really productive initial visit. I was delighted but not surprised by the helpfulness of GCR chairman Richard Patching and everyone else.
“It really is the most welcoming place and just about everyone I spoke to has read all the books.
“This lovely railway is a film set waiting for the cameras to roll.
“It is very exciting to think that before long we will see the character on film after he has lived in my mind’s eye and print for years.
“David Griffiths has written a terrific taster screenplay and he was also delighted with the GCR locations.”
Philip Ettinger said: “Everyone at the GCR was extremely welcoming.
“We were treated to a series of magical sights, sounds and experiences that indicate we have a very evocative set which will we hope lead to an excellent taster film when we return in October.”
David Griffiths said: “I want to thank Great Central Railway for their hospitality and overwhelming support. The passion shown by each member of staff and volunteer was so clear and truly inspiring.
“We hope to produce a film that shows the same passion and commitment to the railway, and we hope this is the start of a new age of steam on television.”
Mr Patching said: “As an avid reader of the Inspector Vignoles novels, to say the prospect of their being brought to the screen is exciting would be an understatement.
“Having travelled over the Great Central before it was closed in 1969 and being a train spotter at Nottingham Victoria back in the 60s, there’s little doubt in my mind that Stephen has exactly the right ingredients here for television success.”