Over 1,200 jobs for locals in Vera
EXTRA, EXTRA! TV SHOW CREATES ON-SCREEN ROLES
THE television smash-hit Vera has created more than 1,200 jobs in the North East for fame-hungry locals looking to get their face on camera.
ITV’s popular crime drama is set and filmed all over our region and follows the investigations of fictional detective Vera Stanhope of Northumberland & City Police.
As well as starring award-winning actress Brenda Blethyn, hundreds of North Easterners have appeared on the small screen in background roles such as Metro cleaners, solicitors and police officers.
These extras are all from the area and have not only benefited from casual employment but are lucky enough to mix with some famous faces on set.
Syed Shah, who appears in the fourth episode of the show, managed to take a picture with some of the cast during a break from filming.
The 47-year-old from Elswick, Newcastle, said: “It was great fun. I was in the police station on set, walking behind Brenda Blethyn as she said her lines.
“During a break one of the other supporting artists asked for a photo, so the cast posed together and I joined!
“It is a lovely memento to have from the show. I had a really enjoyable time.”
Durham University student Alex Duckett-Pike, 28, appears in this Sunday’s episode – Blindspot – as a commuter.
He said: “I had never anything like this before and it was such an amazing experience.
“Vera is a fantastic show and features so many iconic spots in the region – I am looking forward to seeing them and trying to spot myself when the programme airs this weekend!”
Syed, Alex, and the hundreds of extras are all sourced by local casting agency NE14.TV which is based in Ouseburn, Newcastle.
The show’s ninth series, which airs on Sunday night, was shot between May and October last year in numerous North Eastern locations such as Blanchland, Northumberland.
NE14.TV also provided the extras for Ken Loach’s 2016 movie I, Daniel Blake.