Monster of a film idea

Man who has chased Loch Ness sighting for decades to be star of Hollywood film

For more than 25 years he has watched Loch Ness for a sighting of the monster, setting a world record for the longest Nessie vigil in the process.

Now Steve Feltham has been catapulted to film fame by Oscar winner Ridley Scott’s company.

What is more, a full movie on his life is being planned.

Among those who have called on Mr Feltham over the years have been Eric Idle and the late Robin Williams, the Chinese State Circus – dropping by for a photo shoot – and Billy Connolly, who invited him to be a guide for some A-list chums for a day.

Now stardom beckons for amiable Mr Feltham through Gladiator, Blade Runner and Alien director Ridley Scott’s company.

Mr Feltham, 55, said the chance to be Hollywood’s next big thing came “as a bit of a shock”.

Film director Alexander Farrell, who is part of RSA – the production company Ridley Scott co-created for commercials – stumbled on Mr Feltham’s remarkable story browsing the internet.

He immediately saw him as an “Indiana Jones” type character who was “perfect” for a sevenminute commercial he was making for two tech companies. This week Mr Feltham has been filmed climbing rock faces, cycling down mountains in a storm and scaling peaks.

“I was interested in a story that was unique and in Steve Feltham I’ve found it,” said Mr Farrell, 30, whose photographic work has appeared in such museums as the Guggenheim in New York and the Natural History Museum in London.

“I’m going to spend next year working on writing a film about Steve Feltham.

“He has more tenacity and passion than all of us put together. I have fallen in love with Steve Feltham, and this is just the beginning.”

Mr Feltham stressed he was not giving up “the day job” of searching for Nessie despite the lure of movie stardom.

“I said all I wanted for doing this was an old wooden rowing boat and a walk-on part as an extra in his next film.

“Little did I realise I may have a bigger part in a future film, as its subject! This is the next best thing to seeing Nessie.

“But I am not quitting Nessie hunting any time soon to embark on a film career.

“I will be remaining here at least until we have this mystery solved.”

It was as a seven-year-old that Mr Feltham first visited Loch Ness, and that trip sparked his lifelong obsession.

In 1991 Mr Feltham knew he had to dedicate more time to his quest. He left his job fitting security cameras, his home and steady girlfriend in Dorset to move to the banks of Loch Ness.

“I was interested in a story that was unique”

TENACITY AND PASSION: Steve Feltham, who has spent more than 25 years watching Loch Ness for a sighting of the monster, has inspired director Alexander Farrell