Extras needed for new film's final scene

2:06pm Monday 24th March 2008

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A PRODUCER who won rave reviews for a film which was set in Blackburn has now started work on a follow-up.

Bar Stewards is the latest film by Pleased Sheep Films, the makers of the acclaimed Diary of a Bad Lad, who are now looking for local extras to appear alongside lead actors.

Co-producer Tim Paley, a semi-professional actor from Darwen, said: "This film is something that has been on the backburner for some time, but we started shooting it in 2006 on the back of Bad Lad's success.

"Since then it's gone from strength to strength, and we've got some well known actors on board, including Chris Finch from Coronation Street and Alice Barry from Shameless.

"I know Chris from previous acting jobs, and he jumped at the chance."

The romantic comedy film is billed as a "chick flick for lads", and is written and directed by Michael Booth from Knuzden, director of Diary of a Bad Lad.

Bad Lad was submitted as a British entrant for the Cannes Film Festival in 2005, and last year was chosen as the closing film at the Cornish Film Festival, one of the largest regional festivals in the country.

Like the first film, Bar Stewards is being shot on a minimal budget.

The film is set largely in a pub, and Hordens Wine Bar in Livesey Branch Road was used as a backdrop, as a crew member is friends with the landlord, who agreed to let them use the function room for free.

Tim, 48, said: "Because we have very little funds available, the film is being shot on a deferred basis, which means none of the actors will get paid until the film starts to sell.

"But that means that if the actors have other commitments, the film takes second place to that, which is why it's taken a while to shoot, but we're almost there now."

The majority of scenes have been shot in Blackburn and Darwen, and the crew are preparing to shoot the final scenes in Blackburn's Liquid and Envy nightclub in St Peter Street.

Tim said: "We're not using a live club because we want to keep control over the scenes, so we are looking for 25 to 30 volunteer extras.

"Again, because we've no budget we wouldn't be able to pay, but it's a great chance to take part in a local film."

• Volunteers need to be aged between 18 to 35, but no experience is necessary.

Contact Tim Paley on 07737 784533.