A REMOTE railway line in East Lancashire was the venue for a film scene with comedian Steve Coogan -- and the Alan Partridge actor was in a new guise.
The location of the former station-master's house at Newsholme, near Gisburn, provided Blackburn director Michael Winterbottom with the perfect setting for one of the scenes for his forthcoming film, 24 Hour Party People. It charts the history of Manchester's Factory Records and Hacienda nightclub.
As well as Steve Coogan, best known for his portrayal of comic chat show presenter Alan Partridge, the film stars acclaimed Nelson actor John Simm, who shot to fame in the series The Lakes, erstwhile Burnley resident and Happy Mondays front-man Shaun Ryder and Ralph Little, who plays son Anthony in the Royle Family.
"Many of the scenes are being shot around Manchester but certain locations were needed for specific parts," explained PR spokesperson Anna Raynsford.
"I certainly do not want to give too much away as the filming is at the very early stages, but it involves one of the actors catching a train to London and incorporates a mad, sort of drug-induced scene," she said.
Filming at the location took most of the morning with the "base camp" set up at The Buck Inn, Paythorne.
Nothing else of the plot was being given away and shortly before lunch, the crew, director, security guards, and actors packed up and headed for their next location in Bury.
The film follows the life of Granada TV presenter Tony Wilson, who founded the Factory record label in the 1970s. His high-profile signings include Joy Davidson, who became New Order, and James and the Happy Mondays. Coogan portrays the young Wilson in the film.
Filming is expected to carry on for several more weeks and the finished product is hoped to be released by the end of the year. PICTRUE 1: Steve Coogan (left) plays Manchester music mogul Tony Wilson in 24 Hour Party People
PICTURE 2: The house by the railway at Newsholme
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