Local talent is keen for roles
May 3 2006
By Amy Hunt, The Evening Chronicle
Big Brother winner Anthony Hutton was in Toon yesterday hoping to launch his film career.
The 24-year-old reality TV star lined up with local talent to audition for a part in a multi-million-pound movie to be shot on Tyneside.
Filming for New Money will start rolling against the spectacular scenery of Newcastle City Centre in the summer.
And movie makers from Tyneside-based 24:25 Films and Brootal Icon, based in London, were back in Toon looking to cast 65 Geordie actors for the £5m project.
Anthony, from Consett, County Durham, was hoping to add his name to the credits of the film when he auditioned at Newcastle's Tiger Tiger club.
The former postman said: "I'm a bit nervous because I'm not used to it - I've never done an acting audition before. But I did the Big Brother auditions, so it should be OK."
During the first round of auditions last month, producers saw more than 100 hopefuls for the major role of skater boy Dean, and this time they were looking to cast a range of roles, auditioning actors aged anywhere between 11 and 80.
Julie Nicholson auditioned, then got halfway home to Durham on the train, before producers phoned to call her back. The 33-year-old said: "I love it, it's a bit nerve racking, but it's great. It's an excellent opportunity for me, because this is what I want to do."
Robert Earnshaw, from Acomb, near Hexham, Northumberland, was another young actor who had impressed producers. The 18-year-old, who runs his own online acting directory, said: "It would be great to get some experience of acting."
Steve O'Brien, co-producer of New Money and managing director of 24:25 Films, said he was impressed by the talent thrown up by the auditions.
Larger-than-life actor Brian Blessed has already been signed up to star in the film, which delves into the relationships within two nouveau-riche families, along with 55 Degrees North actor Michael Hodgson.
Anthony said he would be pleased if a part in the film brought him back to his native North East.
He said: "When I went to do Big Brother I knew I would be representing not just myself but where I'm from. I'm always happy to do things in the North East."
Last month the former 70s dancer was hospitalised after a brawl in a Manchester nightclub. A fight broke out in the city's Baby Grand club where he was partying with friends, and the star was left with cuts and bruises.
He said: "I was a little bit gutted, because my face was a bit smashed up.
"I think that was an example of the negative aspect of fame, getting punched for no reason. I'm a very placid person. I've still got a few scratches, but it's healed up quite well."
Producers at 24:25 Films are still looking for local talent to star in New Money. For information go to:
http://www.2425films.co.uk.
Evening Chronicle
