The ‘Centurion’ film – more from Scotland

I posted the rather lurid tabloid treatment of this story yesterday. Here is a Scots view.

Press and Journal

Residents sought to star in film alongside Bond girl
Extras needed for combat scenes

Published: 09/02/2009

RESIDENTS in Badenoch and Strathspey will be able to star alongside a Bond girl in an action-adventure film being made in the Highlands.

Ukrainian-born Olga Kurylenko, who starred in Quantum of Solace, and Dominic West, who was in the American crime series The Wire, are making a new film about Romans and Picts.

It is the latest production from Newcastle-born writer-director Neil Marshall whose previous movies have all been set or shot in Scotland.

Some scenes from the film, to be called Centurion, will be shot on location around Glenfeshie Estate in the Cairngorms, as well as in Surrey and at Ealing Studios.

Mr Marshall is looking for locals in Badenoch and Strathspey to help him out in the big battle and combat scenes.

Gordon McIntyre, a location scout, said: “They are doing some filming up around Glenfeshie Estate.

“They were looking for local bodies, and I said I can provide them.”

He said there was a lot of interest in re-enactments and “living history” performances in the area and there would be no shortage of volunteers keen to take a break from their normal day jobs and dress up as Romans and Picts.

Trish Shorthouse, of the Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission, said: “We’re delighted to have a project of this size and scale filming at this time of year, which can be a low time in the season for filming.

“It’s a great boost to the local economy.”

Centurion tells the story of Quintus Dias, who is the sole survivor of a Pictish raid on a Roman fort.

He manages to make his way back to the Roman forces and then marches north again with the Ninth Legion under orders to wipe out the Picts and kill their mysterious leader Gorlacon.

Filming is due to begin on February 22.