HUNDREDS of actors filled Clyde Square last weekend as Indian filmmakers shot scenes for an upcoming romantic blockbuster.
Big name Indian actress Jiyaa Shankar was spotted filming scenes outside the council building on Monday afternoon as production on the film, titled ‘This Is Also A Love Story’ wrapped up.
In addition to the large crowd scenes filmed during the weekend, colourfully dressed performers were seen playing instruments in front of Greenock’s Lyle Fountain.
Perry Costello, who lives nearby in Ayrshire, acted as a fixer for the filmmakers, as well as starring in the production.
The veteran moviemaker told the Telegraph that the cast and crew of the film had received a warm welcome from locals and Inverclyde Council.
He said: “When Indian films come here, they bring quite a bit to the economy.
“There were over 300 people here on Sunday, so not only were we engaging with the local economy we’re bringing actors in from Edinburgh, Glasgow and there are even people from Yorkshire and Oxford.
“When they come here, they spend money at the local cafes and shops.
“When we come to a town like this, we’re not always greeted with the enthusiasm that Inverclyde Council gives us.
“They bend over backwards to help with our requirements, it’s really great to have them helping out like that.”
Despite normally supervising weapons and special effects for films, Perry has stepped into an acting role in the latest film.
He plays a down and out veteran who shares a scene with Ms Shankar, which was filmed near the Waterfront, before playing a guitarist in her band later in the film,
The industry veteran including has worked on more than 200 films since moving to Scotland in 1982, including Ken Loach’s 2002 coming-of-age film Sweet Sixteen.
The crime drama was filmed and set in Inverclyde and starred local actor Martin Compston in his breakthrough role.
Perry said: “I looked after Martin with the weapons on that one and I’ve known him ever since.
“This place has always been a really great location for that kind of thing.
“I’d love to see Greenock do more film work, I think it’s got so much potential for it.”
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