One of Somerset’s most photogenic locations is starring in a major nationwide advertising campaign, with local talent taking centre stage.
Frome’s Catherine Hill is the setting for several new Post Office commercials, with the town demonstrating First-Class film-friendly credentials with the help of Screen Somerset.
The filming took place over two days in August and many local businesses and organisations benefitted as the town hosted the production’s cast and crew of around 50.
And one of the adverts – featuring excitable dogs, flowers and a crowd of tradespeople racing down the hill – also stars Frome resident Sophie Smith. She was talent spotted while working in a bookshop on the hill and offered her first ever acting job.
Sophie works at Sherlock and Pages and the director thought she was perfect for the lead role when the crew met her while planning the shoot. A few days later she was starring as a serene shopkeeper calmly walking down the hill to pay in the day’s takings into her Post Office account, oblivious to the panicked crowd rushing to the bank around her.
I was nervous, but I thought I’m not going to turn this down just because I’m frightened,” said Sophie, whose previous experience was limited to school productions and some improv at university.
It was such an amazing opportunity. It’s strange at first doing the same thing over and over again, but I was surprised by how quickly I got into it and how much I enjoyed the whole experience. Everyone was so supportive and I learned something new about myself.
The advert saw several businesses on the hill, including Sherlock and Pages, dressed for the shoot, with owners compensated for the disruption. The Frome Memorial Theatre received a donation for the use of its car parking spaces and the Rise community venue for hosting catering and green room facilities.
Frome is one of the many Somerset locations being promoted for film and TV production by Screen Somerset, Somerset Council’s film office. It supports, encourages and celebrates filming in the county in recognition of the economic and wider benefits it can bring. Last year, film and TV productions brought an estimated £6.6m of spend to the county.
Being film-friendly and getting Somerset on screen – whether it’s an advert or a blockbuster film – is great for the economy, said Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development Planning and Assets.
It generates income for business while crews are here and then showcases our wonderful county when the finished product reaches the screen.
Frome can offer wonderful locations, a film-friendly attitude and a vibrant creative community. We hope Screen Somerset can encourage more filming in and around the town.
Mayor of Frome, Cllr Mark Dorrington from Frome Town Council, said:
We’re always proud to see Frome featured on screen, particularly when it brings opportunities and investment into the local economy.
“It’s fantastic that local businesses, venues and even local talent were part of this production, helping to show why Frome is such a special place to visit, work and create. If you’ve got a location or site that you think would be brilliant on film, then please do get in touch with Screen Somerset.
Richard Lines, Chair of Trustees of the Memorial Theatre, said:
We loved being able to assist the shoot. Frome has so much to offer, with great facilities to support film crews who come to our town.
