Latest news with #AboutaBell
South Wales Argus
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Omid Djalili and Simon Callow filming in Newport City Centre
Cameras were spotted in John Frost square for what seems like the umpteenth time as the production of 'About a Bell' resumed. About a Bell is an independent film about Sami, a Syrian refugee, and Bryony, a young librarian, who embark on a highly personal quest to preserve a bell from a demolished church. Th brains behind the operation Welsh production company Hello Deer have been in the city for around four weeks. With big stars like Christopher Eccleston partaking, they've been attracting a bit of a name for themselves! Film crews in John Frost Square outside Newport Library for the filming of About a Bell (Image: NQ) John Frost Square was swamped from 2pm onwards by clip boards, boom mics and cameras. Alongside this were crowds of intrigued locals. Today's famous faces included a famous comedian and an actor who's starred in productions alongside English heartthrob Hugh Grant. Four Weddings and a Funeral star Simon Callow reading his lines for About a Bell (Image: NQ) Present on set was Simon Callow known for his role as 'Gareth' in Four Weddings and a Funeral and as Tilney, Master of the Revels in the 1998 production of Shakespeare in Love. Callow was seen flicking through his script whilst shaded under a canopy. He was described by one local as 'friendly' but 'busy.' Chelsea comedian Omid Djalili having his makeup touched up on set (Image: NQ) He was joined by Chelsea born comedian Omid Djalili. Djalili a huge name is comedy has done stand up at the Royal Variety. Today (July 14) he was seen outside Newport library walking along what appeared to be 'train tracks.' He was wearing a boiler suite and had his face touched out by a makeup crew now and again. Have you seen anyone famous recently??
South Wales Argus
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston filming in Newport
Everyone's favourite northern timelord Christopher Eccleston rocked up in the city centre for a cheeky bit of filming however, he wasn't fighting the Daleks or stopping Cybermen taking over John Frost Square! No instead, Salford born Eccleston was sighted on Corn Street for the filming of 'About a Bell.' Doctor who star Christopher Eccleston with Newport local Mark Vrettos (Image: Mark Vrettos) About a Bell is an independent film about Sami, a Syrian refugee, and Bryony, a young librarian, who embark on a highly personal quest to preserve a bell from a demolished church. Th brains behind the operation Welsh production company Hello Deer have been in the city for around three weeks. Eccleston was sighted by Newport local Mark Vrettos who then only moments later bumped into some key Welsh politicians. Speaking about Eccleston Mark said: 'He couldn't have been any nicer and was very enthusiastic about working in Newport again.' Mark then revealed who was just around the corner… He told the Argus: 'I hopped off the bus and there was another filming job with Elenid Morgan and Ken Skates!' First Minister, Eluned Morgan with Ken Skates at Newport bus station (Image: Mark Vrettos) The politicians were in the city for a launch event at Newport Bus Station. Under new legislation young people aged 16 to 21 will be able to ride on buses across Wales for just £1 from September. Speaking at the event First Minister, Eluned Morgan will said: 'Cutting the cost of travel for young people and providing better transport for all is one of our top priorities. We are delivering our promises to young people across Wales. 'This investment will make a real difference to communities all over Wales, but especially in rural areas.' Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates added: 'I am delighted to be launching a scheme that offers affordable bus travel for young people to help them access education, training, employment, and leisure, as well as supporting our efforts to encourage more people to use public transport, reduce carbon emissions and tackle poverty.'
South Wales Argus
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Christopher Eccleston seen filming new series in Newport
Today (Wednesday, July 9), Christopher Eccleston was seen filming a new series near the Chartist Tower on Upper Dock Street. Mr Eccleston, who appeared in the ninth incarnation of Doctor Who, was unable to reveal the new project he was working on, but the praised the city he was in. He said: 'It's lovely being in Newport.' Film crews have been spotted in Newport city centre for the past couple of weeks. Welsh production company Hello Deer were spotted filming in John Frost Square, Newport Central Library and Upper Dock Street producing a new feature film titled 'About a Bell'. 'About a Bell' is an independent film about Sami, a Syrian refugee, and Bryony, a young librarian, who embark on a highly personal quest to preserve a bell from a demolished church. Met Office confirms third heatwave inbound as 40C temperatures possible In the Dock: Look who's just been in court Listings on IMDB detail that Sami is played by comedian Omid Djalili, and Bryony will be played by Eleanor Worthington-Cox. This main duo will be joined by some giants of British acting including Doctor Who star and Emmy Award Winner Christopher Eccleston, Jonathan Rhodes and Scot Williams. This stellar cast will be directed by BAFTA nominee and star of 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' Simon Callow, who is making his first foray into directing since the 1990s. Unlike most other film crews this one is very small and only employs around 40 people, but staff on set feel that this is the best way to operate. Location assistant Matthew Marais, 25, said: 'I think they want to film in Newport as it's a city that's been developed. 'These independent films are the best kind of jobs because everyone cares so much more. If its someone's passion project, like this, then everybody wants to try harder to bring it to life.' Filming will take place around Newport and Cardiff, before the production moves to Belgium to complete filming in a few weeks. The production itself is set in Newport, so residents are sure to see parts of the much-loved city they call home throughout the film when it is released. There is no release date announced for the production yet.
South Wales Argus
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Christopher Eccleston has been filming in Newport
While residents of Newport may see a film crew swarming landmarks in Newport and immediately think of Doctor Who, this production is entirely different. Welsh production company Hello Deer are currently filming in John Frost Square Newport Central Library, producing a new feature film titled 'About a Bell'. 'About a Bell' is an independent film about Sami, a Syrian refugee, and Bryony, a young librarian, who embark on a highly personal quest to preserve a bell from a demolished church. Listings on IMDB detail that Sami is played by comedian Omid Djalili, and Bryony will be played by Eleanor Worthington-Cox. This main duo will be joined by some giants of British acting including Doctor Who star and Emmy Award Winner Christopher Eccleston, Jonathan Rhodes and Scot Williams. Though the public may not be allowed into the library today, it would be safe to assume that it has been entirely taken over by cameras and crew. This stellar cast will be directed by BAFTA nominee and star of 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' Simon Callow, who is making his first foray into directing since the 1990s. Unlike most other film crews this one is very small and only employs around 40 people, but staff on set feel that this is the best way to operate. Location assistant Matthew Marais, 25, said: 'I think they want to film in Newport as it's a city that's been developed. 'These independent films are the best kind of jobs because everyone cares so much more. If its someone's passion project, like this, then everybody wants to try harder to bring it to life.' Rehearsals for the film began last week in Newport, inside the company's production office on the other side of the river from today's filming location. In a cryptic post on Instagram, viewers were shown two of Newport's infamous bridges that any dedicated resident would recognise. Filming will take place around Newport and Cardiff, before the production moves to Belgium to complete filming in a few weeks. The production itself is set in Newport, so residents are sure to see parts of the much-loved city they call home throughout the film when it is released. There is no release date announced for the production yet.
