Frome is the setting of several new Post Office adverts with a local resident taking centre stage.
The filming took place over two days in August, with many local businesses and organisations benefitting as the town hosted the production’s cast and crew of around 50.
Frome resident Sophie Smith, who works at Sherlock and Pages, stars in one of the adverts about small business banking, after being spotted whilst working in the bookshop.
A few days later Sophie was starring as the shopkeeper in one of the films, walking down Catherine Hill to pay in the day’s takings into her Post Office account. She is surrounded by excitable dogs, flowers and a crowd of tradespeople.
Sophie, whose acting experience was limited to school productions and some improvisation at university, said, “I was nervous but I thought I’m not going to turn this down just because I’m frightened.
“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.
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.”
Frome is one of the many Somerset locations being promoted for film and TV production by Screen Somerset, Somerset Council’s film office. Last year, film and TV productions brought an estimated £6.6m of spend to the county.
Pictures by Screen Somerset
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