Geordies given chance to star on big screen as Newcastle-based film appeals for local support

Geordies are being given the chance to see their faces and hear their voices on the big screen as a Newcastle-based project appeals for local support.

The film titled A New Breed of Criminal is based on the best-selling book Operation Sayers, which follows the notorious Sayers crime family from the West End.

The script was penned during lockdown and charts the rise of Stephen Sayers and his brothers as they climb the criminal ladder - and the police’s attempts to stop them in their tracks.

An indiegogo page has been set up to give people a chance to back the independent film project. Prizes ranging from an official poster to a role as an extra and a speaking part to being ‘knocked out’ by Stephen Sayers can be purchased on the fundraising page.

A spokesman for Lytton Bros Pictures said: “Since the first set of auditions for the film in 2020 we’ve been inundated with people wanting to get involved and be part of this exciting project.

“We have decided to give people an opportunity to put themselves forward for cameo roles in the film. It’s a tried and tested format used by successful franchises such as Rise Of The Footsoldier and this film certainly falls into that genre.”

The script for A New Breed of Criminal has been given a seal of approval by scriptwriter Ian La Frenais, who penned classics such as Aufweidersen Pet and The Likely Lads.

Stephen Sayers met with La Frenais in 2015 to discuss a potential script after the release of his bestselling biography Tried and Tested At The Highest Level.

Stephen is delighted to finally see his story come to life on film and said: “It’s been a long process but it has been worth the wait. I just can’t wait to see the actors on set bringing the characters to life.”