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Weekly UpdatesByline: DAN WARBURTON
the North East after ITV snapped-up Tyneside crime author Ann Cleeves's latest novel.
The Whitley Bay writer's latest book, Hidden Depths, is to be made into a twohour drama - which will be filmed in home town and in Northumberland. And cast in the starring role is awardwinning actress Brenda Blethyn OBE, who plays the drama's lead character Det Insp Vera Stanhope.
She tries to help Julie Armstrong solve the mystery of her son's death, after he discovered strangled, lain out in a bath water and covered with wild flowers.
Set on the Northumberland coast, second body appears - that of beautiful young teacher Lily Marsh, who is with flowers.
Ann, 54, already has a loyal following thousands who are hooked on her Shetland series of novels, all of which unfold in Scottish isles.
But today she spoke of her excitement of having her book turned into a film close to her hometown.
She said: "I'm absolutely delighted. It's really good script and the director has kept the spirit of my central character.
"We were determined it was filmed the North East because it's important the filming and cultural scene in region.
"A couple of scenes are filmed in Whitley Bay and I hope it will provide work the local people.
"It's fantastic to have Brenda Blethyn involved too. We also have a very good director. "I've been writing for 20 years and great that after all that time there is now this success."
news that Jesmond's La Sagesse school being used as the set for hit children's show Tracy Beaker.
The historic Tyneside building has been closed since August last year and was recently bought by ex-Toon chairman Freddy Shepherd.
He pledged the Victorian Gothic mansion would be used for the benefit of city and asked for suggestions from officials and the public.
It has been transformed into a care home to form the set of Tracy Beaker Returns, based on the popular novels Jacqueline Wilson.
And that means another boost to North East film industry, with the creation of around 60 jobs, most of which have gone to North East-based crew and administrators.
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