28 Years Later, the highly anticipated follow-up to the iconic franchise, lands on Netflix from Saturday 20th September. The film delivers a thrilling story and, behind the scenes, showcases the North East as a production-ready region with stunning locations, skilled crew, and strong local support. The North East Screen Film Office played an important role, providing hands-on guidance from early development through to wrap.
From the earliest planning stages, North East Screen worked closely with DNA Films to support location scouting and development. After first connecting at the industry event FOCUS in 2023, the team fast-tracked the production by providing location ideas, key contacts, and practical support. Within just eight weeks, meetings and recces were underway. A two-day Familiarisation Trip gave the location managers a full picture of what the region could offer and introduced them to the people who would help bring the summer shoot to life. Bespoke location and facilities brochures highlighted hidden gems, while strong relationships across the Filming Friendly Network helped unlock access to unique sites and local partners.
Production highlights
- 43 of 51 locations (84%) sourced locally, including private estates with breathtaking landscapes and on-site accommodation for cast and crew
- 76 local crew members, including trainees supported through North East Screen’s Access initiative, which identified skills gaps and onboarded local talent
- 173 supporting artists, mostly from the North East
- Nearby set build space secured with Sunderland City Council, allowing the recreation of the iconic Holy Island causeway. An unused warehouse was transformed into a fully functioning water studio, and DNA Films extended the lease to build additional sets
- Facilities and services utilised: accommodation, storage, set build, casting, and even archery training
To celebrate the film’s release, a Gala Screening at Tyneside Cinema brought together director Danny Boyle, lead cast Alfie Williams, and chief ‘Alpha’ Chi Lewis-Parry. The event attracted 30 press accreditations and coverage from 15 media titles, generating high local engagement and positioning the North East as a destination for productions that have global appeal.
Bringing the screen to the region
In collaboration with Visit Britain and Destination North East, the “Visit If You Dare” campaign invited fans to explore the iconic locations of 28 Years Later. The film’s biohazard symbol and campaign hashtag were projected onto key landmarks across the region. By linking big-screen storytelling with destination marketing, the initiative encouraged audiences to discover the North East’s beautiful landscapes, which feature as eerie locations in the film.
With 28 Years Later now on Netflix, audiences worldwide can experience a gripping story set against the North East, while seeing firsthand the work of local crews, the facilities and locations that supported the production, and the collaborative infrastructure that makes the region a premier destination for film and television.
