Filming halted on new superhero comedy following multi-vehicle crash
Cameras began rolling in the Scottish Borders on HBO series The Franchise today
Last updated 8th May 2024
Emergency services are at the scene of a multi-vehicle crash on the A68 at Leaderfoot.
It comes as filming gets underway on a new TV show at the neighbouring viaduct.
Smoke drifted across the Tweed-side location, which has been lit up by bright stage lights, in the moments around the time of the collision, shortly before midday today (Wednesday).
But it's unclear what caused the smash, which involved at least four cars.
Filming was halted as police and ambulance crews arrived at the Borders beauty spot with their sirens blaring.
But it's expected to resume again later this afternoon.
Actors dressed as super heroes could be seen making their way over the Old Drygrange Bridge towards a nearby dining cart, as emergency services worked to make the area safe.
But traffic has continued to be allowed through.
Greatest Hits Radio understands scenes for Marvel satire The Franchise are being shot at the Leaderfoot Viaduct, near Melrose, for American television company HBO.
Production teams have spent the last week building the set - with lighting from Warner Bros Studios, visual effect markers from Maximum Studios, and signs which appear to carry the colours of the Armenian flag.
It comes almost three years after Hollywood star Harrison Ford shot scenes for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny in the same spot, on the banks of the River Tweed.
READ MORE: New pictures reveal scale of TV show being filmed at Leaderfoot Viaduct
According to the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) site, The Franchise is being directed by Oscar winner Sam Mendes, and is set to include the likes of German actor Daniel Brühl - known for his role as Frederick Zoller in Inglourious Basterds; The Wolf of Wall Street actress Aya Cash; and big-screen star Richard E Grant.
The road between Gattonside and Leaderfoot is being closed from 6am on Wednesday until 7pm on Saturday to allow filming to take place.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 11.15am on Wednesday, officers were called to a report of a four-vehicle crash on the A68 at Leaderfoot Viaduct, Melrose.
"Emergency services are in attendance and recovery has been arranged."
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