Pallion Shipyard is just one of the locations picked by producers of The Solution, as they attempt to put the region on the movie map.

Pascal Fintoni, from Action Cinema Talents and Ideas Factory (Actif) Productions, said: "Filming in Pallion Shipyard was amazing. I had never been in a place this size before. I had to phone people stood at the other end if I wanted to speak to them.

"The dialogue in that scene gives a nod to the heritage of the region. We felt it was important to honour the memory of those that worked there."

The Solution is set in the future when a virus has taken over Britain, turning its population into savages.

An antivirus is entrusted to three soldiers and the film follows them as they walk across the North East and travel to Norway to deliver it to a medical research centre.

Filming began in early May and is due to last for another two months, taking in around 30 locations across the region, including the MetroCentre and the Tyne Bridge.

Pascal, who founded Actif with fellow adventure film enthusiast Paul Gray, said: "This film is very much centred in the North East, from the locations to the screen performers.

"The support we have had from local businesses and from people seeing us filming has been amazing.

"I was prepared for people to say 'no', but everybody is really enthusiastic about an action film being shot and set in the North East."

Martial artists from Wearside clubs, including the Hagakure Aikido club in Houghton have also been helping to add a kick to scenes as extras.

The company's latest venture follows the success of first film Land of the Kami.

The samurai film, which used a property in High Barnes, Sunderland, as a makeshift Japanese dwelling, scooped a prestigious International Film Festival award.

Once The Solution is complete, Pascal and Paul are planning to present it at Cannes Film Festival and to the American film market.

They are looking for a DVD release and possible pay-per-view options.

Plans are also in the pipeline to establish a screenfighter and stunt school to foster the region's film talent.

Pascal said: "The films have helped us spot so many talented people and we want to help develop their talent."

As with Land of the Kami, the filmakers will host a charity screening of The Solution in aid of the Children's Foundation to give something back to the region.

If you would like to be an extra in The Solution email Pascal at pascal@actifproductions.co.uk