A NEW Galashiels business hopes to give locals their big break, by becoming TV and film extras.

Firefly Casting and Modelling Agency recently opened in the town’s Overhaugh Street, and as the film industry in Scotland continues to grow, the business aims to showcase the talent the Borders has to offer.

The new venture, which is taking on a variety of film/TV extras, models and musicians, has been set up by Angela Jewitt and Donna Cooper, both from Clovenfords.

Angela previously worked as a TV extra for shows such as Inspector Morse, Minder and Coronation Street and has been involved with modelling for many years. Donna is a make-up artist and a former dancer.

Angela told us: “We decided to set the business up in Galashiels because we are both local to the area and we really wanted to try and contribute to the community in the best way we could with the experience we had.

“It may, at first, look odd that we chose Gala instead of perhaps Edinburgh, but we realised that there was nothing locally along these lines. The whole nature of the business usually requires some degree of travel to assignments, which is why we ask applicants how far they are prepared to travel for work.

“Another bonus is that we can also cover an area down to Newcastle without it being too far for people to travel.”

And the pair have already taken on several people, and hope to encourage more to sign up to the agency. “There have been quite a few films, or parts of films, filmed in the Borders over the years. Usually due to our beautiful landscape and amazing country houses.

“There is also the new film studios that are due to be built up in Pentland which is going to bring a lot more filming into Scotland.

“There is nothing we know of specifically planned for the Borders at present, but this can change in an instant. You never know in this business what is going to land on your desk one day from the next.”

And the agency is hosting an open day later this month to encourage anyone interested to come along.

People of all ages are being urged to sign up at the event on Saturday, August 18 from 11am to 3pm.

For more information, or to get in touch, visit www.fireflycasting.co.uk or call 07951 212407.