Supermarket Worker Lands Dream Role in ‘28 Years Later,’ filmed in North East England
Table of Contents
Laura Fulguzi,a supermarket employee from Gosforth in Newcastle,experienced a life-changing moment when she was selected to portray one of the “Infected” in Danny Boyle’s highly anticipated film,*28 Years Later*. Fulguzi, who was stacking shelves at Asda when she received the news, hopes the movie, primarily filmed in North East England, will create more opportunities for local talent in the film industry.
From Supermarket to Silver Screen: Fulguzi’s Unexpected Journey
Fulguzi described the entire production as “really exciting,” even though she admitted that the make-up transformed her co-stars into figures that genuinely “terrified” her. More than 80% of the film was shot in various North East locations, including the historically meaningful Holy Island, the market town of Hexham, and Waskerley in County Durham.
Did You Know? The UK film and high-end TV production industry contributed £16.7 billion to the UK economy in 2023,showcasing the significant economic impact of the sector [[1]].
The Role and the Impact
Fulguzi plays one of the victims of the infamous Rage Virus, which, in the film’s narrative, has spread across Europe following the events of the 2007 sequel, *28 Weeks Later*, directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. Learning about her casting while at her day job, Fulguzi had to maintain composure and “carry on [her] shift as normal,” despite the thrilling news.
the extras involved in the film underwent specialized training to master the movements and vocalizations of the “Infected.” The transformative make-up, according to Fulguzi, rendered her “completely unrecognisable.”
North East England: A Versatile Filming Location
gayle Woodruffe, an official at North East Screen, emphasized that the movie highlights the North East as a remarkably versatile location for filming. “You can be in a city centre, 20 minutes later you’re on a beach, 20 minutes later you’re in a castle, countryside all that,” she stated.
beyond attracting future film projects, Woodruffe anticipates that *28 Years Later* will spark a surge in tourism as fans seek out the iconic filming locations. the region has seen a steady increase in film-related tourism, contributing significantly to the local economy. In 2024, film tourism generated an estimated £300 million for the UK economy [[2]].
Fulguzi shares this optimistic outlook, expressing her hope that “the film leads to more opportunities for North East actors.”
pro Tip: Visiting film locations can be a unique way to experience a region’s culture and history. Check local tourism websites for guided tours and data.
The future of Film in the North East
The success of *28 Years Later* in utilizing North East england as a primary filming location could pave the way for more productions to consider the region. The area offers a diverse range of landscapes and past sites, making it an attractive option for filmmakers seeking unique and visually stunning backdrops.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Filming Location | North East England (Holy island, Hexham, Waskerley) |
| Percentage Filmed in North East | Over 80% |
| Role of Laura Fulguzi | Victim of the Rage Virus (“Infected”) |
| Expected Impact | Increased film projects and tourism in the North East |
Evergreen Insights: The Enduring Appeal of Zombie films
Zombie films, like the *28 Days Later* franchise, have captivated audiences for decades, reflecting societal anxieties about pandemics, societal collapse, and the unknown. The genre’s ability to adapt to contemporary fears ensures its continued relevance in popular culture. The original *28 Days Later*,released in 2002,is credited with revitalizing the zombie genre with its fast-moving “infected,” a departure from the customary slow-moving zombie.
Frequently Asked Questions About ’28 Years Later’
- Where was ’28 Years Later’ filmed?
- More than 80% of ’28 Years Later’ was filmed in North East England, including locations like Holy Island, Hexham, and Waskerley in County Durham.
- What role does Laura Fulguzi play in ’28 Years Later’?
- Laura Fulguzi plays one of the victims of the Rage Virus in ’28 Years Later’.
- How did Laura Fulguzi get her role in ’28 Years Later’?
- Laura Fulguzi, while working at Asda, received the news that she had been chosen for a role in ’28 Years Later’.
- What impact is ’28 Years Later’ expected to have on the North East of England?
- ’28 Years Later’ is expected to attract future film projects and boost tourism in the North East of England.
- What is the Rage Virus depicted in ’28 Years Later’?
- The Rage Virus in ’28 Years Later’ is a lab-leaked virus that turns people into aggressive, ‘Infected’ beings.
- What training did the extras receive for their roles as ‘Infected’?
- The extras in ’28 Years later’ received training on how to move and speak as ‘Infected’ individuals.
What are your favorite filming locations in the UK? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Enjoyed this article? Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the film industry and regional tourism!
