As part of our education and engagement programme, Great North Run Culture and Locus+ invited a team from Northern Stars Young Film Makers Academy to the set of Douglas Gordon’s new film, The End of Civilisation.

Co-commissioned by Great North Run Culture and Locus+, The End of Civilisation shows a grand piano ablaze on a site overlooking the ‘barbarian border’ between England and Scotland.

The making of…The End of Civilisation captures behind the scenes footage of the crew at work. And Douglas Gordon explains why he wanted to burn a grand piano…

"Northern Stars is all about giving the young filmmakers who graduate from our academy continued professional development. For our Northern Stars to have access to such a high profile shoot, was a brilliant opportunity. I feel that having had the chance to observe the film’s production, our filmmakers have learnt a lot, and left the set feeling very excited and enthusiastic about film making.” Ian Fenton, Creative Director Northern Stars 

"It was a pleasure (and more than a bit intimidating!) to work with a world renowned artist, who was so keen to share his experiences and welcome us onto his set.” Joe Kroese 

"During the making of our film the crew proved very helpful by agreeing to interviews and showing us around the set, some of them explaining about their own personal involvement in the making of the film. It was a great experience meeting the visionary behind the project: Douglas Gordon. He gave more of his time than was expected for an interview with us and was very enthusiastic towards our project.” Alex Ayre

You can see The End of Civilisation at the Tyne Theatre, Newcastle on 5 and 6 July. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance here. 

You can also see The making of...The End of Civilisation on Monument Live, the big screen in the centre of Newcastle, from today (Thursday 28 June).

The End of Civilisation is a Great North Run Culture and Locus+ True Spirit co-commission – work that explores the true spirit of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The film is also part of the London 2012 Festival.

About Northern Stars Northern Stars is a Tyneside Cinema project to develop young filmmaking talent in the North East of England. Inspired by Emmy-Winning filmmaker Patrick Collerton, Northern Stars comprises an award-winning annual training academy for 15-18 year olds which provides talented young people with the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, and now a new production arm which exists to extend the training and development opportunities for its Academy graduates. Northern Stars is led by BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Ian Fenton, who has sixteen years’ experience of the television, film and interactive industries, and is supported by a steering group made up of successful professionals from across the film, business, and cultural sectors who are passionate about creating exciting opportunities for young people in the North East. www.madebynorthernstars.com/academy