ACTOR Ray Winstone described Island residents are "really accommodating" during the shooting of a new film in April. 

The movie star was in the Isle of Man filming Ashes – a movie co-funded by the band Coldplay and described as a contemporary film noir.
 
Speaking to isleofman.com Ray said he had been pleased by the attitude of the locals.

He said: "They (residents) are really accommodating – even asking people if they wouldn't mind moving the cars or leaving their cars here. They're really sweet about it. You wouldn't get that at home. People haven't got time for that at home - every day of their life is time, is money.

"We've been really accommodated. It's really sweet and nice and it makes you feel the same way about it. I'm seeing a really good side of it.

"I've managed to see a lot more of the Island this time. I got a couple of days off early on and I managed to travel around the Island - in about 20 minutes actually! It's a slower pace here. I live in the country back on the mainland anyway now so I'm not a city boy anymore. I blend in alright here. When the weather's great it's beautiful."

 
Ashes was written by Paul Viragh and Mat Whitecross and also stars Jim Sturgess, Lesley Manville and Jodie Whittaker.

It tells the story of a difficult relationship between a father and son and filming took place at Dalby, the NSC, Ronaldsway and Douglas.

To read the full interview with Ray click here. To read an interview with one of the film's producers click here.

Update: Ashes is currently in post production and a release date has not yet been announced.

This story is part of isleofman.com's Review of the Year 2011.