A JOHNSTONE actor is hoping to put Renfrewshire on the map with his new period drama.

Daniel Reynolds, 29, has been recruiting local talent for crime thriller A True Mismatch, which examines the clash between the upper, middle and working classes during the Victorian era.

Working with fellow actor Kris Scott, the duo have written and produced a concept trailer for their new show, which they hope to develop into a full television series.

Daniel, who also plays a lead character in the drama, said it would be mostly filmed in Renfrewshire.

He told The Gazette: “A lot of period dramas are filmed in big studios in London but we wanted to use real locations that have a Victorian feel to them.

“We filmed the concept trailer at Oakshawhead, in Paisley, and are planning to film at the Sma’ Shot Cottages, also in Paisley, and Weaver’s Cottage, in Kilbarchan.

“Hopefully, that will mean local viewers will recognise a lot of places when they watch the show.”

Before the pandemic, Daniel worked as a dance teacher at DSD Street Dance, based in Cochrane Castle Community Centre, Johnstone.

However, after lockdown restrictions put an end to his classes, the actor decided to invest money in creating his own television series.

He hopes his new project will provide some support to Renfrewshire actors, including eight-year-old Kayden McLay, also from Johnstone.

The Gazette: Kayden McLay enjoyed being in front of the camerasKayden McLay enjoyed being in front of the cameras

The Auchenlodment Primary pupil, who hopes to soon join the Paisley-based PACE Youth Theatre, had great fun playing a pickpocket for the concept trailer.

Kayden said: “I felt a little bit nervous at first but I would like to do more acting like this again.

“My favourite bit of filming was when I was followed by a drone down an alleyway.”

Daniel added: “Kayden did a fantastic job. For somebody who hasn’t acted before in something like this, he was a natural.

“We hope this project can create local jobs for people in the creative industries and, right now, 95 per cent of our cast and crew are based in Scotland.”

The concept trailer for A True Mismatch is being shared on the show’s social media pages, with Daniel and Kris then planning to set up a crowdfunding page to help raise £3,500 to finance the first episode.

To support the project or stay up to date with it’s latest development, visit www.facebook.com/ATrueMismatch.