Young filmmakers take Weybourne back to Roman times

Date published: 14th July 2026

For anyone in Weybourne who may have been surprised by the sight of a Roman encampment, fear not, for it was an exciting production and not a time warp back to Ancient Rome’s invasion of Britain. 
 
Tarot Productions and Norwich-based Ember Films filmed for five days in Norfolk, with four days on the North Norfolk coast and one studio day at Ember Films. 
 
The short film, Augustus, is set on the Ionian Coast in 44BCE, and follows a young Octavius as he learns the news of the death of his uncle, Caesar, and the choices he must make ahead of him. 
 
The coming-of-age drama short film brought period build, costume, props and art department work to the coast, where Weybourne’s landscape plays a major role in the film. It stars Fflyn Edwards (The Crown) and was co-produced by Norwich-based studio Ember Films, written and directed by Ed Whelan, and produced by Luke Taylor & Sam Topley.
 
Tarot Productions first approached Norfolk Screen, Norfolk’s film office and North Norfolk District Council’s screen sector partner. The production was able to access local professionals and services through their crew and supplier databases. 
 
The Council was pleased to work with the production team to support their shoot in the district. 
 
On their filming experience, Sam Topley, Founder of Tarot Productions, said:  
 
“We had an incredible few days in Weybourne with a brilliant crew. The beach gave the film scale, atmosphere and texture, and the local support made a very ambitious short possible. At Tarot, we back emerging filmmakers with the production support they need to make work that can set them up for a first feature.  
 
Shorts need real champions behind them, and we couldn’t have made this one without the help of North Norfolk District Council and the local teams who supported the shoot.” 

Craig Higgins, Development Director at Norfolk Screen, said: 

"Norfolk Screen was delighted to provide early, hands‑on support to Augustus, ensuring Tarot Productions could quickly access local crew, suppliers and the guidance needed to bring their ambitious period short to life on the North Norfolk coast.

Our partnership with North Norfolk District Council helped smooth the way for filming in Weybourne, where the dramatic landscape became central to the story. We can not wait to see the final film!." 

Tarot Productions ethos is to help filmmakers create distinctive work at a high production level, and build a pathway towards first feature films, and champion distinctive emerging film makers. 
 
Find out more about Norfolk Screen, and sign up to the crew or supplier directories via www.norfolkscreen.co.uk