A COMEDY film about the Beatles taking a musical retreat in the Lake District has been under production at iconic national park locations.

'Paul is Dead' depicts the Fab Four taking a trip to the Lakes in 1967, and focuses on the infamous myth that Paul McCartney died in the late 60s and was replaced by a lookalike.

A group of filmmakers from the University of the Arts London have been filming in locations such as the Kirkstone Pass Inn, Hallin Fell and Auterstone Cottage, on the banks of Ullswater, employing the talent of local drama group Ambleside Players for some scenes.

The Lake District setting was chosen after a series of scouting sessions, where locations manager and local Stuart Armstrong selected the most fitting spots for the comedy.

Stuart said that the filming went well, however the quick arrival of snow a few weeks ago meant that many of the cast and crew were stuck at Swarthbeck House, near Martindale.

"We were all were very grateful to local people for their help and generosity during the period they were snowed in, with people offering transport and weather and road updates while the cast and crew were cut off," said Stuart.

The crew is made up of a selection of rising stars and award-winners in the industry. These include director George Moore; talented Spanish producer, Laura Laderas; and local-born production designer and co-writer, Stuart Armstrong.

The cast also boasts some exciting young names with the roles of the band members filled by: Reid Anderson (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Perplexed Music); Anton Tweedale (Lock In, Strangers); Basil Marples (God Save the King) and Ashley Pekri (Solace Of Orpheus).

The crew said the film is expected to be received well at film festivals internationally, including those with BAFTA qualifications. Screenings will also be arranged in Cumbria, Liverpool and London.

The 'Paul is Dead' myth has been of interest to some Beatles fans for years, with theorists finding 'clues' in the band's music and album art.

One such clue is the claim that the famous Abbey Road photograph depicts a funeral precession, with Paul barefoot and out-of-step, to signify his death.

You can donate to the film on kickstarter.com.