AN AMBITIOUS crew have set about turning Bootham Crescent into an historic Olympic stadium for the latest film to be shot in York.

York City FC confirmed the stadium is being used to film scenes based on the controversial 1936 Berlin games, infamous for being Adolf Hitler's failed attempt to prove his racial superiority ideology when black US sprinter Jesse Owens won four Gold medals.

The club is remaining tight lipped on the project, only confirming the stadium is standing in for the 1936 arena.

"We are pleased to advise that we are hosting the filming of a period drama with the stadium mocked up as the Berlin Olympic Stadium of 1936," tweeted the club.

A spokesman said the crew will be there for the next two weeks.

A number of fans on social media pointed out the vast size difference between the two stadiums and questioned how it would look on the big screen.

Fans posted pictures comparing the 8,256 capacity stadium to the enormous arena used for the games, when it could hold more than 100,000 people.

York Press:

Supporter Ian Jones told The Press: "It's definitely very intriguing how they're going to make a dilapidated stadium look anything like Berlin! 

"They better have some good CGI. But if it brings some money into the club then I'm all for it. 

"When revenue streams are few and far between, any way to bring in some income is most welcome.

"I'm Looking forward to seeing the film though, it will be very strange to see Nazi flags behind the Longhurst stand!"

York has become a hot bed for film and television productions in recent years, with international stars coming to the city for major projects.

Parts of the hugely popular ITV drama Victoria was filmed in the city centre, as was the new David Tennant film Mad to be Normal, while Kay Mellor recently filmed her new drama Girlfriends, starring Miranda Richardson, in Fossgate.

Kay Hyde, head of Communications, Make It York, said: "This is fantastic news for York.  We’re seeing an unprecedented number of Location Managers and Film Producers showing an interest in the city.  

"Working with City of York Council, we have a commitment to be Film Friendly and the steps we’ve put in place to assist appear to be paying dividends.  

"This latest production will showcase York once again as a superb destination for film."