Here then are just 16 TV shows or movies made here over the decades. With advance apologies for a couple of additional questionable inclusions, how many of this little lot have you watched? Have we also missed any more out? Email [email protected].
5. The Elephant Man
A bit of a cheat but here goes. The Wingfield Castle paddle steamer, based at Hartlepool Marina, featured in the hit 1980 movie while moored in London and has more recently featured in hit ITV drama Victoria. Photo: Mark Payne
6. George Gently
Hit BBC series starring Martin Shaw was a regular visitor to these parts during its 2007-17 run. Hartlepool's Church Street, pictured, and Horden's imposing St Mary's Church were among locations to double for the 1960s. Photo: JPIMedia
7. Get Carter
The 1971 gangster movie's finale was filmed on Blackhall Colliery Beach. With the colliery itself later closing, 10m pounds was spent on tidying up the beach and its industrial remains. Photo: Other 3rd Party
8. Harrigan
Stephen Tompkinson starred in the title role in the 2012 movie about a 1970s cop. Largely derelict terraced streets off Hartlepool's Hart Lane provided the backdrop. Tompkinson also found time to have a pint with locals at the Hartlepool United Supporters Club. Photo: Tom Collins