A six week shoot of the major new Avengers super hero movie is to bring an estimated £10m to the Edinburgh economy, organisers say.

The production of Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War is the biggest film shoot in the city's history and one of the most expensive action films ever made.

The six-week production schedule will see more than 400 crew members working on location in Edinburgh's Old Town, over the course of the shoot, which got underway with the film’s second unit on March 22.

Film Edinburgh said that the film is the "largest and most complex shoot ever to film in historic Old Town and other locations in Edinburgh’s city centre".

The film's first unit, with actors, will begin to work in mid-April.

It is unclear whether Edinburgh will be depicted as Edinburgh in the final movie or somewhere else.

Avengers: Infinity War stars Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Mackie, Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olson and Paul Bettany.

Again it is not known which cast members will be shooting in the capital.

The film is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo and has reported budget of $500m, or £397m, making it one of the highest budgeted films yet made.

Film Edinburgh said the directors have "made a concerted effort to minimise the impact filming has on the public, while securing the required shots needed for the film."

Joe Russo said: "When Edinburgh came up as a location option we jumped at the chance.

"The city is such a unique and iconic location, but one never seen as the backdrop for a big action film, which is incredibly exciting."

"The support from all local agencies, such as Film Edinburgh, has been invaluable in helping to coordinate this complicated shoot,” added Anthony Russo.

"We appreciate the entire city’s help and are excited to have such a beautiful and historic city in the film."

Councillor Gavin Barrie, Edinburgh’s Economy Convener, said: "Our cobbled streets, historic properties and stunning green spaces could set the scene for some of cinema’s greatest superheroes and it is fantastic to secure such an A-list production.

"We know 40% of visitors to the UK are attracted to places they have seen on screen and the Marvel franchise offers a huge opportunity to promote Edinburgh all over the world. This is fantastic news for the city and our film industry."

Rosie Ellison, Film Manager for Film Edinburgh, adds “This is the biggest production to ever film in the region.

"But crucially, it also clearly demonstrates Edinburgh has the infrastructure and process in place to accommodate major filming of this scale.

"The reinforcement of the Edinburgh Film Charter, which was ratified again a few years ago, has played a massive role in simplifying procedures and allowing the city to gear up and facilitate productions of all sizes.

"Film Edinburgh and the Council have worked closely with the filmmakers for over a year to coordinate the smooth running of the location shoot in the region.

"The production team have been a pleasure to work with and have been considerate of the impact of filming on local business, visitors and residents."

Earlier this year, Film Edinburgh reported its most successful year for film in the Edinburgh city region on record, with 2016 film productions injecting £7.7 million into the local economy, an 11.5% rise on 2015 figures.

321 productions filmed in the region in 2016 including feature films T2 Trainspotting and Churchill, alongside popular dramas including Outlander and BBC Three’s current hit Clique.

Natalie Usher, Director of Screen at Creative Scotland concludes, "Our Screen Commission has worked closely with the production, Film Edinburgh and City of Edinburgh Council over the past twelve months to secure one of the biggest film productions ever for the city."

E