Glasgow's Global Visitors

Glasgow does not always seem like the most appealing place to visit when it comes to Hollywood actors. So I was surprised when I found that many big names had actually visited our city when it comes to filming and producing films. I have already posted about Channing Tatum and Brad Pitt but here are a few other big names that have visited Glasgow for work.

George Clooney - In 2004, Clooney made a brief visit to Glasgow to view the set of the movie he was producing "The Jacket". The movie was being filmed in various locations all over Scotland, including West Lothian and Cumbernauld North Lanarkshire. Clooney stayed at One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow on his visit.

Halle Berry - Halle Berry visited Glasgow in 2011 to film scenes in her movie "Cloud Atlas". She filmed various scenes in Glasgow, including the dramatic car crash scene which was filmed on Douglas Street and also her departure from her San Francisco apartment was filmed at the Premier Inn on George Street.

Charlie Sheen - Charlie Sheen visited the city in 1997while filming "Postmortem". The film shot scenes in various locations such as George Square, Central Station and Necropolis. However his press was not all positive for his Glasgow stay with his "wild" image dating back to then. With headlines such as "I was Charlie Sheen's Hooker" and "Charlie Sheen in Cocaine Bender".

Morgan Freeman - The legend that is Morgan Freeman visited Glasgow in 2004 while filming "Unleashed" which was filmed in Locations such as the beautiful Botanic Gardens and the Broomhill Branch of Spar.

Glasgow's Cinemas of the Past

So what was Glasgow like before the technology we have today, with the likes of the IMAX, 3D movies and DBox. Glasgow is full of Cinema complexes from Cineworld, to The Grosvenor to the IMAX complex. Glasgow is full of variety. So what was it like before?

02 ABC Academy/ABC Regal - Many of us now know the 02 ABC as Jellybaby or Propaganda depending on whether you go on a Thursday or Friday.It has cheap drinks, massive dance floor and good music, what else can you ask for? It was not always a popular club though. It was once a cinema and opened in November 1929 as ABC's Flagship Cinema. It is situated on Sauchiehall Street which is one of Glasgow's busiest both during the day for shopping and at night for the night life. When it open in 1929 as a cinema, it had the main auditorium above the car park. The interior was modernised in 1955 and then renamed in October 1967 with the main building named ABC1 and the second screen imaginatively named as ABC2.It was first new cinema to open in Scotland since the war and it was designed to be up to date in newly modern designs and also had a fully licensed bar. Weekly reported the opening of the £250,000 building as being "one of the biggest showmanship events in Glasgow's history."

Paramount Theatre/Odeon - The theatre opened on Reinfield Street on the 31st December 1934 and was one of the later cinemas built in the Paramount chain including Newcastle and Manchester. In 1939 the cinema like other paramount cinemas was sold to Odeon. Under this name, it continued successfully until 1970, with live shows being more popular than the film presentations. Most famously, both the Rolling Stones and the Beatles played at the Glasgow Odeon. The building was sold in March 2003 along with Odeon Edinburgh, and was taken over by Historic Scotland and gave it B-list status. 

Channing Tatum's Glasgow Experience

No girl in their right mind does not love Channing Tatum, am I right or am I right girls? Whether it be down to his acting talent, his dance moves or more likely his amazing good looks. This may be going a bit of track but who cares its Channing Tatum?

In 2009, Channing Tatum was in Glasgow for the filming of his hit film "The Eagle" which was partly filmed in Govan. Tatum visited the city with wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum. Their visit took place over Halloween and the couple attended the 02 Academy and the pair did not disappoint in their costumes.

The Grosvenor

So you're at the cinema and half way through the movie and your bum begins to get numb. We've all been there. And no matter how much you try and get comfy again, you just can't! Well that is where the Grosvenor comes in, yes it is more expensive but soooo worth it.

The comfy seats and the more modern exterior makes the Grosvenor cinema the perfect place to go. They also have a 'Diner and Movie' deal if you fancy making a day out of it. The Grosvenor is located on Ashton Lane in Glasgow's west end. It is a lot smaller than the likes of Cineworld (Did I mention it is tallest cinema in the world!!?) it only has 2 screens compared to Cineworld's 18 screens. This means movies and times are limited, however the Grosvenor still offers most up to date movies as well as some classic ones. If I have persuaded you to go (fingers crossed) take a look at the Grosvenor's brochure for March and April here

Lights, Camera, Glasgow

So, since I have already posted about the making of World War Z and how it was set in Glasgow, I thought I would do another post on some of the other films that have been made here. Bur firstly re visiting World War Z, here is a video of the making of the movie.

Fast and Furious 6 - Shooting took place in mid-2012 in both London and Glasgow with the movie being released in May 2013. Stunt and car chase scenes were filmed in Glasgow City Centre in August and September 2012

Neds - This movie is both shot and set in Glasgow. It was released in 2010 and is about gang life in the Scottish City. It was filmed in the Glasgow and Strathclyde Area.

Doomsday - Was released in 2008 and is a futuristic action film where they must protect the human race. Filming began in 2007 in South Africa where most of the filming took place. However 10 of the 66 days of filming took place in Glasgow, including Haghill in the city's East End, and at the Blackness Castle in West Lothian. These areas were chosen when film-makers were unable to shoot at Doune Castle.

Scotland's Finest - Part 2

Billy Connolly - Scotland's comedian turned actor, is the beloved Billy Connolly. From his comedy gold to roles in Brave to the Last Samurai. Bill Connolly is one of the top comedians in the UK. But he is also been in many movie roles. Personally Brave was my favourite, who does not love a Scottish Disney film? Anyone that isn't Scottish, I guess. The comedian turned actor was born in Glasgow and is now at the great age of 71 and he is still very active in his career. He tends to get refereed to as "The Big Yin" in Scotland. And for any of you none Scots reading this, (if there are any) this translates to The Big One.

Fido Trailer - Where Connolly plays main character Fido who is a Zombie

Ok, so we cannot talk about Scottish actors without talking about Robbie Coltrane. I mean come on he's Hagrid!! The star has been involved in many movies also including Brave. He has also been in the James Bond classic Golden Eye. But his most popular role has to be his role in all the Harry Potter movies as Hagrid. In case you have been living under a rock, Hagrid is the giant grounds keeper who works at Hogwarts. The actor was born in Rutherglen and is now at the age of 64.  Although he plays a giant, Coltrane is still pretty tall at the height of 6'1. 

See Robbie Coltrane in the famous Harry Potter in this clip along side Daniel Radcliffe.

Lastly but defiantly not least, is Sean Connery. The legend that played the first EVER James Bond. He starred in seven James Bond films between the years of 1962 and 1983. Connery was born in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh in 1930, which makes him a grand age of 83.  Although Connery is probably most well known for his years playing Bond, James Bond. He has been in many other films such as Indiana Jones, Dragonheart and The Avengers for example. In 1988 Connery won an Oscar for 'Best Actor in a Supporting Role' for The Untouchables. A Scot with an Oscar? Who  would of thought it.
See Connery shine as James Bond in Dr No

Scotland's Finest - Part 1

Ok, so Scotland is known for many of things but it's actors/actresses not so much. This is part one of some of Scotland's best actors.

So for the first actor why not start with my favourite. Yes it is Ewan McGregor. McGregor is 42 and was born in Perth but brought up in the small town of Crieff. Yes I know girls we all wish we were brought up there too. Although McGregor's good looks are unforgettable so are some of his amazing performances in some of his movies. With movies such as Moulin Rouge - Yes this man also sings, the legendary Star Wars movies, Trainspotting and one of my favourites the very emotional, The Impossible. I could go on. The actor has many other roles in big movies and he plays a variety of parts. The Actor has won and been nominated for countless awards as well as being nominated for 2 Golden Globes for his roles in Moulin Rouge and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. 

Watch The Impossible Trailer - To see Ewan in action, highly recommend this movie, especially those who aren't shy to a tear jerker which is an understatement to this film.

Now moving on to someone a bit closer to home, who I have already blogged about. Yes it is the ever so handsome Gerard Butler. Gerard Butler is a 44 year old actor who was born and raised in Paisley, Glasgow. Which is a bit closer to home and even studied Law at the University of Glasgow. Some of his hit movies include, Law Abiding Citizen, Olympus Has Fallen and P.S I Love you.  The actor also produced the voice for Stoick in the animated movie, How to Train a Dragon, and it has been announced that the second movie is currently in production and planned to be released this year - eeeekkk!!  

Watch the Olympus Has Fallen trailer to see Butler's 2013 Hollywood film where he stars along side Aaron Eckhart (yes that is Harvey Dent from Dark Knight!) and the legendary Morgan Freeman.

Setting the boys to the side, this Glasgow born and raised actress has appeared on our screen numerous times in recent years. Kelly MacDonald is the voice behind Princess Merida in the much loved Disney film Brave. Yes we all thought a Scottish Disney film would be a disaster but it actually wasn't. The actress was also in other movies such as Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows Part 2, Trainspotting and Nanny McPhee.  So who can't love a Disney star who has also appeared in Harry Potter? The actress has also been nominated for 3 Golden Globes for her parts in TV drama Boardwalk Empire and The Girl in the Cafe.
Watch the Brave Trailer to see Kelly portray the voice of the Princess, I would recommend this film to any Disney film lovers, it is also new and refreshing from the other classic Disney movies. 

Lets Go to the Movies

So you many not realise but Glasgow Cineworld on Renfrew Street is actually the tallest cinema in the world. It has 18 screens spread over 6 floors with capacities which seat up to 663 people. And for all us 18+ people out there, yes the cinema does have a licensed bar - Result. With the amount of screens the cinema has, it can accommodate to majority of people's needs and they have a vast amount of show times particularly for new releases.

Glasgow Cineworld was also in the media particularly in 2009 when Scottish heartthrob Gerard Butler brought his film 'Law Abiding Citizen' to the cinema complex with many screaming fans waiting for him. If the girls were not excited enough, the actor turned up in a traditional Scottish kilt and spent his time taking photos with fans and signing autographs. Looks like it doesn't matter how famous you get, Gerard still decided to go back to his roots to launch his movie. Not like we are complaining.

Awards, Pizza and Selfies

No more Sex, drugs and rock and roll its now awards, pizza and selfies after the recent Oscar ceremony. No matter how old you are, your interests or where you live, it is inevitable that you will have watched or heard about the Oscars. I mean it's only the biggest award show EVER. And this year was no different.

Jennifer Lawrence falling at 2014 and
2013 Oscar Ceremony

So it would not be an Oscar ceremony without beautiful gowns, a load of celebrities in the one place, risky jokes, Leonardo DiCaprio not winning and of course it would not be the same without Jennifer Lawrence falling. It is Official the 2014 Oscar ceremony presented by Ellen DeGeneres attracted the biggest television audience in over a decade. So the Oscars may be a big American occasion although even living in Glasgow you cannot ignore it. The day after the award show, the antics from the night were all over the news and social media. You could also not go out without someone saying "Did you see the Oscars?" And this year was especially different when presenter Ellen DeGeneres celebrity selfie hit twitter and became the most retweeted tweet ever. Everytime i look at the picture it gets better and better.

So now for the awards, Gravity winning 7 Oscars? Wow. It is not a film that particularly interested me from the start but now I am tempted to watch it after the reaction following the movie. When "Frozen" won best animated movie I could not contain my excitement, I was so happy. You can't not love a Disney movie and if you say you don't, you're lying! Now for Matthew McConaughey winning best actor, in my eyes he was deserving of the award - I mean come on look at him. The Oscars once again have been a massive talking point all over the world. Before I finish this post though lets have one more look at the epic selfie. Guess the Celebs!

2014 Oscar Selfie

Made in Glasgow

George Square and surrounding area at set of World War Z

Many people believe parts of Glasgow look like a war zone but in August 2011 it literally was turned into one. Ok, so Glasgow is no Hollywood. In fact it is nowhere close. Sure parts of Scotland are used for their scenery, for example in Harry Potter and James Bond: Skyfall. But you rarely see or hear of a Hollywood film coming to Glasgow. Until Brad Pitt decided to bring his newest project to Glasgow' George Square. The square was converted into a district in Philadelphia which was under attack by a zombie apocalypse.  Although the square was transformed with american traffic lights, signs and the iconic yellow "cabs" when watching the movie it is clear to any Glaswegian that it is Glasgow.  I don't know what is more exciting for Glasgow recognising the city on a Hollywood movie or having Brad Pitt, one of Hollywood's biggest actors in Glasgow.  However I think the question on most people's minds was why Glasgow? All the cities and countries in the world, Glasgow? It is said that Philadelphia has too high of a film tax for the production but that still doesn't explain.  It is also said that some of Glasgow's aspects reminded the producer of the USA. At the premiere in London, Pitt said "That's right, Glasgow is Philly. It looks great! It looks the business." 

Brad Pitt filming in Glasgow for World War Z

Although World War Z was filmed in Glasgow in August 2011 it was not released to cinemas in the UK till September 2013. Cards on the table, zombie films are not usually my first pick but as it was filmed in Glasgow I thought why not. The film was action packed, although nothing particularly stood out - except Brad Pitt of course.  The characters were all vulnerable and I didn't really seem to connect with them, they were just characters in a movie. Want to watch the World War Z Trailer click the link, and make your own opinions on the film.