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.

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.