Pedestrians flee as dustcart ploughs into line of stationary traffic on Glasgow street... but don't worry, it's just filming for Brad Pitt's new zombie thriller
By James White
Last updated at 11:45 PM on 19th August 2011
Glasgow has unkindly been described as looking like a war zone in the past, but today it became a reality thanks to the filming of Brad Pitt's new film.
Transformed to look like the streets of Philadelphia for zombie thriller World War Z, the crew staged an incredible crash sequence featuring a dustcart and dozens of stationary cabs resulting in a policeman going flying through the air.
The scene helps tell the story of a post-apocalyptic world where humans are forced to fight zombies in a desperate battle for survival.
Driving Hollywood-style: Extras flee as a dustcart ploughs through the streets of Glasgow for zombie thriller World War Z
Get out the way: The modified dustcart is targeted by police, left, as it smashes it way through cars
you better run! Crew beat a hasty retreat during filming in Glasgow
Traffic hazard: A flying zombie takes a ride on the roof of a passing family run around
Glasgow is the latest city to undergo an amazing transformation thanks to the new zombie thriller.
Workers have so far managed to transform Valletta, in Malta, and Falmouth, in Cornwall, into a world dealing with the aftermath of a global zombie war for the same film.
Keep on running: More extras flee the scene of the car crash during the filming in Glasgow
Zombies everywhere: Crew laugh as dummies lay across some yellow cabs on the streets of Glasgow
Not a pretty sight: Zombie dummies are stacked in a trailer at the set
A threat?: How will Angelina Jolie react to Brad's close working relationship with the pretty lady?
In other pictures taken on the set of the movie, Brad, 47, is seen taking a break from filming accompanied by the pretty brunette who is likely to be a set manager.
Of course, his partner Angelina Jolie will have little to worry about - the dynamic between the actor and his on-set companion is nothing more than a professional working relationship.
However her beauty could well cause a slight bit of jealousy on Angelina's part, which is only natural for any man or woman whose partner works closely with an attractive member of the opposite sex.
Victims?: The new zombie thriller is based on a book of the same name
It's looking good, everyone! Brad Pitt talks to crew members as he arrives on set in Glasgow to start filming scenes for World War Z
Welcome to Scotland! Brad gives a cheery wave as he wraps up filming for the day
And Brad was right in the thick of it all as he chatted to his crew and watched as the streets were turned into the US city.
Cochrane Street has been renamed John F Kennedy Boulevard and American road signs and street names were put up while yellow taxi cabs and white police cars lined the streets as Philadelphia came to life.
However, some onlookers were left seeing double when Brad's stand-in stuntman appeared on the set - although aficionados of the star could spot the difference a mile off.
Close but no cigar: Brad Pitt's stunt double (L) was seen on the set in Cochrane Street, but no-one was in doubt who was the real McCoy (R)
Keep up the good work: Brad looked happy with the set as he chatted to crew members
Working hard: Crew members line the street and get the lighting and the cameras ready
Glasgow was chosen to double as the Pennsylvanian city because of the huge similarities between them including the architecture, wide roads and grid layout of the cities.
Local people have been recruited as zombie extras and Glasgow City Council said the production will involve almost 1,200 people and the impact on local economy is expected to be more than £2 million.
Ready for your close-up, Mr Pitt? Brad is directed as he prepares for what could be a car chase scene
Buckle up: Brad gives one last look out of the car door before shooting the scene
On film: The star is seen stuck in a traffic jam and a police motorbike knocks his wing mirror off - so he gets out to get the smashed mirror back
The film Brad's latest film is a post-apocalyptic horror film based on the novel of the same name by Max Brooks.
Brad arrived in the city yesterday with partner Angelina Jolie and their six children - Maddox, 10, Pax, seven, Zahara, six, Siloh, five and three-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox - having chartered a Virgin train from London.
Forces united: A Glaswegian police officer looks inside a white Philadelphia police car
Coming through: An actor playing an American traffic cop weaves his way through the taxis
The A-list couple and their six children were snapped arriving at Euston station this morning in a large black people carrier and surrounded by bodyguards and members of their entourage.
When they arrived in Glasgow at 2.30pm, silver vehicles with tinted glass were allowed onto platform 11 to whisk them away from a waiting crowd.
And action! Actors and extras take their positions
In character: Actors dressed as a policeman and a homeless man get ready for their scenes
Who ordered the meat? Locals stand around and watch the action as a delivery truck arrives on set
Speaking to the Scottish Sun, a fan who had been waiting for them to arrive said: 'There were dozens of screaming fans waiting patiently for a glimpse. After all, it's not every day you can say you've seen a Hollywood movie star in Glasgow Central Station.
'But a glimpse was about all people were going to get because no sooner were they off the train than they were straight into some fancy people carriers and off.
You'll need another coat: Rain washes away newly painted crossing lines
Landmark: Workers put up signs for Philadelphia's famous suspension bridge
'Cops and security were trying their best to keep the crowds at bay and it would have been nice if the couple had just waved or something. But even the kids had their heads down.'
The couple are believed to be staying the Carnell Estate Mansion near Kilmarnock and will make the 16th century home theirs for their next few weeks.
Do you have a story about a celebrity? Do you know who the mystery brunette is? Call the Daily Mail showbusiness desk on 0207 938 6364 or 0207 938 6683. For U.S. stories, phone 310 642 2317.
Famous commuters: Angelina Jolie walks down the platform with daughter Shiloh while Brad carries his youngest daughter Vivienne
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2027940/Brad-Pitt-brings-World-War-Z-Glasgow-Scottish-city-transformed-Philadelphia.html#ixzz1VYoT9EIC