9:15am Saturday 22nd November 2008
By Gazette Reporter
Hollywood star Paul Bettany will be in Bradford on Avon this weekend.
The actor, who is best known for his roles in Gangster No 1, The Da Vinci Code and Wimbledon, will be working with film crews in Church Street and Newtown for his latest movie, Creation.
The film, which also stars his wife, Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Connelly, is an adaptation of the book Annie’s Box by Randal Keys, which focuses on the life of Charles Darwin, who Bettany will play.
Jacqueline Mehrez, owner of Neston Flowers in Church Street, said: “We are quite excited that it is happening down Church Street I must admit.
“It is good that it is coming to Bradford on Avon because it draws people into the town.”
Ms Mehrez said that, coming from Neston near Corsham, she has had plenty of experience of film crews, including Harry Potter and BBC’s Cranford.
Crews from Recorded Picture Company, based at Pinewood Studios, were in the town yesterday evening.
Work will begin in Church Street where road covers will be put in place from Abbey House to Rosemary Walk.
No cars will be allowed in the area and alternative parking for residents will be set up in the railway station car park.
On Sunday, from 8am until 6pm, technical vehicles will arrive at the Market Street end of Church Street.
Once filming has been completed, Church Street will be reopened and the equipment taken to Newtown where the road covers will be relaid.
Once the road covers have been put down the road will be closed off until Monday evening.
Scenes will predominantly be shot externally but some scenes will be filmed in Christ Church, Mount Pleasant, and in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church in Woolley Street.
Canon Bill Matthews, of the church, said: “It might be good for the town because people have a lot of interest in towns where filming takes place.”
Town Council clerk Diane Holmes said: “The majority of residents seem very proud that the company have chosen Bradford and we hope that it will help to put Bradford firmly on the tourist map.”
Reverend Ron Lowrie of Christ Church, Mount Pleasant said: “It will be super to have the church in the film.
“It will be interesting to see it and it looks like a good film as well.”
Sergeant Sean Brady of Bradford police said: “I think this is a wonderful opportunity for the town to showcase its heritage.
“We are lucky enough to live and work in such beautiful surroundings and to be able to show it off in this way can only enhance the appeal of the town and help support our local economy."
The production company has also paid for a police officer, working in their own time, to assist throughout the filming to help with the road closures.
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