Batman begins... filming
CROYDON has been transformed into Gotham City as filming for the latest instalment of the Batman saga begins in the borough.
Cameras, lighting equipment and film sets have sprung up around Delta Point in Wellesley Road, West Croydon, for the latest tale involving the caped crusader.
An American-style taxi cab bearing the words Gotham Cabs has been seen on set and the former BT headquarters has been renamed Gotham General Hospital.
But actor Christian Bale – who plays the reclusive crime-fighting hero – has been kept well out of public view.
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Film crew members have even tried to throw passers-by off the scent by saying that they are filming a baked beans advert.
One onlooker said he saw a dramatic car chase being filmed on set along with several rooftop shots involving the action hero.
The spectator also got a sneak peak of one of the characters crashing through a window of the building.
The onlooker said: "It's nice that Croydon is put on the map for the Batman film.
"Everything has been shot on the roof. They have great big cameras on the corner of Wellesley Road – and lights to light up the roof."
George Driver, 24, assistant manager of comic shop Forbidden Planet in West Croydon, said the filming was great publicity for the town.
And the store has been feeling the impact of a Hollywood blockbuster coming to town.
Mr Driver added: "We stock a lot of Batman masks and toys, so I think it's brought more people into this store and it's had a bit of an effect on our sales figures.
"Once fans knew the filming was in London they started playing detective like Batman and came to Croydon to try to find the film set."
The new Batman film is not the first movie to be shot in Croydon. Fairfield Halls was used in the opening scenes of the 2005 movie The Da Vinci Code, starring Tom Hanks.
And scenes from the British comedy Made In Dagenham were filmed in Croydon.
Cinemagoers may have recognised St George's Walk and George Street as settings in the film.
Comments
by minniemoose
Thursday, June 16 2011, 4:13PM
“I will say this, forbidden planet is a brilliant shop, and I like subways only because they wear gloves, and I can see my food being prepared.”
by schnide
Thursday, June 16 2011, 4:01PM
“@Swordtail
You actually live there - and you're dismissing the benefits of having one of the biggest films of the decade shot in your own town? That's.. just really sad. Hit me up when you're made the local spokesperson won't you?”
by LAFANTASTICA
Thursday, June 16 2011, 3:55PM
“"Come Dine with Me" would be great. There are loads of wonderful restaurants in Croydon. "Galicia", Spanish restaurant, the "Buenos Aires" restaurants in Croydon and Purley, "Il Ponte", near the flyover, "Chateau" in Coombe Road or is it Coombe Lane?, the Selsdon Park Hotel in Selsdon, where there are also Thai, Indian and Italian restaurants, the Croydon Park Hotel, and so on and on and on and on................”
by minniemoose
Thursday, June 16 2011, 3:41PM
“Lmao@swordtail.
oops my apologies, I should of should of said majority.”
by Swordtail
Thursday, June 16 2011, 3:09PM
“Oops one of the damned has emerged,or could it be Batmans new arch enemy 'The Numpty'
I'm about a ten minute slow walk to the north of Delta Point,I wonder what part of the film is being shot near me????”
by schnide
Wednesday, June 15 2011, 12:30PM
“@mike_zzz
minniemoose was joking.
@minniemoose
No need to generalise everyone in Croydon from one person's comment.
@Swordtail
Well it will boost the economy because the film crew will be spending their money there. Plus you've got set tourists just as the article explains. And if it makes the people of Croydon feel good.. then it does! Whatever nastiness fuelled your post, get back in your box and let the local people enjoy it for what it is. Unless you want to tell everyone what part of the film is being shot where you live?”
by Swordtail
Wednesday, June 15 2011, 9:35AM
“minniemoose you are a realist whereas anybody who thinks this event will boost the economy and give Croydonians a feel good factor must live in La La land.
Every time I read about this event all I can see is Del Boy and Rodney running through Peckham in fancy dress.
I have heard a rumour that a remake of the Village of the Damned will be shot in Croydon.”
by minniemoose
Tuesday, June 14 2011, 2:40PM
“Like the way you judge me, on a comment, still that's croydon people for ya! lol”
by mike_zzz
Tuesday, June 14 2011, 2:35PM
“it helps the people of croydon by boosting the economy, raising the profile and the general feel good factor. think outside your narrow, depressing box, minniemoose”
by minniemoose
Tuesday, June 14 2011, 2:05PM
“So why is batman in croydon then? isnt he here to fight crime ;)”