Glasgow city centre given all-American makeover ahead of Brad Pitt blockbuster

Aug 16 2011 By John Ferguson

GLASWEGIAN holidaymakers won't have to book a flight to America this month - for a little bit of the States is coming to them thanks to Hollywood heart-throb Brad Pitt.

A 1000-strong army of workers on Monday began the task of turning George Square and nearby streets into a little piece of Philadelphia before Tinseltown's biggest star flies in to film his new movie in the city.

And if the office workers who stopped to gawp yesterday thought it was all a bit weird, they ain't seen nothing yet. Their city's famous streets will soon be full of zombies.

Brad's due in Glasgow within days to film scenes for s80million blockbuster World War Z - the story of a devastating conflict between zombies and humanity.

It's set in Philly, but the producers, including Brad himself, chose to shoot in Glasgow because its wide streets, grid system and style of buildings make it perfect for an all-American makeover.

More than 7000 Glaswegians tried out for parts as zombies in an open casting session last month.

Parts of the city will be turned into charred ruins for the shoot. Don't worry, the crew will clean up after.

There will be road closures and traffic headaches for the locals, but the city council claim the movie will boost Glasgow's economy by more than s2million.

"It's great for Glasgow ms are being made ll put us on the map if people do think adelphia.

And as she scoured the set for a glimpse of Brad yesterday, Julie Morrison, 27, of Renfrew, insisted: "It's great for Glasgow that films are being made here. It'll put us on the map - even if people do think it's Philadelphia.

"I haven't seen Brad yet. But I work around here, so I'll be keeping my eye out!"

Brad's crew are just as excited about the project. Location manager Michael Harm said: "The positive feedback and support we are getting from all corners, together with a real buzz around the city, is terrific.

"We are really looking forward to making this a success, for both the city of Glasgow and the film."

Around 1200 cast and crew will work in Glasgow until the end of the month. Other scenes have already been shot in the Cornish resort of Falmouth and the Maltese capital, Valletta.

Brad, 47, has moved his family across the Pond for the shoot. He is renting a s10million London mansion for s30,000 a month as a base for partner Angelina Jolie and kids Maddox, 10, Pax, seven, Zahara, six, Shiloh, five, and twins Knox and Vivienne, three.