Mystery movie is ‘fab for bringing buzz’ to historic village
BBC
There is a tangible feeling of excitement in Saltaire about the latest cinematic production to descend on the Victorian model village.
The Unesco World Heritage site, first commissioned in 1851, is famous for its cobbled terraced streets and historic Grade II* listed mill.
In recent years it has been the backdrop for a number of films, including Alan Bennett’s The Choral starring Ralph Fiennes and Jim Broadbent in 2024.
Authorities have closed roads and put in parking restrictions while filming on the production takes place – but remained tight-lipped on the title of the mystery movie.
However, walking into one of the few shops to avoid being temporarily closed on Victoria Road, there was maybe a not-so-subtle clue.
Songs by legendary Liverpool four-piece band The Beatles were being played on repeat to customers sitting inside Cultures Deli and Drafthouse.
Oliver Green, 32, works behind the counter as a barista.
He said: “We just know that there’s a big film production being made, essentially.
“And we’ve heard various different things from various different people about what it may or may not be.”
Asked about the playlist, he remained coy as to whether it was a subtle hint.
“Potentially, it’s not for me to say,” he said.
Two teenage girls sitting outside the cafe claimed to have spotted actor Paul Mescal coming out of a shop further down the road.
He is among the cast of The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event, a series of four biographical films based on the lives and career of the Fab Four, directed by Sam Mendes.
Declan Gallagher, 32, who lives on the same road, was more forthright with his speculation.
He said: “Rumour has it that they’re filming The Beatles movie, which is quite exciting.
“On Sunday they’re meant to be filming down the road.
“They’ve built like a temporary cafe in one of the shops that was empty and then, apparently, they’re filming down by the church.
“So I might go and try to have a nosey.”
The IT director said it was inconvenient not to be able to park outside his own home due to road closures.
But he said: “I think it’s a small price to pay. I do think it’s exciting living here, things like this happen quite often.
“And there’s always a bit of buzz around the village. We were all laughing and joking in the pub about it. Overall it’s a good thing.”
Road closures are due to be lifted by Monday with parking restrictions in place until Friday, according to signs put out by Bradford Council.
Businesses that had to close along Victoria Road are believed to have been compensated.
Green said the disruption had not affected his cafe’s trade and indeed the crew often came into the shop.
He said: “We’ve had quite a lot of film crews over the last couple of years.
“There was film called The Choral which was set around here and based around here. There was Ralph Fiennes in that.
“There was a film last year where we had Jack O’Connell filming just up the road.
“So we’re quite used to it happening around here. It’s interesting. It gives people something to talk about.”
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How hard is it to do a fab job of playing a Beatle?
Ralph Fiennes and Jim Broadbent film in village
Bradford
Saltaire
Unesco World Heritage sites
Film
The Beatles
