World War Z to shoot in Glasgow in late August

The Glasgow Film Office has confirmed that World War Z will shoot in the Scottish city this summer.

Production will begin in Malta in late June before heading to the UK. Shooting in Hungary is scheduled to begin in early October.

The large production will hit Glasgow in the second half of August, involving nearly 1,200 people for location shots in the city. The impact on the local economy is said to be more than £2m.

Locations will include Cochrane Street and George Square.

Marc Forster directs Brad Pitt in the story of a UN researcher conducting interviews with survivors of a global war between humans and zombies.

Pitt’s Plan B is producing with David Ellison’s Skydance Productions. Apparatus, Paramount and Mumbai-based UTV Motion Pictures also have hands in the project. Paramount will release in 2014.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “I am delighted to see this massive production coming to Glasgow, and look forward to welcoming everyone involved in the film to the city.  Our distinctive Victorian architecture has proved a vital attraction to many location managers over the years, and it is great news that the producers have decided to come to Glasgow. The film and broadcast industry has contributed over £150million to the city’s economy over the past decade, and the Glasgow Film Office has played a key role in attracting major productions.  The news that such a major film is locating in Glasgow will hopefully attract productions of a similar size to the city.”

Michael Harm, Location Manager for World War Z, said: “The production spent many months looking for the perfect city centre location to play an important part in the film. Glasgow’s architecture, wide roads and grid layout proved the ideal setting for director Marc Forster. The Glasgow City Council and Film Office played an important part in welcoming the production to the city centre.  The production is delighted with the support they are receiving and looking forward to filming in the city later this summer.”

Recent films shot in Glasgow include Peter Mullan’s Neds, David Mackenzie’s Perfect Sense and Sheree Folkson’s The Decoy Bride.