Sci-fi Shoot Was Roaring Success

The most aggressive creatures usually found in Kingston are a throng of shoppers in the Boxing Day sales or perhaps a hoodie hanging out near Burger King.

But on Saturday night there was an invasion of creatures from an era millions of years ago.

Velociraptors were filmed stalking their prey in John Lewis for the season two premiere of ITV’s hit sci-fi show Primeval, which stars former S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt.

The producer Paul Frift said: “There are about 65 or 70 crew here. John Lewis has wonderful architecture for the scenes we are doing. It’s family entertainment.

“I have a 10 and an eight year-old and they love it, while I think there’s another level for adults as well.”

But what scenes? The programme’s five million-plus viewers may not be too pleased if we give too much away.

Suffice to say there will be raptors, high-speed chases and the untimely demise of mannequins and crockery – maybe even a few people too.

Of course what viewers see as raptors, makers Impossible Pictures call thin air, blue screens, gas cylinders blowing stuff up and eventually magical CGI.

Impossible Pictures has also shot scenes in the Bentall Centre, town centre and at a cinema complex in Feltham, all of which will be brought together in one rip-roaring on-screen rampage through a leisure centre.

John Lewis will donate its entire £4,000 to £5,000 fee to the Princess Alice Hospice, its chosen charity for the year.

Manager Andy Leyton said: “The money for the hospice is fantastic news for the community, and how often do you get a dinosaur wrecking a John Lewis shop?”

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Credit: Local Guardian

Posted: June 13th, 2007