London Piccadilly filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

A rare chance for the public to see live filming of Daniel, Rupert and Emma took place last night in the heart of London's piccadilly.The huge operation to close down several streets involved hundreds of cast, crew, security and Police teams. Action took place at several locations, including Shaftesbury Avenue, Piccadilly Circus, Flitcroft street and Great Windmill Street. The action being filmed was that of Summer night scenes, with the trio running through London towards a cafe and exiting the underground, including:

Scene No. 41 part EXT PICCADILLY / SHAFTESBURY AVENUE
Scene No. 44 EXT LONDON STREET
Scene No. 42 EXT ALLEYWAY – OFF SHAFTESBURY AVENUE

Some great shots were being filmed with David Yates present to take in famous London landmarks and a total of 558 extras where drafted to add to the buzzing atmosphere as the trio ran from the ever present threat of the Deatheater's, with Hermione clutching her magical beaded handbag. Extras included: 2 x Rickshaw peddlers, 2 x Cycle couriers, 2 x Party Girls, 1 x Lipstick Lady, 1 x Drunken man, 1 x Teddy Bear man, 493 x mixed Passers by, 35 x mixed Passing car drivers, 15 x mixed London Taxi drivers, 5 x men London Bus Drivers, 1 x man Limo Driver.

As one of the assistant Directors commented 'scenes like these are worth the planning and effort on everyone's behalf as they capture much more than filming in a studio ever could'. Quite a lot of action vehicles were used to create a perfect backdrop as the trio hurried along the streets to keep special effects to a minimum, including:35 x passing cars, 15 x London taxis, 5 x London buses (3 with identical signage), 1 x Police stunt car, 6 x Passing stunt cars, 1 x Limo, 2 x Rickshaws.

Lets hope the scenes were worth all the effort!!