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11 March, 2010
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By Ian Abernethy
Published: 24 September, 2009
HARRY Potter film executives, location teams and stuntmen are praising the wizardry of a Lochaber fish and chip shop proprietor.
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For Sammy Cameron, from Caol, near Fort William, conjured up, at very short notice, two dozen fish suppers for the starving movie makers who had just spent long hours out on remote Rannoch Moor – 40 miles from his premises. And the Warner Brothers contingent are full of praise for Sammy – dubbing him their "Wizard and Chips"! Harry Potter filming started in Lochaber, following earlier recces by film executives, and location teams, and the West Highland Railway Line was once again in the frame. The scenic route was chosen for some of the shooting of scenes for not one, but two epics, out of JK Rowling's seventh and last best seller, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. Around 100 pupils from Lochaber High School, Fort William, took part in the filming at the weekend. The school has built up a strong rapport with Warner Bros, and its pupils – paid as extras - have been involved in every Harry Potter movie so far. On this occasion, views of Glenfinnan Viaduct, which has featured in the previous Harry Potter blockbusters, were not required. Instead, for the Deathly Hallows shooting, the young teenagers were bused from Fort William to Tulloch Station, east of Roy Bridge. The camera action focused on Hogwart's Express as the blood red train steamed between Tulloch and Rannoch stations with its excited young passengers. However, although the scholars had alfresco meals provided on the Tulloch and Rannoch station platforms, there was no time to cater for the crew members. Throughout the day, they were constantly aboard helicopters and railway bogies, with the majority of them out on the moor on foot. When they were still there after dark, it became obvious they would not be back in Fort William in time to have a late meal.
So one of the local Network Rail workers, part of a lineside team who had been advising the film folk, came up with the notion of phoning for two dozen fish suppers in advance of everyone arriving back in town. And, so, the award winning Sammy's Chip Shop took the call – and promised that all 24 would be ready for 11pm. "A couple of the film people arrived in here to collect, looking absolutely jiggered, and very, very hungry", said Sammy. "I said to one of them who was really worn out, 'I'll give you something else that'll waken you up', and ran across to my house to pick up a bottle of our local Ben Nevis whisky. "After a dram of that he was suitably fortified – while the driver loaded their vehicle with fish suppers! Sammy (54), added: "We're pretty flexible here, and always pleased to help. "We don't want to see people wandering about hungry especially having spent a day on Rannoch Moor – a place I know very well." Meanwhile, the Lochaber pupils were warmly praised by the Warner Bros executives for their good manners, co-operation and great good humour during the filming. Filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows began in February this year. The results will be split into two separate sections, with part one scheduled for release on November 19, 2010. Part two is due out on July 15, 2011. Related articles: |
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