Film producers have nearly completed the transformation of Manchester's Northern Quarter into a scene from 1940s New York.
Parts of Dale Street have been turned into the Big Apple ready for the filming of Hollywood blockbuster Captain America later this week.
The street will be the scene of a car chase and 1940s period American cars have been brought in especially for the shoot.
Signs have already appeared on streets and several buildings are getting a lick of paint to take the streets back in time.
Super-human Captain America – famous for the catchphrase ‘Avengers assemble’ – will be played by Hollywood star Chris Evans and he is expected to start filming in the Northern Quarter in the next couple of days.
Samuel L Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones are also among the A-list cast but it is not clear if they will be filming scenes on the Manchester set. The scene being shot in the Northern Quarter will feature a car chase and is expected to last less than a few minutes in the final cut of the film.
Producers picked the Northern Quarter to recreate the Big Apple in the 40s because of its towering buildings and pre-war architecture.
The location was organised through the Vision+Media film office – which has already brought the productions of major films Sherlock Holmes and Alfie to the Northern Quarter.
It is the first time Marvel Productions has filmed outside the US.
The arrival of the film crew has created a buzz of excitement in the Northern Quarter and one group of enthusiasts have set up a blog http://captainamericafilmingmanchester.co.uk/ with updates from the set and pictures, and a Twitter account.
Jon Brady, a freelance camera operator who lives on Dale Street, has also loaded a series of videos on his Youtube page showing the process of transforming his street into a scene from 1940s New York.
Jon, 22, said: "It's a really impressive amount of work for such a short amount of screen time. It's clever what they have done and the amount of detail they have gone to to recreate the 1940s aura."
One of Jon's videos is here:
Other blogs with pictures and video from the set:
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How come the Marvel exhibition in the center of Manchester wasn't in the M.E.N? I think it's got a few days left at the Generation Pop art gallery, they have a number of Stan Lee Captain America pieces in there.
Captain america is alive and kicking and living in east manchester!
We call him "Captain Karney"
The closure of the road is causing chaos, the parking is a nighmare and they have taken over at least two large carparks to put caravans and lorrys. Most of the security, catering and joinery services have been brought in from London - why not use Manchester businesses. Just because it is 'The Movies' they think they can ride rough-shod over the resdients and businesses.
If I wanted to cause so much disruption for the sake of my business I dont think I would have the council falling over to help me. This is for less than one minute of a film - what a waste of resources.
Good news, seems like the nq is very popular with filmmakers and long may it continue.
Hi, more set photos & videos over at www.hobbsy.com
Wow! (yawn.....)
I do hope that there will be a cameo role for Pat "Mr Manchester" Karney.
They could have filmed for the 1840's there.
"Incompetent Balloonist, 47000 ft over Nuthurst Park"...firstly boring name, I'm sure it's your poor attempt at humour or being "witty" and secondly since when as the Northern Quarter been a dump??
It's one of the most diverse and up and coming areas of Manchester with independent bars, restaurants and galleries full of young professionals, with property prices soaring as it is such a sort after location (which I'm pleased to say, as I live there!)...oh and almost forget...great architecture, hence why it is in demand for film makers!!
You stick to your Ugg boots and Arndale Centre.