Flexities to Star in Hollywood Film

Flexities 009 & 007 along with many cars and film extras simulating a busy Promenade during filming on 7th May

Well maybe not quite 'star', but two of Blackpool's Flexity trams should certainly feature in the new Hollywood film "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiars" that is currently being shot in the resort. The film is due to have its cinematic release in 2016, and is being directed by Tim Burton and stars several well known actors such as Samuel L. Jackson, Judi Dench, Terence Stamp and Rupert Everett, to name a few. The scenes being shot in Blackpool are set in winter, and the Promenade in front of the Tower has been covered with artificial snow including the tram tracks. The Promenade around the film set is closed off to the public and traffic each day, causing havoc for the bus and tram services. Two Flexity trams have been requisitioned to act as props for the duration of the filming, the trams chosen being 007 and 009 as these two feature no advertising. The trams are parked either side of the zebra crossing in front of the Tower with their lights on each day, and are used to simulate a busy street scene, along with many cars and dozens of members of the public employed as extras. At the end of each day's filming Unimog 939 sweeps the tram tracks clear of the artificial snow using its rotary brush attachment, so that normal tram services can resume again at 1500.

Flexities 009 and 007 on set during filming of the feature film "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiars" on 7th May

With Flexities 007 & 009 back at Starr Gate depot, Unimog 939 begins clearing the tracks of artificial snow on 7th May

Flexities 009 & 007 take their places while an aerial stunt is being filmed in front of the Tower on 8th May