MINI takes to London streets ahead of the Games in homage to 1969 classic film
MINI has today released a short London 2012-themed film, paying homage to the 1969 classic, the Italian Job. The film, created to celebrate MINI’s partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB, features a host of stars, including sporting legends Daley Thompson, James Cracknell, Jonathan Edwards and Matthew Pinsent, as they attempt to track down the perpetrator of a fictional night-time heist – racing-driver, model and car fan, Jodie Kidd.
Directed by Phil Churchward, the lead director on BBC’s Top Gear and using key members of the show’s production team, the action-packed film includes stunts performed in red, white and blue London 2012 special edition MINIs, against the backdrop of some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament and Knightsbridge.
The film features several references to the original movie, including MINIs emerging from the same Park Lane basement as used in the 1969 classic, traversing down the Duke of York Steps off the Mall, and a chase through London’s stunning Leadenhall market.
Double Olympic gold medallist, Daley Thompson, who masterminds the chase comments; “It’s been a great experience being involved in The Britalian Job – everyone in the cast became completely immersed in their roles and with seven Olympic Gold medals between us, we were obviously the right team for the job!”
The film climaxes in one final dramatic stunt in which the three MINIs perform a ten metre jump in close formation in front of the Olympic Stadium, as their pursuit of the biker reaches its peak.
Graham Biggs, Corporate Communications Director at BMW Group UK, adds; “The Italian Job is a classic and this was a great opportunity and the right time to have some fun with it in London. We wanted to make an exciting short film featuring British sporting heroes and three MINIs as the stars, in and around some of London's greatest landmarks, as the city prepares for The Games. We hope everybody enjoys it.”
James Cracknell, British rowing champion and double Olympic gold medallist, said; "It was great fun making this film and London makes such a brilliant setting for an action sequence like this. Seeing London begin its transformation for the summer Games and feeling the excitement building is tremendous. Everybody involved with this film wishes Team GB and ParalympicsGB the best of luck as the Games approach.
Athletes
The film also features a cameo from Britain’s most successful Javelin thrower Steve Backley.
Biker
Motorcyclist Dougie Lampkin, who stars in many of the stunts in the film is an internationally renowned English motorcycle trials rider. During his career he has set a series of records including seven consecutive outdoor titles, an unbeaten 99 GP wins, an unequalled 170 rostrum finishes and amassed an unmatched 3,944 World points in total. On 19th May 2012 Dougie Lampkin officially announced his retirement from the FIM Trial World Championship, after an incredible nineteen years of competing at the top level of the sport.
Stunt Driving
Stunt coordinator Paul Swift is a British driver best known for precision driving, auto testing and taking part in live motor events. He is a multiple Guinness World Record holder and seven-time British Motorsport Champion. Paul secured both the MSA Auto test Championship three times and the BTRDA four times, winning over one hundred events along the way. With over twenty-five years’ experience, Paul Swift Precision Driving is now the global leader in precision driving, providing professional stunt drivers and experienced stunt co-ordinators for TV & Commercial productions worldwide; delivering car action, high speed tracking and highly skilled stunt doubles. Some of their TV and film work includes: BBC’s Top Gear, Captain American and a number of car commercials including the MINI Countryman advert.
Direction & Production
In addition to being directed by Rogue Film’s Phil Churchward, the lead director on BBC’s Top Gear, the film was made using key members of the show’s production team. One of the world's top young car directors, Phil honed his skills as the series director on BBC's Top Gear for the past five years. Many of the same crew who have worked with Phil on the show have been drafted in for the Mini shoot. The bar for high-octane car footage has been set very high by Top Gear and on this one Phil is raising it once again.
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