Opening soon, Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of The Big Friendly Giant should look familiar. Not just because we all loved the children’s books, nor because Mark Rylance stars in the title role.

Many of its atmospheric streetscapes are drawn from Camden neighbourhoods, around Hampstead station, including Church Row in particular. Bedford Square’s terraced houses feature as well.

Nearby in Haringey, iconic London’s panorama was filmed from Archway Bridge, over Archway Road.

And views toward Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament were shot from the Albert Embankment in Lambeth.

Mark Rylance’s performance was captured in stop motion, as the lonely old giant kidnaps orphaned Sophie and takes her on an adventure in Giant Country.

Spielberg said, “Mark Rylance is a transformational actor. I am excited and thrilled that Mark will be making this journey with us to Giant Country. Everything about his career so far is about making the courageous choice and I’m honoured he has chosen The BFG as his next big screen performance.”

Of the film, Spielberg said, “This is a story about friendship, it’s a story about loyalty and protecting your friends and it’s a story that shows that even a little girl can help a big giant solve his biggest problems.”

Roald Dahl’s original book was dedicated to his daughter Olivia who died of measles encephalitis when she was seven.

FilmFixer director Karen Everett says, “London neighbourhoods have given The Big Friendly Giant a truly endearing look. It’s been an absolute pleasure to support the production in bringing this much loved story to the big screen.”

The film opens on July 22nd – take a look at the trailer here.