28 July 2004 - Production Update from Robbie Stamp

As some of you know I worked with Douglas on the movie for several years before his death and worked, with the blessing of his family, after he died, to try and make the movie happen. And here we are more than twelve weeks into shooting. Here's just a little taste of what we’ve been doing:

I’ve stood in a wet and windy slate quarry in South Wales and watched a man in slippers and a dressing gown talk to the President of the Galaxy, whilst a white robot made its way along the quarry floor. I’ve shared a set with Vogons and mice (though not necessarily at the same time!), walked around the Heart of Gold (a fully realised interior) and sat in the rain outside “Arthur’s House.”

Each time I have stepped onto a new set and seen the attention to detail that has gone into the planning for this film, it has been a bittersweet moment -- Pride that we have come this far and real sadness that Douglas is not here to share it. But we have been able to film some scenes which included Douglas' family, his mother and sisters and brother and his daughter. They are extras in the scene when earth learns of its impending destruction. We've also filmed with John Malkovich, playing Humma Kuvala, a new character written by Douglas and listened to Humma's hymn, sung by several hundred worshippers, which has already leaked out on to the web I believe (well some of the words at least). Check out the photo. Hundreds of people showed up from all over to sing for us!

And now we are back at Elstree for a poetry reading.

Keep an eye on the photo gallery in the coming weeks - look out for news about an old friend and we may just be providing an insight into what the HHGG crew eats to keep its energy levels high, courtesy of Garth Jennings' Mum.

Robbie Stamp
Executive Producer

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