Some of Hollywood's best-known movies have used sites in West London as their backdrop. Now, the map that reveals these cinematic locations is proving so popular that an extra 50,000 copies have been printed, to allow more film buffs to experience 'West Londonwood' for themselves.

The Go West film map, a free guide available in cinemas, libraries and online, pinpoints 27 west London locations featured in blockbusters such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Calendar Girls and Shaun of the Dead.

The map invites film-lovers to come and relive some of their favourite scenes - everything from John Hannah romancing Gwyneth Paltrow on Hammersmith Bridge in Sliding Doors, to Keira Knightley bending it like Beckham in Barra Hall Park, Hayes - and provides detailed information about other attractions in the vicinity.

The map has been compiled by the Hammersmith & Fulham visitor development team, with the support of six west London boroughs, to provide a visual taster of west London's sights and amenities, in the hope that residents and tourists alike will spend more of their time in the region.

Cllr Frances Stainton, H&F Council's Cabinet Member for Culture and Heritage, said, "One in five visitors to Britain is inspired to holiday here because of a film they have seen, and film tourism is a growing global phenomenon. We want to encourage these movie fans to explore west London and discover just how much the area has to offer - from the rich urban mix of Hammersmith & Fulham to the country houses of Hounslow. We also hope that Londoners and people who live in the area will pick up the map and choose to learn more about the streets, parks and buildings that they pass each day. What could be more fun than to retrace the steps of your favourite movie stars and discover a new side of the city at the same time?"

Ollie Burton is operations manager at BBC Tours, the award-winning backstage tour at BBC Television Centre in White City. Ollie said, "This film map is a great way to find out about the rich cultural heritage of west London. Thanks to the presence of media powerhouses like BBC Television Centre and Ealing Studios, the area has long been associated with film and television production, and remains one of the key media 'hubs' in London. The success of BBC Tours proves that people have a fondness and fascination for what they see on screen, and I'm sure that residents and tourists alike will enjoy exploring these locations and gaining a new insight into west London life."

Amongst the six London boroughs featured in the Go West map, and some of the films shot there are: Ealing (About a Boy, The Importance of Being Earnest, Calendar Girls); Hammersmith & Fulham (Sliding Doors, Scoop, Match Point) and Hounslow (Bend it like Beckham, The Madness of King George, Vanity Fair).

August 24, 2007