THE cameras were rolling in Belfast city centre yesterday as Sherlock star Rupert Graves was in town filming a new romantic comedy.
The English actor was spotted shooting scenes for the movie 'Special Couple' at the artisan chocolate shop, Co Couture in Chichester Street, much to the delight of fans watching nearby.
Streets around the basement chocolate premises were awash with film crews throughout the day as an old fashion telephone box and vintage Rover car were also positioned outside as part of the production.
It is all part of a romantic comedy believed to be aimed at audiences in Asia and while scenes are being shot across parts of Belfast, the film is understood to be set in London.
Over recent days, filming has also been carried out at St Anne's Square and streets close to Belfast City Hall.
It is understood it is a joint project between Northern Ireland Screen and a Chinese production company. However, a spokesman for NI Screen last night declined to reveal any details about the production.
But it is understood the movie is being directed by Lei Huang and produced by Jianxin Huang and Chris Curling, with the script involving a music student and the owner of a small cleaning business.
Chocolatier Deirdre McCanny, who owns Co Couture, last night told The Irish News of her delight when film crews chose the shop as one of their locations.
"The Chinese film crew came in back in January to scout for locations and they really liked the underground open space of Co Couture," she said,
"The director wanted the main character to live in a basement apartment, something that's rather hard to come by in Belfast, but Co Couture fitted the bill perfectly.
"They have built an apartment in China based on Co Couture, so the interior shots will be filmed at the purpose-built replica in China."
Ms McCanny also said they were unaware that actor Rupert Graves, who stars as DI Lestrade in the BBC television series Sherlock, was appearing in the movie. He was happy to pose with members of staff.
"We didn't know he was in the film, so it was a bit of a shock where he arrived," she said.
"It's super exciting to be part of and hopefully as there is a massive Chinese market here, we will get to see the movie when it's released."
