MINI Debuts the “Britalian Job”

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.

(Film after the break)

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.”