The country is falling in love with Excitable Edgar following the launch of the John Lewis 2019 Christmas advert on Thursday morning.
The two-minute advert tells the story of a baby dragon who loves Christmas just a little too much – so much so that he ends up almost ruining it for the village where he lives – until his friend Ava steps in with the perfect present to save the day.
It features Bastille frontman Dan Smith singing REO Speedwagon’s power ballad Can’t Fight This Feeling, together with picturesque snowy landscapes and a festive feel – but just where was the ad actually filmed? And when?
Here’s what you need to know…
Where was the John Lewis 2019 Christmas advert filmed?
The actual setting of the John Lewis advert is not confirmed – only that we can tell it’s set in a village somewhere – but it was actually filmed in Budapest.
And despite looking pretty wintry and Christmassy, the ad was shot in August over a period of two weeks.
All of which meant that the ad had the added challenge of making things look festive in the middle of summer – with temperatures topping the mid-30s in the Hungarian capital at the time.
Fortunately much of the set was already there, meaning that all they had to do was create the effects, using biodegradable show.
And the actors also had the task of having to perform minus little Edgar – who was added in later using CGI.
Aside from the ad’s fire-breathing hero, it also features a cast of around 100 extras, while the role of Ava is played by 10-year-old Glasgow native Ruby Dailly.
When is the John Lewis Christmas ad going to be on TV?
The advert will make its TV debut on Saturday night on ITV during X Factor: Celebrity.
Alternatively, you can see it online now at John Lewis’ YouTube channel or watch it on the above link.
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