Selfish Giant, The

Date: 2013
Director: Clio Barnard
Production Company: British Film Institute (BFI), Film4, Moonspun Films

Stars: Conner Chapman, Shaun Thomas, Sean Gilder
Location(s): Derbyshire, West Yorkshire

Region(s):

Storyline:

Two young friends, both excluded from school, earn money by collecting scrap metal. Exploited by a local scrap merchant, they embark on their most daring retrieval.

Additional Information:

Compiled and uncredited comparison shots by Neil Webster

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We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

  • Capture 1
  • 'Now' required

Swifty (Shaun Thomas) and Arbor (Conner Chapman) riding Swifty's horse, spot some cable thieves on the railway line. Woodhouse Rd Bridge, Keighley, West Yorkshire (over the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway). The railway and stations can be seen in many films, including: 'The Railway Children', 'Yanks', 'Testament Of Youth', 'Swallows & Amazons'.

  • Capture 2
  • 17 Jan 2026

After school, the pair return to Swifty's house. Collbrook Ave, Bradford.

New fences

  • Capture 3
  • 17 Jan 2026

Arbor climbs a lamppost whilst waiting for Swifty the next morning. Collbrook Ave.

The selfish giant spider

  • Capture 4
  • 17 Jan 2026

The pair go to see local scrap merchant, Kitten (Sean Gilder) as he trains his horse and trap. 5 Factory St, Bradford.

Kitten would have to train his horse elsewhere, today

  • Capture 5
  • 17 Jan 2026

After both being excluded from school, they take a pram to collect scrap metal in. Shops at 28-30 Reevy Rd W, Buttershaw, Bradford.

Spot the difference (no prizes!)

  • Capture 6
  • 'Now' required

Returning to Kitten's scrapyard with a pram-full. Crossley Evans Ltd, Station Sidings, Otley Rd, Shipley.

  • Capture 7
  • 'Now' required

A still dawn at a local electricity substation. Willington National Grid Substation, Willington, Derby. The site was decommissioned at the end of 1999.

  • Capture 8
  • 'Now' required

Kitten enters his horse, Diesel, into an early-morning trap race. Unidentified location.

  • Capture 9
  • 'Now' required

Swifty had been allowed back into school, but Arbor wants him out scrapping again. Titus Salt School, Higher Coach Road, Baildon.

  • Capture 10
  • 17 Jan 2026

Out looking for cable. Smith Av, Wibsey.

It just wouldn't be ReelStreets, without parked cars

  • Capture 11
  • 17 Jan 2026

An audacious theft. Underwood House, Otley Rd, Bradford.

No Northern Talk today

  • Capture 12
  • 'Now' required

Burning the insulation off the cable. Field at the back of Newhall Dr, Bradford.

  • Capture 13
  • 'Now' required

At a local power station, engineers secure a cable chamber with a concrete block. Willington Cooling Towers, Willington, Derby (IMDb). In 2025, all five cooling towers are still standing.

  • Capture 14
  • 'Now' required

Swifty has a natural affinity with horses, so Kitten allows him to train with Diesel. Hanson Wakefield, Calder Vale Rd, Wakefield.

  • Capture 15
  • 17 Jan 2026

Arbor returning home (to Hardy Av on the right). Crawford Av, Bradford.

The writing was on the wall for that pine tree

  • Capture 16
  • 'Now' required

That's one heavy car for the lads to shift! Spare land behind Bransdale Clough, Bradford. Now redeveloped as Busking Close.

  • Capture 17
  • 22 Mar 2026

With some hired help, they are on the road with it. Great Horton Rd, Bradford.

Only road works to hold traffic up today

  • Capture 18
  • 17 Jan 2026

After they fall out, Arbor is now out on his own. Sunbridge Rd, Bradford.

This section of Sunbridge Rd is now one-way, so changes to traffic lights at junction with Godwin St

  • Capture 19
  • 'Now' required

Making his way to Huddersfield. A650, Drighlington.

  • Capture 20
  • 'Now' required

Busy scrapyard in Huddersfield. Bradford Waste Traders Ltd, Newgate Works, Bowling Back Ln, Bradford.

  • Capture 21
  • 17 Jan 2026

Finally arriving at the gates. Newgate Works.

Devouring trees

  • Capture 22
  • 17 Jan 2026

Arbor ponders after being refused entry. Newgate Works.

Very busy when I visited