Monday 22 August 2011

Movie making in a magical forest!


After leaving Ross-on-Wye, we drove through the Forest of Dean. Just past Coleford we saw a sign for a place which had caught my eye, I had read about it a few hours earlier. As it was 17.00 hours, we were not sure if it would still be open but took a chance. Upon arrival we noticed several vehicles which are usually associated with the TV or film industry and a helicopter. We just managed to get in before last admissions.

As we entered the forest, we heard a countdown followed by "AND ACTION!", our suspicions were correct, filming was taking place!

A security person standing by this sign advised us that we could go and watch if we wanted to. So we did just that, we followed the sound of the voices and...

...tell tell signs such as equipment, cables.

We finally reached the scene.

I took a sneaky picture of some of the film crew, among them was Director Bryan Singer (shown below) known for directing/producing films such as X-Men First Class and many other well know movies and TV programmes. (Picture below - Totalfilm.com)

One of the security people spent a bit of time chatting with us about what was going on and pointed to a man in a brown leather jacket, it was the lead actor Nicholas Hoult playing the role of Jack in Jack the Giant Killer (Due to be released in 2012). I didn't take a picture as I didn't think it appropriate, it probably would not have come out well as it was quite dark under the cover of the trees and rocks. We watched as a camera on a zip wire went from one end to another. We were told that the next film they will be working on is the next James Bond....

Nicholas Hoult (Picture - thefilmreview.com)
We left the filming scene behind to resume our walk around the forest. As we had arrived so late in the day, the forest was quiet (apart from film crew), we were the only ones walking around. A BIG bonus for me as I always love having a place to myself. Not quite the same if the forest had been full of people. All we could hear was the sound of the birds, bees and the breeze on the trees.

Some of you may think these pictures look somewhat familiar. Several scenes from the TV series "Merlin" have been filmed here!

The place I am talking about is called PUZZLEWOOD.



Reluctantly time to leave the forest.

Nicholas Hoult walked right past us after the filming was over. I was not expecting to see him then and didn't have my camera ready...isn't it always the way!

I managed to get my camera out on time for the donkeys though....not quite the same, I know....

Although the filming was unexpected and very interesting, it was the forest which was the real highlight of the day for me. The brochure I picked up and my photos just don't do the place justice enough. You have to be there to experience this beautiful and very atmospheric place. It left quite an impression on me.

We ended the day by having a meal in a pub by the canal.

A really good day!

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

19 comments:

salty pebble said...

i cant get over the magical light in your pictures! absolutely stunning!
and to share it with a film crew! i can see just why they were there! the light rays, the beauty of that forest and the magical images! -wonderful!!!! thanks for sharing x

Jem said...

Do you have a new header?! It's lovely! Beautiful pictures and I like the font too!

What an idyllic day! The Forest of Dean is stunning, I've only been once in my early teens but it left an impression!

Jem xXx

Used-to-Bees said...

Those are amazing photos of the light through the trees - very atmospheric! How exciting to come across the filming. Hope Nicholas Hoult reads this - I'm sure he'll be pleased to know the donkeys didn't quite compare (tee-hee!)
x

Marigold Jam said...

Lovely photos. I lived in the Forest of Dean for several years in my childhood and it is where my mother's family all come from so it was good to see some of it again.

sarah-jane down the lane said...

Such beautiful light and magical too! I like the sound of the film, based on Jack and the bean stalk do you think? I loved the donkeys just as much as seeing Nicholas Hoult!

Sarah x

Tina said...

Hi Isabelle!
Wow, your pictures look absolutely stunning! Really magical. You were so lucky to see a movie making right then and there. Amazing!
xx

Elderberry-Rob said...

Lucky you and your pictures are beautiful, the light really sets the scene - I loved 'Merlin' so loved to see everything here. You go to lots of really interesting and pretty places. Bettyx

LissyLou said...

those pics are amazing - so magical xx

June said...

I love days like this when the unexpected happen - it makes it magical and a day to remember. Stunning photography.
June

Lx @ Twelve said...

Oh your pictures are beautiful!, I so enjoyed reading his post.... Lovely

Lx

LandGirl1980 said...

What FAB shots!

millefeuilles said...

Hello Isabelle,

Thank you so much for sharing that really special moment with us. The forest certainly does look magical... as if anything could and would happen.

What a beautiful experience.

Stephanie

Pixie said...

Oh what wonderful pictures of the puzzlewood, and thank you too for the inspiration, Mr Pixie and I are heading that way for a few days of escapism next week and we couldnt decide where we wanted to go, but now after seeing your pictures i think we shall definatly be taking a wander in the woods.
Pixie :)

Anonymous said...

Magical post, Isabelle. It reminds me of the time we saw the Brontes being filmed at Haworth. Very exciting! I wouldn't be surprised if there are fairies watching that show being filmed. And I had a good laugh at the donkeys. Never mind, they are so sweet. xx

jill said...

Hi,what magical photos.Your blog always looks so pretty.Love Jill xx

melanie said...

What a fabulous forest, I would love to go there! :) xxx

Unknown said...

Funny, I just came across your blog from a link with somebody who watches my blog...and we're off to Puzzlewood on friday - the kids love it (even the 15yr old).....so great to hear other people enjoy it too...

Anonymous said...

ooh gosh so exciting ,looks like a great setting.I found you through blog hopping at Jules sew pretty and so glad I did.Love your blog.take care,juliexxxx

Sally Stafford said...

great pictures of a magical place...literally up the road from me. So pleased that you enjoyed your Forest visit and are sharing it!