Snow White on the beach as Pembrokeshire proves main attraction for Hollywood ... - WalesOnline
PEMBROKESHIRE'S dramatic coastline has once more been transformed into a set for a Hollywood blockbuster.
Scenes for Snow White and the Huntsman, directed by Rupert Sanders, are this week being shot on Marloes Sands, with construction of the film set recently completed.
Kristen Stewart, who shot to fame playing Bella Swan in the vampire-themed Twilight saga, stars in the lead role of Snow White.
She was yesterday spotted wearing knights armour as she rode horseback on the spectacular beach.
The actress' stunt double has sparked a few false sightings in recent days, while it's believed Stewart has actually been flying into Pembrokeshire from London each day by helicopter.
Film-makers Universal Pictures remain tightlipped about the filming schedule for Snow White and the Huntsman, but a cavalry of horses was seen galloping towards nearby Gateholm Island and it is understood a castle is to be digitally superimposed into the scene.
Due for release next summer, the film boasts a stella cast, with Stewart supported by Oscar winner Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Lily Cole, Ray Winstone and Bob Hoskins.
It is described as a twist to the fairy tale, with the Huntsman (Hemsworth) who is ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed, then becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen (Theron).
Susan Jervis, who manages the nearby Broadhaven Youth Hostel, said the area was already bustling with crew members.
"Film students helping with production are staying at the Marloes hostel and we are told that Kristen Stewart has been flying in each day from London," she said.
"The fact that we have had several film crews here over the years is a major boost and there is no doubt that it brings a fresh interest for visitors, particularly going into the winter months.
"I'm told that filming is to be completed by Friday, but we are sure that it will spark great interest in Marloes Sands and the surrounding area."
Pembrokeshire's panoramic views, dramatic coastline and unspoilt sandy beaches have been captured on the silver screen in films throughout the last five decades.
Freshwater West provided the backdrop to Sir Ridley Scott's battle scenes for his version of Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe. Film crews took residence in local hotels in the summer of 2009. The beach also masqueraded as the white cliffs of Dover in Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows.
Barafundle Bay – considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Wales – was used as the main setting for 2010 film Third Star, featuring Sherlock Holmes star Benedict Cumberbatch.
Over the decades, Pembrokeshire's landscape has been graced by actors including Cate Blanchet, Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Watson, Gregory Peck, Anthony Hopkins, Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton.
The Hollywood association has been welcomed by tourism bosses, who are in no doubt that such attention is one of the most effective marketing tools for not only Pembrokeshire but for Wales as a whole.
Alison Belton, chief executive of Pembrokeshire Tourism, said not only does it bring immediate business and interest to the area, it also works to publicise Pembrokeshire as a tourist destination.
"There is no doubt that any part in films of such magnitude works as a fantastic marketing tool for the tourism industry," Ms Belton said.
"Because films like Harry Potter reaches a worldwide market, particularly of a younger generation, it is important that we keep embracing the marketing opportunities here."
Now Marloes Sands – a vast remote beach which remains uncrowded throughout the year – could become a new mecca for film buffs.
Latest tourism figures show visitor numbers in Pembrokeshire rose by almost 30,000 to 4.2 million last year, while visitor spending was up 5.4% to £544m.
Third Star producer Kelly Broad said the beauty of Pembrokeshire played a vital part in setting film there.
"At all times we were aware of what a magical place it was.
"Indeed, the crew still talk to me about it.
"Each day to wake up to the beautiful craggy cliffs, the nooks and crannies, the rolling hills and the wide sandy beaches, was pure bliss for film-making."
Sue Twidale, who owns the Clock House Bed and Breakfast in Marloes, where film-makers from Snow White and the Huntsman are staying, said: "There is no doubt that film producers help bring a boost to the local economy and have made a conscious effort to locate crew at local establishments such as ours.
"A film such as this will no doubt spark interest in the area and entice more tourists, which is certainly welcome," she said.
28 Sep, 2011--
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