Filming on Firebrand generated £3m for local Derbyshire economy
Shooting on Firebrand, the new film starring Alicia Vikander as Catherine Parr, generated more than £3m into the local Peak District economy, according to the Derbyshire Times.
Filming took place entirely in Derbyshire’s Haddon Hall, a stately home on the River Wye near Bakewell. Formerly a seat of the Dukes of Rutland, it is now the home of Lord Edward Manners and his family.
It is rare for a feature to shoot wholly in one location, as producer Gabrielle Tana told the local news outlet, the country house enabled this with ease: “To stay in one location throughout the duration of a shoot is highly unusual but given that we had the extraordinary location of Haddon Hall itself, we were able to create our own studio practically within its walls.
“While the usual process with accommodation tends to see large hotels booked, with cast and crew bussed to the film location, given that we were here for eight weeks it enabled us to take a more wholesome approach, using smaller, independent hotels and properties, which created a continuity for the cast and crew, really allowing them to settle in and focus entirely on the job at hand. Overall, it was a much more enjoyable experience for everyone.
“We really integrated into the local community, with our accommodation, renting cottages and hotel rooms all in the areas surrounding Haddon Hall. We’ve used as much local crew as possible, including lots of trainees, with one of our aims being to help mentor young people who are new to the film industry.
“Most of the extras used in the film are local, and through each of the departments we have crew members from the surrounding area including Chesterfield, Sheffield and Nottingham. Our catering sourced local produce, we used a local florist for our wrap bouquets, and the cast and crews per diems were spent in the local restaurants and shops.”
"Having worked in this region before – I shot The Duchess at Chatsworth in 2007 – I know what a boon the film was for the number of visitors to Chatsworth, and I hope the same will happen for Haddon Hall.”
Lady Edward Manners added: “Haddon Hall has been the location of choice for many films over the years but this is the first time we’ve had a film shot here in its entirety and it really stood out to us a unique proposition, particularly with their plans to immerse themselves within the local community during their time here.”
“Our team did a magnificent job of working alongside the crew, while also ensuring the hall was protected at all times. It has been truly wonderful to see Haddon taken back in time and we are looking forward to seeing the film when it is released in the UK.”
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