Alice filming starts in Torpoint
FANS hoping for a glimpse of one of Hollywood’s most desirable men in Plymouth look like they will be disappointed.
Ever since the announcement some weeks ago that scenes from the new Disney film Alice in Wonderland would be filmed at Antony House near Torpoint, it’s been heavily rumoured that Johnny Depp would star in it – and arrive here for filming.
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For the number of security guards at Antony House one could be forgiven for thinking a Hollywood A-lister had come to town... but sadly we’ve got news for you.
A spokeswoman for the production has told The Herald that the heart-throb won’t be filming at Antony, in Plymouth or indeed anywhere in the UK.
She added that Disney had not even confirmed he would be appearing in the film at all, although the star has long been a first choice for director Tim Burton.
It is believed the Mad Hatters’ tea party is among the scenes being shot in Antony. Mr Depp is rumoured to be playing the part of the Mad Hatter, but it is also rumoured he will be a CGI graphic. All of which means that it may be some time before we get any official confirmation of how or if Depp will actually appear in the film.
Meanwhile, at Antony House filming has started and has already been creating a buzz of activity at the historic site. For the coming weeks more than 250 extras, from Plymouth and surrounding areas, will be dressing up and acting in scenes under the expert hand of Tim Burton.
And yesterday The Herald visited the set to catch a glimpse of tinseltown’s adopted home.
Surrounded by women wearing the period costume, complete with corsets, wigs and bonnets, it was The Herald photographer and I that looked out of place in the grounds of Antony House.
Walking down the long and winding road towards Antony House you could imagine what attracted the gothic-inspired director to the setting.
Ancient oak trees overarch the stretch blocking out the sunlight.
Despite the hustle and bustle of the film set further down the road, the estate’s silence is deathly.
Upon reaching Antony House itself you immediately realise the grand scale of the production. Between 600 and 700 people, ranging from actors, extras, cameramen and production staff, are believed to be operating at the site. Hundreds of cars park in a field converted to a make-shift car park. Adjacent to them are large trailers presumably used for wardrobe fittings and catering and hospitality.
Big, burly – but nonetheless friendly – security guards line the site like a human brick wall.
Despite the disappointment over Depp, looking at the set and those involved you can see that the local economy has to be a winner in all of this. Countless taxis and catering companies are present at the site, and all the actors and production staff involved are presumably staying and dining locally.
While Disney will no doubt add its own glitz and glamour to the scenes, you have to admit Tinseltown’s visit is a great advert for what we have on our own doorstep.
Alice in Wonderland, which is due for release in 2010, will be shown in 3-D and will see Australian newcomer Mia Wasikowska play the part of Alice.
48 Comments
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by roxanne marie, Baguio City, PI
Monday, February 09 2009, 11:54AM
“I hope they make her look like how she's illustrated in the book, hairstyle & dress--Alice (Mia W.), I mean.
For those of you who want to know who's playing who, check out this website:
htt p://ww w.imdb.com/title/tt1014759/
(:”
by Be4merchants NYC, Texas
Thursday, December 04 2008, 8:27PM
“WOW......that is about all I can say is WOW! It is what it is and I hope that you all get out of it what you desire and that the Man has his peace. Which obviously looks like he is trying.
Ta ta looking forward to veiwing the craft of Tim and etc.”
by angela, Plymouth
Wednesday, September 24 2008, 6:37PM
“It clearly states that Johnny Depp is NOT in PLYMOUTH OR ANYWHERE else in the UK.
I think someone is having you on Zoe”
by Lily, Mountbatten
Tuesday, September 23 2008, 3:41PM
“Zoe, is Johnny really here? I heard that he was narrating only and that he wouldn't be on location. Good luck to all the young people involved, its a great experience. Take no notice of Molly, she is a bit sad.”
by zoe, plymouth
Tuesday, September 23 2008, 1:22PM
“Johnny Depp is in the film. He flew in on Friday. We all watched the pivate helicopter fly in then a limo pic him up and drop him to another part of the grounds.
To all of you who say you ''dont care about all the happenings'' Why bother reading this post, ''Then taking the time to comment????......Yeah really sounds like you dont care....And MOLLY no i am not a skinney janner, or a 'FAT' Janner....Your comments are very cruel and everyone is sick of your blah blah blah.”
by Lily, Mountbatten
Tuesday, September 23 2008, 9:12AM
“Luke, good for you. I too can't imagine why people are not pleased about this. I think its wonderful that a potential blockbuster is being filmed here. You get a lots of old cynics on this site.”
by Neil Shaw, Web Editor
Monday, September 22 2008, 6:28AM
“Thanks for the comments. The Herald was given access to the set by the on-site security firm and the National Trust, for limited photographic purposes.
Not all the images in the slideshow were taken by Herald photographers.
Hope this clears things up.”
by A.N.Other, elsewhere
Sunday, September 21 2008, 2:48PM
“Just a point - the Herald claim they were "visiting the set" and yet they had to take photos of 'Alice' through the bushes (see slideshow) and none of the costumed women even knew the photographer was there, let alone gave permission to use their pictures in this article. (I'm an extra- not pictured here- which is why I know). I appreciate this is a big thing for Plymouth, but sneaking around like dodgy paparrazi? come on Herald, have some dignity.”
by luke, plymouth
Sunday, September 21 2008, 10:48AM
“firstly i cant believe the state that some people are getting in other this!! and Secondly, i was succesful enough to get the job as an extra and im loving every minute of it! Johnny and Matt will NOT be filming in plymouth, they have no need to be here as the scenes being filmed are before and after alice is in wonderland, they will be used during the time shes in wonderland! To be honest im not dissapointed, yes it would be amazing to work with them, but i didnt audition just so i get to see them, its the experience of working on a film set and being directed by Tim Burton, not many people can say that! This film has everything a hollywood blockbuster needs and is pretty certain to be a box office hit! the girls pictured are on their way to the set, walking from the hair and make up tents, the vechile is a generator, to heat the tents and provide electric. i find it strange how some people cant see this as a positive or exciting thing for plymouth.”
by Molly, Sutton
Saturday, September 20 2008, 5:27PM
“Not so cosmoploitan Lily is confusing Watford and Watford Gap which are some considerable distance apart.”