Written by on Oct 4, 2012. Posted in Production News

Period drama doubles Isle of Man for Bristol in Pinewood collaboration

A new feature has turned the Isle of Man into 18th Century Bristol. Filming for true-life slavery tale Belle has been focussing on Castletown harbour on the south coast of the island in the Irish Sea. The film marks the first collaboration between the Isle of Man and Pinewood Studios.

The local town hall has been used as a production base for the wardrobe department and for selecting extras. Around GBP1 million is expected to be spent locally on the production overall, Isle of Man Today reports.

Kevin Weir is Chairman of Castletown Commissioners on the Isle of Man and spoke to the outlet: “I think it’s brilliant to see filming back on the island. [The] people of the town have been patient to say the least, but saying that, the film crew has been very professional and the town hall has helped them all they can because we believe it’s in the interests of Castletown.”

Pinewood Studios recently agreed to take charge of the Isle of Man Development Fund – worth GBP25 million a year - while the island authority has taken a stake in the studios. Belle is also filming on location in London and Oxford, as well as at Pinewood itself.