Thursday, August 21, 2008
Historic house unveiled as location for Tim Burton's Alice film
HISTORIC Antony House has been chosen as one of the filming locations for a blockbuster movie by Disney.
The Herald has learned the National Trust property, near Torpoint, will be closed to the public from September 1 until October 14 to allow filming to take place.
Filming on the Tim Burton-directed movie, Alice in Wonderland, will be staged over two weeks in September.
The 18th century house, its garden and the Woodland Garden, are likely to be used for filming.
The news came as film fever began sweeping Plymouth again with extras being told if they have been successful in landing a part in the movie.
Male hopefuls who auditioned for the blockbuster were being told today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday) by text message.
Female hopefuls will be told at a later date.
Up to 250 city extras are expected to be chosen for the big screen adaptation of the classic tale, which is heavily rumoured to star heart-throb Johnny Depp will star as the Mad Hatter.
Rebecca Miller, National Trust house and visitor services manager for Antony said: "We are absolutely over the moon that Antony has been chosen as a location for Tim Burton's new film Alice in Wonderland.
"One of the reasons it was chosen was because it's a hidden gem – it's one of the Trust's lesser known properties and they felt this fitted in very well with the feel of the film."
Antony is an early 18th century mansion set in parkland and fine gardens.
The house has been and continues to be the home of the Carew Pole family for 600 years.
Harvey Edgington, the National Trust's broadcast media liaison officer added: "The National Trust happily provides locations when possible, to a variety of films, TV dramas, documentaries and commercials.
"Clearly there is a direct financial benefit to the Trust, a charity where four out of five properties run at a loss every year due to conservation demands.
"Alice in Wonderland will not only help raise funds for the ongoing conservation work needed at Antony, but will also contribute to the local economy by having the crew on location."
One of the successful audition applicants was Laurence Clements from Lydford.
The 23-year-old said he found out he had been successful in becoming one of the film's extras earlier this afternoon (Thursday).
"I was told via text message," he said.
"The message just said congratulations, you have been successful in becoming an extra in a Disney movie, and then asked me to phone a telephone number.
"It's exciting really. I didn't know whether I would hear back at all. The longer it goes on the less you believe it will happen."
A spokesman for the casting agents, Mad Dog Casting Ltd, said the other filming locations were being kept "top secret".
"The extras will not be told where they are filming until the night before the shoot," the spokesman added.
A whopping 3,000 Plymothians queued up for the auditions outside the New Continental Hotel in the city centre earlier this month.
Three dogs were also cast to appear in the movie.
The film, which is due for release in 2010, will be shown in 3-D, and has all the hallmarks of a massive box office hit.
Director Burton has already made his name on hit films, including Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Edward Scissorhands, which also starred A-lister Depp.
Australian newcomer Mia Wasikowska will play the part of Alice.
tnichols@theplymouthherald.co.uk
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anyone looking for accommodation whilst filming at the national trust Antony house Alice In Wonderland. Give us a try on 01503240663 at www.great-trethew-manor.co.uk
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many thanks and look forward to meeting you speak to jane for some great discounts.
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