The first film shot based on C.S. Lewis’ famous Chronicles of Narnia series was “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.(TLWR)” One of the features that made this film such a blockbuster was the on-location filming done in the beautiful and stunning landscapes of New Zealand, the same locale for the LOTR’s trilogy. Other outdoor scenes were shot in the beautiful countrysides around Ireland.
It was assumed that the sequel to TLWR would capitalize on more of that gorgeous setting, however today the Times of London is reporting that most of the filming will take place at the Pinewood Studios in London.
Disney Pictures, the company behind the production has suffered recently with various financial cutbacks, and one has to wonder if these recent financial changes might not be responsible for the decision.
Andy Bird, the president of Walt Disney International, told an audience of television executives in London last week that shooting would begin in February 2007 and that post-production would also take place in Great Britain, the Times reported. According to insiders, budget had some but only slight impact on the choice of Pinewood. The major factor involved was the story itself. Most of Prince Caspian’s initial setting takes place in Britain during WWII. One thousand years has passed in Narnia’s time-frame before the Pevensie clan make their way back to that enchanted land.
Most of Narnia will be created via CGI technology, and we can only assume also some live-action shots in nearby Ireland.
Andrew Adamson, the man behind TLWR will also helm “Prince Caspian” which is pushing for a May 2008 release date.
***UPDATE***
Updated: 12/12/06
Just one day after the Times of London reported that Prince Caspian would be doing all its main shoots on the soundstages of Pinewood Studio in London, it is now being reported by Variety that the plan is to move the entire production to the new $4.7 million Barrandov Studio soundstage located in Prague, Czech Republic.
So which is it? London or Praque? Nobody official from the production is speaking either way at the moment, so hang in there for future updates as we have them.
