We went en famille to see Skyfall last weekend. (What a culturally diverse life she leads, I hear you cry). I don’t usually join the other two for a Bond film but this was different. From the beginning of this year, odd things were happening on our local common land, an area we often walk and know pretty well. Juggernauts, Portacabins and marquees moved in along with set builders, a tower crane and security. Over the space of a few weeks, our stamping ground was transformed into the latest James Bond movie set. The chapel, the mansion and barn were created with the most intricate attention to detail. I was able to get up close to the “stone” wall surrounding the chapel to discover it had been constructed from plastic blocks, overlain with painted sand to mimic lichen. It was fascinating and rather than spoil the magic of the film for me, knowing how all this had been achieved enhanced the experience. In another life, I’m going to be a set designer.
Over the weeks we became obsessed, dashing up to the common at every opportunity to watch the progress and hope for a glimpse of the action. We were not disappointed. One Saturday we were able to watch the rehearsal of the helicopter flying in. We also spied the Aston Martin DB5. The security guys were really helpful as long as we were not filming with mega long lenses, as in the case of one over enthusiastic fan, who was escorted away pronto when he set up his camera, proportions of which the paparazzi would be proud.
We did take a few pictures but promised we wouldn’t do anything with them until the film was out. So here they are, to prove that Skyfall is actually in Surrey, not Scotland. And just for the record, I did enjoy the film.
The timber frame goes up
Skyfall
The Chapel
Had to have the car – excuse the poor quality!
OMG Jenny, you kept that under your hat! I absolutely loved the film but you have the added advantage of exclusivity of location. Well done you and love your blog x Kay Pickard – classmate
Thanks, Kay – it was a great privilege to see how a major film is produced – and all for free!
Did they let you keep the castle? You know, maybe use it for the location of a discount superstore: The Royal Discount Warehouse: “Where low prices are king?” Yeahhhh… probably not. Either way, Very Cool — and I can’t wait to see the movie!
Ha! That would be a step too far! No souvenirs unfortunately – and the common looks just as it did before the crew moved in.
Oh. I don’t know if you will see this but Jenny! I am so belatedly happy you found this out about Skyfall and will try to rent it soon. Mom likes 007 so when I go there for my first full week off this year, I shall be happy to watch it. Although not nearly as exciting, the Avengers movies have some scenes filmed in Cleveland, Ohio. 🙂
Wow, this is an old post Robin, thanks for finding it – perhaps I should do a reblog?
I wasn’t ever a huge James Bond fan but watching all of this set being created virtually on our doorstep was just so exciting that we all rushed to see the film where so much of our common land could be seen. And yes, I enjoyed the film, it was a bit of escapist fun.
I have seen “Skyfall” and so happy you recognize the wonderful scenery! I saw this later, after this post, and was so excited when the chapel and castle were displayed and whispered, “My friend, Jenny, lives close to where this was filmed!”
I was wondering, Jenny, new film with 007, “Scepter,” coming out soon here. Any scenes that have buildings or created scenes from around your house, Jenny? 🙂
Funny you should back track to this post Robin. It is the post that has had the most hits of all time, yet few comments because when I wrote it, I was quite new to blogging therefore had not met up with the lovely community I now have on WordPress. I was thinking of doing a reblog in light of Spectre being released. But no, sadly none of the scenes were filmed around us this time.
There are however several other films that have used the same or nearby locations – Band of Brothers – the miniseries was one of them as was Gladiator. We are always watching out for the little coded signs that pop up on our street signs: these let the film crews know they are going in the right direction.
Skyfall was definitely the most exciting though – we were able to watch rehearsals of the helicopters flying low over the “mansion.”
Thanks for the interest you show in my posts – it’s always a pleasure to chat with you over the miles xx
I missed this post Jenny. How interesting to see the film come to shape, do blog again if anything else materialises.
Well, I think I posted this long before we made acquaintance, Diane! Interestingly, this post has had more hits than any others.
Hankley Common is a great place for dog walking, by the way – and there is often film crew activity there.
Hahaha… we just re-watched this movie on TV and then I saw your follow on my flower blog, which highlighted this post. How utterly weird! Did you see it get shot down then?
I wish! We we’re very fortunate to watch the rehearsal of the helicopter approaching Skyfall. They did it one sunny afternoon. We were squirrelled away in the heather on a slope opposite the action. It was fascinating to see how everything slotted together once we saw the real thing in the cinema.
Amazing how much work is involved in making those film sets.
I know. Some details are so tiny you wonder why they bother! I went to the Harry Potter studios here recently. Not a huge Potter fan, it has to be said, but even I was awestruck at the attention to detail here. The dedication and work put in behind the scenes is truly magical. I was almost converted😀
Fascinating post. Hadn’t realised all this took place not far from my own home ground.
What a shame you missed it! It turned me into a James Bond fan😀