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14
May
First look at Christmas film ‘Tinsel Town’ shot in Knaresborough
A still image of a Christmas film shot in Knaresborough has been released today (May 14).
Hollywood descended on Knaresborough for several weeks in February as Tinsel Town, a Sky and Future Artists Entertainment production, transformed the town into a winter wonderland.
The film, which will be released this Christmas, tells the story of famous actor Bradley Mack, played by Emmy Award-winning Keifer Sutherland, whose career is in decline.
He heads to a quaint English town to rebuild his image, only for his long-suffering agent (Katherine Ryan) to land him a role in the local production of Cinderella.
It is there he meets a no-nonsense choreographer named Jill, played by Pitch Perfect star Rebel Wilson, alongside a group of locals also taking part in the play.
The first-look image released today shows Bradley Mack with his daughter Emma (Matilda First) alongside Jill and her daughter Cara (Theodora Williams) visiting a school Christmas fair.
Kiefer Sutherland, Matilda Firth, Rebel Wilson and Theodora Williams. Credit: Sky UK and photographer Matt Squire.
Knaresborough was buzzing with excitement at the time and revelled in the star-studded cast who spent days in the town, including Danny Dyer.
Gladiator II star Derek Jacobi, Waterloo Road actor Jason Manford, and Lucien Laviscount, known for his role in Emily in Paris, also feature in the film.
In February, the Stray Ferret visited Knaresborough Castle and the Castle Yard, which had been transformed into a Christmas fair during filming (see below).
Filming took place at the Castle Yard. Danny Dyer with Helen Baxter and Kelly Teggin. Photo: Kelly Teggin
An official release date has not yet been revealed, but Tinsel Town will be available to stream on Sky Cinema this Christmas.
It was directed by Chris Foggin, who also directed Bank of Dave.
Filming in Green Dragon Yard, Knaresborough. Pic: Jodie Teggin and Kelly Young
Film ‘put Knaresborough on the Hollywood map’
Kelly Teggin, owner of Kelly Teggin Hairdressing on Castlegate and member of Knaresborough and District Chamber, told the Stray Ferret at the time that production has "put Knaresborough on the Hollywood map”.
Ms Teggin, who has had her salon on Castlegate for 18 years, said the quaint area can get quiet during winter months — but not this year.
She said:
It’s nice to have some attention on Knaresborough. The crew also haven’t covered the shop names, which made me feel so pleased for the whole street.
It all feels so authentic and it’s great for businesses tucked down these side streets that are at the heart of Knaresborough.
(L) Rebel Wilson and Danny Dyer filming on Castlegate. Credit: Kelly Teggin. (R) Filming on Green Dragon Yard. Credit: Jodie Teggin.
The production crew included people from Whixley, Kirk Hammerton, Hunsingore, York and Harrogate.
Ms Teggin welcomed the spotlight the production has placed on Knaresborough, as well as the benefits to the local economy:
There are lots of local people working on the film, so it’s generating money for the local economy. We’re so excited about the celebrities being in Knaresborough, but we also want to look after the businesses and residents
Kelly Teggin Hairdressing, The Yorkshire Bees Wax Company, Flamingos Tea Room and Tommy’s Barbers are all expected to be visible in the film.
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