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12
Feb
What does the Hollywood takeover mean for Knaresborough?
Hollywood has descended on Knaresborough over the last few weeks.
Tinsel Town, a Sky and Future Artists Entertainment production, is being filmed at locations across the town.
It tells the story of a famous actor named Bradley Mack, played by Kiefer Sutherland, whose career is in decline.
He heads to a quaint English town to rebuild his image, only for his agent to land him a role in the local Christmas production of Cinderella, where he meets no-nonsense choreographer, Jill, played by Rebel Wilson.
Knaresborough has been buzzing over the excitement of having the two actors and fellow star Danny Dyer in town. But beyond that, what does it mean for the town?
The Stray Ferret visited Knaresborough today, as filming took place in the Castle Yard. The area was mostly sealed off after crowds gathered to watch filming last night.
We spoke to a number of local businesses as well as traders at the weekly Wednesday market about the production, all of whom welcomed the taste of tinsel town.
Michael Landreth
Michael Landreth, owner of The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Co on Green Dragon Yard, where filming has taken place, told the Stray Ferret Tinsel Town has “improved footfall hugely”.
He added:
It’s come at the right time; people obviously have less money to spend after Christmas but it’s given people a real boost. The film crew have also been fantastic.
It’s put people onto Knaresborough. It’s definitely bringing people into the town – it has spread the word.
Filming in Green Dragon Yard, Knaresborough. Pic: Jodie Teggin and Kelly Young
Filming taking place on Castlegate. Credit: Kelly Teggin
Besides Green Dragon Yard and the castle grounds, filming has also taken place on Castlegate, Waterside and Kirkgate.
'It all feels so authentic'
Kelly Teggin, owner of Kelly Teggin Hairdressing on Castlegate and member of Knaresborough and District Chamber, told the Stray Ferret the 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.
Kelly Teggin, owner of Kelly Teggin Hairdressing
The production crew includes 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.
She said:
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.
(L) Rebel Wilson and Danny Dyer filming on Castlegate. Credit: Kelly Teggin. (R) Filming on Green Dragon Yard. Credit: Jodie Teggin.
'Film watchers are coming round'
Market trader David Tomlinson, who has had a stall at Knaresborough Market for 18 years, told the Stray Ferret: “any filming is excellent for business”.
He said there was a “real buzz” across the town, adding:
It’s really showing off the town and that’s what we want – the more of that, the better!
Andrea Fordred, who along with her daughter owns Flamingos Tea Room on Green Dragon Yard, said “film watchers have been coming round” to the tearoom.
She said:
We’ve had people wanting to sit in the window and wait for it – it’s definitely made us busier. It’s really helping the town and it’s making it a go-to place. The town has a buzz anyway, I think, but the production firm have been really respectful.
Sarah Chisem, director at Knaresborough Podiatry, which is also on Green Dragon Yard, told the Stray Ferret the film has caused "quite a stir" among locals and tourists.
She said her business had seen an increase in enquiries since filming commenced, and that the production is great publicity for Knaresborough.
Ms Chisem added:
Knaresborough is a beautiful town and I consider myself lucky to live and work here.
I think we will see the impact the film has in the coming months and certainly after its release. At a time when the high streets across the country are struggling with inflated rents and low footfall due to people spending less, it's good to get that boost to our market town.
The movie was being filmed at the Castle Yard today.
Kelly Teggin Hairdressing, The Yorkshire Bees Wax Company, Flamingos Tea Room and Tommy’s Barbers are all expected to be visible in the film.
The Stray Ferret understands filming will also take place at Knaresborough House.
Tinsel Town is being directed by Chris Foggin, who directed Bank of Dave, and is coming to Sky Cinema this Christmas.
Jodie Teggin (L) and Kirsty Bridson (R) with Rebel Wilson and Danny Dyer.
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