Hollywood scriptwriter David S Goyer says Swansea is the real deal
HOLLYWOOD scriptwriter David S Goyer says Swansea will become a key filming destination.
The US screenwriter and director, whose writing credits include the Dark Knight Rises and Blade, believes the 265,000 square feet of stage at Bay studios in Fabian Way is a huge draw.
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Da Vinci’s Demons writer David S Goyer on the set at Margam Castle
Mr Goyer, who first visited Wales on a bike trip when he was 16, is shooting the historical fantasy Da Vinci's Demons at locations in Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, including Margam Castle, along with the studios.
It is the first joint production from the premiere cable channel Starz Entertainment and BBC Worldwide Productions and tells a story based on Leonardo da Vinci's life.
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Mr Goyer said he was enjoying the experience of filming in Wales — despite the bad weather.
He said: "Wales is becoming more of a filming destination.
"It has happened in Cardiff with Doctor Who and I could see that happen and there being another centre in Swansea.
"The facility in Fabian Way (in the former Visteon plant) is more than 250,000 feet."
He said the production companies behind the project were impressed with what they had seen so far.
"I would like to (film another series) — they (the producers) are very pleased with the first three episodes," he added.
"I am having the time of my life. "Wales has been fantastic, but very wet — it's been a challenging shoot. We had the worst weather in history in the episodes I was working on."
He added: "But I love it, it's beautiful here."
Mr Goyer said he would not have been able to film the series in the US as it isn't home to castles as Wales is.
The production has already given the local economy a £20 million cash injection and out of that figure a total of £12 million covers the cost of the wage bill.
A total of £750,000 has been spent on materials on set and the show has created 3,300 temporary jobs along with 163 permanent jobs.
Da Vinci's Demons stars English actor Tom Riley, who has previously appeared in Monroe and Bouquet of Barbed Wire, as the young Da Vinci and Laura Haddock, from Upstairs Downstairs, will play Lucrezia Donati, the mistress of Lorenzo Medici and lover of Leonardo da Vinci.
Mr Goyer, who is no stranger to working on films about comic book heroes, says the Da Vinci story would have a modern twist.
"We are treating Da Vinci as if he was the first superhero," he said. "It's one part Da Vinci and one part Sherlock Holmes — there's a lot more action than people expect.
"The Da Vinci story we have is based on historical fact and has a compressed timeline."
He revealed viewers can expect the show to be filled with mystery and sexual intrigue.
elizabeth.perkins@swwmedia.co.uk
Comments
by arnoldlane
Thursday, September 27 2012, 10:21PM
“doing Da Vince in Tenby wednesday come along and meet me. also the other extras from bristol cardiff etc”
by arnoldlane
Thursday, September 27 2012, 10:20PM
“o”
by Anon300
Thursday, September 27 2012, 12:53PM
“by arnoldlane - Is there a bit of sour grapes here from you because your not good enough”
by Philosoraptor
Thursday, September 27 2012, 11:26AM
“PS. Name calling is not mature and instantly invalidates any positive influence in ones argument.”
by Philosoraptor
Thursday, September 27 2012, 11:25AM
“Actually arnold, I know what I am talking about... and since when were institutions like the Da West Glamorgan Youth Theatre in London or Bristol?
You have no idea what you are talking about, I suggest you log off to save yourself further embarrassment. Your knowledge, as shown from what you are writing, is zero.”
by arnoldlane
Thursday, September 27 2012, 10:29AM
“Hackerjack.
The Bristol company also supply people for work in Wales such as Casualyty, Dr Who.Stella, Merlin most of which come from Bristol, there is a production as we write being filmed in Pencoed yes Pencoed most are from Bristol. Stella fimed in Tnypandy the same.”
by arnoldlane
Thursday, September 27 2012, 10:25AM
“Travel costs thats a laugh, you get yourself there. YOU GET £95 FOR A 12 HOUR CONTINUOS DAY, NO BREAKS UNLESS THEY DECIDE.
Sit around most of the day in a cold warehouse trust me its slave labour but there are those that do it as they think they are going to get discovered.”
by hacker_jack
Thursday, September 27 2012, 10:24AM
“Arnold, that might be true (about the extras), though I suspect a Bristol agency will have many Welsh people on it's books who are willing to travel for work.
Anyway, the point is that the majority of jobs taken by locals will not be on-set jobs but rather the ancillary support roles such as caterers, riggers, cleaners, security etc. Those ARE going to local agency workers.”
by arnoldlane
Thursday, September 27 2012, 10:17AM
“philostaratro
The two companies emplying the extras are based in London and Bristol, belive me I have worked there most are from Bristol and beyond. There are some there from the midland, Shewsbury, Nottingham and down west.”
by arnoldlane
Thursday, September 27 2012, 10:14AM
“hadoken4543.
Clearly you have never been on a set, the actors look down on you and wont even speak to you, you speak to them first and you could get thrown off the set. As far as the hundred quid you quote its more like £55 after everything is taken out.
If you look at what the BBC reported most of the scenes are computer generated so they could film this almost anywhere. As someone who has been there and got the t shirt I dont think Swansea will be used for a second series if they do have one but that is my opinion which I am entitled top express.”