news re filming dates in September

It seems certain that filming in Pierrefonds in September will be cut short, just as the filming in June was. I don’t have any firm information as to how that effects the dates. I had originally heard they were filming from 1 to 16 September. My guess is that this will be cut back to 1 to 10 September, or 6 to 16 September. However, this is only guesswork at present. I will confirm what I can as soon as I hear anything definite. Apologies for the uncertainty!

By the way: It has been confirmed that the shortened schedule in June was because less footage on location was needed, due to the nature of that block’s storylines.

possible events

There will be tv appearances and other promotional activity around the start of the new season, which will probably begin airing in mid September. We’ll post any details here that we… um, hear.

London Expo | 29-31 October | londonexpo.com
There have been Merlin panels at previous Expos, so here’s hoping they’ll attend this one as well!

Cinemagic Film Festival, Dublin | cinemagic.org.uk
The Cinemagic International Film & Television Festival for Young People was held in Dublin on 5-12 May 2010. The event ‘Merlin – Drama Showcase’ was scheduled for Monday 10 May, at Movies@Dundrum. This was described as: ‘Come and revisit the first episode of series 1 and the final episode of series 2 of the fantasy period drama based on the King Arthur legend. Cast and crew members will be taking time out from filming series 3 to talk about the making of the hit BBC show.’ It sounds as if this was intended to be similar to the BAFTA event held in London in November 2009 – which was certainly well worth a visit.

Unfortunately this event was cancelled, due to the flow-on effects on filming schedules caused by the volcanic ash. :-( However, they will try to reschedule for later in the year. If we hear anything more definite, we will post it here. It may be worth keeping an eye on the Festival scheduled for 11-26 November 2010 in Belfast.

filming

We are often asked how people can see the cast and crew filming on location.

The studio sets are all closed to the public. We never know ahead of time when and where any filming will occur in Wales or England. We only hear about filming locations after the event. So while there’s a chance of you being lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, it does indeed come down to luck. Or insider information that we’re not privy to!

The one real opportunity to watch the magic happen is at the Chateau de Pierrefonds in France. Filming generally takes place in Pierrefonds during April, June and September. Filming only takes place on weekdays. The Chateau remains open during filming, though parts of it will be unavailable. Again, much of this comes down to luck, however. If they are filming an interior scene, then you won’t have access to that room, and you won’t be able to watch. If they are filming in the courtyard, in the carpark (the tournament ground) or in front of the Chateau, then chances are you’ll be able to see what’s going on.

You will of course be asked to respect the fact that our beloved cast and crew are all working hard! Silence is requested while the cameras are rolling (someone will call out to warn you). Our cast are generally friendly and approachable, but please be respectful enough to wait until they can spare you their time and attention. Being able to see them like this is a real privilege, and we’re sure you will treat it accordingly.

Filming took place at the Chateau from 8 to 21 April, and from 3 to 17 June 2010.  

• Our information was that filming would next occur from 1 to 16 September 2010. However, it now seems that this will be cut short, and filming will only take place during two of those three weeks. I will post here with more information if/when it comes to hand.

Please keep in mind that all this is secondhand information, and has not been officially confirmed. Keep an eye on the official website of the Chateau de Pierrefonds for more information, which of course we will also post here. Note that the Chateau is closed to the public on Mondays from 5 September.

Thanks are due to various friends for the info and heads-up.

We have learned the hard way (!) that when the Chateau posts the filming dates for June and September, the first and last days involve only the crew setting things up or packing them away. The cast have not been there at all. You’d probably be wise to make plans that allow for that. And it now seems clear that the crew start work more than one day earlier than the cast in April – maybe even a week earlier.

Happy hunting!

past events

United Relief Live, Manchester | 1 May | www.sportrelief.com
Bradley played for The Rivals team against The Reds (Manchester United). The Rivals won, with the final score 6-7, and our hero kicked a penalty goal! ♥♥♥

London Expo | 29 May | londonexpo.com
There was a lovely Merlin panel featuring Johnny Capps, Colin Morgan, Angel Coulby and Katie McGrath – as well as mini!Merlin, mini!Gaius, mini!Arthur and mini!Kilgarra. Unfortunately Bradley wasn’t able to attend because of problems with the trains. Meanwhile, Colin looked sizzlingly hot…

Comic Con, Paris | 1 July | www.comic-con-france.com/en/
The con included a Merlin panel and autograph sessions featuring Angel Coulby and Katie McGrath. I humbly apologise for not thinking to list this before now. :-(

Comic Con International, San Diego | 25 July | comic-con.org/cci/
Colin Morgan, Anthony Head, Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy attended Comic Con, and participated in a one-hour panel and autograph session.

Film Funday at BFI Southbank, London | 5 September | bfi.org.uk
This began with a Merlin Funday Workshop for the kids in the foyer. Then there was a preview of the first two episodes of the third season! Followed by a panel discussion with cast and crew, involving all six of the main cast as well as producers Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy.

The usual caveats apply! I have been as careful as possible in assembling this information. As far as I can know, these addresses have worked for me and/or for others. But of course I can’t make any promises on anyone’s behalf, and I’m sorry if this doesn’t work for you.

Response times vary greatly depending on whether the actors are working or not. In particular, Colin seems to be replying to mail when he can, but also seems to have a huge backlog to get through (he assured me he had every intention of doing so, bless him). Bradley seems to let things backlog towards the latter part of the filming season, but then makes the effort to catch up. The others seem quite prompt. However, it’s always best not to expect anything for at least three months or more.

what to do

You can write to any of the actors care of the following addresses. I have included their agents’ addresses for the six main cast (and now Rupert Young aka Sir Leon! with thanks to friends for the confirmation), plus the Shine address for them and for everyone else involved in Merlin.

If you have something in particular you want them to sign for you, then you can send it along with a request. Otherwise, if you don’t send anything, they will probably respond with a signed publicity shot. You take pot luck with the latter, as you might not like the photo – but they like it, and maybe that’s more interesting!

if you want a response

If you would like a response, then you must include a self–addressed envelope, along with sufficient return postage.

the envelope: It’s probably wise to make the envelope a C4 size, to allow for a 10×8 headshot. However, Bradley responded to my mail with a postcard, so that would have only needed a regular DL size.

the return postage: Make sure you include enough postage! You are unlikely to get a response unless you make it happen. (Some people, including Richard, have been known to be generous about covering return postage, but you shouldn’t rely upon it.)

This means, if you live in the UK, checking with the Post Office whether you need more than a First Class stamp. Put a stamp of sufficient value on your self–addressed envelope.

If you live outside the UK, you need to include as many IRCs (International Reply Coupons) as necessary, and maybe one or two more to be sure, along with your self–addressed envelope. You can buy these at your local post office. Check with them about how many IRCs you will need, based on your country and the size/weight of the envelope.

resources

The FANMAIL.BIZ website is a great resource of information. Not only do they list addresses, but people report in with successes, to confirm that the addresses work. Another good place to find contact information is the SPOTLIGHT website.

FANMAIL.BIZ The Celebrity Addresses Database

SPOTLIGHT Professional Acting Jobs and Auditions since 1927

addresses

While the actors are working with Shine, this is a good address to use. Address your letter to the actor by name, and it will simply be forwarded to them.

[name]
c/o Shine TV
Head Office
109 Regent’s Park Road
London
NW1 8UR

Shine website

The alternative, both for now and for when they’re no longer working on Merlin {sniff}, is to write to them care of their agents. Again, address your letter to the actor by name, and it will be forwarded to them.

Colin Morgan
c/o United Agents (Client Contact)
12-26 Lexington Street
London
W1F 0LE

Colin’s page at United Agents

Bradley James
c/o United Agents (Client Contact)
12-26 Lexington Street
London
W1F 0LE

Bradley’s page at United Agents

Angel Coulby
c/o Curtis Brown Group Ltd
Haymarket House
28-29 Haymarket
London
SW1Y 4SP

Angel’s page at Curtis Brown

Katie McGrath
ARG
Artists Rights Group Ltd
4 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 8PA

ARG website (such as it is!)

Anthony Head
Gordon & French
12-13 Poland Street
London
W1F 8QB

Tony’s page at Gordon & French (they assure us he’s smooth, sophisticated, sexy… this is good to know)

Richard Wilson
Conway Van Gelder Grant Ltd
8–12 Broadwick Street
London
W1F 8HW

Richard’s page at Conway Van Gelder Grant

Rupert Young
Conway Van Gelder Grant Ltd
8–12 Broadwick Street
London
W1F 8HW

Good luck, my sweets!

Screen captures from the episodes are used with respect (but without permission) only for the sake of illustrating our awe of Dale’s talent! All copyright remains with BBC One and Shine Limited. Cinematography by Dale McCready, unless otherwise stated.

the rule itself

The Rule of Thirds suggests that when composing an image, whether it’s a painting or a photograph or an icon – or indeed a scene that you’re filming – you impose a grid over the image that divides it into three both vertically and horizontally. If you place the main item or items of interest either at the points where those lines intersect, or along the lines, then you will often end up with a more pleasing and dynamic image.

The Black Knight, Excalibur

I chose this image as my main illustration because it uses the rule very creatively to create a ‘still’ yet imposing feel. The black knight is impassive and unmoving for now, but he’s going to move again and you dread the moment when he does; that feeling of impending dread is created partly by the composition.

Note that the sword runs down a vertical line, with the central grove almost directly on the intersection with the lower horizontal line, while the left gauntlet is at the intersection above. The eye–slots on the helmet run above the upper horizontal line, adding to the feeling of the figure’s height. Meanwhile, the castle fills the lower third of the column on the left, and the lower two–thirds in the middle and right columns. It’s balanced and still, but not static. Just wonderful stuff, this!

applying the rule

You might apply the rule yourself when taking photographs, either deliberately or instinctively.

If you are photographing landscape, try placing the horizon along one or other horizontal line (not across the centre). Or have the sky, background and foreground fill the relevant ‘thirds’.

If you are photographing people or animals, place their eyes along the upper horizontal line, and perhaps either place their further eye on the intersection, or run a vertical line down their nose or the centre of their body.

If the object is moving, then place it so that the bulk of the space is in the direction of their movement – i.e. if the object is moving left to right, place it on the left vertical line so that the space to the right of the image is ‘open’.

The rule doesn’t have to be strictly adhered to. Placing an object or the weight/bulk of it near one of the gridlines or intersections can be just as effective as getting it spot on. Use your eye and trust your own responses rather than getting out a measuring tape!

And of course, using the rule but playing against it can be just as effective in other ways. If a person is looking off to the left, and they are in the left third of the image, with all the space behind them on the right of the image, then the image will convey a great sense of the person’s alienation or disengagement from the world.

breaking the rule

Having said all of that, this is not so much a rule as a guideline. The rule won’t fit with every subject or work with every shot. And sometimes, like any rule, it’s even more effective when it’s broken. But the rule is worth keeping in mind when you’re considering why an image does or doesn’t work, and when you’re out there creating images with your own camera or cropping them later.

Placing one main item in the ‘dead’ centre of a shot usually creates a very static image, with no movement or dynamism. If you know what you’re doing, though – as Dale does! – and use the technique sparingly, this can instead bring great weight to something you really want the viewer to pay attention to. Place it at the centre of the frame, and the viewer will hardly be able to look anywhere else.

The hemlock, The Fires of Idirsholas

I originally went to find this image as an excellent illustration of when and how to effectively break the rule… and instead found that it effectively uses the rule at the same time as breaking it! This is why Dale is my cinematography god.

The bottle of hemlock is sitting dead centre, and we (like Merlin) are drawn to it with a feeling of inevitability. Perfect example of when to break the rule!

Cleverly, though, this shot also makes great use of the rule of thirds. The columns to either side are filled with ‘neutral’ dark bottles and potions that don’t distract us from the centre of attention. However, the horizontal lines are elegantly placed just under the bottle’s stopper, and just above the eye sockets of the skull on the label. Meanwhile, our second object of interest – Merlin – is perfectly placed on the left vertical line, with his head turning into the central column as the hemlock calls to him… Astonishing!

other examples: drawing you in

As you’ll recognise, these three examples come from the opening scenes of the first episode of the show. Merlin himself is our main interest, but he draws us into the world of Camelot with his own engaging enthusiasm and some increasingly dynamic use of the camera.

Merlin, The Dragon’s Call, Geoffrey Wharton ACS

The opening shot! Merlin is bang in the centre and commands our attention – as well he should, being the main character. Interestingly, though, there is still plenty of use of the rule of thirds: the main line of the horizon runs along the upper horizontal; and the three chalk paths are placed in each of the three columns.

Merlin, The Dragon’s Call, Geoffrey Wharton ACS

Classic (almost!) use of the rule: Merlin is centred plumb on the left vertical line; and all the movement of his (and our) attention is towards the space of the right of the frame, where Camelot is about to appear. The only deviation from the rule is that it’s Merlin’s mouth rather than eyes that align with the upper horizontal – but then I think it’s all the more effective for that, as Merlin is ‘filling’ the frame and we are therefore more engaged with him and his growing interest in his surroundings.

Merlin, The Dragon’s Call, Geoffrey Wharton ACS

This is part of a lovely dynamic scene with the camera swooping around Merlin as he turns and marvels at the town of Camelot. However, even now, the rule of thirds helps to pull all the movement of it in a particular direction, along with the camera and Merlin himself.

other examples: conversing

Many of the accepted ways of representing conversations between two characters are so familiar now that we rarely even recognise any more that they are cinematic conventions rather than ‘just how things are’. I think many of them have stood the test of time partly because they often make great use of the rule of thirds. Especially the way Dale does ’em.

Gaius and Merlin conversing, The Dragon’s Call, Geoffrey Wharton ACS

Classic establishing two–shot, with Gaius and Merlin’s faces each near the upper intersections.

Arthur and Merlin, The Sins of the Father

I suspect all commentary is redundant at this point… {happy sighs} So much beauty…

Ooh, no! I do have something to point out. Not just that Arthur and his noble nose are neatly centred on one vertical – but Merlin is actually neatly centred on the other, even though he’s leaning his head in towards the centre of the frame. Beautiful, indeed! And not just the boys.

Arthur and Ygraine, The Sins of the Father

Classic over–the–shoulder shot of two people conversing. Perfect! Just perfect.

Merlin and Freya, The Lady of the Lake, Sam McCurdy ACS

More perfection: a cheekbone at the midpoint of one vertical, and clasped hands at the lower point of the other. Not to mention Freya’s face perfectly framed in one half of the central rectangle.

other examples: the drama of it all!

In the following examples, the composition and the clever use of the rule of thirds helps us focus on the key elements of a scene and adds considerably to the drama.

Uther and Merlin, Excalibur

Uther is centred on one vertical, holding the dark bulk of the helmet towards the upper intersection of the other, and poor Merlin is stuck in the centre of the shot.

Uther, Excalibur

Uther is marching out to die for Arthur’s sake. The dark–and–light of the background emphasises one vertical, while Uther’s face and the Pendragon device are just to the left of the intersections of the other.

Gaius, The Witchfinder

{whimpers} Darling brave defiant Gaius! This is such a wonderful direct shot, and all the more effective for not being centred.

Arthur, The Sins of the Father

I’ve included this partly for a friend of mine cos she adores it, but it’s still a classic example of the use of the rule, with Arthur centred on the right vertical, and the eyes of the decorative helmets balanced either side of the lower left intersection.

Merlin, The Lady of the Lake

Poor grieving Merlin! The window, his slumped figure and the steps create a terrific weight down the left vertical, while the table counterbalances it along the lower horizontal.

if you want to know more…

Most photography manuals or tutorials will include advice about this and other aspects of composition – though some (such as Photography for Dummies by Russell Hart, 1998) suggest that the Rule of Thirds isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.

Otherwise, you could start with good old Wikipedia and follow the external links, which provide plenty of ‘real life’ examples. Interestingly, Wikipedia dates this rule back to 1797.

What I really recommend, though, is that you just grab the camera, or indeed your Photoshop cropping tool, and experiment!

over to you!

I have deliberately chosen some examples that illustrate the points I’m making, but I’m aware that they’re not necessarily the most cinematographic or picturesque of shots.

So now it’s over to you: What are your favourite images from Merlin in terms of composition or beauty (not the sort of beauty that only an actor can bring to the scene!) and do you think those images work because of or despite the Rule of Thirds…?

other examples: by request

Arthur and Merlin, The Labyrinth of Gedref

Merlin and Arthur, The Last Dragonlord

Click on a thumbnail to see the full image. The group presents as a slideshow; to move forward to the next image, click towards the right edge of the current image.

Click on a thumbnail to see the full image. The group presents as a slideshow; to move forward to the next image, click towards the right edge of the current image.

Feel free to copy and use these as you like, but a credit to merlinlocations.com would be appreciated. Thank you!

how it’s used in Merlin

Episode 104 The Poisoned Chalice included a scene where Arthur finds Nimueh at a cave mouth in the Forest of Balor, and then fights a cockatrice. The live action for this scene was filmed at Burnham Beeches, with both the cockatrice and the cave mouth added in via CGI. (So we still have to identify the actual cave!) The interior shots of the cave seem to be a mix of Chislehurst Caves and studio sets.

Episode 105 Lancelot opens with Merlin picking mushrooms in a wood, then being attacked by a griffin and rescued by Lancelot. This sequence was filmed in a couple of different locations at Burnham Beeches. Thanks to Jeremy, we located The Very Tree Root by which Merlin found his mushrooms, along with the (rather more obvious!) fallen tree behind which Merlin and Lancelot hide from the griffin.

the place itself

Burnham Beeches covers about 540 acres, and is mainly beech woodland, with many pollarded trees that are hundreds of years old. It attracts a great deal of wildlife, and also contains a hill fort and earthworks that date back to the Iron Age. The forest has been managed by the City of London since 1879.

The forest is a popular location with filmmakers, not only for its own merits but because it is so convenient to London and the nearby film studios. It has been used for First Knight, King Arthur, The Princess Bride, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, among many others. Jeremy was amused that the earlier tv show Merlin (starring Sam Neill) filmed a scene exactly like our own in Lancelot, with people running away from a monster and hiding behind that same fallen tree. He provided me with a pamphlet listing all the film and tv productions that have worked here – it’s long and impressive!

All our Merlin scenes were filmed along the Victoria Drive area of the forest.

Click on the map to open a much (much!) larger version suitable for printing, in a new window. (Not dial-up friendly…) The official map has been used here with respect but without permission.

The Poisoned Chalice

This scene was filmed in one of the most popular areas for filmmakers (marked 1 on the map). It’s a large, fairly open glade, with lots of interesting little hills and dales, with a backdrop of dramatically steep slopes. The area is lightly forested, so there’s plenty of space but you can hardly see the sky for leaves. The light is just gorgeous. Robin Hood’s tree-house camp was built here, in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

An overall view of the area, from near Victoria Drive.

Arthur appears, leading his horse, at the top of one of the slopes. At the time we couldn’t quite work out which one exactly, but a friend and I went back and found the right place – it’s at the back of the area, just to the right when you have your back to the track. (This is my friend standing in The Very Place.)

Arthur then leads his horse down the slope, towards Nimueh who is sitting on a log. This was actually filmed off to the left of the first location, where the ground isn’t as steep.

The fallen logs and branches, slightly rearranged since filming.

Looking back towards Victoria Drive, at the area on which the CGI cave mouth was superimposed.

Lancelot

The opening shots of Merlin picking mushrooms and being attacked by the griffin were filmed in a lovely glade a little further along Victoria Drive (marked 2 on the map). It’s a large, open glade, with a flat grassy forest floor. Jeremy explained that the bluebells in the background (and no doubt the mushrooms, though I didn’t ask him) were actually placed there by the set decorators… They are fake flowers on little stakes which get driven into the ground!

After some wandering around with my printed screencaps, Jeremy found The Very Tree Root by which Merlin crouched! This is, like, hallowed ground for me. If you go hunting for it, when you enter the glade it’s a little way in on your left.

So, the griffin attacks, Lancelot appears and fights it. Then the boys end up in a location further along still (marked 3 on the map), running across Victoria Drive and jumping over the fallen trees on the other side.

Gosh. Quite apart from the magic that lingers still, this was all just gorgeous…

links and details

• the relevant page on the City of London’s official site
• the Wikipedia entry for the forest
• the location on Google Maps

If you’re heading for the main parking area, along with cafe and other facilities, the address is: Beeches Road, Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire, England. The forest is surprisingly accessible, and I should think the walking tracks will be easily negotiable by almost everyone.

tags and rating

I just loved this whole place, and there has been some significant filming here. I am awarding the forest a full five pointy hats, because it’s certainly worth a visit in its own right, quite apart from the joy in reliving some key moments for Merlin, Arthur and Lancelot.

I offer my thanks again to Jeremy. If anyone is interested in taking part in a walking tour of all the filming sites in the forest, he conducts a tour about once a year. Keep an eye on the official website!

how it’s used in Merlin

Apart from the conversation between Arthur and Merlin, this stream was also used in a scene in the same episode where Morgana pretends to start preparing to bathe as a way of distracting Kendrick. Given the different camera angles and lighting, I assume we’re meant to interpret this as two different locations in terms of the story.

the place itself

What we dubbed The Stream is actually the River Ely near Miskin in Wales.

Muriel’s (amended) directions are: ‘Miskin is two miles south of Llantrisit. Take the M4 exit at junction 34 onto A4119. Turn left at the second set of traffic lights. Take the first exit at the roundabout. Then turn left into a road called The Chestnuts. At the end of the road turn left onto a wide dirt track. The river will be on your right. Keep going until you see in the distance some cricket practice nets, and there is a gate in the fence on your left – this is where you look at the river on your right and you ought to be at the location site. Enjoy.’

An interesting aspect of this location is that the area where we see Merlin and Arthur arriving at the river, and later leaving, is on the far side of the river – while the location where their conversation was filmed is on the near side. While we didn’t venture to the other side, there is obviously a walking track along there as well, so the boys probably didn’t have to wade over to film the first and last shots!

The view from the track – you can’t actually see the location until you’re right on the river bank.

Looking downstream – the view behind Merlin, and also the further bank on which you see Merlin and Arthur arrive and then leave.

Looking upstream – the view behind Arthur.

Screen captures from the episodes are used with respect (but without permission) only for the sake of illustrating our quest! All copyright remains with BBC One and Shine Limited.

Thank you, Muriel! It was a real delight to finally be by the stream, and especially to visit it with you.

links and details

• the Wikipedia entry for Miskin
• the Wikipedia entry for the River Ely
• the location on Google Maps – this points to where to park

The address is: River Ely, near The Chestnuts, Miskin, Wales.

rating

I just love this place, for the sake of the scene between Arthur and Merlin, and for the loveliness of the location itself – so I’ll award it four pointy hats.

how it’s used in Merlin

In episode 204 Lancelot and Guinevere, Arthur and Merlin decide to go through the Tunnels of Andor on their way to rescue Gwen. These caves, topped by a lot of CGI, are used to represent the tunnel mouths. The interior of the Tunnels was filmed at Clearwell Caves.

the place itself

I imagine the cave mouths were naturally formed, but the cave has been used as iron mines in the past. I understand that ‘Three Bears Caves’ isn’t an official name for the site, but then I can’t find a more formal name, so it will have to stick for now!

The caves are hidden away behind a wire fence, right next to a broad walking track. Probably a whole lot of people pass by without realising they’re there. While there’s nothing to do other than look at them, they are worth a visit. They were larger than I expected, and rather more impressive – though now I’ve said that, you’ll probably be disappointed…

Muriel’s directions are: ‘Make for Castell Coch. Do not go up the castle entrance but drive past and keep going until you see a very large Forest Fawr sign on your left. Turn into the drive and park in the designated area (you can’t go any further by car). A wide track leaves from the gated path, take it and keep walking until the track bends left past two large pieces of wood forming an arch and called Lost and Found. Keep going a short way further on and on your right you will see the fenced area.’

While we shouldn’t be encouraging you to bypass fences, part of the wire has been pushed down, and it’s easy enough to get through.

This is where you get in if you’re a rascal like us!

Awesome sauce! I can’t tell you how happy I was to finally see these things.

links and details

• a caving site that includes images from inside the caves – but please only venture inside if you’re an experienced caver!
• the location of the car park on Google Maps

The address is: Three Bears Caves, just off Heol-y-fforest, Tongwynlais, near Cardiff.

rating

Maybe it was the thrill of finally standing there, but Muriel and I decided this location was worth four pointy hats.

The following places have been mentioned as filming locations in newspaper articles and the like, without any further details or hints being given as to what exactly was filmed there.

North Wales

• Anglesey (Which is a rather large island! We could do with having this one narrowed down…)
• Betws Garmon
• Blaenau Ffestiniog
• Capel Curig
• Llanberis

South Wales

• Dragon International Film Studios, near Cardiff (This has been reported as a third season location.)
• Pontsticill Reservoir
• Wenallt Woods, near Cardiff

England

• Clements End, near Coleford (This has been reported as a third season location.)

Pontsticill Reservoir

I swung past this location on my way south through Wales at the end of my recent road trip. The Reservoir is (as you might assume!) part of the domestic water supply, and as such the shoreline was all fenced off. I assume that filming has taken place in the forests nearby, perhaps with a glimpse of water in the background, or that large-scale shots have been used along with CGI to create some of the landscape we’re familiar with. I had half a hope it would be the ‘lake’ in which Merlin finds the Isle of the Blessed, but that didn’t seem to match up at all, and there was certainly no jetty such as Merlin uses. Anyway! I took some photos. :-)

This last one was actually Pentwyn Reservoir, which is literally a few metres to the north of Pontsticill Reservoir.

Over to you!

If anyone would like to consider this a To Do List, please feel free to explore (virtually or in person) to your heart’s content! I know we have some ace detectives and researchers on the Merlin Locations team, and I am hoping you’ll come up with the goods!

Equally, if you know of any other filming locations which haven’t yet been tied to an episode or scene, please let us know in the comments, and I’ll keep this entry updated.

Pierrefonds

The Chateau is obviously the most important thing to do in Pierrefonds. A very close second, though, is the patisserie Vanille et Chocolat to be found on Rue Saint Louis. Get yourself there and munch on an eclair café – I can promise you won’t regret it.

Otherwise, there is the charming lake, with a few eateries around it. And the Chateau. Did I mention the Chateau…?

Also, Pierrefonds is situated on the edge of the lovely Forest de Compiegne, which has plenty of walking and cycling trails. A pleasant way to stretch one’s legs!

Compiegne

I haven’t done much in the way of touristing in the area (beyond the obvious) but my Lonely Planet guide suggests the Chateau de Compiegne, which (like our own Chateau) we owe to Napoleon III. There are parks around it, which then lead into the forest.

A friend also recommends the Armistice Clearing, a short drive away on the way to Compiegne from Pierrefonds. It is, naturally enough, a very moving place. The Clearing is also near Etang de Carandeau, where some Merlin filming has taken place.

Compiegne is the largest town near Pierrefonds, and appears to have a pleasant historical town centre. This is probably where you need to be for any variety in terms of eating, shopping, hotels, and so on. It is particularly convenient if you are relying on public transport, as you can catch a train to Compiegne from Paris, and then a bus (or taxi) to Pierrefonds.

Villers-Cotterets

The other town in the vicinity is Villers-Cotterets, to the south-east of Pierrefonds. It is not as large or convenient as Compiegne, and as far as I’m aware there’s no public transport between there and Pierrefonds, but if you have a car then you might like to visit and stay in this lovely old town. It is a little closer in terms of distance, but the drive is a little slower and more scenic!

Villers-Cotterets is located in the pretty Forest de Retz, which mainly consists of beech trees planted for timber. There are lovely wild animals living there; we were lucky enough to see some deer while driving back from a night shoot in April. There are a number of forest paths you can follow, or you can do a guided tour. You might take in St Hubert’s Hermitage, the Clouise Stone, and various lakes such as the Etang de Malva.

Another place to visit is the Chateau Francois I, a renaissance mansion built in the 1530s. It seems from the official tourism site that access is by guided tour only, but they will conduct tours with a minimum of two people.

Alexandre Dumas, author of The Three Musketeers, was born in Villers-Cotterets! There is a museum in a 19th century house, celebrating him, his father and his son. The museum includes letters, manuscripts, first editions, paintings, busts and furniture. A brochure is also available from the Tourist Office detailing a walking-and-driving itinerary which explores various places associated with Dumas’s childhood.

The nearby village of Longport features a ruined Cistercian abbey dating back to 1131. Parts of the buildings are now private residences, but you can visit the ruins of the (cathedral-sized) church, monastery and cloister garden. It is only open from 15 March to 15 October each year, but that fits in with our Merlin filming dates! Be sure to check opening hours, as they are limited to the weekends or holidays due to the private homes within the complex.

In another nearby village you will find the Chateau de Montgobert, a mansion with Napoleonic connections set in lovely parkland. It houses a museum of wood and tools, with reconstructed workshops and an exploration of local life. Again, it is only open from 1 March to 1 October, and the visiting hours are limited.

hotels

The one hotel within Pierrefonds I have seen recommended is the Hotel Beaudon (10 Rue Du Beaudon, website here). However, they always seem to be fully booked whenever I have visited, so I can’t speak from direct experience! (I am beginning to take this situation personally.)

Some friends and I stayed in the nearby village of St Jean Aux Bois, at a hotel called Auberge a la Bonne Idée (3 Rue des Meuniers, website here alas with cheesy music). The name translates as ‘the good idea’! This was very nice, though the beds were a tad uncomfortable and the restaurant was a bit expensive. But they have free wifi, it’s tucked away within the beautiful forest, and is a lovely building set in gardens, with a working vegetable garden. The village is only a five minute drive away from Pierrefonds. There is a lovely church there, with a castellated gate.

We stayed at the All Seasons Compiegne (Place Jacques Tati, website here) in the nearby town of Compiegne. It’s a nice modern hotel, with all the requirements, including lots of purple in the decor and (yes!) free wifi. It is in a very new part of town, near a cinema and various reasonably priced eateries. The town is a fifteen or twenty minute drive from Pierrefonds.

getting there

From the Gare du Nord in Paris you can catch a direct train to Compiegne – the journey takes about forty minutes. Be sure to catch the direct train rather than the ‘all stops’ one!

However, you then need to find your way to Pierrefonds. There is a bus service – the number 27 bus from near the Compiegne train station to Pierrefonds – but it’s not exactly frequent. The alternative is a taxi, which can be expensive.

If you can afford or manage it, bringing your own car or hiring one seem to be the best options for travel within the area.

• For more information on trains, visit the French National Railways (SNCF) website.
• If you are in the UK, visit the Rail Europe website. Rail Europe is the official UK representative of the SNCF.
• You can find the bus timetable for the Compiegne-Pierrefonds route here.

To get to Paris or Lille from the UK, you can catch the Eurostar. Paris is about an hour’s drive south of Pierrefonds. Lille is a bit less than two hours’ drive to the north, almost all on a very easy-driving freeway. We have done the latter, as you can get cheap tickets on the Eurostar to Lille!

From further afield, of course, you can fly to Paris, and then catch the train and/or drive.

further recommendations or suggestions welcome!

If anyone would like to share their experiences, recommendations or suggestions relating to visiting Pierrefonds, please feel free to comment! Depending on what sort of input we receive, I may update this main entry so all the info is in one place.

I am giving the whole notion of visiting Pierrefonds a rating of five pointy hats, cos it’s so beautiful and interesting in itself, and it’s fascinating to see behind the scenes if they’re filming. Plus, to misquote slightly, ‘France is always a good idea.’

do not feed the lions

Happy hunting of the pretties! But of course be careful when approaching them in their natural habitat, never bother them once they’ve gone to ground, and always treat them with respect. All of which I implicitly trust my fellow Merlin fans to do, cos we are obviously people of great taste and discernment!