Extras Benedict and Claire don’t need on f ilm set
THE A-list cast is in place, the crew and cameras are organised and the location secured.
But the producers of Louis Wain, a big-budget movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy, are facing an unusual problem – an illegal gipsy camp has sprung up where they plan to shoot.
Four weeks of filming for the biopic – which tells the story of Wain, a Victorian-era artist famous for his drawings of cats – are due to start in Deal, Kent, tomorrow.
But about 15 caravans, several vans and at least two trucks were recently parked on Walmer Green, an area of grassland owned by Dover District Council close to a stretch of shingle beach where scenes are due to be shot.
A source involved in the filming said: ‘The location manager knows and is livid. Where the travellers are situated will be a backdrop in some scenes. Unless the travellers are moved on quickly, it could throw everything into chaos.’
The travellers, who arrived shortly before last weekend, are thought to be part of a larger group who had previously set up camp in Margate, 11 miles north.
It is understood that Cumberbatch, who is playing Wain, and Foy – who is cast as the artist’s wife, Emily – will be on set in Deal for one week during filming, which will involve using expensive cameras and equipment on location.
The cast also includes famous names such as Toby Jones, Andrea Riseborough and Julian Barratt.
Producers have hired a bed and breakfast property called Coast House and plan to film inside the Regency house, which is about 150 yards from the travellers’ camp.
Owner Bernard Thomson, 65, said: ‘I’ve spoken to the producers and know how concerned they are.
‘They plan to shoot scenes featuring a horse-drawn carriage close to the beach. I doubt very much that they will want to see a load of white caravans in the background.
‘The council should have acted far more quickly to get rid of the travellers, who seem to be able to ride roughshod over everyone.’
It is unlikely the travellers are aware of the potential problem their site poses, as filming has been kept a closely guarded secret.
Last night, none of its residents wished to comment.
A spokesman for Louis Wain Productions, the company set up to make the movie, had no comment.
Dover District Council said: ‘We are following due legal process and have served notice on travellers at Walmer Green to vacate the site.’