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Cornwall to hit cinema screens in About Time

27th August 2013 Print

The south coast of Cornwall will be lighting up cinema screens across the country from 4th September when it stars in Richard Curtis's new film, About Time.

The feel-good romcom which tells the tale of a time travelling quest for love and stars Bill Nighy, Rachel McAdams, Domnhall Gleeson and Tom Hollander, was part-filmed in the St Austell Bay area of Cornwall during the summer of 2012. Cameras rolled at the secluded Vault beach near Gorran Haven, the beautiful fishing village of Portloe and at St Michael Penkevil Church, whilst St Austell Rugby Club turned into a pop-up production office.

An impressive private Cornish residence also plays a starring role as the home of the central characters, the Lake family, and provides a South West anchor in the film as the storyline moves between London and Cornwall.

As the latest and last film from the king of romcom Richard Curtis who both wrote and directed About Time, it is being billed as the next Love Actually and Notting Hill. Following its UK release it will be rolled out internationally with a back-to-back distribution schedule until it reaches US cinemas in November.

Malcolm Bell, Head of Visit Cornwall, the Cornwall Development Company tourism service, comments: "With the Cornish coast starring alongside two great talents of the movie world; Richard Curtis as writer/director and Bill Nighy as cast headliner, About Time has all the ingredients of a box office hit. It offers unbelievable promotion for Cornwall across the world and with the DVD release following six months later, the audience potential is immense. Films have a significant influence on holiday choice and can introduce new markets to a destination."

Film producers from across the world have long been attracted to Cornwall by the scenic landscape and About Time is just the latest film to be shot in the county. It completes a hat trick of films starring Cornwall that have been released in the last three months. About Time follows in the wake of Summer in February, which tells a true tale of love, liberty and scandal amongst the Edwardian Newlyn artists' colony, and Falmouth's bit-part in Brad Pitt's zombie thriller, World War Z. Other credits to Cornwall's acting CV include Tim Burton's quirky Alice in Wonderland, which was shot at Antony House on the Rame Peninsula and Charlestown Harbour, and the James Bond action thriller, Die Another Day which recruited the Eden Project and Holywell Bay as location doubles.

Julian German, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Economy & Culture, said "Cornwall is well known for its stunning landscape and beautiful scenery, and it seems the film industry is recognising that appeal.  Films like About Time offer a fantastic opportunity to showcase Cornwall on a local, national and international stage. Cornwall's superb environment, along with its heritage and culture, food and drink can be enjoyed throughout the year."

About Time is in cinemas from 4th September.