The Chagford Filmmaking Group have just finished the filming of their latest production – and they’ve got auditions for the next one coming up in October. Over to doyenne of the Chagford filmmakers, Elizabeth-Jane Baldry for more
In August we shot The Laidley Worm of Spindleston Heugh. The volunteer team was fantastic – the generosity of so many individuals quite breathtaking, the intensity of the experience utterly intoxicating.
For a week, there is nothing but fairy madness: no news, television, or 21st century urban grit, just an immersion in the magic of a fairytale, fabulous food, the extraordinary landscape of Dartmoor, lots of laughter and hugs and crazy crises to overcome (like how do you move a giant toad about? What happens when Priddy the beautiful white horse gets camera shy and won’t canter in a suitably kingly way, but plods?)
And of course, the power of cake kept us all going for 12-hours a day. (Many thanks to all of you who fed the hungry fairies, either by sponsoring a meal or preparing one.)
One little lad loved being an imp so much that he cried when the time came to remove his costume. One of the mums says her bath tub was green that evening. “The best week of my life.” was the verdict of more than one of the young people. The girls were transformed as they shed jeans and tee-shirts and put on their corsets and gowns.
There was an enchanting little fairy miracle with the rowan berries. All the farmers have said that this year the rowan is the brightest and reddest for many years. Rowan is a powerful protection against evil in the indigenous culture of the British Isles, and it comes into the film quite a bit. How lucky that the rowan was so magnificent this year.
PS. Auditions for two fairy maidens, age 16-25 coming up on October 9. Details shortly.
(The Laidley Worm of Spindleston Heugh was supported by a £500 Arts Grant from West Devon Borough Council)
• Watch Elizabeth-Jane talk to Alex White on episode 2 of the D+CFilm Show
