10.9.2008 The Forester - Merlin Filming in Puzzle Woods

Merlin pops by to spread his magic in puzzle wood
The Forester - October 9, 2008
(feilongfan: I have posted a similar article before, but this one has more info)

Puzzle Wood served up a spot of sorcery when it was used as a location for the hit BBC One fantasy drama Merlin.
Film crews worked their magic in the ancient Roman iron mines near Coleford when they shot scenes for the drama that follows the early life of the wizarding wonder from Arthurian legend.

Actors Colin Morgan, who plays Merlin, and Bradley James, who is the young King Arthur, spent three days filming at Puzzle Wood last weekend and on Monday.

One scene featured a dramatic sword fight between the pair.

Neil Roper, who works at the mystical tourist attraction, said: "Arthur and Merlin were practising their sword fight out by the picnic tables with a stunt man before filming it in the wood. You could tell they were using real swords as we could hear them clashing together."

The crew used two sites in the woods and another in Symonds Yat (Hedge Puzzle) after a recommendation from a location scout. Puzzle Wood owner Mary O'Connor said: "We first heard about it a few months ago when a location scout came down and took some pictures. They thought it was a really magical place." She added: "It was a positive experience and it will be interesting to watch the episodes to see how much of the footage is used."

Crew and cast members stayed at the nearby Lambsquay Hotel and used Milkwall and District Social Club car park as a base for their lorries.

Although filming went smoothly, TV crews had less luck when they were packing up to leave.
A generator truck got stuck in the mud and had to be pulled free by tractors from the Puzzle Wood farm.

The episodes filmed at Puzzle Wood are expected to be aired on November 29 (ep. 11 - The Labyrinth of Gedref) and December 6 (ep. 12 - To Kill The King).

http://feilongfan.livejournal.com/105584.html