nicokatzj
  • nicokatzj
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4 years ago
Hi everyone,

I've run this by an admin who is happy for me to post this here. My name is Jacob, I'm in my final year of study doing film production and we are on the hunt for a mine location (or a cave if we can't find a mine) to film in. As part of our degree we need to have all relevant paperwork and permissions for location use so its not something we can do guerrilla (and wouldn't want to given the safety risks). I was wondering if anyone here could point me in the right direction or put me in touch with people who may be able to facilitate a mine as a filming location? We are entirely self-funded but can offer some money for the location use.

A little bit about the film for those interested. Its set in the 17th century and its a horror. We have some amazing locations already lined up and really want to show off some of the stunning locations the UK has to offer. I'm sure there's some magnificent underground landscapes that never see the light of day :(

https://burythehatchetfilm.wixsite.com/home 

Ideally we're looking for locations near to London or Portsmouth where the majority of our filming is taking place, but are also willing to travel further afield, especially if it looks the part!

Any help whatsoever would be much appreciated!
Thanks for your time.

Jacob

royfellows
4 years ago
Is it a commercial enterprise?

You would be free to use Cwmystwyth subject to proof of public liability insurance, a qualified underground leader to be in charge of safety, and a facility fee to Cambrian Mines Trust who own the site.
It has been used in the past for BBC Hidden Wales with Will Millard.

If its non commercial you could leave out the facility fee.
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alex17595
4 years ago
If your looking around Southern England you could get in contact with the Wealden Cave and Mine society. (WCMS)

https://wealdencaving.org.uk/website2/ 

It depends what your looking for, if your looking for a more 'miney' setting with proper tunnels and some nice artifacts Roys suggesion of Cwmystwyth is a good choice. At the other end of the scale there are mines about with vast caverns - these are what you will find in Southern England/North Wales.
nicokatzj
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4 years ago
Thank you both for responding so quickly!

I should've included a couple more details which are quite vital. First being access/space. We'll need to bring tripods/lights/cameras/actors down there so scrambling in tight areas has to be avoided as much as possible. Ideally the mine would have some narrow shafts and some larger areas/caverns too. Secondly, flashlights obviously wern't a form of lighting in the 17th century so the actors will be using either lanterns with a candle inside or a handheld fire torch. I imagine the type of mine matters greatly when dealing with naked flames. Just something worth considering, its looking more likely we'll opt for the candle/lantern option due to the fumes given off of larger torches.

In response to Roy, it is a student project which is being made solely for our degree module, not for commercial distribution. Having said that, if the film is successful enough we may be entering into some small scale film festivals which have potential to bring back earnings, we'd be happy to draw up a deal to split any festival earnings should they arise? We have full public liability insurance and can share all relevant paperwork, and risk assessments. But Cwmystwyth sounds fantastic, would love to find out some more about the space!

In response to Alex, our team tried to contact WCMS about a month ago but haven't had anything back from them yet unfortunately.

Thank you for your help!
alex17595
4 years ago
Cwmorthin is another possible mine you could try. There's some big chambers, some old bridges and plenty of tunnels. You could easily get your stuff fairly far in with some barrows.

You may even be able to drive up to the entrance, I know it used to be possible with permission, but the track up has suffered due to the weather earlier in the year.

http://www.cwmorthin.org/how_to_visit.asp 
https://www.aditnow.co.uk/Album/Photographs-Of-Cwmorthin_1463/ 
royfellows
4 years ago
Cwmorthin could be the best choice.

Anyway, Cwmystwyth is here
http://www.cambrianmines.co.uk/Cwmystwyth.htm 

below the red area is a link to the Hidden Wales bit
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Wormster
4 years ago
Just to throw a spanner in the works:

Clearwell Iron Mine in the Forest of Dean, lots of stuff has been done there.

Redbridge Caves in Bristol, as used by the Beeb many times in the production of Casulty/Holby City etc...

(One continuity problem might be the red sandstone being a different rock from above ground!! - something to consider, SOME, folks can be verrry picky about those sorts of errors!!)
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Pete K
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4 years ago
Cwmorthin near Blaenau Ffestiniog is managed by Go Below as a working mine. We've filmed many things in there with production companies - reality TV, survival 'experts', celeb events, advertisements etc etc..
https://www.go-below.co.uk/filming.asp 
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TwllMawr
4 years ago
Perhaps?...

Corris Mine explorers.
https://www.corrismineexplorers.co.uk/ 

...to widen the net.
nicokatzj
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4 years ago
Thanks everyone for being so helpful, these are all great suggestions and will be looking into all of them. Please do keep them coming if anyone has any more suggestions 🙂
rak
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4 years ago
Poldark Mine in Cornwall?
sinker
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4 years ago
"royfellows" wrote:



Cwmorthin could be the best choice.



Cwm would be very easy but it has been done to death.

I reckon Corris Mine Explorers (Braich Goch slate mine) would be really neat. Bit more atmospheric.

Remember this a few years ago:

https://www.corrismineexplorers.co.uk/downloads/Life_Death_Underground_Production_Poster.pdf 

Brilliant night out.
That is exactly what you are looking for :thumbup:



Yma O Hyd....
Paul Marvin
4 years ago
In England Holme Bank Chert Mine would be very nice as well easy to get round and plenty of artifacts to be seen its a charming little mine. I would imagine that any site you will need BCA insurance , easy to get and very cheap .;D
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