AWARD-WINNING Hollywood director Bryan Singer and big-name movie stars including Ewan McGregor, Nicholas Hoult and Eleanor Tomlinson have spent the last ten days on a top-secret shoot of a major new film at Puzzlewood.
Excited Puzzlewood owner Helen O'Kane told the Review about the project on Tuesday and said she had been sworn to secrecy while hosting crews filming Jack the Giantkiller.
She had only been allowed to reveal the news as trailers moved off the site.
The film, due for release next year, is an updated version of the Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale. Jack, played by Nicholas Hoult (About A Boy/Skins), embarks on a dangerous expedition to save a kidnapped princess, played by Eleanor Tomlinson. Other stars on set at Puzzlewood in the week have been Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Eddie Marson, Simon Lowe, Ewen Bremmer and Mingus Johnston.
Bryan Singer's directing successes include award winning cult movie The Usual Suspects, X-Men and Superman Returns.
Jack the Giantkiller is a major investment by Warner Bros.
Helen told the Review: "This is the first time these ancient woodlands and scowles are being used in an international feature film.
"Movie scouts spotted Puzzlewood over a year ago. Inevitably, once they stepped in, they fell in love with it.
"Emmy award-winner Gavin Bocquet has been visiting and photographing Puzzlewood throughout the year, selecting the best positions for filming and taking inspiration for the sets built at their new studios.
"Warner Bros last year committed £100m to create a European hub for its film and TV activities with the purchase and redevelopment of the old Harry Potter studios at Leavesden."
It is believed that films depicting Britain generate ten per cent of our revenue from foreign tourists as fans visit locations and Helen says she's hopeful Jack will swell Puzzlewood – and Dean – visitor numbers.
"Over the past ten days, many for the crew have been staying locally in hotels such as the Tudor Farm House and enjoying the fine ales at The Lamb," said Helen.
"They have also used Puzzlewood woodland expert Kevin Garrod and tree surgeon Paul Cooper to assist in the preparation of sets."