The 2017 live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson, wasn’t filmed in a real, existing castle, but rather primarily on elaborate sound stages at Shepperton Studios in Surrey, England. This allowed for meticulous control over every detail, from the Beast’s imposing castle interiors to the charming village of Villeneuve.
Creating the Fairy Tale: Shepperton Studios and Beyond
While Shepperton Studios served as the primary filming location, the production team ventured beyond its walls to capture specific scenes that demanded authentic landscapes and architectural details. The choice of sound stages provided the creative freedom needed to craft a world that felt both familiar and fantastical. The intricate sets built within the studio’s vast spaces were a testament to the dedication of the production designers and their commitment to bringing the animated classic to life in a breathtakingly realistic manner.
The Heart of the Beast’s Castle: Interior Sets
The elaborate sets at Shepperton Studios were fundamental in capturing the grandeur and decay of the Beast’s castle. The ballroom, library, and various hallways were all meticulously constructed to reflect the curse that had fallen upon the enchanted dwelling. Designers drew inspiration from real-world castles, including the library at the Admont Abbey in Austria and the mirrored hall at the Palace of Versailles in France, to create visually stunning and immersive environments. The depth and detail of these sets significantly contributed to the film’s overall atmosphere.
Villeneuve Comes to Life: Exterior Filming
Although the majority of Villeneuve was built as a massive set at Shepperton Studios, the production team did utilise some exterior locations. One example is Turville, Buckinghamshire, England, which served as inspiration for the film’s picturesque village setting. However, it’s important to note that Turville was used for visual inspiration and reference, rather than actual filming. The village of Villeneuve, as seen in the film, was largely a product of set design and visual effects.
The Power of CGI: Enhancing Reality
Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) played a crucial role in enhancing the sets and creating a truly believable fairy tale world. From the sweeping exterior shots of the Beast’s castle to the magical transformation of the enchanted objects, CGI added a layer of wonder and spectacle to the film. It seamlessly blended with the practical sets, creating a visually cohesive and immersive experience for the audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Filming Locations
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the filming locations of Beauty and the Beast:
1. Was a real castle used to film Beauty and the Beast?
No, a real castle was not used. While the film drew inspiration from existing castles, the primary filming location was Shepperton Studios, where elaborate sets were constructed to represent the Beast’s castle.
2. Did Emma Watson actually film in France for the movie?
While the story is set in France, Emma Watson and the rest of the cast did not actually film any scenes in France. The French countryside and villages were recreated on sound stages and through visual effects.
3. What castles inspired the design of the Beast’s castle?
Several castles inspired the Beast’s castle, including the Château de Chambord in France, known for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture, and the library at Admont Abbey in Austria.
4. How much of the movie was filmed on set versus on location?
The vast majority of the film, around 90%, was filmed on elaborate sets at Shepperton Studios. Only a small portion involved using real-world locations for reference and inspiration.
5. Were any scenes filmed at the Palace of Versailles?
No, while the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles served as a significant source of inspiration for the ballroom in the Beast’s castle, no actual filming took place there.
6. What was the budget for building the sets?
The exact budget for the sets has not been publicly released. However, given the scale and detail, it’s safe to assume it was a significant portion of the film’s overall budget, which was around $160 million.
7. What CGI elements were used in the creation of the castle?
CGI was used to enhance the exterior of the castle, create the surrounding landscapes, and animate the enchanted objects. The ballroom chandelier, for example, was largely a CGI creation. The weather and sweeping shots were also CGI.
8. Where did the filmmakers find inspiration for the village of Villeneuve?
The village of Turville in Buckinghamshire, England, served as a visual inspiration for the film’s picturesque village setting. However, it wasn’t actually used for filming.
9. How long did it take to build the sets at Shepperton Studios?
Building the elaborate sets took several months of pre-production work. The production team meticulously crafted every detail to create a believable and immersive environment.
10. What kind of materials were used to construct the sets?
The sets were constructed using a variety of materials, including wood, plaster, foam, and steel. Skilled artisans and craftsmen were employed to create the intricate details and textures that made the sets so visually impressive.
11. Did any of the original animated Beauty and the Beast influence the set designs?
Yes, the animated film served as a primary source of inspiration for the set designs. The filmmakers aimed to recreate the iconic locations from the animated classic while adding their own unique touches and details.
12. What made Shepperton Studios the right choice for filming?
Shepperton Studios offered large sound stages necessary to build the expansive sets, as well as access to skilled technicians and craftsmen. Its proximity to London also made it a convenient location for the cast and crew. It’s one of the oldest film studios in the world with decades of experience.