Hugely popular Eryri quarry to close for rumoured return of House of the Dragon filming
A popular slate quarry in Gwynedd is to close for two weeks in mid June to accommodate filming for a major HBO TV series. Security guards will be posted around Dinorwig quarry near Llanberis for the rumoured return of House of the Dragon (HoTD) production crews.
A key parking area – often overwhelmed by the quarry's surging popularity – will also be closed off, though only for four days. Site preparation starts next week and a casting call has been issued for 'rugged men' with 'good facial hair'.
In a letter to local residents, location manager Matthew Pyle said scenes planned for Dinorwig include 'extras in armour, horses, special effects and various props'. A second, shorter spell of filming is also scheduled at the quarry later in June.
As the same crew filmed there in 2023, it's widely assumed the quarry is again standing in as a HoTD backdrop as Harrenhal Castle, the largest fortification in the fictional country of Westeros. Location company Cross Plains Production also facilitated HoTD filming for season two of the hit fantasy drama, much of it in North Wales.
Season three of the Game of Thrones prequel began filming at Leavesden Studios, Watford, on March 31, ahead of moving outdoors as the weather improves.
Apologising in advance for the expected disruption, Mr Pyle said: 'We will make every endeavour to minimise our impact on local residents and businesses; however we accept our presence won't go unnoticed. We appreciate that Dinorwig Quarry is a well-loved location by the community and by the tourists it attracts.'
Site preparation starts on Monday, May 12. This continues until Monday, June 9. Filming then gets underway the following day, Tuesday, June 10, and continues until Friday, June 13. Site reinstatement begins immediately, on Saturday, June 14, and continues until Friday, June 20.
As early prep work may include site surveys, the initial presence of production staff may be unnoticeable. The main impacts will be felt in June with the closure of the quarry footpath and the road by the Allt Ddu bus terminus. This, said Mr Pyle, is to 'ensure safety during filming.'
The road will be shut from Monday, June 9, until Friday, June 13. The footpath closure is longer – from Monday, June 2, until Monday, June 17.
Another filming day is set for Thursday, June 26. This will also involve a 'few days' either side for preparation and site reinstatement
Mr Pyle said: 'Our filming will mean there is an increase in traffic and crew in the area, both during filming and in the weeks of preparation and reinstatement on either side.
'To facilitate our work, we plan to use both entrances to the quarry – the bottom Nant Peris entrances and the top Bus Terminus entrance.'
During the production, the site team will be working with ENGIE/First Hydo, Cyngor Gwynedd, Parc Padarn and Cadw - to 'ensure our activities are carried out responsibly'. More precise details of the arrangements will be confirmed nearer the date.
Season two HoTD locations in North Wales also included Trefor in Gwynedd; Llanddwyn beach and Penmon Point on Anglesey; and Penmachno Roman Bridge in Conwy. Activity by casting agents suggests that parts of Gwynedd will again be standing in for Westeros in Season Three.
Extras are needed for a 'major TV series' being filmed on the county's north coastline in June and July. Specifically, they must be 'rugged men' aged 18-50 with 'good facial hair and longer hair". They must not have "modern haircuts such as short back and sides'.
Shepperton Studios-based Extra People said: 'This is an active role that will demand physical endurance for long filming hours outside. No experience needed!
'You must be an early riser, have your own vehicle and have a great work ethic. Please apply now and tell your friends!'
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