Latest news with #HoTD
Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'Ruined' village on slate hillside hints at brutal House of the Dragon scenes
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An iron ring has been thrown around a slate mine on the edge of Eryri for season three of HBO's House of the Dragon (HoTD). As set construction picks up pace, the whole of Dinorwig Quarry has been placed off limits with security guards posted around the massive complex. Sneak pictures of the work undertaken so far suggests a ruined village is being built. A series of fire-damaged carts and boxes have been brought to the site along with piles of charred timber. It's speculated the latter will be used to recreate buildings that were used in series two - showing the devastation wrought by a fire-breathing dragon. It's widely assumed the quarry, near Llanberis, is again standing in as a HoTD backdrop as Harrenhal Castle, the largest fortification in the fictional country of Westeros. included a military encampment and a modified slate incline where a dragon was shown perching. Three other sites in the area are also rumoured to be filming locations for the Game of Thrones prequel series. Two are thought to be in the Nant Peris pass at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), with a third by Llyn Padarn, Llanberis. As the rest of George RR Martin's 'Fire & Blood' storyline contains some spectacularly brutal battles, signs point to all-out war in HoTD season three. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up A letter to local residents warned that scenes planned for Dinorwig include 'extras in armour, horses, special effects and various props'. A casting call has also been issued for 'rugged men' with 'good facial hair'. (Image: John Horrigan) The main quarry footpath was closed on Monday morning (June 2) and this will now stay shut until Monday, June 17. Security guards have been posted at both quarry entrances – from the Nant Peris side and from the Dinorwig Bus Terminus. 'But there are more all around the quarry to prevent unauthorised access,' said local resident John Horrigan, whose land borders the quarry. 'They are seriously enclosing the site and not just at the main entrances. 'The producers have been quite clever this time. For season two, they didn't close off the quarry completely until filming began, making it easier for some people to see the sets being built. This year they want to ensure no interruptions, so have closed off the quarry earlier.' (Image: John Horrigan) Before the quarry was declared completely off-limits, Mr Horrigan snuck inside to get an idea of what's been done so far. Set construction appears to be taking place at three locations within the quarry, including what he understands will be a 'destroyed village'. 'This is in the same place where they had the battle encampment in the last series, with buildings, tents and catapults. Already some props have been brought on site - and they're all burnt. Even though the props are made off-site, you get a strong burning smell as soon as you reach the area. 'Lots of burnt timber are also piled up on wooden pallets ready for set construction. This morning, two 18-tonne trucks and an articulated lorry brought in more crates, ready to be hoisted into position and unpacked by construction crews. 'It looks like they are recreating the village from the last series, only this time after it's been ruined and burnt to the ground by a dragon.' (Image: Carwyn Vaughan) Another set involves a tunnel leading to a separate pit that can't be viewed from elsewhere in the quarry. A new flight of steps has been built to an upper level, on which scaffolding is being erected. 'It's massive,' said Mr Horrigan. 'They've spend weeks building it, with erecting safety rails, steps and towers. I don't know if that's where some of the actors will be filmed, or whether it's they're putting cameras to film the canyon below, but a battle scene is predicted.' Another set involves one of the site's former quarry mills: a huge wooden facade has been erected as if to mimic a medieval hall. 'It's amazing to think they're only filming for four days and yet have to spend a month building the sets,' said Mr Horrigan. 'It's definitely bigger than last time and the whole process is taking longer.' 'I came across four rocks that looked so real you wouldn't know they were fake even if you stood by them. I wonder how many people thought they were part of a new rockfall. Those in the know will point to the sandbags on top to stop them rolling away!' (Image: John Horrigan) In Nant Peris, beneath Yr Wyddfa, no sites have been formally identified yet. However the Union Rock area at the western end of Llyn Padarn has been closed off. Last year the same area was used as a storage area when filming took place on Llyn Padarn for Netflix's The Witcher fantasy series. Could the lake again be used as a backdrop, this time for HoTD? In season two, multiple sites in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy doubled for Westeros. At Dinorwig, site preparation continues until Monday, June 9. Filming starts the following day and continues until Friday, June 13. During this four-day period, the road to the Allt Ddu bus terminus will be closed. Site reinstatement then takes place until Friday, June 20. Another filming day is set for Thursday, June 26. This will also involve a 'few days' either side for preparation and site reinstatement. Location and security crews are reported to be staying in Caernarfon, while safety staff are said to be overnighting in Bangor. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'The production is bringing a lot of money into local hotels, pubs and restaurants,' added Mr Horrigan. 'The crews are also being very respectful to the quarry. They've placed bins everywhere and there's no littering at all, which makes a nice change.' See what's on in your area
North Wales Live
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
'Ruined' village on slate hillside hints at brutal House of the Dragon scenes
An iron ring has been thrown around a slate mine on the edge of Eryri for season three of HBO's House of the Dragon (HoTD). As set construction picks up pace, the whole of Dinorwig Quarry has been placed off limits with security guards posted around the massive complex. Sneak pictures of the work undertaken so far suggests a ruined village is being built. A series of fire-damaged carts and boxes have been brought to the site along with piles of charred timber. It's speculated the latter will be used to recreate buildings that were used in series two - showing the devastation wrought by a fire-breathing dragon. It's widely assumed the quarry, near Llanberis, is again standing in as a HoTD backdrop as Harrenhal Castle, the largest fortification in the fictional country of Westeros. Season two scenes filmed at Dinorwig included a military encampment and a modified slate incline where a dragon was shown perching. Three other sites in the area are also rumoured to be filming locations for the Game of Thrones prequel series. Two are thought to be in the Nant Peris pass at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), with a third by Llyn Padarn, Llanberis. As the rest of George RR Martin's 'Fire & Blood' storyline contains some spectacularly brutal battles, signs point to all-out war in HoTD season three. A letter to local residents warned that scenes planned for Dinorwig include 'extras in armour, horses, special effects and various props'. A casting call has also been issued for 'rugged men' with 'good facial hair'. The main quarry footpath was closed on Monday morning (June 2) and this will now stay shut until Monday, June 17. Security guards have been posted at both quarry entrances – from the Nant Peris side and from the Dinorwig Bus Terminus. 'But there are more all around the quarry to prevent unauthorised access,' said local resident John Horrigan, whose land borders the quarry. 'They are seriously enclosing the site and not just at the main entrances. 'The producers have been quite clever this time. For season two, they didn't close off the quarry completely until filming began, making it easier for some people to see the sets being built. This year they want to ensure no interruptions, so have closed off the quarry earlier.' Before the quarry was declared completely off-limits, Mr Horrigan snuck inside to get an idea of what's been done so far. Set construction appears to be taking place at three locations within the quarry, including what he understands will be a 'destroyed village'. 'This is in the same place where they had the battle encampment in the last series, with buildings, tents and catapults. Already some props have been brought on site - and they're all burnt. Even though the props are made off-site, you get a strong burning smell as soon as you reach the area. 'Lots of burnt timber are also piled up on wooden pallets ready for set construction. This morning, two 18-tonne trucks and an articulated lorry brought in more crates, ready to be hoisted into position and unpacked by construction crews. 'It looks like they are recreating the village from the last series, only this time after it's been ruined and burnt to the ground by a dragon.' Another set involves a tunnel leading to a separate pit that can't be viewed from elsewhere in the quarry. A new flight of steps has been built to an upper level, on which scaffolding is being erected. 'It's massive,' said Mr Horrigan. 'They've spend weeks building it, with erecting safety rails, steps and towers. I don't know if that's where some of the actors will be filmed, or whether it's they're putting cameras to film the canyon below, but a battle scene is predicted.' Another set involves one of the site's former quarry mills: a huge wooden facade has been erected as if to mimic a medieval hall. 'It's amazing to think they're only filming for four days and yet have to spend a month building the sets,' said Mr Horrigan. 'It's definitely bigger than last time and the whole process is taking longer.' 'I came across four rocks that looked so real you wouldn't know they were fake even if you stood by them. I wonder how many people thought they were part of a new rockfall. Those in the know will point to the sandbags on top to stop them rolling away!' In Nant Peris, beneath Yr Wyddfa, no sites have been formally identified yet. However the Union Rock area at the western end of Llyn Padarn has been closed off. Last year the same area was used as a storage area when filming took place on Llyn Padarn for Netflix's The Witcher fantasy series. Could the lake again be used as a backdrop, this time for HoTD? In season two, multiple sites in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy doubled for Westeros. At Dinorwig, site preparation continues until Monday, June 9. Filming starts the following day and continues until Friday, June 13. During this four-day period, the road to the Allt Ddu bus terminus will be closed. Site reinstatement then takes place until Friday, June 20. Another filming day is set for Thursday, June 26. This will also involve a 'few days' either side for preparation and site reinstatement. Location and security crews are reported to be staying in Caernarfon, while safety staff are said to be overnighting in Bangor. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'The production is bringing a lot of money into local hotels, pubs and restaurants,' added Mr Horrigan. 'The crews are also being very respectful to the quarry. They've placed bins everywhere and there's no littering at all, which makes a nice change.'
Wales Online
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Hugely popular Eryri quarry to close for rumoured return of House of the Dragon filming
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 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. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community (Image: Carwyn Vaughan) 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.' (Image: John Horrigan) 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!' Rates of pay are around £150-£300 per day depending on hours worked. Details can be found here. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
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!'
