Impressions from the Premiere
Firstly, let me get everyone's question out of the way. No, Ioan did not show for the UK premiere of Moonacre. :waaah: That was somewhat disappointing, but not for long! My friends, let me tell you, this is a magical film, but first allow me a little basking in my brief moment of glory..... I walked my first red carpet and cameras still flashed (well, maybe the rain was fogging their lenses or something.) Inside their were activities such as incredible facepainting and green screen fun. There were magicians and charachaturists, all dressed as if in the film. It was really hard to get photos, but we dodged the 'staff' and managed to get a couple of Natasha and Dakota. Before the screening, the director Gabor Csupo gave an speech and introduced the writer, producer, designer etc. Then they introduced some of the actors - including Natasha, Dakota and Augustus. The audience seemed to be full of production staff and their families - before the film, we seemed surrounded by snatches of conversation about the poduction side (awesome!) As for the film itself, I am glad not to have read the book and so approached it without any preconcieved ideas ;except perhaps the thought of Ioan in breeches again! :love: And I was not disappointed :faint . I don't want to spoil the story for anyone, but let me just say we see Ioan run the gammet of all his glorious emotions (even tears. Sigh!) The sets, costumes and characters are all used imaginatively and it's easy to lose oneself in the story; though the plot seem quite simple, in the end it is very satisfying. It is obviously pitched at children, and my wicked mind was silmultaneously making a much darker, even more passionate tale :wink: My favourite moment? Has to be the vision of Ioan as Wrolf Merryweather - his looks devine with a Lancelot beard and and John Gray hair...... :love2:

Oh, Stevie, I can't say how much I would have liked to be there with you at the premiere. It really sounds like it was a great experience in spite of Ioan not being there (but what matters is that you were able to see The Secret of Moonacre, and before almost anyone else). Now I can't really wait to see this movie.

How wonderful that you were a part of the premiere!!!! The movie sounds great and Ioan has his 'Lancelot' beard??? *iz ded* I just wish he'd showed up for the premiere for your sake.

Oh Stevie, I am so glad for you. It is wonderful. And the evening would have been perfect if Ioan was there.

Oh my! It's going to be miserable if this never gets a U.S. release. At least a DVD!!!! I'm so glad to hear you had a lot of fun even if the Welsh Boy himself wasn't there. Sounds like a memorable experience and worth all your efforts to get there.

Hi Stevie, So happy you got to go-------even if Mr.I didn't make it...(DRATS!)...but,maybe someday,somehow,we'll get to see it here in the US. I can only speak for myself------but I don't mind spoilers,so,feel free any time to share anything you want to about the film------or,Ioan's performance. I'm craving any info you've got! That beard,and those tears,sound GREAT to me!!!!!

Sorry,......me again,with a few questions--------Stevie,were the animals made to look as though they were actually talking,or did their "speech" get portrayed as 'thoughts' so that the viewer could know what they were saying? Hope that makes sense. Also, did the film have lots of pretty outdoor shots/scenes in it? I know,being filmed in October/November of last year,it must have had beautiful color everywhere! Part of the fascination of this story/book involves the use of color and a kind of "sparkle" the author creates from time to time. I wonder if that aspect is brought out well,do you think?

Ship, I agree that color schemes played a big part in the book. I thought the production stills looked like they took some care in that, but who knows if they carried it out. Oh! I know - Stevie does. Lucky lady!

Matie, the animals (real and fantastical) did not 'speak' in any form, but they did make themselves understood - if that makes sense? The CGI is impressive and the final scene breathtaking (lips sealed on that one!) I think the colour theme works very well in the film - Moonacre Manor is largely pale hues, if dilapidated, while the De Noir castle is dark and brooding. The woods, indeed, are full of late summer colour, and don't quite pull off any brooding moments (this could have been the director/designer's intention, as the De Noirs bring the menace with their presence. I think too, that colour is used to advantage with Maria's dresses - light and delicate satin, contrasting with the rich heavy velvets of the Moon Princess.

Thanks so much. That sounds gorgeous. I'll probably think of some more things later to ask.

Thanks for posting your impressions of the film. Looking forward to seeing it, and I hope this is the breakout role of Ioan at last. GinaP :cool:

Thanks everyone! :hug And :fingcross: Gina, :fingcross:

Well, I finally got the space to sort out the very few pics I managed to get at the Premiere. (Private photography was not encouraged inside, shall we say :wink: ) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. Producer Meredith Garlick and Natascha McElhone (Loveday) 2. Andy Linden (Marmaduke) 3. Dakota Blue Richards -2nd right- (Maria) 4. L-R Monica Penders (?- producer), Augustus Prew (Robin), Dakota Blue Richards, Natascha McElhone, Andy Linden, Michael Webber (Digweed), Meredith Garlick, Gabor Csupo (Director) 5. Little Me. :cool:

Lovely pics, Stevie! It must have definitely been exciting to be at the premiere. I could have taken you for someone from the movie cast, if I didn't know it is you in the last pic, Stevie.

Congrats Stevie, nice picture, not little me but Producer Stevie :love: