Cliffs of Moher to feature in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
The latest installment of the HARRY POTTER series, entitled HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF - BLOOD PRINCE, which goes on international release this Summer, will feature the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare and Lemon Rock in Co. Kerry.
This Warner Bros. Pictures blockbuster brings these two Irish coastal landmarks from different counties together in the one frame using cutting-edge visual effects, as Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) set out on a perilous journey to an isolated cave set deep within a windswept cliff., providing the backdrop to a climatic sequence towards the end of the film. The images were also used on the opening sequence on the promotional trailer for the film as well as on other printed promotional materials marketing the film worldwide.
Production Designer, Stuart Craig (three-time Academy Award® winner and two-time BAFTA Award winner) recalls, "When we were doing our location scouts, we found the Cliffs of Moher in the west of Ireland and immediately thought they would be spectacular for the entrance of the cave."
Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board provided advice and support to Warner Brothers when they were searching the Irish west coast for suitable film locations back in January 2007, before principal photography began that September. "We started assisting the production two and half years ago. It's fantastic to finally see the Cliffs of Moher on the big screen" said IFB Deputy Film Commissioner, Mags O'Sullivan.
"This film will be seen by tens of millions of people the world over, potentially providing a major boost to Irish tourism" said Naoise Barry, IFB Film Commissioner.
Irish acting talent in the film includes Irish actress EVANNA LYNCH who made her acting debut in the role of Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Lynch is from Co. Louth and was already a dedicated Harry Potter fan when she won the role of Luna over 15,000 other young hopefuls, through an open casting call in early 2006. She will again play Harry Potter's free-spirited friend in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Parts 1 and 2.
Once again heading the cast, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reprise their roles as young wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, who are facing new challenges and dangers following Lord Voldemort's return.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company and will be released nationwide in Irish cinemas on July 15th. Cert 12A