This week it came to light that the Welsh Assembly refused SPECTRE‘s film-makers permission to shoot at the Senedd chamber in Cardiff Bay after an approach was made at the end of 2014. In a statement the assembly said:
The Senedd’s Siambr is the home of Welsh democracy and seat of government for Wales.
Some media activity is allowed in the Siambr when it relates to the work of the assembly or reflects the Siambr’s status as the focal point of Welsh civic life.
It is not a drama studio.
The request by James Bond to use the Siambr was turned down and they were offered alternative locations on the estate which they subsequently declined.
The leader of the Welsh Conservative Party, Andrew RT Davies, has condemned the decision, saying:
“That’s the sort of publicity money can’t buy. TV and film-related tourism is a major industry, bringing fans of Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who to Welsh locations. It’s a shame that Spectre won’t be added to that list.”
Really it is no big deal as the producers must approach the owners of many sites before making a decision and in Rome permission was turned down for filming on at least two separate sites. It is unknown what the Senedd chamber would have represented in the film, nor what location will replace it.
Source: BBC
