March 13, 2001
Ananova
UK-produced films hit by foot-and-mouth

A number of films in production around the UK have been hit by foot-and-mouth disease.

Among those affected by the outbreak are Cromwell And Fairfax, Morvern Callar and Charlotte Gray.

Cromwell And Fairfax has had its pre-production schedule put back.

It is being produced by Ewan McGregor and Jude Law's company Natural Nylon.

"Foot-and-mouth has affected our recce schedule," producer Kevin Loader told the Hollywood Reporter.

"We've had to cancel trips to look at different locations since all the National Trust's historic country houses are closed."

Filming is due to begin in July.

Loader said there was still room to manoeuvre but that the next six to eight weeks were crucial.

"It is still early enough to be flexible," he said.

"We can still think about moving on to soundstages and building sets. The worst situation would be to have committed to a location and then find you can't get access to it."

Morvern Callar, which stars Samantha Morton, has had to change location from Oban on the west coast of Scotland.

Charlotte Gray, which stars Cate Blanchett, is on location in France.

Its return to the United Kingdom for filming in Scotland and London could be delayed because of foot-and-mouth.

Copyright © 2001 Ananova Ltd