Narnia The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Narnia filming delayed
Courtesy of
JENNA DAROCZY & The Bayside Bulletin
27/08/2009 5:29:00 PM
Plans for filming the next Narnia instalment at Cleveland Point have changed significantly this week, with up to a week’s delay and the removal of the grandstand from the park.

Filming of The Voyage of Tthe Dawn Treader is currently under way at the purpose-built water tank at Movie World on the Gold Coast, and progress there will now dictate whether the filming is able to be started by Thursday, September 3, or is delayed until the following week.

The grandstand erected for residents to watch the filming has also been taken down. A spokesperson on site said safety concerns had been raised when older residents who were climbing to the top of the grandstand became “unsteady”.

“The view from the grandstand was pretty well blocked by the tree anyway, so we’d suggest people bring along a picnic blanket instead!” the sopkesman said.

With filming still up to a week away, management on site are also looking at running a shuttle bus for spectators between the open grass near the Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) site at the corner of Shore Street and William Street, Cleveland, in order to reduce the stress on parking arrangements at the point.

Residents and patrons for The Lighthouse restaurant and cafe would have road access, but drivers visiting the Narnia set would be encouraged to park at the VMR and take a constantly running shuttle bus for the 500 metres to the point.

READY TO ROLL: With the dragon�s head and tail now attached to the ship, the Dawn Treader has been rotated in preparation for filming. Photo: Charles Sonnex.

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Narnia–The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Narnia–The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Narnia a drawcard for Cleveland diners
Courtesy of
JENNA DAROCZY & Bayside Bulletin
16/07/2009 4:24:00 PM
Large, dark wood panels with elaborate golden swirls are taking shape on the far end of Cleveland Point as the set construction gets under way for filming of The Dawn Treader, the next instalment of the Chronicles of Narnia films.

Although most of Cleveland Point reserve is still fully accessible for picnics and the playground and green space opened for temporary parking, the best view of our local Hollywood set is with a glass of wine in hand at The Lighthouse Restaurant, which will be open throughout the whole Narnia experience.

With the cast to arrive for filming in September, The Lighthouse owner and manager Tim Varitimos said the atmosphere had been buzzing with speculation.

“It’s an added attraction for the kids, as well as the parents. They come down to our beautiful bay and have a good look at what’s going on,” he said.

“Initially we were a bit concerned that the production might encroach on our space, but we’ve got plenty of extra parking to compensate for the land they’re using and our customers are loving combining a great meal here with hearing the latest on what’s going on with the film.”

Mr Varitimos, his twin brother Chris and their uncle George bought The Lighthouse Restaurant nearly three years ago and renovated it into a more family-oriented venue.

It features a 250 capacity restaurant, short menu café and bar, and takeaway, perfect for fish and chips at the park, or gelato on the bay.

“We’re a family-owned and family-oriented business, so it’s actually a great film to be set up next door, because it’s one for kids and parents alike,” Mr Varitimos said.

The construction site has also brought security guards to the point, welcomed by restaurant staff, but a few local fishermen have been disgruntled with fewer fishing spots available.

While The Lighthouse Restaurant has picked up a swag of tourism awards, both locally and state-wide, the tourist impact of the neighbouring film set looks set to overshadow previous prestige.

“This project has been talk of the town since early this year,” Mr Varitimos said.

“The crew are giving a lot back too. They’re having our fish and chips a lot, all of which are caught locally, and when they finish up at the Point we hear it’s going to be revamped by the council.”

Redland City Council said the next stage of the Cleveland Point masterplan, including new play equipment, barbecue facilities and seating, would start after filming.

“We’re hoping that when the filming is all finished we might be able to have something as a legacy for the restaurant, to remember it by – part of the boat would be great!”

In this industry you hear a lot through word of mouth before any official news reaches you, and t

BOAT BUILDING: Construction is under way on the film-set boat Dawn Treader, which will float off Cleveland Point during filming from September. Photo: Sally Walker-Brown

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Tags: Narnia, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader