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Tuesday 24 March 2009

Vampires Descend Upon Vancouver Island


Threatening northern winter skies, menacing waves, pelting rain and howling winds in Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim National Park—the thrilling storms that tourists travel thousands of miles to the British Columbia towns of Tofino and Ucluelet hoping to experience, made it the ideal setting for the filming of New Moon, the second movie in the four-part Twilight series based on American author Stephenie Meyer’s popular books.

“The weather is perfect for us in the sense of visuals: rainy, dismal, the mist on the ocean, the cloudiness, the erratic wind activity,” Bill Bannerman, New Moon’s co-producer noted to the Canadian Press after shooting wrapped at the end of last week. “Everything is exactly as it should be.”

Filming kicked off at the rocky, timber-strewn beach near Tofino’s luxurious Relais & Chateaux-rated Wickanninish Inn before heading south towards the area’s famed Long Beach. The topography of the region was chosen for its ability to create the feel of Forks and La Push areas of the American state of Washington’s north Olympic Peninsula, where the series takes place.

“We couldn’t find this element anywhere else. That’s why we love it,” noted Bannerman. “This is a substantial look that may be revisited in the next chapter, so more than likely, you know, Tofino [will be] back in the equation.”

The film stars Kristin Stewart as Isabella, the teenager who moves to Forks, Washington and falls in love with vampire Taylor Lautner, played by Jacob Black. The film’s crews will shoot in the Vancouver area for the next few months. The film is scheduled to wrap at the end of May and premiere in November 20, 2009.

Storm watching on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast has become a magnet for those who visit BC during the northern winter. Ultimately it’s up to Mother Nature as to whether or not visitors will have the opportunity to experience her fury but stunning beach-side resorts, acres of ancient rainforest, high-end spas, surfing, kayaking, fresh and savoury local cuisine and more are always available to experience.

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