Hall's well that ends well for our bit of The Dark Knight Rises?
THE Dark Knight Rises is set to be the blockbuster film of the summer. It has the critics raving and the five-star ratings rolling in, with one reviewer calling it "the summer's most grandiose, grown-up and operatic superhero movie".
If that was not a good enough reason to go and see it, the residents of Wollaton have another incentive: Nottingham's very own Wollaton Hall is featured in the film.
The outside view of the Hall, and Wollaton Park surrounding it, are used as the home and grounds of Batman's alter ego, Bruce Wayne.
The city council reaped the rewards of the use of the hall in the film, with the film company paying for refurbishments worth £100,000, as well as a large fee being paid to the council.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
But the council refuses to disclose exactly how large that fee was or how and where the money will be used.
This ignited much controversy among residents. One local resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I don't mind the council earning money for the use of the hall, so long as it is used for the upkeep of it. I do not think it is fair, however, that we are being kept in the dark about it".
Ron Inglis, Nottingham City Council's manager of museums and galleries, claimed that the money that was earned was a "sum that was appropriate to the amount of disruption".
The disruption amounted to the closure of the Hall and grounds to all residents for two weeks.
It left local dog walkers nowhere to walk and residents having to walk on local pavements, instead of going through the park.
Guide groups were left without anywhere to take troops. It caused a lot of inconvenience for many local people.
One local viewer of the film waited until the end of the film to see if any mention was made to Wollaton Hall or even Nottingham, and said: "I wanted to see the name of somewhere I know very well on the credits of a blockbuster film. I saw no mention whatsoever of Wollaton Hall or even Nottingham. Surely they would at least mention the area?
"Without any reference made to location, how can Batman fans find Wayne Manor and walk and stand exactly where the actors did?"
The viewer later went on to say she enjoyed the film but was "totally disappointed" that the hall did not get a mention.
Is it fair that residents could not use Wollaton Park for two weeks, only to be denied knowing what the benefits will be and then not acknowledging the use of Wollaton Hall?
The council hopes to utilise this new-found fame for the hall and grounds to their advantage, organising events and tours in upcoming months in the hope that it will boost tourism and help the economy of the city, but they have missed out on a prime advertising opportunity by not ensuring Wollaton is acknowledged in the end credits.
Comments
by FormerlyW
Friday, August 10 2012, 8:49PM
“How daft are people: of course you don't publish the details of a commercial transaction like the location fee for Wollaton Hall, as you would completely cripple your ability to negotiate the best price for any future use.”
by Owain_Morgan
Friday, August 10 2012, 1:04PM
“I would want to know how much money that got for the City. If people are unable to use the services they pay for (like Wollaton Hall) they should at least be told how much benefit it brings the city.
Although, I think the Council should seize the opportunity and try to attract more film and TV makers to Nottingham.
1) It will provide jobs locally
2) It raises the profile of Nottingham”
by paulr27
Friday, August 10 2012, 11:22AM
“I thought that Cllr Collins was not against transparency - so if we don't know how much the money earned was or what it will be used for how can be be confident it will not be wasted on some controversial scheme.
I am surprised that the money is not being itemised in the council accounts - how can they get away not doing this?”
by smirc
Friday, August 10 2012, 10:32AM
“Some people really are a bit thick. Can you imagine how long the credits for every film would be if they mentioned each and every location used?”