Pembs could host film adaptation of Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You

Pembroke’s Main Street could be closed in late Spring as a film company uses the location for a Hollywood production of bestselling book Me Before You.

Discussions are ongoing with location manager Richard George at London-based Pinewood Studios for what is believed to be a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film production of British writer Jojo Moyes’ smash hit bestselling romantic novel.

Talks are currently ongoing which could see Main Street closed during several dates in May for filming. The proposed dates, yet to be confirmed, include May 14-15 and May 18-21.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman confirmed the council had been in talks about a possible road closure with a film company.

It is expected filming in Pembroke could involve up to 60 people on the production.

Town councillor and Pembrokeshire Federation of Small Business vice-chairman Clive Collins said: “If it’s advertising Pembrokeshire it’s bound to be good for Pembrokeshire.”

He added: “I would be in favour of a short closure rather than a long one.”

Deputy Mayor Pauline Waters gave a cautious welcome to the proposal, citing previous films made in the county.

“It surprising how people cottoned on when they did the filming in Castlemartin; it puts us on the map.”

Cllr Waters felt any disruption from closures would be offset by potential benefits.

“We close the road for the fair but everything goes on; perhaps people will be there having a look; it’s going to be on people’s doorsteps. I think a lot could be had out of it if we use it right.”

Pembrokeshire is no stranger to being used as a film location, with nearby Freshwater West featuring in two recent films; Ridley Scott's Robin Hood and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which featured an iconic shell cottage built on the beach.

Other films using the county as a location include Moby Dick, Under Milk Wood, Vanity Fair, The Edge of Love, and Snow White and the Huntsman.