Forres is set for a touch of Hollywood glamour this week as a film crew arrives in the town to work on a new comedy starring acclaimed American actor Jeff Daniels.
The production team behind The Reception is expected to be in Forres until Thursday, 5 November, with crew setting up today and filming scheduled to take place at the St Laurence building during the four-day stay.
The film, directed by Trudie Styler, is an upcoming comedy set against the backdrop of a grand Scottish wedding, where celebrations take an unexpected turn when the bride and groom fail to appear.
The former church will provide the opening scenes, as the storyline follows Felix, who abandons Victoria at the altar.
Despite the couple’s absence, their families, friends and guests decide to continue with the lavish reception. What follows is a day of increasingly chaotic events, awkward encounters, unexpected connections and family tensions as everyone attempts to maintain appearances.
Cast
Leading the cast is Jeff Daniels, the award-winning actor perhaps best known to audiences for his comedy role as Harry Dunne alongside Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber. His extensive screen career also includes The Newsroom, The Squid and the Whale, Gettysburg and Godless.
Daniels brings considerable experience across both comedy and drama to the production. He has received two Primetime Emmy Awards and five Golden Globe nominations during his career.
Behind the camera is Trudie Styler, an established filmmaker, producer and actor whose previous directing projects include Freak Show and Posso Entrare? An Ode to Naples. Styler is also producing the film alongside Celine Rattray of Maven Screen Media and Piers Tempest of Tempo Productions.
The film is being produced by Maven Screen Media and Tempo Productions, with German distributor and international sales company Beta Cinema handling international sales.
While further cast details have yet to be fully announced, the film is being developed as an ensemble comedy, with a host of characters caught up in the increasingly disastrous wedding celebrations.
The arrival of the production in Forres brings another film industry connection to Moray, with the town set to provide a backdrop for scenes in a feature film that will also showcase the Scottish setting to audiences further afield.
With the crew due to remain in the area until 5 November, residents may spot some activity associated with the production during the coming days.
Please note that parking restrictions are in place around the building.