Wales' Strict Smoking Ban Forces Film Relocation to Yorkshire

The filming of "Rabbit Trap," a horror film centered on mythical Welsh fairies, was moved from Wales to North Yorkshire. This relocation occurred because of Wales' stringent non-smoking regulations on film sets, which clashed with the director's vision. Director Bryn Chainey explained that the characters, portrayed by Dev Patel and Rosy McEwen, are chain smokers, a detail intended to visually convey their anxiety.

The Welsh government cited its smoke-free legislation, which prohibits smoking in enclosed public places, including workplaces like film sets. They suggested alternatives such as adapted e-cigarettes, which have been utilized in other productions. However, Chainey found these workarounds, along with potential CGI solutions for simulating smoking, to be either impractical or too expensive for the film's budget.

In contrast, England has an exemption allowing actors to smoke if it is required for their role, as clarified by the British Film Commission. This difference in regulations proved decisive for "Rabbit Trap," which features a scene where characters smoke cannabis in a bath. Despite earlier challenges in finding a suitable location in Wales, the smoking ban ultimately sealed the decision to shift production.

Chainey expressed disappointment about not filming in Wales, a country he has personal connections to, but acknowledged that the Yorkshire setting proved visually and practically effective. He hopes to eventually film in Wales, while the Welsh government reiterates its commitment to supporting the creative industries.