Why was the film "Rabbit Trap" relocated from Wales?

The film "Rabbit Trap" was relocated from Wales to North Yorkshire due to Wales' strict non-smoking regulations on film sets, which conflicted with the director's need for characters to smoke on screen.

What are the smoking rules for film sets in England compared to Wales?

England allows exemptions for actors to smoke if required for their role, whereas Wales prohibits smoking on film sets as part of its smoke-free legislation for enclosed public spaces.

What is the film "Rabbit Trap" about?

The film "Rabbit Trap" is a horror movie about a London couple who move to rural Wales and encounter mischievous mythical fairies known as the Tylwyth Teg.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Wales' Strict Smoking Ban Forces Film Relocation to Yorkshire

Wales' Strict Smoking Ban Forces Film Relocation to Yorkshire

30 Jan

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Summary

Welsh smoking ban prompted film's move from Wales to Yorkshire.
Director cited strict rules as 'nail in the coffin' for Welsh plans.
England allows exemptions for actors smoking for roles.

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.