Filming concludes on major Disney pilot in Tullamore

Tullamore was the setting for the last three weeks of shooting on a pilot for a major new drama by a Disney-owned company.

‘Epic’, from ABC Signature Studios, is described as a romantic anthology series that reinvents fairytales for a new audience.

The film crew packed up and departed Tullamore on Tuesday having been in the area for the past three weeks.

The shooting took place in the woods and grounds of Charleville Castle whilst the film crew also used part of the car park at Mucklagh Community Centre for off-set facilities for a day.

'Epic' involves Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, creators of the hugely popular series 'Once Upon a Time' which ran for seven seasons.

According to Variety, 'Epic' is written and executive produced by Brigitte Hales with Horowitz and Kitsis. Hales was a writer on the 'Once Upon a Time' series.

Dudley Stewart of Charleville Castle Heritage Trust confirmed that scenes for the pilot of 'Epic' had been shot in the area.

Filming has been ongoing elsewhere in Ireland on 'Disenchanted', a follow up to hit movie 'Enchanted' starring Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey, in locations including Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, and the RDS. As a result, the appearance of a Disney film crew in Tullamore sparked rumours that scenes from 'Disenchanted' were being shot in the area.

Mr Stewart said he didn't know if any scenes for that movie were involved. He said the film crew was involved in shooting for the 'Epic' series pilot.

The filming took place under strict Covid protocols and with Government approval.

The production had its own COVID-19 testing facilities in place and in Mucklagh, it had its own toilet and other facilities.

“I think it is all very positive,” Stewart said, stating that the hosting of festivals and movies was the formula in operation at the castle over the last 15 years.