Star Wars filming impact on heritage site studied

A university academic has started researching the impact that a Star Wars series, filmed on the Jurassic Coast, had on the environment.

Dorset's disused Winspit Quarry near Worth Matravers, was used as a set for the Disney+ Star Wars series Andor in 2021.

Dr Rebecca Harrison, from the Open University's Film and Media department, wants people to take part in an online survey to help her investigate how filming affects the environment and local communities.

The senior lecturer said she would look at 14 sites across the UK.

The Environmental Impact of Filmmaking (EIF) study will also explore the differences between how the sites appear today – complete with wildlife, human visitors, litter and traffic – and how they appeared in the Star Wars franchise.

The Star Wars series was a prequel to the 2016 spin-off film Rogue One, and follows main character Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna.

Film crews had planned to use Winspit Quarry for a second time in 2023 but this was cancelled amid landslip concerns.

Dr Harrison said: “I want to know what wildlife is disrupted when cameras and catering trucks move in, how people feel when roads are closed, or recreational sites are closed off, and why the advantages of location shoots are always promoted in economic terms.

“I want to look beyond the headlines to understand how film shoots might become more environmentally friendly for plants, animals, and people in future.”

Official figures from the British Film Industry say that in 2023, £4.23bn was spent in the UK by film and high-end television production companies.

Dr Harrison said: “It’s clear that there are economic advantages to allowing location shoots – but we need to make sure they’re managed in a way that suits local communities and protects the habitats of our increasingly endangered wildlife.”

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