A Hollywood fantasy, shot extensively in New Zealand, with English actors, gives the Loch Ness monster myth a new twist.
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep is the story of a boy who hatches a cute little finned creature from an egg he discovers on the beach and releases it into Loch Ness where it grows into the Loch Ness monster of mythology.
Although mainly shot in New Zealand, the filmmakers did shoot on location in Scotland with Loch Fyne in Argyll standing in for Loch Ness. The film's incredibly expanding star, Nessie (aka Crusoe in the film), was generated by New Zealand based special effects experts Weta Digital and Weta Workshop with Ben Chaplin, Brian Cox, Emily Watson and Alex Etel (as the young boy) also in the cast.
Scottish tourism bosses expect the movie will attract monster hunters, and are getting a sneak preview of the creature feature today in New York.
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep is scheduled for a Christmas Day release in North America followed by a UK general release on 8th February.
The official web site carries a trailer and video blog.