Synopsis

This programme tracks the process of freely adapting a bestselling novel as a Hollywood screen epic. From pre-production through production to post-production – with commentary from the film's director, producers, cast and production team – behind-the-scenes insights are provided into scripting, location finding, production design, casting, shooting, editing and promoting. Rehearsals and clips from the movie are included.

Based on Charles Frazier's 1997 bestselling novel 'Cold Mountain', Anthony Minghella's 2003 film production is an ambitious epic set in the final days of the American Civil War. A brave but disillusioned Confederate soldier – Inman (Jude Law) – seriously wounded in battle, endures a hazardous epic trek back home to Cold Mountain, North Carolina, and the beautiful woman he loves, Ada Monroe (Nicole Kidman). Meanwhile, the lonely and refined Ada desperately fights her own profound battles, stoically toiling to survive on the farmstead she has inherited. Ada's struggles are supported by the help and friendship of a fiercely independent drifter, Ruby Thewes (Renée Zellweger).

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01:00:50   Novel to Screenplay
Spring 2002: Contributions from producers Albert Berger and William Horberg, writer / director Anthony Minghella, and Nicole Kidman

01:04:05   Location Scouting
With production designer Dante Ferretti in Virginia, South Carolina and Romania

01:07:15   Production Design
May 2002: Building Cold Mountain settlement

01:09:50   The Battle
July 2001: Petersburg battlefield, Virginia and its recreation in Romania

01:12:40   Actors
Jude Law, Nicole Kidman and Renée Zellweger, with producers Sydney Pollack and Ron Yerxa

01:18:45   Rehearsals
July 2002: Constructing the chapel, Romania, and the trigger-happy Home Guard scene at the Swanger Farm

01:23:55   Shooting (July–December 2002: 117 days)
Battle scene, Cape Fear ferry crossing scene and climax, also featuring John Seale (Director of Photography) and Ann Roth (Costume Design)

01:35:10   Weather
October 2002: Adverse filming conditions in Romania

01:42:05   Publicity
Features publicist Larry Kaplan, stills photographer Phil Bray and special photographer Brigitte Lacome

01:44:00   Romania
Rehearsing the Romanian troops, with military adviser J.D. Bert

01:46:20   Editing
Editor Walter Murch reflects in his edit studio

01:54:22   Music
Rehearsing with composer Gabriel Yared, Jack White and the Alabama Liberty Baptist Church

01:03:55   Previews
October 2003: Invited audiences at Edgewater, New Jersey

01:10:50   Premieres
December 2003: Los Angeles and London premieres

01:13:15   ends