It's closer than you think... New Forest promo film launches to tempt the tourists

AS New Forest businesses gear up for one of the busiest visitor weekends of the year, an online video created by an award-winning local director is being launched today (Thursday) to tempt in the tourists.

Tourist group Go New Forest wants to create a social media storm before the bank holiday as it unveils the short film made by Lymington’s Keith English – the man behind The More You Ignore Me, written by Jo Brand.

His production company, Velvet Pictures, run with wife Claire Cottrell, was called in to make the romantic, 40-second promotion.

It was mostly shot in Pondhead Inclosure, near Lyndhurst, and features the district’s famous ponies, woodland and miles of tracks.

Anthony Climpson, Go New Forest chief executive, said: “We know that people want to escape the humdrum to somewhere magical and the New Forest is that destination.

“The It’s Closer Than You Think film and social media campaign just puts that story into a very short, beautiful visual narrative.

“On Thursday at 4.30pm we want everyone to share the link to the film to create the biggest ever New Forest digital splash in advance of one of the most popular holiday weekends in the UK.

“It reminds us all of how lucky we are to live and work in such an amazing and special place.”

The video is tailored to attract potential visiting couples aged between 21 and 55 living in London and the south-east who are interested in walking, cycling and camping.

Involved in its production were Forestry England, Pondhead Conservation Trust and The 49 Innovation Centre.

Also taking part were actor Laura McKee from Ringwood and media studies student Ben Chesterman from Brockenhurst College. Tom Barber Duffy from Bournemouth also appears.

Keith, who has lived in the area with Claire for 11 years, recently won Best Comedy in the National Film Awards for The More You Ignore Me.

To find out more, go to www.thenewforest.co.uk.