Toilers of the Sea will film at iconic island locations

Thursday 18 November 2021

The film adaptation of Toilers of the Sea will be filmed at Castle Cornet, Moulin Huet and St. Saviour's Church.

The long-awaited adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic should start shooting before Easter, according to one of its producers, David Shanks.

He and fellow producer Joy Mellins have been visiting the island more frequently since Guernsey’s border restrictions eased. Most recently, they held an event at the Old Government House Hotel, where attendees viewed a private Toilers of the Sea composition teaser and met the Oscar-nominated composer John Cameron, who will be working on the production.

Mr Shanks has now told Express of some of the iconic locations in the island where the film will be shot. 

Pictured: Castle Cornet will be used as a base for the production.

The cast is not yet confirmed, but the producers are negotiating with a well-known actor for the lead role of Gilliat.

The book was published in 1866 and tells the story of Gilliat, who seeks to retrieve the engine of a shipwreck to win the heart of Déruchette, the woman he loves.

Mr Shanks said earlier this year that the film must be shot on location.

“You open page one of the book and it is dedicated to the people of Guernsey, so it has to be shot here," he said.

Pictured: Parts of Victor Hugo’s Toilers of the Sea were influenced by Sark.

Production is being supported through a partnership with Sarnia Asset Management, which has developed an investment vehicle to raise funds for the film.

When Express last met Mr Shanks in the island, the project was raising significant instalments of £100,000 as part of an overall target of £10 million.