Creative production studio CONDUCTR has completed filming a new attraction experience bringing together visual effects and immersive technology to tell the stories of two well-known British visitor destinations.
Titled A Keeper’s Tale, the production is being developed for the 4D cinemas at Heritage GB-operated Land’s End and The Needles, where unique destination-specific versions will launch in 2027. The project combines live-action filming, computer-generated imagery (CG) and illustration to bring local history, myths and legends to life.
The films are being created for audiences of all ages, with stereoscopic 3D presentation and 4D effects designed to make the experience more immersive for visitors.
CONDUCTR has overseen the creative development and production, drawing on its in-house teams across set design, art, media and filming.
The first filming block saw the studio recreate the interior of an iconic Cornish lighthouse at its Manchester facilities. The detailed set included hand-drawn illustrations depicting stories told by the lighthouse keeper, with the artwork incorporated into the surrounding environment.
Removable wall panels were built into the set to give the production team greater flexibility when positioning cameras and capturing close-up sequences. This was particularly important for the stereoscopic 3D presentation, with shots composed to accommodate the visual requirements of the format and the accompanying 4D effects.
CONDUCTR also managed casting for the central character of the lighthouse keeper, played by Nick Cornwall, whose credits include How to Train Your Dragon (2025).
The filming incorporated animals on set alongside practical rain and wind effects, adding further production elements to the lighthouse sequences.
The second filming block recreated the top of the lighthouse within a full studio environment before the production moved to the Peak District for a series of night shoots.
These outdoor sequences involved challenging terrain and weather, with a large cast of extras and musicians. The production also incorporated sequences involving fire.
Making immersive cinema accessible
A key consideration for the production has been bringing together the different creative disciplines while managing the costs associated with producing stereoscopic 3D content for heritage attractions.
Simon Mulvaney, Live Action Film Director at CONDUCTR, said: “Productions of this scale have traditionally come with budgets that can put them out of reach for heritage attractions. We’ve had to think carefully about how we make every element, using innovative workflows and our in-house resources to make stereoscopic 3D content more affordable.
“The film brings together live action, CG and illustration, and each needs to work as part of the same story. Having our set designers, creatives, project managers and art and media teams working closely together has been a huge part of making that possible. That support has continued through the shoot, from building the lighthouse to managing on-location logistics.
“We’re now in the edit, bringing those elements together into a film designed from the outset for an immersive cinema experience with 4D effects.”
The production is now in post-production, where the live-action footage, computer-generated imagery and illustrations will be brought together into the finished films.
A British production
The project continues an existing partnership between Heritage GB, CONDUCTR and attractions technology specialist Simworx, which has supplied the 4D cinema experiences at both destinations.
Allan Leech, CEO of Heritage GB, said: “What excites me about this project is the mix of young British talent creating a wholly British production about two extraordinary British landmarks. Land’s End and The Needles have so many stories to tell, and this gives us a wonderful opportunity to share them with new visitors and people who have been coming for years.
“It continues our partnership with CONDUCTR and Simworx, bringing audiences into the myths, legends and history of these destinations. The combination of live action, CG and illustration is outstanding. The teams have gone above and beyond to bring this film to life, and I can’t wait for our guests to experience it in 2027.”
For Heritage GB, the new films are intended to give visitors an additional way to engage with the history and stories associated with the two destinations, while providing a new experience for returning guests.
Terry Monkton, CEO of Simworx, said: “Our 4D cinemas at Land’s End and The Needles have already proved hugely popular with visitors. It’s a pleasure to continue our partnership with Heritage GB and work alongside CONDUCTR on a new experience that will give guests a compelling reason to return again to these amazing iconic UK destinations.”
Two destination-specific experiences planned for 2027
The finished production will launch in two versions: Land’s End: A Keeper’s Tale and The Needles: A Keeper’s Tale.
Both will use the same combination of cinematic storytelling, characters and 4D effects to explore the myths, legends and history associated with their respective locations.
Rather than presenting a single film across both venues, the destination-specific titles are designed to connect the stories being told with the places in which visitors experience them.
The project also represents a further collaboration between Heritage GB and its creative and technology partners, combining CONDUCTR’s production capabilities with Simworx‘s experience in immersive cinema installations.
With filming now complete, A Keeper’s Tale is entering the final stages of production ahead of its planned 2027 opening at Land’s End and The Needles.
