The Morgan Arboretum, located in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, has been a popular filming location for various films and TV shows over the years not to mention other West Island locations. This season is no exception. The remake of the 1986 American supernatural horror film Witchboard was in full filming mode this weekend at the Arbo.
This new version of the '80s fright franchise will feature Jamie Campbell Bower, known for his role as Vecna in Stranger Things, as one of the main stars. The film will be directed by Chuck Russell and produced by Russell, Greg McKay, Kade Vu, and Bernie Gewissler under the production company A-Nation Media.The story revolves around Emily, her fiancé Christian, and their group of friends who open an organic café in a refurbished old carriage house in New Orleans' French Quarter. However, darkness ensues when Emily discovers an ancient pendulum board that was once used to summon spirits. In order to help Emily, Christian seeks assistance from occult expert Alexander Babtiste, who has his own secrets related to the fateful bloodlines that connect them all to the Witchboard. The plot further involves a modern coven of White Witches, a masked ball at Babtiste's mansion, and the legacy of Naga Soth, the Queen of Witches, all of which contribute to a dangerous game that puts Emily's soul in jeopardy.
It's exciting to see a new iteration of the Witchboard franchise with an updated storyline and talented cast. The film is set to shoot in both Montreal and New Orleans.
Here is a short list of some other films that have been shot in Sainte-Anne-De-Bellevue:
"X-Men: Days of Future Past" (2014) - Parts of this superhero film were shot at the Morgan Arboretum. The location was used to represent the grounds of the X-Mansion.
"White House Down" (2013) - Some scenes of this action thriller starring Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx were filmed in the West Island of Montreal, including Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.
"The Bone Collector" (1999) - This crime thriller starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie featured scenes filmed in the Morgan Arboretum.
"Warm Bodies" (2013) - Parts of this romantic zombie comedy were shot in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, including scenes around John Abbott College.
"The Covenant" (2006) - This supernatural thriller had some scenes filmed in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue and the West Island of Montreal, including the Morgan Arboretum.
"Witchboard" was in full filming mode this weekend at the Morgan Arboretum.
