DORSET is world famous for its Jurassic Coast but if you stumbled upon this scene on Wednesday you would have thought you really had stepped back in time – to the Stone Age.

For this particular film shoot at Highcliffe is one of several locations being filmed around the South Coast and the New Forest for a pilot programme called Cavegirl – a remake of the original hit children’s TV series that was broadcast on BBC 1 10 years ago.

The producer Andy Bell of Movie Part Media, knows the area well having grown up in Dorset. He attended school in Wimborne and his father Andrew Bell runs Mane Street hair salon in Bournemouth.

“Although the original hit series was filmed on location in South Africa, we are keen to produce the new series as much as we can around the incredible locations that are available in Dorset and the New Forest, some of which are actually perfect back-drops for the new Cavegirl,” he explained.

Over the past three days the TV crew have been filming along the New Milton coast and also around Barton on Sea and Highcliffe.

“Although we did look at filming on the Jurassic Coast the cliff tops in this particular area are very dramatic and were just what we were looking for,” adds Andy.

Cavegirl was originally commissioned by CBBC and was aimed at eight to 12-year-olds. The last programme was aired in 2002.

“Our version of Cavegirl called Teenage Problems in A Stone Age World – is more grown-up as it is aimed at teenagers. It is quirky, sexy and has a more contemporary style in terms of costume, make-up and hair design.”

Andy’s father Andrew Bell has been involved with the hair design for the TV pilot.

“We decided on the rather appropriate concept of coupe sauvage – as the French say.

“It is very wild and full and reminiscent of the 1970s.”

Andrew’s son is due to fly to South Africa in October to start shooting the film version of Cavegirl funded by the UK Film Council and starring American actress Jennifer Stone famous for her role as Harper Finkle in the Walt Disney series Wizards of Waverly Place.

“We are hoping that the TV series will coincide with the film release late summer or early autumn next year,” Andy adds.

&bull Visit newcavegirl.blogspot.com for news about the TV and movie.