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We could hardly believe it when Saoirse Ronan’s dad Paul told 98FM that his daughter will turn 18 in a few weeks. She was only 13 when the world took note of her fabulous performance in “Atonement” for which she was Oscar nominated and her career has skyrocketed since then. She was BAFTA nominated in 2008 for “Atonement” and then again 2 years later for “The Lovely Bones”.

Even though her big birthday is just around the corner on April 12th, her dad Paul told 98FM she won’t get much time off – she has a really busy movie year ahead. She is fully booked up for 2012. She is in Louisiana right now filming “The Host” directed by Andrew Nicholl. She just finished filming “Byzanthiam” with Neil Jordan and flew out to Louisiana after just 2 days off.

Last year, she had a long break – just doing promotion for “Hanna”, work for the ISPCC and a Vogue photoshoot so Saoirse was eager to get back to work.

She has another 3 films on the cards – one called “The Order of the Seven” – a retake on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It’s a Disney film around September/October and another one based in the UK that is yet to be finalised so she will have about 6 weeks off for the entire year.

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On Monday, The Host, based on the novel by Twilight writer Stephenie Meyer, began filming in New Orleans.

So far there hasn’t been too much news about where exactly they are shooting, though the production was spotted filming near the flood walls off Airline Dr on Monday.

The Host, which stars Saoirse Ronan, Jake Abel, William Hurt, and Diane Kruger, revolves around Melanie Stryder, “one of the last human beings who fight against a harmful alien, Souls. She is later implanted by a Soul called Wanderer, something of a legend because of all of the ‘hosts’ she has attached to on numerous planets. Trying to get Melanie to give up the remaining pockets of humans, the alien instead finds her to be unique. Wanderer is so overwhelmed by Melanie’s memories and feelings that the alien is driven to reconnect with Melanie’s old life.”

Last weekend Stephenie Meyer gave an update about the movie on her website, including a few details about one of its filming locations.

Last week I got to tour the caves, too. They aren’t finished yet, but wow! I’ve gotten to be on some fun builds before—the Eclipse mountaintop, the Cullen house, the Volturi tower, Edward and Bella’s cottage (love!)—but nothing like this. It’s massive and beautiful, and walking around inside is like walking around inside my imagination.

The Host will continue filming in Louisiana through April when it move to New Mexico for the duration of the shoot. If you spot them filming, let us know about it at olv@onlocationvacations.com!

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While The Twilight Saga will wrap up this year with the second part of Breaking Dawn hitting theaters this November, Stephenie Meyer fans will get to see the writer’s non-vampire book The Host make its way onto the big screen next year. One of those fans may also get to see their face in a teaser trailer for the film.

(Vague spoiler warning here regarding the plot of the book)

The Host follows a young woman living in a world that’s been invaded by aliens who have inhabited the planet by taking over the minds and bodies of people. The story is told through the mind of Melanie (Saoirse Ronan), a human attempting to maintain control over her mind, and Wanderer, the ‘soul” who has set up shop there.

While there are romantic elements in the book, the story probably leans a bit more toward young-adult sci-fi than it does romance, at least by comparison to Twilight. It touches on some fairly interesting elements in exploring humanity from an outside perspective, as well as a shared-mind/body perspective. Melanie and Wanderer aren’t exactly Mr. Grey and Jonesy (Stephen King’s Dreamcatcher) in terms of the depth and darkness of the story but Meyer does get creative in shaping a young adult story around a post-alien-apocalyptic world. Unlike Twilight, in which the story is mainly focused on Edward and Bella’s romance, The Host is driven by love, but is ultimately about survival. It should be interesting to see how writer/director Andrew Niccol brings the story to life.

In the meantime, in what’s likely to be an effort to rally fans, the Facebook page for The Host has a contest set up offering fans the opportunity to submit their picture for a chance to be featured in the teaser trailer for the film. The page is very specific on what they’re looking for from the photo, so be sure to read the rules before you submit your photo. The photo requirements are included right on the entry page, and you can read the more official rules here.

The Host is set for a March 29, 2013 release date. In addition to Ronan, the cast includes Jake Abel, Max Irons, William Hurt, Diane Kruger, Chandler Canterbury, and Boyd Holbrook. More information on The Host can be found in our Blend Film Database.

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Gallery Links:
“Hanna” New York Premiere – After Party
2011 Toronto Film Festival – “Violet and Daisy” Portraits
2011 Toronto Film Festival – “Violet and Daisy” Premiere
In Time – UK Premiere