Walt Disney have begun shooting the principal photography for their live-action production of the classic fairytale, Cinderella.

The first photo from the new movie features Lily James as Cinderella on horseback, galloping through a field.

The film is being directed by Kenneth Branagh and stars James alongside Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) as the Prince.

Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett has been cast as the horrible stepmother and Academy Award-nominee Helena Bonham Carter will play the Fairy Godmother.

Other actors in the live-action production include Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera as the infamous stepsisters Anastasia and Drisella as well as Stellan Skarsgard and Nonso Anozie who play the Arch Grand Duke and the Prince's loyal friend, the Captain.

Tony-Award-winner Derek Jacobi portrays the King.

"It is impossible to think of Cinderella without thinking of Disney and the timeless images we've all grown up watching” said Branagh.

“And those classic moments are irresistible to a filmmaker. With Lily James we have found our perfect Cinderella. She combines knockout beauty with intelligence, wit, fun and physical grace. Her Prince is being played by Richard Madden, a young actor with incredible power and charisma. He is funny, smart and sexy and a great match for Cinderella."

The story itself follows one that’s familiar with fans of the animated classic.

It recounts the story of Ella, whose loving father remarries following the death of her mother. When Ella’s father suddenly passes away she finds herself bearing the brunt her cruel new family and is reduced to a servant girl covered in cinders.

Ella’s hopes of happiness are dashed when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball but her stepmother forbids her to attend.

But like all good fairy tales, help is on the way in the form of a kindly beggar woman armed with a pumpkin and good-natured mice!

Production on Cinderella takes place at Pinewood Studios and locations across the UK.

Cinderella is set for release through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on March 13^th, 2015.

Pic via ScreenDaily