Mud Men filming on Folkestone Beach © Town Unearthed

Kent locations used: Folkestone

Mud Men, is the History Channel series which follows members of the Mudlarks Society as they hunt for items on the British foreshores.  Presenters Johnny Vaughan and Steve Brooker come to Folkestone to see what they can discover!

The Mud Men – Johnny Vaughan, TV and radio presenter and Steve Brooker, the chairman of the Mudlarks Society,  meet some archaeologists who are trying to save the remains of Roman villa on Folkestone’s East Cliff which is inevitably falling into the sea. They also look back at how the Romans lived, including their diet, clothing and entertainment. Johnny and Steve even try their hand at chariot racing .

Folkestone is a delightful seaside town with an elegant cliff top promenade, lower coastal park, fishing harbour and Victorian water-powered clifftop lifts. In addition,  it has a modern centre which has been re-generated and includes shops and leisure facilities as well as art galleries and an exhibition centre.

Watch the Folkestone episode of Mud Men on Thursday 23^rd February 2012 on the History Channel at 22:00.

Links:

For more information about filming in Kentplease contact: filmoffice@kent.gov.uk

For more information about the programme: http://www.history.co.uk/shows/mud-men.html

For more information about Folkestone: http://www.discoverfolkestone.co.uk/

Kent locations used: Herne Bay – seafront, Kings Hall, Central Parade

Got to Dance, the Sky1 dance talent show comes to Herne Bay to visit semi-finalist Belle in her home town. Don’t miss the exciting semi-final to see if Belle wins enough public votes to secure her place in the final, giving her a chance to win the coveted £250,000 prize.

Belle, aged 13, is the first solo female dancer to reach the semi-finals in the history of Got to Dance. Belle was taught to dance by her father, and is a versatile performer, but street dance is her favourite style. The Got to Dance crew visitsHerneBayto see what Belle’s life is like and discover thre inspirations behind her moves.

Got to Dance is now in its third series, and is hosted by Davina McCall (presenter of popular shows such as Big Brother, The Million Pound Drop, The Biggest Loser). Judging the dancers is Diversity front man Ashley Banjo, alongside former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, and actor and West End performer Adam Garcia.

Herne Bay is in South East Kent and has a popular shingle beach, beautiful coastline and seafront gardens. The town also has many shops and eateries, amusement arcades, a windmill and some interesting architecture including the Victorian bandstand.

Get behind Belle and tune into Got to Dance on Sunday 26^th February 2012 on Sky1 at 18:00.

Links:

For more information about filming in Kentplease contact: filmoffice@kent.gov.uk

For more information about the programme:http://sky1.sky.com/sky1hd-shows/got-to-dance-home

For more information about HerneBay: http://www.canterbury.co.uk/canterbury-district/herne-bay.aspx

 Watch Belle in action:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_89_Bco3gt0

 Gloria Hunniford © BBC

Kent locations used: Sevenoaks, Bligh’s Meadow shopping centre, Maidstone, Whatman Park,  Rainham High Street

New BBC series Doorstop Crime 999 presented by Gloria Hunniford filmed in various locations around Kent. The series speaks to ordinary people that have been conned and scammed, and also gives advice on how to avoid them.

Gloria talks to the general public in various locations in Kent, as well as to the Maidstone Trading Standards to find out what types of crimes are happening and how people can avoid them. The show  is produced by Objective Productions, who also make BBC3 series The Real Hustle.

Gloria Hunniford, who lives in Kent, is one of Britain’s much loved TV and radio stars. She is best known for popular programmes such as Songs of Praise, Cash in the Attic, Heaven and Earth with Gloria Hunniford! Gloria also finds time for charity work and set up The Caron Keating Foundation after her daughter died of cancer in 2004, aged 41.

The Sevenoaks area is home to racing track Brand’s Hatch and has many beautiful filming locations including Knole House, Castle Farm’s lavender fields, and Chiddingstone Castle.

Maidstone is in West Kent and has plenty to offer, including thriving shopping areas, parks, Leeds Castle and the Hop Farm. It is also home to The Maidstone Studios, which is the UK’s largest independent HD TV studio, where previous hits such as Take Me Out, Got to Dance and The Door filmed here.

Medway has many unique filming locations including Buckmore Park Kart Circuit, Fort Amherst and the Historic Dockyard Chatham. Previous productions that have filmed in Medway include Call the Midwife, Sherlock Holmes and The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

The series has 10 episodes and kicks off on Monday 20^th February 2012 on BBC1 at 11:00, watch out to see if you can spot the various locations in Kent.

Links:

For more information about filming in Kent please contact: filmoffice@kent.gov.uk

For more information about Sevenoaks:http://www.visitheartofkent.com/site/five-kentish-towns/sevenoaks

For more information about Maidstone:http://www.visitmaidstone.com/

For more information about Medway:http://www.visitmedway.org/

Kent locations used: Turner Contemporary, Margate

Sky Arts documentary Turner Contemporary looks at what the gallery offers and the effect it has on local businesses. The programme makers visit the opening of the “Turner and the Elements” exhibition showing 88 pieces  exploring wind, water, air and fire.

The documentary is hosted by Tim Marlow, who is known for his Channel 5 series Tim Marlow on…. and other art programmes. In addition to reviewing the art works, Tim looks at the impact the gallery has had on tourism for Margate.

The Turner Contemporary is an art gallery which offers exhibitions, events and various educational opportunities. Situated on Margate seafront, the brand new building was designed by award winning architect practice David Chipperfield Architects.  Light is an essence in the design, as well as extensive sea views.

Margate is a popular seaside town complete with a sandy beach, harbour, arcades, and period housing. The Old Town has become a buzzing place, with lots to offer including galleries, quirky shops and trendy cafes. Previous productions that have filmed in Margate include 2001 film Last Orders which starred Michael Caine, Helen Mirren and Ray Winstone as well as BBC’s new drama Love Life, due to be out later this year.

Fans of art and Margate, make sure you don’t miss Sky Arts at Turner Contemporary on Sky Arts 2 on Monday 20^th February 2012 at 20:50.

Links:

For more information about filming in Kent please contact: filmoffice@kent.gov.uk

For more information about the programme:  http://www.skyarts.co.uk/art-design/print/sky-arts-at-turner-contemporary/sky-arts-at-turner-contemporary/

For more information about The Turner Contemporary: http://www.turnercontemporary.org/

For more information about Margate: http://www.visitthanet.co.uk/come-explore/Come-and-Explore-Margate.aspx

Top Gear presenters Richard Hammond,

Jeremy Clarkson and James May © BBC

Kent locations used: Isle of Sheppey

Popular car TV series Top Gear came to Kent to take over shooting the stunt scenes of the upcoming movie remake of the popular 70’s show - The Sweeney.

Presenters Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond take control of the climax of the movie – the chase scene, with some hilarious results.  Richard upsets the stars Ray Winstone and Plan B, while Jeremy wants to keep the action realistic.  The director is not too pleased and turns into the angriest man in the world. Make sure you watch to the end if you want to have a sneak preview of how the final edit looks.

The team came to film on the Isle of Sheppey, because Kent County Council can legally close public highways for filming. The Sweeney is due for release at the end of 2012.

The episode aired on BBC2 on Sunday 12^th February at 20:00 and is a must see! Catch up on the episode on BBC i player: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01c7x0r/Top_Gear_Series_18_Episode_3/

Links:

For more information about filming in Kentplease contact: filmoffice@kent.gov.uk

For more information about the programme:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mj59

For more information about the Isle of Sheppey: http://www.visitkent.co.uk/explore/swale-faversham-sittingbourne-isle-of-sheppey.asp

From Soup To Nuts © Tim Leandro

From Soup to Nuts is a documentary which explores the passion, humour and camaraderie of those that work at The Goods Shed, a unique mix of food hall, restaurant and market in Canterbury.

An exclusive preview screening of the film was held at The Gulbenkian Cinema in Canterbury on Saturday 28th January 2012.  Around 70 people attended the screening, including various TV and film industry professionals and some of those who feature in the film.

The 35 minute film was produced and directed by BAFTA nominated director, Tim Leandro, who makes his home in the Cathedral City. It was made with virtually no budget, but by calling in favours from an impressive line-up of industry professionals.

Conceived first on a visit to The Goods Shed, while eating a pork pie and taking in the “the theatre” around him, it was shot over two days in November on a Canon 5D camera. “The camera works brilliantly”, says Tim, because “it is less invasive and therefore not intimidating to those in front of the camera.”

Edited by veteran Nigel Cattle, the film also has a beautiful soundtrack, composed byAl Lethbridge (Around The World in 80 Days).

From butchers to bakers, and fishmongers to grocers, The Goods Shed is a one stop shop for beautifully made, freshly presented and locally sourced food. The documentary celebrates the eccentric traders that have made food their passion and The Goods Shed their home and is a must see for all foodies!

The Goods Shed was set up by Suzanne Sait in 2002, and was the first full time farmers market in Kent. Suzanne wanted to support local makers of fresh food and give them an outlet to sell their goods. The market is next door to Canterbury West train station, and easily accessible. 

Suzanne’s father thanked Tim at the Question and Answer session of the screening, and commented that the film was very true to the characters of The Goods Shed, which got a hearty round of approving applause by the participants.

The film will be entered into various film festivals, and we shall let you know when you can see it for yourself after it has been picked up by one of the main channels.

Until then, stay up to speed via the films Facebook page – From Soup to Nuts.

Ashley Banjo © Sky

Kent locations used: Gravesend, Battle Of Britain pub, Shears Green County Junior School

Choreographer and Diversity front man Ashley Banjo, faces one of his toughest challenges yet – to teach a group of Gravesend dinner ladies to dance! In the third episode of the series, the unlikely dancers struggle to pick up the moves due to limited free time, but will Ashley be able to teach the ladies the routine in time?

The new series of Secret Street Crew Ashley tries to teach some unlikely candidates to dance, including dinner ladies and darts players!  The groups will learn a routine in secret, and then put on a surprise performance for their unsuspecting families, friends and colleagues. Who will be up to the challenge?

Ashley Banjo is the leader of London based street dance troupe Diversity, who won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009. The dance crew sensationally beat odds on favourite to win Susan Boyle and have since completed sell-out tours and performed at the Royal Variety Show.

Ashley is also a judge on Sky1’s popular show “Got To Dance”, alongside former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, and actor and West End performer Adam Garcia. The dance talent show, now in its third series is hosted by Davina McCall, and has previously been filmed at the Maidstone TV Studios.

Gravesendis a town in North West Kent and is on the south bank of the River Thames. It is a historic town with nearby attractions including Cobham Hall, the Higham home of Charles Dickens, and the grave of Pocahontas. The area Gravesham has also welcomed filming from Age Of Heroes and The Canterbury Tales.

Tune in to Ashley Banjo’s Secret Street Crew onSunday 12^th February at 19:30 on Sky1.

Links:

For more information about filming in Kentplease contact: filmoffice@kent.gov.uk

For more information about Ashley Banjo’s Secret Street Crew: http://sky1.sky.com/sky1hd-shows/ashley-banjos-secret-street-crew

For more information about Gravesend: http://www.gogravesham.co.uk/

Call The Midwife © BBC

Starring: Jessica Raine, Pam Ferris, Miranda Hart, Vanessa Redgrave, Laura Main, Helen George, Jenny Agutter, Ben Caplan

Kent locations used: The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Smash hit BBC drama Call The Midwife filmed manyLondonstreets scenes at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. The series is based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth and is set inEast Londonduring the 1950s. It follows a newly qualified midwife who works alongside midwives and nuns at a nursing convent, which sees many medical problems and struggles in a very deprived area ofLondon.

It features many familiar faces including Jessica Raine (The Woman in Black, Robin Hood) Pam Ferris (The Darling Buds of May, Little Dorrit), Miranda Hart (Miranda), and Vanessa Redgrave (Nip/Tuck, The Whistleblower).

The series has six episodes, with the opening episode having attracted over 10 million viewers.  A second series has already been commissioned.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is set over 80 acres, and offers more than 100 Georgian and Victorian buildings. It is a very popular place to film, previously attracting big feature films such as Sherlock Holmes 1 & 2, Children of Men and big TV dramas such as BBC’s Oliver Twist.

Don’t miss Call the Midwife every Sunday on BBC 1 from 15^th January -- 19^th February 2012.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xLwLbGJXKU

Links:

For more information about filming in Kent please contact: filmoffice@kent.gov.uk

For more information about Call The Midwife: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01b2w74

For more information about The Historic Dockyard Chatham: http://www.thedockyard.co.uk/

This Morning presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield © ITV

Kent locations used: Pluckley – Elvey Farm, Black Horse Pub, St Nicholas Church, Pluckley Farm Shop, The Dering Arms, Dering Woods, Giles Farm

Popular daytime show This Morning comes to Pluckley to discover why it has the reputation of being Britain’s Most Haunted Village!

Presenter Jeff Brazier will visit various sites in Pluckley that are renowned for being haunted. He will have dinner in the haunted Dering Woods, sleep in a haunted room and spend the evening in a haunted pub.

Jeff will also be talking to locals about their thoughts on the village, and any spooky experiences they’ve had.

Watch out for the five three-minute segments that were filmed in Pluckley, and will be screened throughout Supernatural Week.

This Morning, presented by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, won the Most Popular Factual Programme award at the National Television Awards on 25^th January 2012.

The long running magazine show features news, health, food, showbiz, fashion, beauty, home and garden, and real life stories.

Pluckley is a very popular place to film, having previously welcomed The Darling Buds of May, Top Gear, and Most Haunted.

Tune in to This Morning’s “Supernatural Week” from Monday 6^th February – Friday 10^th February 2012 at 10:30am on ITV1.

Links:

For more information about filming in Kentplease contact: filmoffice@kent.gov.uk

For more information about This Morning: http://www.itv.com/thismorning/

For more information about Pluckley: http://www.pluckley.net/

Kent Locations Used: Kent County Showground, Chiddingstone Castle, Canterbury Auction Galleries, Canterbury

Popular daytime show Bargain Hunt visits Kent in four upcoming episodes to discover what hidden treasures the competing teams can find!

Tim Wonnacott hosts the competition, where two teams have one hour and £300 to choose the best antiques from a fair with the help from an antiques expert. They then auction these items, and whoever makes the most money from the items they have carefully selected wins! An eye for a bargain is essential!

BBC’s Bargain Hunt has been running since 2000 and the current series is the 31st. In episode 18 of the series, the Bargain Hunt team come to Kent County Showground.  Tim Wonnacott also visits Chiddingstone Castle where he discovers a murder mystery.  Other upcoming Kent episodes feature Canterbury Auction Galleries as well as the historic city of Canterbury.

Kent County Showground, is in Detling, near Maidstone. It hosts the renowned Kent County Show every July as well as many other events such as wedding fares and conferences.

The City of Canterbury is a popular tourist destination and has lots to offer, including historic buildings, shops, universities, sports venues and theatres. It is an attractive place to film, with The Canterbury Tales, Hairy Bikers County Map of Britain, and Songs of Praise previously filming there.

The first Kent episode which features the Kent County Showground and Chiddingstone Castle airs on BBC1 at 12:15pm on Monday 6^th February. Don’t miss the other Kent episodes, which are being shown on 21st February, 2nd and 11th March 2012 – all at 12:15pm on BBC1.

Links:

For more information about filming in Kent please contact: filmoffice@kent.gov.uk

For more information about Bargain Hunt: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006nb9z

For more information about Canterbury: http://www.canterbury.co.uk/