Emma (2009)

Posted on February 4, 2009 by Kent Film Office

Romola Garai in a pink dress and bonnet staring towards the ground with a smile in front of bushes with flowers on

Romola Garai © BBC

Director: Jim O’ Hanlon

Writer: Sandy Welch

Starring:Romola Garai, Jonny Lee Miller, Michael Gambon, Tamsin Greig, Rupert Evans, Robert Bathurst

Production Company: BBC

Kent Filming Locations: Chilham, Squerryes Court, Westerham.

This Autumn Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’ will once again grace our screens with a four part adaptation from the BBC. The new series sees Romola Garai (Atonement) starring as the incomparable Emma Woodhouse, with Michael Gambon (Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince) as her father.

Jane Austen describes Emma as ‘handsome, clever and rich’ and confessed that Emma is a heroine which no-one but her will like. Emma is determined not to marry. However, she cannot help but play matchmaker to all her friends, often with disastrous consequences. Will she ever learn to let love run its true course?

Behind the Scenes at Squerryes © Squerryes	Behind the Scenes at Squerryes © Squerryes
Market in front of Chilham Castle © Kent Film Office	Meat Market Stall © Kent Film Office

Squerryes Court in Westerham with its grand Georgian rooms was the perfect location to double as the Woodhouse family home. The country house is located in 20 acres of beautiful grounds which include a spectacular garden and an 18^th Century Dovecote. Squerryes Court has been used for productions such as The Hollow Crown: Henry V (2012) and The Boat That Rocked (2009).

The production also chose the beautiful village of Chilham near Ashford to feature as Highbury. Chilham village retains much of its original features, which makes it perfect for period dramas. During filming the square was closed off and all signs of modern life, from the double yellow lines to the burglar alarms, were gently erased. In its place a vibrant market was installed to capture the essence of village life in Jane Austen’s time.

Chilham village has been used for a variety of filming projects including BBC’s Emma (2009), Channel 4 comedy Chickens (2011) and Miss Marple – The Moving Finger (2005).

The series was shown on BBC One on October 2009 and is now available to buy on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Invisible Eyes (2009)

Posted on February 4, 2009 by Kent Film Office

close up of Pia Mechler staring away from the camera in front of a black backgroun. Invisible Eyes is written in white on top.

Actress Pia Mechler starring as Gaby © Hide Films

Writer/Director – Olivier Cohen

Producer – Liz Rosilio

Production Company: HiDe Films

Kent Filming Location: Old Romney

‘Invisible Eyes’ follows successful model Gaby (Pia Mechler) as she tries to begin a new life away from the glamour and glory of the catwalk. Reluctant to accept her career is on a downward spiral, Gaby retreats to a country house to cheer herself up. Soon she begins to feel observed by invisible eyes. Is there truly someone watching her, or is she sliding into madness? Co-starring Simon Merrells (The Wolfman and ITV’s The Bill) and Michael Mears (The Colour of Magic and Sharpe) this thriller promises to surpise you!

Invisible Eyes premiered at this years Cannes Film Festival and has just been selected in the ‘Breakthrough Strand’ of the London UK Film Focus (LUFF) taking place on the 28 June to 1 July at the BFI Southbank.

Old Romney is in the Shepway district of Kent where the area has welcomed filming from The Tunnel: Sabotage (2016), The Only Way is Essexmas (2014) and The Harry Hill Movie (2013).

For further information regarding screenings and festival submissions please see the Invisible Eyes website below.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

The Last Word Monologues (2008)

Posted on August 19, 2008 by Kent Film Office

Three cast members standing posing for the camera against a black background. The women in the centre is wearing a blue jumper, the men either side of her are wearing dark clothes.

The Last Word Monologues ©BBC

Writer: Hugo Blick

Director: Hugo Blick

Starring: Bob Hoskins, Rhys Ifans and Sheila Hancock

Production Company: BBC Worldwide Ltd

Kent Locations Used: Puxtye Farm, Sandhurst

The Last Word Monologues is a comedy drama series depicting the lives of three different people which only have one thing in common: they are about to kill or be killed.

The dying woman who wants euthanasia is portrayed by Sheila Hancock (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Carry on Cleo, Bedtime). A man named Hugh who desperately wants to be free from his over bearing mother will be played by Rhys Ifans (The Amazing Spider-Man, Notting Hill, Snowden). An assassin who is waiting for a target in a lavatory is played by Bob Hoskins (Snow White and the Huntsman, The Long Good Friday, Who Framed Roger Rabbit). This series is written, produced and directed by Hugo Blick (The Honourable Woman, The Shadow Line, Sensitive Skin).

The Last Word Monologues features the Kentish location of Puxtye Farm in Tunbridge Wells.

Puxtye Farm has an Oast house and barn, both of which are listed as historical properties with Historic England. The Oast house offers a simplistic setting inducing a feeling of isolation within the quietness of the house and area. The barn has a rustic feel with it being filled with farm equipment; which is perfect for a character of a farmer to be placed.

The Last Word Monologues TV series was broadcast from Monday 25^th August 2008 on BBC One.The episode ‘Six Days One June’ featuring the Kent locations aired on Tuesday 26^th August 2008.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Wild Child (2008)

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Kent Film Office

Emma Roberts (Poppy), Linzey Cocker (Josie), Sophie Wu (Kiki), Kimberley Nixon (Kate) and Juno Temple (Drippy) all dressed in fancy dress posing at the camera.

Emma Roberts (Poppy), Linzey Cocker (Josie), Sophie Wu (Kiki), Kimberley Nixon (Kate) and Juno Temple (Drippy) on the set of Wild Child. Giles Keyte: copyright: © 2008 Universal Studios. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Directed by: Nick Moore

Written by: Lucy Dahl

Starring: Emma Roberts, Natasha Richardson, Aidan Quinn, Alex Pettier, Shirley Henderson

Production Company: Universal Pictures, StudioCanal, Relativity Media, Working Title Films

Kent Locations: Cobham Hall

Emma roberts soaking wet emptying water from a red shoe with her bed behind

Emma Roberts and Kimberley Nixon in school uniform frowning at each other in a corridor full of students

Writen by Lucy Dahl, the daughter of literary giant Roald Dahl, “Wild Child” follows the antics of 16 year-old Poppy (Emma Roberts) on a search of self-discovery and maturity. Brought up in Los Angeles, Poppy has been living a selfish and spoiled existence. Fed up with Poppy’s attitude and behaviour, her father ships her off to an English boarding school where she’s faced with strict rules, curfews, school girl hierarchies and scary teachers. Will Poppy be able to remain the ultimate Wild Child?

Starring Emma Roberts (Hotel for Dogs, Nancy Drew), Natasha Richardson (The Parent Trap, Blow Dry), Aidan Quinn (Legends of the Fall, Unknown) Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike, I am Number Four) and Shirley Henderson (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Bridget Jones Diary Franchise).

Shot on location, “Wild Child” was mostly filmed at Cobham Hall, near Gravesend, in Kent. Already a boarding school for girls, the location was perfect for the film. The country house has become an increasingly popular filming location and has played host too many productions including The Great Fire (2014), the BBC’s adaptation of Bleak House (2005), and Agent Cody Banks (2003).

Laura Goldfinch as an extra on set - standing in school uniform on a field with cars parked behind

Laura Goldfinch as an extra on set © Laura Goldfinch

Local Kent girl Laura Goldfinch was lucky enough to be an extra on the film.

“On the fourth day of filming, two women approached me and revealed Kimberley Nixon, one of the young lead actresses, was absent and they needed a stand-in for three night shoots – me!!! I found myself whisked away into my very own trailer and travelled down to set in the same cars as Juno Temple, Alex Pettyfer and the amazing Shirley Henderson!”

“When the whirlwind rush of Wild Child was over, my life went back to normal, but my attitude towards my chosen career changed for the better. To this day I am grateful for having been given this opportunity and that Kent was chosen as the location for the Wild Child Production. Since Wild Child, I have gone on to have other successes working as a supporting artiste and actress in other Film and Television productions.”

Wild Child was released in cinemas in August 2008 and is available out on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Greetings (2008)

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Kent Film Office

Kirsty (Kirsty Cox) looking at a mirror that has misted up

Kirsty (Kirsty Cox) looking at a mirror in Greetings © Dunne Productions

Director and writer: Ken Colley

Production Company: Dunne Productions

Kent Filming Location: Shepway

Greetings is a psychological horror, written and directed by Ken Colley, who lives in Kent. Ken Colley financed the project entirely on his own, with a budget of just under £100,000. Filming took twenty days and it was shot with a small cast and crew at Ken’s house in Shepway.

4 men with their hands on a Oujia Board in a living room

Lads playing the Oujia Board © Dunne Productions

Ken Colley’s wide and varied career as an actor spans over 40 years and he is best known for his portrayal of Admiral Piett in the original Star Wars trilogy.

At Cathy’s (Mel Stephenson) party the lads (Ben Shockley, Matthew Reynolds, John Rackham, Henry Dunn) decide to liven up the atmosphere by playing the Ouija board. When strange things start to happen they blame each other. But is there something else in control?

Greetings previewed at the Odeon cinema in Canterbury and at various festivals, including Kent’s own Swale Film Festival 2008. Ken is currently seeking a distribution deal for the film.

Greetings will have a special screening at the Folkestone University on Wednesday 4^th February 09 at 7.30p.m.

The film now has a DVD distribution deal through Brain Damage Films and is also available for online purchase.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Dickens Secret Lover (2008)

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Kent Film Office

David Haig and Amy Shiels in period costumes. David looking up to the ceiling and Amy is behind looking at him

David Haig as Dickens and Amy Shiels as Nelly © Channel 4

Director: Sarah Aspinall

Writer: Jim Barton

Production Company: Flame Television Production Ltd.

Kent Filming Locations: Charles Dickens Chalet at Eastgate House Rochester and Theatre Royal Margate.

Dickens’ Secret Lover is screening on Channel 4 as part of their Victorian Passions season, examining Charles Dickens’ private life. The programme reveals the secret life of the literary giant, in which he abandons his wife for a long lasting affair with a very young actress.

Charles Dance sat on a chair facing the camera. Colourful curtains are behind him.

Charles Dance presenting Dickens

The programme is presented by Charles Dance, an actor who was seen most recently in the BBC adaptation of Bleak House as the callous Tulkinghorn. Dance takes on the role of detective in this drama-documentary, questioning five Dickens’ experts on how the affair affected his writing and his public character of a virtuous Victorian. Key scenes are dramatised to give the viewer a more in depth understanding of Dickens (played by David Haig) and his secret life with actress Nelly, played by Amy Shiels.

Charles Dickens’ is arguably Kent’s most famous author, having lived both at Gad’s Hill in Higham and at Broadstairs in Bleak House, Kent is understandably rich in historical links to the author. Many of his novels were penned here and many of the locations used in his novels echo real life locations in Kent. For example Westgate House in the Pickwick Papers is widely reported to be based on Eastgate House in Rochester.

The programme filmed on location both at Rochester in Charles Dickens’ Chalet at Eastgate House in Rochester and the Theatre Royal in Margate.

The Swiss Chalet, a present from a French actor to Dickens, was originally constructed in the grounds of his home at Gad’s Hill before moving to Cobham Hall in Gravesham, where the recent BBC series Bleak House was filmed. Nowadays, the Chalet can be seen in the garden at Eastgate house in Rochester.

Exterior shot of Eastgate House - red brick building with black windows

Eastgate House © Medway Council

The Theatre Royal in Margate was chosen because the crew wanted to visit locations that Dickens was passionate about. A performer himself, he frequently read his works to the public throughout the UK, and of course in Kent.

Eastgate House, situated in Rochester was formerly a large private town house. Built by Sir Peter Buck; it has now been restored and is owned by Medway Council. Productions such as Jekyll and Hyde (2015), BBC’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012) and Great Expectations (1989) have previously filmed in the Rochester area.

The Theatre Royal is situated in the heart of Margate which is a vibrant seaside resort, with complementary historic and modern architecture. Margate has welcomed other productions including The Apprentice (2015), Last Orders (2002) and Only Fools and Horses: The Jolly Boys’ Outing (1989).

In 2012 England will celebrating the bicentenary of his birth.

Dickens’ Secret Lover will be shown on Channel 4 at 9pm on the 16^th June 2008.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

By Royal Appointment (2008)

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Kent Film Office

By Royal Appointment written in a cartoon of an old envelope on a wooden background

By Royal Appointment Ident © KMB Productions

Kent Locations: Tunbridge Wells

By Royal Appointment explores the South East region collecting regal traditions and legacies of Royal connections. The series also features appearances from members of the Royal family including Princess Michael of Kent and Her Majesty the Queen.

Hannah Scott-Joynt sat down smiling at the camera with gardens and pathway behind her

Hannah Scott-Joynt presenter of By Royal Appointment © KMB Productions

In episode three, presenter Hannah Scott-Joynt visits Royal Tunbridge Wells to discover its noble past. Hannah’s visit takes her through the celebrated Pantiles famous for its Chalybeate Spring , whose waters attracted visitors from across the UK in Georgian times because of their healing properties. In 1909 Tunbridge Wells was given the right to use the word ‘Royal’ by King Edward VII and is still one of only two towns to be allowed to use the prefix.

After her visit to the Pantiles, Hannah partakes in a rather competitive game of Croquet with the local Croquet Club.

The influx of visitors in Georgian and Victorian times means that the area is filled with beautiful period architecture. Its popularity has never waived and it is still a favourite with both tourists and filmmakers today.

Tunbridge Wells is a town in West Kent, home to a host of historic buildings, specialist shops, churches and a busy town centre. Productions which have previously filmed in the area include Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year (2016), Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip (2015) and Hunted (2012).

By Royal Appointment visits Royal Tunbridge Wells on Thursday 17^th July 2008 on Meridian at 19.30.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Ruby Blue (2007)

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Kent Film Office

Director Jan with actress Angelica OReilly filming Ruby Blue at Barnsole Vineyard

Directed and Written by: Jan Dunn

Starring: Bob Hoskins, Josiane Balasko, Jody Lathum, Jessica Stewart,Josef Altin

Production Company: Medb Films ,Entertainment Motion Pictures ,Le Tax Shelter du Gouvernement Fédéral de Belgique , uFilm

Kent Filming Locations: Ramsgate, Barnsole Vineyard

Written and directed by Jan Dunn (The Calling, Gypo), Ruby Blue stars Bob Hoskins (Hook, Enemy at the Gates), Josiane Balasko (My Life is Hell, French Fried Vacation), Jody Lathum (Shameless, EastEnders), Jessica Stewart (Genie in the House) and Josef Altin (Game of Thrones,Les Miserables).

The film is set in Ramsgate and several locations feature as themselves such as The Falstaff Inn, Ellington Park, The Granville, Ramsgate Port, and the High Street. Ramsgate is England’s only Royal Harbour, boasting of a rich history and has high speed rail links to London. Also Thanet Offshore Wind Farm, which can be seen in the film, is visible from the coastline on a clear day. Ramsgate has since welcomed further media productions such as Big Bad World (2013), True Love (2012) and The Calling (2009).

Barnsole Vineyard in Canterbury is used as the location of Rosie’s (Angelica O’Reilly) place of work in the film. The same Vineyard also features in The Calling (2009).

Ruby Blue was first released in cinemas in 2007 and is now available to buy on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Merlin (2008)

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Kent Film Office

Bradley James and Colin Morgan staring at the camera, colin is holding a sword above his shoulders

Director: James Hawes

Writer: Julian Jones

Production Company: Shine

Kent Filming Location: Penshurst Place, Chislehurst Caves

A new prime time drama set in medieval England about the legendary wizard Merlin is due to be screened on BBC One this Autumn!

The programme sees Merlin as a young man at Uther’s Court, where magic is outlawed. Working as Arthur’s manservant, Merlin is forced to keep his magical skills secret.

The 13 part series boasts an impressive cast including Richard Wilson (One Foot in the Grave), Michelle Ryan (Bionic Woman), Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Santiago Cabrera (Heroes)

Katie McGrath as Morgana in Merlin © BBC	Filming of Merlin at Penshurst Place © Kent Film Office

Merlin was filmed mostly in a studio with Penshurst Place one of only three locations chosen to film on location where the production company Shine visited the unique Baron’s Hall with it’s awe-inspiring height and courtly atmosphere.

Chislehurst Caves features in episode 3, series one for underground scenes where Arthur and Merlin battle the water beast.

Penshurst Place is a beautiful medieval estate with a history spanning nearly 700 years and has been seen on screen for filming projects including The Hollow Crown – Henry V (2012), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and The Gathering (2003).

Season 5 aired on BBC 1 on Saturday nights from February 2008.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Incendiary (2008)

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Kent Film Office

Ewan McGregor getting out of a black car with people in a smokey background behind him

Writer/Director: Sharon Maguire

Stars: Ewan McGregor, Michelle Williams, Matthew Macfadyen, Sidney Johnston

Production Company: Aramid Entertainment Fund ,Archer Street Productions ,Capitol Films ,Film4 ,Incendiary ,Sneak Preview Films,UK Film Council, Wild Bear Films

Kent Filming Locations: Metropolitan Police Training Ground, Gravesend

Incendiary is the heartbreaking story of a young wife and mother whose family falls victim to a terrorist attack when a bomb explodes during a football match. Watching the horrific events unfold before her eyes on TV, her feelings of are intensified by guilt, because at the time of the blast she was with another man. Anguished, she rejects her lover and seeks comfort from the officer investigating the incident.

Adapted from Chris Cleave’s controversial novel, Incendiary caused furore at the time of its release: appearing in bookshops only a week after the 7/7 attacks in London, the story seemed chillingly close to reality, causing major retailers to pull their marketing campaigns for the novel.

Michelle Williams and Sidney Johnson running on the beach

The film visited the Metropolitan Police training facilities near Gravesend to shoot the scenes under the football stadium, after the bomb has exploded.

Incendiary was released in cinemas in October 2008 and is now available on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Kent's Premier Film Commission

Author: Kent Film Office

Emma (2009)

Invisible Eyes (2009)

The Last Word Monologues (2008)

Wild Child (2008)

Greetings (2008)

Dickens Secret Lover (2008)

By Royal Appointment (2008)

Ruby Blue (2007)

Merlin (2008)

Incendiary (2008)