On a Clear Day (2005)

Frank (Peter Mullan) looking out at the sea with mountains in the background

On A Clear Day © Icon Film Distribution

Director: Gaby Dellal

Writer: Alex Rose

Starring: Peter Mullan, Brenda Blethyn, Jamie Sives, Billy Boyd, Sean McGinley, Ron Cook, Jodhi May, Benedict Wong

Production Company: Baker Street, Forthcoming Productions, Glasgow Film Finance, InFilm Productions, Isle of Man Film, Scottish Screen, Take Film Partnerships 

Kent Locations Used: The White Cliffs of Dover, the Port of Dover                                

On a Clear Day is the story of a middle-aged Glasgow shipbuilder, Frank (Peter MullanTrainspotting, Tyrannosaur) who is suddenly made redundant and starts to feel lost. When his friend jokes that he could swim the Channel on a clear day, Frank decides to take the challenge on, unbeknown to his family. Will Frank be successful and will he be able to repair his strained relationships? 

Alongside Peter Mullan stars Brenda Blethyn (Pride and Prejudice, Atonement), Jamie Sives (Clash of the Titans, Get Him to the Greek), Billy Boyd (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy The, Forger), Sean McGinley (Braveheart, Love/Hate), Ron Cook (Chocolat, Hot Fuzz), Jodhi May (Defiance, Ginger and Rosa) and Benedict Wong (Prometheus, Kick Ass 2).

Frank (Peter Mullan) at the foot of the White Cliffs of Dover with his friends preparing for the swim

On A Clear Day © Icon Film Distribution

The production visited Kent to shoot at the foot of the White Cliffs of Dover where Frank (Peter Mullan) starts his swim of the English Channel and the famous cliffs can also be seen in the background throughout his challenge.

The Port of Dover was used for the scenes where Frank’s family and friends race to meet him in France at the end of his swim.

Dover is a busy town that boasts the historic Dover Castle as well as the famous White Cliffs of Dover. It is also home to Europe’s busiest passenger port, facing France across the narrowest part of the English Channel.

Productions that have previously filmed in the Dover area include Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows (2011), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and Johnny English (2003).

On Clear Day was released in cinemas in September 2005 and is now available on DVD.

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


Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Elizabeth Bennett (Keira Knightley) and Mrs Bennet (Brenda Blethyn) running down some steps in a garden, plants and shrubbery either side of path

Elizabeth Bennett (Keira Knightley) and Mrs Bennet (Brenda Blethyn)

Director: Joe Wright

Writer: Deborah Moggach

Starring: Keira Knightley, Brenda Blethyn, Matthew Macfadyen, Judy Dench, Talulah Riley, Kelly Reilly, Rosamund Pike, Donald Sutherland, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan

Production Company: Focus Features, Universal Pictures, StudioCanal, Working Title Films, Scion Films

Kent Filming Locations: Groombridge Place and Gardens

Jane Austen’s classic love story “Pride and Prejudice” is adapted for the big screen with an all-star cast which follows Elisabeth Bennett (Keira Knightley) through the trials and tribulations of love in the 1800’s. A first encounter between head strong Elisabeth and the rich and cold Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) leaves Elisabeth hating him and declaring that he is the ‘last person’ she could ever marry. Are they able to overcome their ‘pride and prejudices’ to realise that they truly are meant to be together?

Directed by Joe Wright (Atonement, Hanna) and starring a wealth of acting talent including Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean series, Anna Karenina), Brenda Blethyn (Vera, Secrets and Lies), Matthew Macfadyen (The Three Musketeers, Frost/Nixon), Judy Dench (Philomena, Skyfall), Talulah Riley (Inception,  St. Trinian’s), Kelly Reilly (Sherlock Holmes, Flight), Rosamund Pike (Jack Reacher, Die Another Day), Donald Sutherland (The Hunger Games, The Italian Job), Jena Malone (Step Mom, Sucker Punch) and Carey Mulligan (Drive, Never Let Me Go).

Keira sitting under a tree at Groombridge holding a stick

Elizabeth Bennett (Keira Knightley) sitting under a tree at Groombridge © Groombridge Place

Groombridge Place in Tunbridge Wells was chosen for the perfect location to where they made use of the 17th century house, gardens, extensive woodlands and lake which doubled as the Bennett’s house and grounds.

Jane Austen has many connections with the county as her family originated from Kent and her brother Edward Knight owned Godmersham Park which lies between Ashford and Canterbury. Both Jane and her sister Cassandra were frequent visitors; this is perhaps why Kent appears throughout her novel Pride and Prejudice and it is therefore no surprise that Kent was chosen as the prime location for the new adaptation.

Pride and Prejudice was released in cinemas in September 2005 and can now be bought on DVD.

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


Finding Neverland (2004)

 

Main actor Johnny Depp crouched down in a white shirt staring up at a child who is dressed as a cowboy.

Johnny Depp seen playing with one of the children ©Finding Neverland (2004)

 

Writer: Allan Knee, David Magee

Director: Marc Forster

Starring: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Radha Mitchell, Dustin Hoffman

Production Company: Miramax, FilmColony, Keylight Productions

Kent Locations Used: Filmed at Laredo Wild West Town in Kent

Renowned playwright James M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) having received bad reviews for his latest play, meets the Llewelyn Davies family when walking his dog to try and clear his mind. Barrie befriends the recently widowed Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Kate Winslet) and her four adolescent sons, including Peter (Freddie Highmore). Confiding in Sylvia, Barrie discusses his unhappy childhood which may be the reason for his unwillingness to grow up. Creative and childish play with the boys inspires Barrie to write the now classic play ‘Peter Pan’ about a boy who never grows up.

Johnny Depp (Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean), Kate Winslet (Titanic, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), Julie Christie (Away From Her) and Dustin Hoffman (Rain Man) head the cast, introducing Freddie Highmore as Peter.

Filming in various places in the UK. Production shot a short fantasy sequence at the Laredo Wild West Town. The town features in multiple fantasy playing sessions set in the Wild West, when Barrie (Johnny Depp) plays with the Llewellyn Davies boys.

Laredo Wild West Town is tucked away in the North Kent countryside and has previously featured in cult tv series Red Dwarf – Gunmen of the Apocalypse (1993).

Finding Neverland was released in UK Cinemas on 29th October 2004.

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


Vanity Fair (2005)

 

Vanity Fair Film Poster- close up of reese witherspoon's face, with her hand covering her eyes. Vanity Fair written in white underneath

Vanity Fair Film Poster © Focus Features

Director: Mira Nair

Writer: William Makepeace Thackeray (screenplay) Matthew Faulk, Julian Fellowes, Mark Skeet (novel)

Stars: Reese Witherspoon, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Rhys Ifans, Bob Hoskins, Jim Broadbent, Gabriel Byrne

Production Company: Focus Features, Tempesta Films, Granada Film Productions, Inside Track Films, Mirabai Films, Cine Mosaic

Kent Filming Locations: The Historic Dockyard Chatham

The film, an adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray novel, follows the fortunes of Becky Sharp (Reese Witherspoon), an ambitious woman living in the 19th century. An orphan, she leaves her home to become a governess and has a keen interest in advancing herself.

Constantly casting her eye over eligible men with handsome fortunes, her endeavours are constantly met with society’s disdain. The film follows her life over 20 years through her trials, wars and adventures. Becky is determined to make her way in the world and her determination results in some disastrous consequences for herself and others.

Mira Nair (New York, I Love You Monsoon Wedding) directs the film which is adapted by Matthew Faulk (Morlang, Hannibal), Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey, Gosford Park), Mark Skeet (Jason and the Argonauts, Hannibal).

Reese Witherspoon (Walk the Line, Wild) stars alongside Jonathan Rhys-Meyers (Match Point, Dracula), Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill, The Amazing Spider-Man), Bob Hoskins (Snow White and the Huntsman, Hook), Jim Broadbent (Moulin Rouge!, Cloud Atlas) and Gabriel Byrne (The Usual Suspects, Ghost Ship).

The Historic Dockyard Chatham, offered up its Old Paint Store to the production, once again providing the perfect film location.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is set over 80 acres and contains over 100 Georgian and Victorian buildings. It is a popular filming location and has been  used for productions such as Muppets Most Wanted (2014), Call the Midwife (2012-2014) and  Sherlock Holmes  (2009).

Vanity Fair was released in January 2005 in the UK and is now available to buy on DVD.

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


The Alan Clark Diaries (2004)

Alan Clark walking under the gate at Saltwood Castle

Alan Clark (John Hurt) at Saltwood Castle © BBC

Directed by: Jon Jones

Written by: Alan Clark, Jon Jones

Starring: John Hurt, Jenny Agutter, Hugh Fraser, Nicholas Jones, Jeremy Clyde, Paul Brooke, Peter Blythe

Production Company: BBC

Kent Locations: Saltwood Castle, Hythe Beach

The Alan Clark Diaries is a 6 part BBC drama production, adapted from the bestselling diaries of late conservative MP Alan Clark. It gives a unique inside into the politicians mind, his controversial views and his dedication to the conservative party. It depicts the highs and lows of his career, as well as his unique relationship with his loyal wife Jane (Jenny Agutter), who tries her best to support him throughout his political life.

Starring John Hurt (Doctor Who, Hellboy Franchise) as Alan Clark alongside Jenny Agutter (Call the Midwife, The Avengers), Hugh Fraser (Agatha Christie: Poirot, 101 Dalmations), Nicholas Jones(Philomena , Hornblower: Mutiny), Jeremy Clyde (The Iron Lady), Paul Brooke(Bridget Jones’s Diary , The Phantom of the Opera)and Peter Blythe(Carrington).

Saltwood Castle featured as itself during the series after Clark’s widow, Jane, gave her support for the production and welcomed the team into her home. The castle remains owned by the Clark family, and is rarely opened to the public. However, it has previously hosted other productions such as My Week with Marilyn (2011), again due to a family connection.

Alan Clark often used to visit Hythe seafront and this is represented in the first episode of the series. Fisherman’s Beach in Hythe is a pebble beach with beautiful views, closely located to several cafés and tearooms, which are perfect for tourists.

The Alan Clark Diaries was first aired on the BBC in 2004 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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


Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (2004)

 

Agent Cody Banks 2 Destination London film poster- Cody banks running at the camera with his ID badge showing, two cast members behind him, london skyline behind him. Agent Cody Banks 2 written in orange

Agent Cody Banks 2 Destination London film poster © Dylan Sellers Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Splendid Pictures, Madacy Entertainment, Maverick Films

Writer: Jeffrey Jurgensen, Harald Zwart, Dylan Sellers, Don Rhymer

Director: Kevin Allen

Starring: Frankie Muniz, Anthony Anderson, Hannah Spearritt, Keith Allen

Production Company: Dylan Sellers Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Splendid Pictures, Madacy Entertainment, Maverick Films

Kent Locations Used: Cobham Hall

Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London is the sequel to action movie Agent Cody Banks. The story follows teenager turned secret agent, Cody Banks (Frankie Muniz) and his new partner Derek Bowman (Anthony Anderson) as they try to stop former CIA agent, Victor Diaz (Keith Allen) who plans to use a mind control device to take over the world.

The film is directed by Kevin Allen (Trainspotting, Spice World) and is written by Jeffrey Jurgensen (Agent Cody Banks), Harald Zwart (The Karate Kid, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones), Dylan Sellers (The Giver, Southpaw) and Don Rhymer (Surf’s Up, Rio). 

Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle, My Dog Skip) stars as Agent Cody Banks alongside Anthony Anderson (Transformers, The Departed), Hannah Spearritt (Primeval, Seed of Chucky) and Keith Allen (Trainspotting, The Others). 

The Gilt Hall at Cobham Hall was used as a film location for Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London doubling as the Queen’s gift room at Buckingham Palace and features at the end of the film where Cody Banks (Frankie Muniz) fights Diaz (Keith Allen) in a room full of treasures.

Cobham Hall is an outstanding private school in a historic house with surrounding parkland and includes a ballroom, library, courtyards and sports facilities. It has previously been used as locations for Hetty Feather (2015-2016), Wild Child (2008) and Bleak House (2005). 

The film was released 26th March 2004 and is now available on DVD.

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

 


Foyle’s War – A War of Nerves (2004)

Series 3 Foyle's War DVD Cover- Three cast member staring at the camera with an old vehicle behind. Foyle's War the complete third series written in white on top

Series 3 Foyle’s War DVD Cover © ITV

Directed by: Gavin Millar

Starring: Michael Kitchen, Honeysuckle Weeks, Julien Ovenden, Anthony Howell, Peter Capaldi, Sam Oatley Eamon Geoghegan, Corin Redgrave, Valerie Edmond

Production Company: Greenlit Productions ,Paddock Productions

Kent locations used: The Historic Chatham Dockyard

Foyle’s War is a World War Two detective drama set in the 1940sand follows Detective Chief Superintendent Foyle (Michael Kitchen) and Sergeant Paul Milner (Anthony Howell) on various criminal investigations, assisted by his driver Samantha Stewart (Honeysuckle Weeks).

Episode 4 of series 3, A War of Nerves, focuses on the issue of missing supplies, leading Detective Chief Superintendent Foyle to question the owners of a local shipping yard.  However, when a bomb disposal unit descends on the yard to deal with an unexploded bomb, three officers make a surprising discovery. When an officer is murdered, Detective Chief Superintendent Foyle realises that there is more to the case than missing supplies.

This series stars regulars Michael Kitchen (Goldeneye, The World Is Not Enough), Honeysuckle Weeks (My Brother Tom, The Wicker Tree), Julien Ovenden (The Allies, The Royal) and Anthony Howell (Wives and Daughters) alongside guest appearances in A War of Nerves from Sam Oatley (War Hero, Honeymoon), Peter Capaldi (Dr Who, World War Z), Eamon Geoghegan (V for Vendetta, The Box), Corin Redgrave (The Calling, Four Weddings and a Funeral) and Valerie Edmond (Made of Honour, Kavanagh QC)

The Historic Chatham Dockyard provided the perfect location for the shipyard in ‘A War of Nerves’, featuring both HMS Ocelot and HMS Cavalier. The Historic Chatham Dockyard has been used in other television productions such as Dom Hemingway (2013), Call the Midwife (2012-2013) and Oliver Twist (2007).

The third series was aired on ITV in October 2004, and all seven series are now available to buy on DVD.

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


Johnny English (2003)

Johnny English Movie Poster - Rowan Atkinson in a suit and bow tie holding his fingers in a gun shape. Johnny English written in white. He knows no fear he knows no danger he know nothing written above.

Johnny English © Universal Pictures

Directed By: Peter Howitt

Written By: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade & William Davis

Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Ben Miller, Natalie Imbruglia and John Malkovich

Production Company: Universal Pictures,StudioCanal,Working Title Films

Kent Locations Used: A2 Carriageway (leading to Jubilee Way) and the Port of Dover

After an unexpected bomb attack on the MI5, incompetent spy Johnny English is the only agent left alive when the crown jewels are stolen. English and his sidekick Bough (Ben Miller) are assigned to the case. For English, the prime suspect is mysterious French Entrepreneur Pascal Sauvage (John Malkovich). They soon learn the horrifying plan behind the theft, for Sauvage intends to wear them when he is crowned King of England.

The film is directed by Peter Howitt (Sliding Doors, Antitrust) and written by writing duo Neal Purvis and Robert Wade (SS-GB, Spectre), who met at University of Kent alongside William Davis (Puss in Boots, Ignition).

Rowan Atkinson (Bean, The Lion King) takes the feature role with a supporting cast of Ben Miller (Death in Paradise, The Armstrong and Miller Show), Natalie Imbruglia (Neighbours, Closed for Winter) and John Malkovich (RED,  Dangerous Liaisons).

Johnny English soon meets Interpol Agent, Lorna Campbell (Natalie Imbruglia). After his case is taken away from him, she tracks him down and together they vow to stop Sauvage’s plan. As English and Campbell race to France they drive down the familiar A2 carriageway leading to Jubilee Way. Kent’s brief cameo continues as we see the car drive down Marine Parade past the sign for the Port of Dover.

 

The cameras would not have been a strange sight to local Dover residents. The town and surrounding landmarks have played host to many productions over the years. The famous Dover Castle alone has starred in many feature films. The site can be seen replicating another iconic British landmark like the Tower of London in the films Lady Jane (1987) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008).

Johnny English is not the only spy to have visited the Port of Dover. In the famous 1971 film Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Sean Connery stars as the suave spy 007. The Port makes its appearance as 007 foils diamond smuggler Peter Franks and boards a hovercraft bound for Amsterdam.

Johnny English was released in cinemas in April 2003 and can now be purchased on DVD.

 

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


Henry VIII (2003)

close up of Ray Winstone wearing a gold crown looking away from the camera

Henry VIII © ITV

Director: Pete Travis

Writer: Peter Morgan

Starring: Ray Winstone, Charles Dance, Mark Strong, David Suchet, Danny Webb, Helena Bonham Carter, Emilia Fox, Sean Bean, Emily Blunt

Production Company: Granada Television, Power, Powercorp, WGBH

Kent locations: Leeds Castle

Henry VIII is an Emmy Award winning two-part TV movie, which follows the life of Henry VIII throughout his radical 38 year reign and unpicks the volatility of Henry’s nature, particularly when it comes to love, as he marries and discards a string of wives with quick succession.

Henry VIII was written by British film writer and playwright Peter Morgan and directed by Pete Travis (Dredd, Vantage Point).

The cast includes an array of renowned British actors, such as Ray Winstone (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Great Expectations), Charles Dance (Game of Thrones, Alien 3), Mark Strong (Kick Ass, Sherlock Holmes), David Suchet (Poirot, Great Expectations) Danny Webb (Alien 3, Valkyrie), Helena Bonham Carter (Sweeney Todd, The King’s Speech), Emilia Fox (The Pianist, Merlin), Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones) and Emily Blunt (The Young Victoria, The Devil Wears Prada).

Long shot of Leeds Castle and lake

Leeds Castle in Henry VIII © ITV

Historically, Leeds Castle was used as a palace by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon but the production chose Leeds Castle to represent exteriors of Henry’s castle in Richmond.

Leeds Castle is near Maidstone and is set within 500 acres of parkland and gardens and surrounded by a moat. Features include original marble bathrooms, a river and maze with shell grotto. The location has previously featured in productions such as Gadget Man (2014), Lady Jane (1987) and Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).

Henry VIII also features in the Kent Film Office Tudor(ish) Trail which celebrates Kent’s Tudor history and film connections.

Henry VIII was first shown on ITV in 2003 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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


Wasp (2003)

Wasp - Zoe walking with her 4 children around an estate on a path

Wasp screenshot © Cowboy Films

Director/Writer: Andrea Arnold

Stars: Natalie Press, Danny Dyer

Production Company: FilmFour, UK Film Council, Cowboy Films

Kent Location Used: Dartford

Wasp is an inspiring short film, written and directed by Dartford born Andrea Arnold. Zoe, a single mother, is struggling to provide for her children in 21st century Britain. When her ex-boyfriend David asks her out, she pretends she is just babysitting her children and has to balance caring for them whilst trying to rekindle her relationship with David.

The 26 minute long film won an Oscar for best short film in 2005 and has won 22 other awards since 2003.

Andrea Arnold (Fish Tank, Red Road Red Road, Wuthering Heights) directed and wrote Wasp, which stars Natalie Press (My Summer of Love, Ill Manors, Fifty Dead Men Walking) and Danny Dyer (EastEnders, The Football Factory, The Business).

Zoe looking out of her window onto the estate- a block of flats and pylons can be seen

Wasp screenshot © Cowboy Films

The film is set on a housing estate in Dartford, overlooking the QEII Bridge and industrial areas along the Thames.

Dartford is a historic market town in North Kent with a rich industrial heritage and is near to one of the largest shopping centres in Europe and the high speed rail link at Ebbsfleet. The Dartford area has hosted filming from Who Do You Think You Are? (2014) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part One (2010).

 

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