Will (2011)

 

Will running onto a football pitch with empu stands in front

Will screenshot © Strangelove Films/Galatafilm

Director: Ellen Perry

Writers: Zack Anderson and Ellen Perry

Starring: Damien Lewis, Bob Hoskins, Perry Eggleton

Production Company:Strangelove Films, Galatafilm

Kent Locations Used: The Port of Ramsgate, The Port Of Dover and The White Cliffs of Dover

Will is a feature film about a recently orphaned 11-year-old boy on his journey to Istanbul to watch his favourite football team play in the Champions League Final. Along the way, he overcomes many challenges and meets some interesting people who help him through his journey.

The film is directed by Ellen Perry (P.O.V, The Fall of Fujimori, Great Wall Across the Yangtze) who also co-wrote the script along with Zack Anderson (Pig Hunt, P.O.V, The Fall of Fujimori).

Will is played by Perry Eggleton in his first role in a feature film, starring alongside Damien Lewis (Homeland, Band of Brothers, The Escapist) and Bob Hoskins (Mona Lisa, Hook, Enemy at the Gates).

The production filmed in Kent in May 2010 at The Port of Ramsgate, The Port Of Dover and The White Cliffs of Dover. The locations feature in the film at the start of Will’s journey to Istanbul, as he smuggles himself onto a freight lorry in order to cross the sea to France.

The White Cliffs of Dover at night with a ferry in the sea in front

Will screenshot at The White Cliffs of Dover © Strangelove Films/Galatafilm

The Port of Dover drone shot at night

Will screenshot of The Port of Dover © Strangelove Films/Galatafilm

The The Port of Ramsgate is set on 32 acres of dedicated port land, and is owned and operated by Thanet District Council. Ramsgate itself is a popular historic town and boasts England’s only Royal Harbour. The area has previously been seen on screen in productions such as Eastenders (2015), Not Going Out (2013) and Ruby Blue (2008).

The White Cliffs of Dover are a natural icon of England and they form part of the English coastline facing the Strait of Dover and France. The Port Of Dover is the UK’s busiest passenger Port. The Dover area has featured in productions such as The Tunnel (2013), Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows (2011) and On a Clear Day (2005).

Will was released November 2011 and you can buy it to watch on DVD.

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


The Last Word Monologues (2008)

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 25th August 2008 on BBC One.The episode ‘Six Days One June’ featuring the Kent locations aired on Tuesday 26th August 2008.

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


Ruby Blue (2007)

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

Director Jan with actress Angelica OReilly filming Ruby Blue at Barnsole Vineyard. © Medb Films

 

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. 


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. 


Last Orders (2002)

Last Orders Movie Poster - 6 cast members stood in a circle laughing at each other in a pub. Last Orders written in white

Last Orders Movie Poster © Metrodome Distribution Ltd.

Director: Fred Schepisi

Writer: Graham Swift (Novel) and Fred Schepisi

Starring: Michael Caine, Helen Mirren, Ray Winston, David Hemmings, Bob Hoskins, Tom Courtenay

Production Company: Future Films, MBP, Scala Productions, Winchester Films 

Kent Locations: Rochester, the Historic War Memorial in Chatham, The Mount – Old Wives Lees near Chilham, Canterbury Cathedral, Margate

Last Orders is based on the novel of the same name by Graham Swift, and tells the story of how one man’s death affects the lives of those close to him as his best friends make a journey to pursue his final wish to have his ashes scattered at sea.

Throughout the journey, Jack’s companions share their own individual memories of him and how he made an impact on their lives. Flashbacks are used throughout the film stretching through six decades telling the story of the group of London pals as they make their heart felt journey to say goodbye to their friend.

Directed by Fred Schepisi (Six Degrees of Separation, A Cry in the Dark) and starring a host of acting talent including Michael Caine (The Italian Job, Batman Begins), Ray Winston (The Departed, The Sweeney), Bob Hoskins (Made in Dagenham, Ruby Blue), David Hemmings (The Rainbow Jacket, Gangs of New York), Tom Courtenay (Doctor Zhivago, The Golden Compass) and Helen Mirren (Calendar Girls, The Queen).

Rochester was used as a stop off during the friend’s journey and you can see them drive over Rochester Bridge and also walk down the high street. Rochester is a historic City that boasts an impressive cathedral and castle and has many links with Charles Dickens. Previous productions to have filmed in the area include The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012)and Veer (2009).

The Historic War Memorial in Chatham features in film for the scenes where the men stop off and reminisce about their time at war. Nearby, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a popular location having been used for productions such as Dom Hemingway (2013) Call The Midwife (2012-2013) and Children of Men (2006).

The Mount in Old Wives Lees was also one of the stop offs on the groups journey and is used for the flashback scenes of how Jack met his wife Amy. Neighboring village to Chilham, has a remarkable fifteenth century square of black and white timbered buildings and has been used for a variety of filming projects including Channel 4 comedy Chickens (2011)and Miss Marple – The Moving Finger (2005).

Canterbury Cathedral was used within the film as the characters make a stop to the grounds and look around the Cathedral. Canterbury is a vibrant City with parks and open spaces, shopping areas and neighbouring quaint, traditional towns. Previous productions that have shot in Canterbury include Canterbury Tales (2003).

Margate features in the final scenes of the film where the men scatter Jack’s ashes from the harbor arm. Margate is a delightful seaside town with a sandy beach, harbour, arcades, and period housing. The Old Town has lots to offer including galleries, quirky shops and trendy cafes. Margate is a popular location having previously welcomed productions such as BBC One’s improvised drama True Love (2012).

Last Orders was released in UK cinemas in January 2002 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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