The Hospice

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Kent Film Office

The Hospice Series – Featured Staff of the Show ©Ellenor

Production Company: Knickerbockerglory

Kent location used: Gravesend, Kent

The Hospice is a new, ground-breaking series focusing on the lives of patients under the care of ellenor – a British hospice based in Gravesend, Kent that provides an individualized approach to end of life care.

The series was commissioned by Together and produced by Knickerbockerglory – the creators of Channel 5’s long running series GP: Behind Closed Doors.

The Hospice follows the deeply personal stories of adults and children who are receiving end-of-life care both in their own homes, and at the ellenor inpatient ward in Gravesend as well as the daily tasks of the many hospice workers and volunteers who are so essential to providing this service.

Together will broadcast the first of 13 hour-long episodes of ‘The Hospice’ on Tuesday 8th May at 10pm on Freeview, Sky, Virgin, freesat and on demand services, like TV Player.

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

Horizon: My Amazing Brain – Richard’s War (2018)

Posted on January 30, 2018 by Kent Film Office

Richard Gray lies in a hospital bed at Darent Valley Hospital. The front right side of his head is dented from removal of part of the brain

Richard Gray at Darent Valley Hospital, September 2013 © BBC F. Lloyd-Davies

Director: Fiona Lloyd-Davies

Production Company: Studio 9 Films / BBC

Kent Locations Used: Trosley Country Park, Darent Valley Hospital.

Horizon follows the story of Richard Gray and his remarkable recovery from a catastrophic stroke. Recorded over four years by his documentary film-maker wife, Fiona, this film chronicles the hard work of recovery.

Bed bound and unable to do anything, including speak, the initial outlook was bleak until the occasional, small glimmers of hope emerged. Always armed with her camera, Fiona captures the moment Richard moves his fingers for the first time, and then documents his months long struggle to relearn how to walk again.

The story also features poignant footage delivered in a series of flashbacks, in which we see and hear Richard at his professional best. He was a peacekeeper with the United Nations, immersed in the brutal war in Sarajevo, Bosnia. We also hear from the surgeons and clinicians who were integral to Richard’s remarkable recovery, from describing life-saving, high-risk reconstructive surgery to intensive rehabilitation programmes that pushed the former soldier to his limits. As the film starts, Fiona asks ‘will Richard, my Richard still be there?’ By the end the answer is clear.

Kent-based film maker Fiona Lloyd-Davies filmed the trees from Trosley Country Park throughout the seasons. In winter without leaves they resemble the brain’s neural pathways, and later in the year as they come into leaf they serve as a useful metaphor for regrowth and recovery. Part of the documentary also shows Richard’s stay in Darent Valley Hospital.

Richard Gray in his New Zealand Army uniform going to Anzac Day commemorations with his wife Fiona, April 2017 © BBC F. Lloyd-Davies

Trosley Country Park is situated on the top of the North Downs, and covers 170 acres. There are fine views of the Weald of Kent. The steep grassland slopes are home to a whole variety of wildlife especially butterflies and flowers.

The Tonbridge and Malling District is a popular area of Kent for filming. Cape Wrath (2007) a 7-part thriller was filmed at Leybourne Lakes and Kings Hill. The areas have great transport links, local amenities, a network of cycle paths and a number of sports facilities.

My Amazing Brain: Richard’s War will be broadcast on BBC Two at 9pm on Monday 5^th February 2018.

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

Britain’s Favourite Walks: Top 100 (2018)

Posted on January 24, 2018 by Kent Film Office

This new two-and-a-half-hour special for ITV pulls on its hiking boots for a countdown of Britain’s favourite walks. Britain’s Favourite Walks: Top 100, presented by Julia Bradbury (Countryfile) and Ore Oduba (The One Show), showcases the finest rambles, scrambles and ambles across the countryside and through cities to bring viewers the ultimate guide to the British outdoors.

Based on the results of the largest survey ever conducted, the top 100 have been voted for by more than 8,000 walking enthusiasts. Famous faces, including Ade Edmondson, Janet Street Porter and Robert Bathurst hit the trails to reveal their own favourites, joined by walking experts, nature aficionados and members of the public with extraordinary stories to provide a vivid insight into the the history of the trails.

The programme visits various locations in Kent on two walks, firstly the Ramsgate to Margate Walk featuring beautiful spots such as Kingsgate Bay and Botany Bay. The second walk, the Dover to Deal Walk features the stunning National Trust sites of the stunning White Cliffs of Dover and the charming South Foreland Lighthouse, as well as picturesque St Margarets at Cliffe and Deal.

The Kent Coastline is a popular location with TV productions for its dramatic scenery and convenient connections by road to London. Most recently it played a starring role in Sky Atlantic’s The Tunnel: Vengeance 2017 filmed entirely in Kent and Calais.

Kingsgate Bay, a small sandy bay surrounded by chalk cliffs that connects at low tide through Whiteness cliff arch to Botany Bay, was featured in Mr Selfridge Series 4 (2016), while both the White Cliffs of Dover and St Margarets Bay featured in Missing Series 1 & 2 (2009-2010).

The photograph shows Ramsgate Marina with small boats harboured

Pictured: Ramsgate Marina © ITV

Britain’s Favourite Walks: Top 100 will be broadcast on ITV at 7.30pm on Tuesday 30^th January 2018.

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

David Jason’s Secret Service (2017)

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Kent Film Office

David Jason appears in a vintage car in front of a historic espionage building. David Jason's Secret Service, epiisode one- 5th December, Episode two- 12th December, Episode three- 19th December, 9pm on More 4 is written in white on top.

David Jason’s Secret Service – © More 4

Director: James Tovell

Starring: David Jason

Production Company: October Films

Kent locations Used: Folkestone

Sir David Jason presents this three-part documentary series which reveals the secret places, people and stories from Britain’s 20^th Century spy history. Episode One explores the inception of the British Secret Service in 1909 by Sir Mansfield Cumming. In 1914, when the First World War broke out in Europe, this group of spies were crucial in securing Allied victories and Folkestone became the frontline for British spy organisations.

In June 2017, the production team filmed at various locations in Folkestone, including the clifftop promenade, The Leas.

The Leas boasts sea views to France and Folkestone itself is renowned for its Creative Quarter with many galleries, shops, relaxing bars and restaurants. Tourists can visit the Kent Battle of Britain Museum which pays homage to the aircrews that defended Britain during the Second World War or visit Folkestone Harbour to explore Kent’s maritime history.

The town has been used previously for filming by productions such as Who Should We Let In? Ian Hislop on the First Great Immigration Row (2017), not to mention the seaside episode for Darling Buds of May, starring Mr Jason himself (1991-1993).

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

The Channel: The World’s Busiest Waterway (2017)

Posted on November 28, 2017 by Kent Film Office

Image of large container ship and tugboat with the words 'The Channel: The World's Busiest Water' superimposed.

The Channel – © Channel 4

Production company: Blast! Films

Kent locations used: Ramsgate Royal Harbour and Channel Tunnel

The Channel: The World’s Busiest Waterway is an access-all-areas programme exploring the everyday workings of the Dover Strait. I addition to exploring the ocean there is also footage from inside the Channel Tunnel, including interviews with those who are responsible for maintaining the system that allows 17 million people to travel across the English Channel every year.

In June 2017, in addition to filming at Eurotunnel, the production team filmed with one of the commercial fleets based at Ramsgate Royal Harbour.

Ramsgate is accredited as the home to England’s only Royal Harbour, developed in 1976. The scenic and charming marina resides 35 miles from the western French coast. Ramsgate has been used for filming by productions such as The Apprentice (2015).

The Channel Tunnel is the rail tunnel connecting Folkestone in Kent to Calais in France in just 35 minutes. The Channel Tunnel has been used for filming by productions such as The Tunnel: Sabotage (2016).

The series starts on Wednesday 29^th of November 2017 at 9PM on Channel Four and the fisherman’s episode will be the third instalment of The Channel: The World’s Busiest Waterway, which airs on 13^th December 2017 at the same time.

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

Harry Potter: A History of Magic (2017)

Posted on October 27, 2017 by Kent Film Office

J.K. Rowling sitting at a table, looking at the camera, with a pile of books in front of her,

Harry Potter: A History of Magic – Picture Shows: JK Rowling – (C) BBC – Photographer: Tom Hayward

Starring: J.K. Rowling

Kent Locations Used: Holly Hill Woodlands, Tonbridge & Malling

BBC documentary Harry Potter: A History of Magic, explores and celebrates the magical history of the Harry Potter universe. An exhibition on the subject opens in October at the British Library, and the documentary attempts to capture the experience for television by featuring artifacts, texts, memorabilia and artwork from the displays.

Warwick Davis sitting on chair reading book with a fireplace and bookcase behind him.

Programme Name: Harry Potter: A History of Magic – Picture Shows: Warwick Davis – (C) BBC – Photographer: Johann Perry

Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling, will feature in the documentary and talk about items that she has donated to the exhibition and their importance in the Harry Potter universe

The production visited Holly Hill Woodlands in Tonbridge & Malling, featuring two local wand makers. Other productions filmed in the area include: Cape Wrath (2007) and Doctor Who: The Dominators (1968).

Harry Potter: A History of Magic airs on Saturday 28^th October at 9pm on BBC Two.

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

David Jason: My Life on Screen (2017)

Posted on August 21, 2017 by Kent Film Office

David Jason sitting in arm chair looking at camera with old tv memorabilia in the background

David Jason (C) UKTV

Starring: David Jason, Michael Palin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Pam Ferris, Stephanie Cole, Johnny Vegas, Tim Healy

Production Company: Shiver Productions

Kent Locations Used: Margate, Bethersden, Darling Buds of May Farm,

This informative three part documentary series follows national treasure Sir David Jason on a journey charting his life on screen. He travels across Britain to explore how his career in TV developed, talking to people who inspired and helped him along the way,visiting film locations from some of his most memorable shows.

David Jason and Ronnie Barker standing in street looking at camera in front of fruit and veg stand

David Jason & Ronnie Barker (C) BBC

Presented by David Jason himself, he talks to Michael Palin (Monty Python, A Fish Called Wanda), Catherine Zeta-Jones (The Darling Buds of May, Chicago), Nicholas Lyndhurst (Only Fools and Horses, Goodnight Sweetheart), Pam Ferris (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Children of Men), Stephanie Cole, Johnny Vegas (Ideal, Grimsby) and Tim Healy (Auf Wiedersehen, Pet).

In Episode 2, David heads to Margate, the setting for the classic Only Fools And Horses episode The Jolly Boys Outing.

In the 3^rd episode of the series, Sir David travels to Bethersden in Kent to visit the legendary Darling Buds of May Farm.

The seaside town of Margate is home to the popular Dreamland amusement park, the Turner Contemporary modern art gallery alongside its harbour and sandy beach areas. Previous filming here includes The Tunnel: Sabotage (2016), The Carer (2016), Coast (2014) and Last Orders (2002)

Bethersden is a small friendly village located just outside of Ashford, Kent, surrounded by beautiful countryside.

David Jason: My Life on Screen starts on Saturday 26^th August on Gold at 6pm with episodes 2 and 3 airing on Sunday 27^th and Monday 28^th August.

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

Who Should We Let In? Ian Hislop on the First Great Immigration Row (2017)

Posted on June 22, 2017 by Kent Film Office

Ian Hislop looking at camera holding up British passport

Who Should We Let in? Ian Hislop on the First Great Immigration Row – Ian Hislop – BBC – (C) Wingspan – Photographer: Andy Jackson

Production Company: Wingspan Productions

Kent Locations Used: Folkestone

BBC Two programme Who Should We Let In? Ian Hislop on the First Great Immigration Row explores how Britain’s attitude towards immigration changed from the Victorian era up to World War I.

As Britain prepares for Brexit, Ian Hislop looks at how rising numbers in migrants and stoking from the press caused economic concerns and a divide in public values leading on to a somewhat familiar sounding national debate.

The programme visited various locations around Folkestone including the harbour, Sunny Sands and The Leas.

Folkestone is a seaside town with a bustling harbour, coastal park and quaint old high street. The area has previously welcomed filming from productions such as The Tunnel (2013), Question Time (2016) and Great Railway Journeys (2016)

Who Should We Let In? Ian Hislop on the First Great Immigration Row airs on Thursday 22^nd June at 21.00 on BBC Two.

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

Richard E. Grant on Ealing Comedies (2016)

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Kent Film Office

Richard E. Grant standing in front of a white background, writing says Richard E Grant on...Ealing Comedies

Production Company: Phil MacIntyre TV

Kent Locations Used: Kent and East Sussex Railway Tenterden Station, Leeds Castle

Richard E. Grant on Ealing Comedies is a three part series exploring the history of Ealing Studios and the iconic films that were made there including the silent films made at the turn of the 20^th century, music hall comedies of the 1930’s and the 1940’s film that started the phrase ‘an Ealing comedy’ – Passport to Pimlico.

Throughout the series, Richard is joined by special guests including Jonathan Ross, Michael Palin, Mike Leigh, Peter Capaldi and Carrie Fisher.

Richard E. Grant on the Kent and East Sussex Railway leaning through the window of a stream train with the driver

In April 2016, the Richard E. Grant on Ealing Comedies team visited Kent and East Sussex Railway Tenterden Station and Leeds Castle which was used as a film location for Ealing Comedy film Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).

Kent & East Sussex Railway is a ten and a half mile rural light railway from Tenterden to East Sussex. Kent & East Sussex Railway has previously featured in film and TV productions including Mapp and Lucia (2014) and Last Passenger (2013).

Near to the county town of Kent is the stunning Leeds Castle. Sitting on a 500 acre estate, this location boasts period rooms, beautiful gardens, a moat, woodlands, maze with shell grotto and an aviary. The castle has previously been used as a film location for Rustom (2016), The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses (2016), and Lady Jane (1987).

Richard E. Grant on Ealing Comedies airs on GOLD (Sky 110, Virgin 124, BT 310) from Sunday 18^th September 2016 at 19:00.

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

Sean Bean on Waterloo (2015)

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Kent Film Office

View from Fort Amherst- roofs of houses with the river Medway behind

Starring: Sean Bean

Production Company: Wavelength Films

Kent Locations: Chatham, Fort Amherst

On the 18^th June 1815, The Battle of Waterloo was fought between France and the Seventh Coalition; this year will mark the 200^th anniversary of that Battle. To honour that anniversary, a two part documentary will air, presented by actor Sean Bean. The documentary will feature evidence from eye witness accounts, along with modern military experts to help tell the story of the conflict. Alongside military experts, Sean Bean will be testing tactics and weapons that were used during the battle and compare them with present day strategies. This documentary is hoping to “provide a ground level perspective” on the Battle.

The documentary has been produced by Independent company, Wavelength Films, and has been commissioned by A+E networks UK. Sean Bean has previously played fictional British soldier, Richard Sharpe on the historical war drama ‘Sharpe’ (5 May 1993 –9 November 2008). Bean himself said “I have always been interested in the story of Waterloo especially since I played the role of Richard”. He also stated that “[Sharpe’s] adventures were based on real events 200 years ago”. When this documentary was first announced Sean Bean stated “I am excited to be following the footsteps of Sharpe and those who fought in the Battle of Waterloo to tell the story of the iconic battle on history.”

Filming for this special documentary has taken place in Belgium and England, and has also included iconic locations like Fort Amherst in Chatham, Medway, Kent which has been used for weapons testing and re-enactments of the battle.

Fort Amherst has tunnels that have featured in many films, such as Sherlock Homles: A Game of Shadows (2011- the tunnels were used as the escape tunnels at the French Resistance in Paris) and The Mission (1986- Fort Amherst’s tunnels were used as part of the convent where Mendoza (Robert De Niro) is being held after he kills his brother).

The program will air on Sunday June 14^th June at 10pm on the History UK channel, Sky: 529 and 530 (+1), Virgin Media: 234, BT: 327, TalkTalk: 327.

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

Kent's Premier Film Commission