Missing Series Two (2010)

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Kent Film Office

The cast of missing standing facing the camera with the view of the seaside behind

The Missing Team in Dover © BBC

Starring: Pauline Quirke, Felix Scott, Pooja Shah, Mark Wingett, Adjoa Andoh, Brooke Kinsella, Gary Lucy, Roy Hudd

Production company: Leopard Films

Kent Filming Locations: Dover – Port, White Cliffs, and St Margaret’s Bay, Tonbridge

Following the success of the first series, Pauline Quirke returns in her role as MJ – Head of the police’s Missing Persons Unit for a further 10 episodes of the critically acclaimed programme.

Pauline Quirke in Missing © BBC

It is a year on from the first series and MJ is still struggling to live with her sister, who was found in the first series but that’s the least of her troubles as soon her estranged father shows up. Has he really changed or is there more family trouble on the horizon? Things are not easy at the office either, as Amy and Jason’s affair comes to an end when one of them sets their sights on promotion.

Returning for the second series is Pauline Quirke (Broadchurch, Birds of a Feather), Felix Scott (Inception, Blitz Blitz), Pooja Shah (EastEnders, Bend It Like Beckham), Mark Wingett (The Bill, Snow White and the Huntsman) and Adjoa Andoh (Invictus, Casualty). There are also guest appearances from Brooke Kinsella (Eastenders, Kid in the Corner), Gary Lucy (The Bill, Hollyoaks) and Roy Hudd (Coronation Street, Purely Belter).

Missing was filmed on location in Dover including the Port, White Cliffs, and St Margaret’s Bay. They also visited Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

Dover is best known for the world famous White Cliffs of Dover along with the Port of Dover and Dover Castle. The Dover area has previously featured on screen in The Tunnel: Sabotage (2016), Wolf Hall (2003) and Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (2011).

Tonbridge is a West Kent market town with a rich cultural heritage and spectacular scenery. The area is surrounded beautiful countryside and boasts castles, stately homes, gardens, farms, as well as sports and leisure facilities. The Tonbridge area has been used by previous productions including Queens of Mystery (2019).

The new series starts on BBC1 from Monday 15th March at 2.15pm.

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

Albert’s Memorial (2010)

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Kent Film Office

David Jason and David Werner stood on a road leant against a black cab, white cliffs and lorries behind them

David Jason and David Werner in Albert’s Memorial © ITV

Director: David Richards

Starring: David Jason, David Warner, Judith Hoersch, Micheal Jayston

Production Company: ITV

Kent Filming Locations: Port of Dover

Three old comrades reunite as Albert (Michael Jayston) is taken into hospital and calls on his two old friends to visit him before it’s too late. After his passing, Harry (David Jason) and Frank (David Warner) set out to fulfill their old friend Albert’s (Michael Jayston) dying wish; to be buried in Heidelberg where he fought as a solider and last felt alive.

Harry and Frank kidnap Albert’s body from the undertakers and set off on their journey across Europe. After picking up a German hitchhiker, Vicki (Judith Hoersch), the two men begin to come to terms with an old trauma that has driven a wedge between them since the war.

The series is directed by David Richards (Messiah 2: Vengeance Is Mine, Reckless; The Movie) and stars David Jason (Only Fools and Horses, A Touch of Frost), David Warner (Planet of the Apes, Titanic), Judith Hoersch (Mein Leben & Ich) and Micheal Jayston (Nicholas and Alexandra, Emmerdale).

Filming in Kent took place at the Port of Dover. It was the location where the two men smuggled Albert’s body into a van and then boarded a ferry on their way to Germany.

Dover is home to the infamous White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle and the Port of Dover, Europe’s busiest passenger port. Productions which have previously filmed in the Dover area include Marcella (2016), Great British Railway Journeys – Series 7 (2016) and On A Clear Day (2005).

Albert’s Memorial was first aired on ITV in September 2010 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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

Missing (2009)

Posted on February 4, 2009 by Kent Film Office

Pauline Quirke and Mark Wingett looking through a white wooden window, the sea can be seen behind them

Pauline Quirke and Mark Wingett in Missing © BBC

Director: Laurence Wilson

Writers: Roy Boulter, Matt Leys, Ann-Marie Di Mambro, Karen McLachlan

Starring: Pauline Quirke, Felix Scott, Pooja Shah, Mark Wingett, Adjoa Andoh

Production Companies: Leopard Films

Kent Filming Locations: Maidstone and Dover – Port and White Cliffs.

Mark Wingett, Pauline Quirke, Pooja Shah and Felix Scott near the Port of Dover with signs and a bridge behind them

Mark Wingett, Pauline Quirke, Pooja Shah and Felix Scott near the Port of Dover © BBC

Missing is a new daytime crime about a small and under-sourced Missing Persons Unit (MPU) based in Dover which is headed up by DS Mary Jane Croft.

The 5 part drama was made to accompany the second series of

Missing: Live

which examines real life cases and attempts to reunite people with their love ones.

Starring Pauline Quirke (Broadchurch, Birds of a Feather), Felix Scott (Inception, Blitz Blitz), Pooja Shah (EastEnders, Bend It Like Beckham), Mark Wingett (The Bill, Snow White and the Huntsman) and Adjoa Andoh (Invictus, Casualty).

The production visited Kent where they transformed the old Maidstone Borough Council offices on the London Road into their Police Headquarters. The programme also filmed at various locations in and around Maidstone as well as visiting Dover including the Port and White Cliffs.

The county town of Kent, Maidstone boasts shopping areas, bars and restaurants and is home to The Maidstone Studios which is the UK’s largest independent High Definition TV studio facility. Productions which have filmed in the area include Children in Need – The Rickshaw Challenge (2015)Later… with Jools Holland (2015) and Couples Come Dine With Me (2014).

Dover is best known for the world famous White Cliffs of Dover along with the Port of Dover and Dover Castle. The Dover area has previously featured on screen in The Tunnel: Sabotage (2016), Wolf Hall (2015) and Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (2011).

The first episode aired on BBC One on the 16^th March 2009 at 14:15.

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

Summertime Blues (2009)

Posted on February 4, 2009 by Kent Film Office

Francois Goeske and Sarah Beck sat on a kitchen counter top having a conversation holding tea cups.

Francois Goeske and Sarah Beck as Alex and Faye © Boxfish Films

Director: Marie Reich

Writer: Frederike Kopf

Production Company: Boxfish Films

Kent Filming Locations: Faversham, Stodmarsh, Dover

Alex is a teenager whose life is thrown into turmoil following the announcement that his father’s new girlfriend is pregnant and his mother intends to move to England with her new partner and himself in tow.

Karoline Eichhorn and Alexander Bayer in Summertime Blues smiling at the camera through an orchestra pit,. Audience can be seen smiling behind

Karoline Eichhorn and Alexander Bayer in Summertime Blues © Boxfish Films

Summertime Blues chronicles Alex’s exile to a sleepy English village and his determination to return to his home-town of Bremen at the earliest opportunity. It’s not long, however, before he begins to make friends, notably Louie and Faye, who show him that life in the middle of nowhere isn’t all that bad. At a crossroads, Alex is torn between his life in Bremen and his new life in England.

In the height of summer 2008, Kent played host to the German production Summertime Blues. Looking for some of Kent’s most idyllic and romantic countryside locations, the crew came to the Film Office to aid them in their search. After weeks of deliberation the production company chose the beautiful market town of Faversham and the picturesque village of Stodmarsh for Alex’s quintessentially English home. Released in Germany this summer, there are unfortunately no current plans to bring the film to the UK.

The coastal town of Dover is home the port, connecting the UK with the European mainland, Dover Castle which towers above the town, signalling Dover’s strategic importance in the defence of the country and the White Cliffs of Dover, one of the most recognised landmarks in Britain. Dover has been used for filming productions such as The Tunnel: Sabotage (2016), Great British Railway Journeys – Series 7 (2016) and On A Clear Day (2005).

Stodmarsh is a small village on the outskirts of the historic City of Canterbury. The Canterbury area has previously featured on screen in projects such as Rustom (2016), Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip (2015) The Apprentice (2014).

Faversham is a beautiful, historic market town which boasts nearly 500 listed buildings and is set on the picturesque Faversham Creek. It has many restaurants, shops, attractions and beautiful walks. The Faversham area has been used as a film location for productions such as Great British Railway Journeys (2014) and Channel 4 drama Southcliffe (2013)

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

On a Clear Day (2005)

Posted on September 26, 2005 by Kent Film Office

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 Mullan –Trainspotting, 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).

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.

Johnny English (2003)

Posted on November 2, 2003 by Kent Film Office

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.

To Kill a King (2003)

Posted on May 16, 2003 by Kent Film Office

Dover Castle as The Tower of London © FilmFour Productions

Director: Mike Barker

Writers: Jenny Mayew

Starring: Tim Roth, Dougray Scott, Olivia Williams, Rupert Everett

Production Company: FilmFour, IAC Film, Natural Nylon Entertainment, Rockwood Edge, Scion Films, Screenland Movieworld GmbH

Kent Filming Locations: Dover Castle, Penshurst Place

This feature film is set in 1645 at the end of the English Civil War. The rebel New Model Army has defeated the Royalist forces of King Charles I and Lord Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell emerge as heroes. Now the pair seeks to reform the crown and execute the King which leads to civil unrest.

Starring in this gripping historical drama is Tim Roth (Lie to Me, United Passions, Skellig), Dougray Scott (There Be Dragons, Doctor Who, Sinbad), Rupert Everett (Shrek, St Trinian’s, Stardust), Olivia Williams (Anna Karenina, Justin and the Knights of Valour, Sabotage) and Corin Redgrave (Spooks, Foyle’s War, The Trial of King Killers).

King Charles’s I (Rupert Everett) sitting in his chamber on a chair

The Baron’s Hall at Penshurst Place as the King’s Chamber © FilmFour Productions

The production visited Kent to film at Penshurst Place where the interiors doubled as Cromwell’s living quarters. Dover Castle doubled as The Tower of London and the castle’s tunnels were also used in the scene where Fairfax and Cromwell search for the king’s missing gold.

Penshurst Place is a 14^th century building known for its historical significance and architectural beauty. It is a popular location for a number of film and television shows including The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), Merlin (2008) and The Princess Bride (1987).

Dover Castle was first built in 1160 and remains in the same condition as it was when first constructed. Another popular filming location, the castle has welcomed productions such as, Poirot – The Clocks (2009), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), Hamlet (1990).

To Kill A King also features in the Kent Film Office Tudor(ish) Trail which celebrates Kent’s Tudor history and film connections.

To Kill a King was released in cinemas in 2003 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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

Kevin and Perry Go Large (2000)

Posted on April 2, 2000 by Kent Film Office

Director: Ed Bye

Writers: Harry Enfield, Dave Cummings

Starring: Harry Enfield, Kathy Burke, Rhys Ifans, James Fleet, Louisa Rix, Paul Whitehouse

Production Company: Tiger Aspect Productions, Icon Productions, Fragile Films

Filming Locations: Dover Castle

Kevin and Perry Go Large is a feature film spin-off from the popular character’s of Harry Enfield’s TV series and follows the teenage pair as they go on holiday to Ibiza in the hope of becoming superstar DJ’s and meeting girls. Their holiday is seemingly ruined when Kevin’s parents tag along but will meeting DJ Eyeball Paul make their dreams come true?

Portraying the comical duo is Harry Enfield (Skins, Bad Education) and Kathy Burke (The Catherine Tate Show, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) alongside Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill, The Amazing Spiderman), James Fleet (The Vicar of Dibley, Four Weddings and a Funeral), Louisa Rix (Harry Enfield and Chums, Miranda) and Paul Whitehouse (The Fast Show, Alice in Wonderland).

Dover Castle featured in the film during the opening scene where Kevin dreams about saving Anne Boleyn from execution.

Dover Castle is spectacularly situated above the White Cliffs of Dover and was first built in 1160 yet remains in the same condition as it was when first constructed. Productions that have shot at Dover Castle include Poirot’s The Clocks (2009), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and To Kill a King (2003).

Kevin and Perry Go Large was released in cinemas in April 2000 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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

Poirot – The Kidnapped Prime Minister (1990)

Posted on February 25, 1990 by Kent Film Office

faint image of poirot standing with his back to the camera, Agatha Christie's Poirot written in grey over the top

Writer: Agatha Christie (novel), Clive Exton (adaption)

Director: Andrew Grieve

Starring: David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson

Production Company: Carnival Film & Television, London Weekend Television, Picture Partnership Productions

Kent Locations: Ingress Abbey, Greenhithe, St Margaret’s Bay and Dover

This ITV adaption of Poirot – The Kidnapped Prime Minister is based on Agatha Christie’s Poirot Investigates short story collection. After the Prime Minister (Henry Moxon) doesn’t arrive at an important summit in France, Poirot (David Suchet) is called in to investigate. Can he find out what happened to the Prime Minister and bring him home within the day and a half deadline?

Clive Exton (Rosemary & Thyme, The Boundary, Kipps) writes the adaption, with Andrew Grieve (Hornblower: The Even Chance, Lorna Doone, Kingdom) directing. The episode stars David Suchet (A Perfect Murder, Flushed Away, The Bank Job) as Poirot alongside Hugh Fraser (101 Dalmatians, Patriot Games, The Draughtsman’s Contract) and Philip Jackson (My Week with Marilyn, Brassed Off, Little Voice).

Ingress Abbey features in the episode as the hideout where the kidnappers held the Prime Minister, prior to its restoration. St Margaret’s Bay and Dover Seafront also briefly feature.

Ingress Abbey- Stone grand house surrounded by trees

misty image of St Margarets Bay with a black car driving along the road. A man is walking along the seafront

In Greenhithe, North Kent, the private residence of Ingress Abbey is a Gothic style country house with a large dining hall, ballroom, orangery, panelled passages and rooms.

St Margaret’s Bay is a splendid beach in Dover, near the infamous White Cliffs. Productions which have previously filmed in the Dover area include Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Mr Selfridge Series 3 (2015) and Missing (2009).

Other Poirot episodes to be filmed in Kent include Poirot “The Clocks” (2009) which used Dover Castle, Dover and St Margaret’s Bay and Hercule Poirot’s Christmas (1995) which was filmed in Chilham.

Poirot – The Kidnapped Prime Minister aired in 1990 and is now available for DVD purchase.

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

Inspector Morse – Deceived by Flight (1989)

Posted on January 6, 1989 by Kent Film Office

Inspector Morse with his hands in his pockets looking at the camera with the port of dover queue behind him.

Starring: John Thaw, Kevin Whatley, Nathaniel Parker, Peter Amory, Norman Rodway

Directed by: Anthony Simmons

Production Company: Zenith Productions, Central Independent Television

Kent locations used: Port of Dover, Dover Priory Station

Deceived by Flight is episode 3, from series 3, of the well-known Inspector Morse series based on the novels by Colin Dexter where Morse is investigating the murder of a member of the old boys’ cricket team, who have reconvened before starting their European tour. However, after a second murder, it soon becomes clear that some members of the cricket club have another agenda when it comes to the tour. Detective Sergeant Lewis agrees to go undercover as a member of the team in an attempt to reveal the murderer.

As well as regulars in the franchise; John Thaw (The Sweeny, Chaplin), and Kevin Whatley (Auf Wiedersehen Pet 1983) this episode also features Amanda Hillwood (Die Hard 2), Sharon Maughan (Holby City, Shes out of my league), Norman Rodway (Mother Night) and Nathaniel Parker (The Bodyguard, Haunted Mansion).

Dover Priory Station and the Port of Dover both feature towards the end of the episode when the cricket team arrive in Dover, with the intention to catch a Ferry, to begin their European tour.

The Port of Dover in Kent is the UKs busiest passenger Port and the coastline is well known for its white cliffs. Dover’s Port has previously featured in Johnny English (2003), Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (2011) and more recently in Sky Atlantics drama, The Tunnel (2013).

Deceived by Flight first aired on the 18^th January 1989 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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

Kent's Premier Film Commission