TV Drama

Too Close (2021)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Connie Mortenson (played by Denise Gough) and psychiatrist Dr Emma Robertson (played by Emily Watson) stand side by side looking to camera with a dark background, the mood of the image is sinister.

Too Close (2021) © ITV images

Writer: Clara Salaman
Director:  Bruce Goodison
Starring: Emily Watson, Denise Gough, Eileen Davies
Production Company: Snowed-In Productions Ltd, All3Media for ITV
Kent Locations Used: Kingsferry Bridge – Isle of Sheppey, Swale

Too Close (2021) is a psychological drama for ITV starring Emily Watson. The three-part mini‑series tells the story of a forensic psychiatrist who must assess a criminal suspect – only to fall victim to their manipulative nature.

Dedicated forensic psychiatrist, Dr Emma Robinson played by Emily Watson (The Third Day (2020), Chernobyl) is sent to assess Connie played by Denise Gough (Paula, Guerrilla) who is on trial for a terrible crime When Connie quickly gains insight into Emma’s deepest insecurities and starts to brutally exploit them, their sessions become a complex psychological game. Eileen Davies (Grantchester, Peterloo (2018)) also stars as Julia de Cadenet.

Too Close (2021) is based on the book of the same name, written by Clara Salaman under the pseudonym Natalie Daniels, and is directed by Bruce Goodison (Born to Kill, Doctor Foster) for Snowed-In Productions for All3Media.

During filming, production visited Kent to film a stunt sequence on Kingsferry Bridge, a combined road and railway bridge that links the Isle of Sheppey to mainland towns Sittingbourne and Kemsley. The maximum bridge lifting height is 84 feet and when reached a claxon sound is heard to confirm the bridge is at full height. The Kingsferry Bridge is no longer as busy as it once was, traffic now able to use the New Sheppey Crossing Bridge. Previous productions to film on the bridge include Kiss Me First (2018).

Too Close (2021) is due for release on ITV on April 12th at 9pm.

 

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

Ammonite (2021)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Image of two faces overlapping and facing one another - Actress Saoirse Ronan playing Charlotte Murchison and Kate Winslet playing Mary Anning.

Ammonite movie poster
© EF Neon

Writer: Francis Lee

Director: Francis Lee

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Kate Winslet, Fiona Shaw, Gemma Jones.

Production Company: See-Saw Films, British Film Institute, BBC Films

Kent Locations Used: Romney House, School Road, Charing, The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Ammonite is film loosely based on the life of the acclaimed English fossil hunter Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) in 1840s England. Widely known for her contribution to prehistoric geology, she made ground-breaking Jurassic period discoveries as she spent time investigating the cliffs at Lyme Regis and Charmouth in Dorset. Whilst the film will clearly address Anning’s professional life, it will also explore her private affairs and her struggles to make ends meet.

The film was written and directed by Francis Lee (God’s Own Country, The Farmer’s Wife) and Kate Winslet (Titanic, The Reader) stars as Anning alongside Saoirse Ronan (Hanna, Lady Bird) as her fellow geologist Charlotte Murchison.

Several scenes for the film, despite being set for the most part on the Jurassic coast, were shot in Kent. Romney House, a grade II listed building in Charing, was used to stand in for a Lyme Regis property belonging to Dr Issacson.

Charing is a quaint, traditional and beautiful village in the Ashford district of Kent and is situated on the historic Pilgrim’s way that stretches from London to Canterbury. The high street has many old whitewashed buildings comprised of brick and tile, some also exhibiting exposed timber frames. It is also home to the famous building the Archbishop’s palace, a large manor house historically belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

A further sequence was also shot at The Historic Dockyard in Chatham, in which a boat from Lyme Regis arrives at a dockside in London.

The Historic Dockyard was established in the mid-16th century and is located on the River Medway. A location with an extensive history, evident through its numerous buildings and exhibitions open to the public. The site offers maritime, industrial, Georgian and Victorian architecture and cobbled streets, an ideal set for many film productions. Recent films that have used the Dockyard in their productions include Red Joan (2019) and The Mercy (2018).

Ammonite is scheduled for release on video on demand on 26th March 2021

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

 

 

 

Devils (2021)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Patrick Dempsey as Dominic Morgan & Alessandro Borghi as Massimo Ruggero are walking down a stairway outside with skyscrapers in the background.

Patrick Dempsey as Dominic Morgan & Alessandro Borghi as Massimo Ruggero
© Antonello&Montesi

Writers: Elena Buccacio, Mario Ruggeri, Alessandro Sermoneta, Ben Harris, Chris Lunt, Michael A Walker

Directors:  Nick Hurran, Jan Michelini

Starring: Patrick Dempsey, Alessandro Borghi, Laia Costa

Production Company: Lux Vide, Sky Italia

Kent Locations Used: Kingsgate Bay in Broadstairs

 

Based on the novel by Guido Maria Brera, Devils is a brand new TV series set in the London Offices of a large investment bank where Massimo Ruggero (Alessandro Borghi) discovers a worldwide financial conspiracy. Will he side with the perpetrators or expose the fraud?

 

The writing of the show is shared amongst several writes, including Elena Buccacio (Magie and Bianca Fashion Friends), Mario Ruggeri (Don Matteo), Alessandro Sermoneta (Once Upon a Time The City of Fools), Ben Harris (Dark Heart), Chris Lunt (Prey) and Michael A Walker (Primevil). It is directed by Nick Hurran (Sherlock), and Jan Michelini (Medici). Starring Patrick Dempsey (Grey’s Anatomy, Bridget Jones’ Baby), Alessandro Borghi (Romulus and Remus: The First King), and Laia Costa (Cities, Only You).

 

Production visited the Kingsgate Bay in Broadstairs to film a dialogue scene on the clifftops.

 

Broadstairs is a coastal town on the Isle of Thanet in the East Kent district. Productions that have also visited this area include and The Tunnel series (2013-2017) and Human Series 2 (2016) and

Devils was released in Italy in 2019.

UK release date is 17th February 2021 on Sky Atlantic and Now TV.

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

Bridgerton (2020)

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The Bridgerton family stand in a group on the steps outside their Regency home

Bridgerton cast- © Netflix

 

Writers: Chris Van Dusen, Sarah Dollard, Janet Lin, Abby McDonald, Julia Quinn

Directors: Sheree Folkson, Alrick Riley, Julie Anne Robinson, Tom Verica

Starring: Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Golda Rosheuvel, Jonathan Bailey, Adjoa Andoh, Julie Andrews

Production Company: Shondaland

Kent Locations Used: The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Bridgerton is a period drama inspired by Julia Quinn’s historic romance novels about a large powerful family, the Bridgeton’s and their closest acquaintances. Set against the backdrop of Regency England, this eight-part series is a saga of lust, greed and betrayal. The plot will be centred around the Bridgerton family as they navigate the “marriage mart” in high society London.

Bridgerton was adapted by Chris Van Dusen (Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy) and written with Sarah Dollard (Love Me, Neighbours), Janet Lin (The Orville, The Night Shift), Joy C. Mitchell (The Letter for the King, Deutschland 86), Abby McDonald and Julia Quinn.

The large ensemble cast include Phoebe Dynevor (Dickensian, Snatch) , Adjoa Andoh (Liar (2017-2020), Fractured), Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music, The Princess Diaries) and Jonathan Bailey (Broadchurch, W1A).

The production visited The Historic Dockyard Chatham during filming. The exterior of the Ropery and Officer’s Terrace were used as stand ins for various London streets and the Tarred Yarn Store was transformed into a boxing ring. Meanwhile, Commissioner’s House Garden stands in as the Bridgerton family garden for some scenes.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is located on the river Medway and has become a popular filming location in Kent. Features include Georgian and Victorian buildings with cobbled streets, a maritime environment and a dry dock. Previous productions that have filmed there include: Call The Midwife (2012-2020), Pennyworth (2019) and Belgravia (2020).

Bridgerton will air on Netflix on 25th December 2020.

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

 

Tags: Bridgerton, Netflix, Drama, Shondaland, Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, Adjoa Andoh, Jonathan Bailey, Chatham Dockyards, Chris Van Dusen, Julia Quinn, Historical Romance

The Crown Series 1 – 4 (2016-2020)

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Actress Olivia Coleman as Queen Elizabeth II dressed in regimental uniform sitting on a black horse saluting. In the background is a crowd

Olivia Coleman in The Crown (2020) © Netflix

Writer: Peter Morgan

Directors: Stephen Daldry, Benjamin Caron, Philip Martin, Julian Jarrold

Starring: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Jared Harris, Vanessa Kirby, John Lithgow, Olivia Coleman, Helena Bonham Carter, Tobias Menzies

Production Companies: Left Bank Pictures, Sony Pictures Television Production UK

Kent Locations Used: The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Royal School of Military Engineering (Chatham) Brompton Barracks

The Crown is a Netflix Original ten-part historical drama series focusing on the reign of the Queen Elizabeth II played by Claire Foy in Series One and Two and Olivia Coleman in Series Three and Four. The series delivers a world full of intrigue and revelations from behind the closed doors of Westminster and Buckingham Palace as The Queen steps up to represent the world’s most powerful monarchy and forge relationships with her Prime Ministers including Sir Winston Churchill played by John Lithgow in Series One to Three.

Peter Morgan (The Queen, Frost/Nixon) is writer and creator of The Crown, reportedly the most expensive series to be produced by Netflix, estimated at £100 million at the time of the first series release. Benjamin Caron (Wallander, Scott & Bailey) directs various episodes from Series One through Four while Series One and Two directors include Stephen Daldry (The Reader, The Hours), Philip Martin (Prime Suspect: The Final Act, Hawking) and Julian Jarrold (Becoming Jane, Kinky Boots). Directors for Series Three and Four joining Benjamin Caron include Samuel Donovan (Four Lions, Liar (2017-2020), Jessica Hobbs (Apple Tree Yard, Broadchurch) and Christian Schwochow (Children of Mars, Badbanks).

The Series One and Two cast includes Claire Foy (Wolf Hall, Little Dorrit), Matt Smith (Doctor Who, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) as Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, Jared Harris (Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Mad Men) as King George VI, Vanessa Kirby (About Time, Everest) as Princess Margaret and John Lithgow (Interstellar, Shrek) as Winston Churchill.  A stellar cast stepped into the roles of the Royal Family in Series Three and Four with Queen Elizabeth II played by Oliver Coleman (The Favourite, The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)), Helena Bonham Carter (Enola Holmes, Suffragette (2015) as Princess Margaret and Tobias Menzies (Game of Thrones, The Night Manager) as Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

The Crown production team chose to visit Kent to film at The Historic Dockyard Chatham during Series One where they filmed a dockside scene on Anchor Wharf after building part of the side of a ship. The Historic Dockyard Chatham dates back to the 17th century and contains over 100 buildings from the Georgian and Victorian periods. The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a popular film location that has previously featured on screen in Suffragette (2015), Downton Abbey (2013) and Les Miserables (2013).

The first series of The Crown was released on Netflix on Friday 4th November 2016.

In Series Four production visited the Royal School of Military Engineering (Chatham) Brompton Barracks to film scenes set in London.  Brompton Barracks is ideally suited as a location to double for iconic London landmarks with a large parade ground, vaulted cellars under the Officer’s Mess, statues, stone bridges, a museum and a large ornate arch.

Series Four will be released on Netflix on Sunday 15th November 2020.

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

 

Brave New World (2020)

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Actor Alden Ehrenreicht touching actress Lara Peake’s pregnant stomach. She is dressed in a wedding dress

Brave New World – Alden Ehrenreich and Lara Peake © NBC


Directors: Owen Harris, Aoife McArdle, Andrij Parekh, Craig Zisk
Writers: David Wiener, Grant Morrison, Brian Taylor, Aldous Huxley (novel)
Producer: Chloe Moss
Starring: Stuart Walker, Jeanie Hackman, Summer-Joules
Production Company: Amblin Television, NBC Universal Content Studios
Kent Locations Used: Dungeness Estate and Old Lifeboat Station, Dungeness, Lydd Camp

Brave New World is a new eight part TV series is an adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s dystopian novel of the same name. It is set in America 200 or 300 years from now and explores the lives of two citizens who decide to explore life beyond the strictures of their society by travelling to the ‘Savage Lands’ where they become entangled in a violent rebellion.

The screenplay was co-written by David Wiener (Flesh and Bone (2015), Fear the Walking Dead), Grant Morrison (Happy!, Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay ) and Brian Taylor (Mom and Dad , Crank ).

Brave New World was directed by a collaboration of directors Owen Harris (Black Mirror, Troy: Fall of a City ), Aoife McArdle (Kissing Candice), U2: Every Breaking Wave , Andrij Parekh (Watchmen, The Zookeeper’s Wife ), Craig Zisk (The Looming Tower ), Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and produced by Chloe Moss (Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones , The Letter for the King ).

The series stars Alden Ehrenreich (Solo: A Star Wars Story , Hail, Caesar! ), Harry Lloyd (The Theory of Everything , Jane Eyre ) and Kylie Bunbury (When They See Us , Tut ). Demi Moore (Corporate Animals,  G.I. Jane ) also stars in the series.

Production visited Kent which features as part of the Savage Lands, including Lydd Camp and Dungeness Estate. The Old Lifeboat Station there doubles as John and Linda’s house.

Dungeness Estate is a unique location which includes ramshackle huts as well as two lighthouses, an historic railway station, two pubs and artist galleries along with a nuclear power station. Dungeness has a derelict look to some of the areas making for an ideal location to film a dystopian series. The Old Lifeboat Station is a Historic Grade II listed building recently celebrating its centenary. This imposing building is almost 46 metres high to the top of the weathervane and is constructed of engineering bricks with sandstone inner walls.

Lydd camp is located near to Dungeness and is an MOD firing range. Previous projects that have filmed at Dungeness include Ginger and Rosa (2012) and Back to Life – Series 1 (2019).

All eight episodes of Brave New World will be released on Sky on Friday 2nd October 2020.

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

The Great (2020)

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Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning) and Peter III (Nicholas Hoult) dancing in a ballroom in historical costumes, with candlelight in the background.

Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult in The Great (2020) © Lionsgate Entertainment

Writer: Tony McNamara, Tess Morris, Gretel Vella, James Wood
Director: Colin Bucksey, Bert & Bertie, Ben Chessell, Geeta Patel, Matt Shakman
Starring: Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, Gwilym Lee, Sacha Dhawan
Production Company: Media Rights Capital, Thruline Entertainment, Echo Lake Entertainment
Kent Locations Used: Hever Castle, St Clere Estate

This upcoming satirical comedy from American streaming company Hulu follows the infamous rise of Prussian-born Catherine the Great as she ascends to become the longest serving female ruler in Russian history. Forced to choose between her own personal happiness and the future of an empire, she abandons a life of love and romance and vows to change a country plagued by deceit and ruin.

This ten-part historical drama was written by Tony McNamara (The Favourite, Ashby) Tess Morris (Casual, Man Up), Gretel Vella (Doctor Doctor) and James Wood (The Gamechangers, Quacks). The TV series was produced by Media Rights Capital, Thruline Entertainment and Echo Lake Entertainment  and features episodes directed by Colin Bucksey (The Affair, Breaking Bad, Ray Donovan), Bert & Bertie (Troop Zero, Kidding), Ben Chessell (The Only Person in the World, Giri/Haji), Geeta Patel (Meet the Patels, Dead to Me) and Matt Shakman (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Good Wife).

The Great’s lead cast are  Elle Fanning (Super 8,  Maleficent, Mary Shelley) as Catherine the Great, Nicholas Hoult (Tolkien, Mad Max: Fury Road, Warm Bodies) as Peter III of Russia and Phoebe Fox (Close to the Enemy, The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death), Gwilym Lee (Bohemian Rhapsody, Midsomer Murders) and Sacha Dhawan (Iron Fist, The History Boys) in supporting roles.

Two locations in Kent were utilised as rich historical backdrops in this international production.

The Italian Loggia on Hever Castle lake doubles as a ballroom of an Eastern European house where Peter III of Russia (Nicholas Hoult) visits. During filming production also visited the fields and stables of St Clere Estate to film various battle scenes.

Hever Castle is an outstanding 13th century and Tudor castle with a moat, stunning Italianate gardens, a beautiful lake, as well as a mock Tudor Village. It was the original home of the Boleyn family. Productions that filmed here include Inkheart (2008) and upcoming TV series The Third Day.

St Clere Estate is set in 2800 acres of the rolling Kent countryside and offers stunning views of the North Downs. Some of the ground’s features include formal gardens, paddocks, a meadow, fields, an orangery, green houses and a temple by the lake. St Clere Estate has previously been used to film Road Games (2016) and Sky’s original series Gangs of London (2020).

The Great will be available to watch on StarzPlay from Thursday 18th June 2020.

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

Gangs of London (2020- )

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Production poster showing the London skyline and four actors in suits above it in the rainy clouds. Sky Original Gangs of London written in white

Gangs of London (2019) © Sky UK Limited

Writers: Peter Berry, Claire Wilson, Carl Joos, Lauren Sequeira, Gareth Evans, Matt Flannery
Directors: Corin Hardy, Xavier Gens, Gareth Evans
Starring: Joe Cole, Colm Meaney and Michelle Fairley
Production Company: Pulse Films
Kent Locations Used: St Clere Estate near Sevenoaks, Dartford

Gangs of London tells the story of a city torn apart by power struggles, and the sudden vacuum that arises when the head of London’s most notorious crime family, played by Colm Meaney (Tolkien (2019)), is assassinated. Supporting cast include Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders (2016-2017) and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones (2011 – 2013)).

This brand-new Sky original by Pulse Films is a nine-part drama about the inner workings of the largest criminal organisation in London and was created by visionary, award-winning filmmaker Gareth Evans (The Raid: Redemption (2011)) and his creative partner Matt Flannery. The series is directed by Gareth Evans, Corin Hardy (The Nun (2018)) and Xavier Gens (Budapest (2018).

During filming production visited St Clere Estate to stage a Traveller site which is the base of a rival gang. A short driving scene was filmed on Pilgrim’s Way in Dartford. The Dartford Marshes border the Thames by the Queen Elizabeth II bridge and feature as the landing place for a drug delivery by a group of Turkish gang members.

St Clere Estate is set in 2,800 acres of rolling Kent countryside and offers stunning views of the North Downs. The estate features formal gardens, a meadow, ploughed fields, an orangery and a temple by the lake. Previous productions to film at St Clere Estate include Future Tense: The Story of H.G. Wells (2016) and Road Games (2016).

Dartford has a rich industrial heritage and boasts one of the largest shopping centres in Europe, Bluewater. It is a popular film location and recent productions to film here include The Corrupted (2019) and The Escape (2018).

 

Gangs of London will be available to stream on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV from 23rd April 2020.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Kate & Koji (2020)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Stars Brenda Blethyn wearing an apron and Jimmy Akingbola wearing a suit, standing in front of a green cafe.

Kate & Koji starring Brenda Blethyn and Jimmy Akingbola © Hat Trick Productions


Writers: Andy Hamilton, Guy Jenkin
Director: Ben Kellett
Starring: Brenda Blethyn, Jimmy Akingbola, Blake Harrison, Barbara Flynn, Meera Syal
Production Company: Hat Trick Productions, ITV Studios
Kent Locations Used: Romney House, School Road, Charing

Kate & Koji is a six-part TV sitcom about a working-class woman played by Brenda Blethyn  (Vera (2011-2020), Pride & Prejudice (2005)) who runs an old-fashioned café in a neglected seaside town. Kate develops an unexpected and sparky friendship with Koji an asylum-seeking African doctor played by Jimmy Akingbola (In the Long Run (2018-19), Holby City (2006-2016)). Although from very different worlds, they are similar in ways which they do not recognise, including a dogged determination to never back down!

Kate’s resourceful nephew ‘Medium’ played by Blake Harrison  (The Inbetweeners (2008-2010)) is often on hand to act as peacemaker. Barbara Flynn (The Durrells (2016-2019)) also stars in Kate and Koji as Kate’s lifelong nemesis Councillor Bone, and Meera Syal (The Split (2018)) guest stars as an adversarial GP to Koji.

The series is directed by Ben Kellett  and written by Andy Hamilton  and Guy Jenkin. It is a Hat Trick Production for ITV Studios filmed on location in Kent and at Elstree Studios in front of a live audience.

The seaside café for the TV sitcom was filmed at Frasiers Pie and Mash Shop in Herne Bay, standing in for the fictional seaside town of Seagate. The production also filmed exteriors of The Divers Arms pub and various scenes around the promenade and pier and an exterior scene at Herne Bay industrial estate. A further sequence was shot on the Promenade featuring a storm and its after effects.

A damaged road sign saying ‘Seagate’ on the side of a coastal road with the sea in background.

Herne Bay stands in for the fictional seaside town of Seagate © Hat Trick Productions

Herne Bay is a seaside town which has a pier and shingle beach and is set just outside of the historic City of Canterbury. Recent productions to film in the area include Blue Planet UK – Series 1 (2019), The 1900 Island – Series 1 (2019) and Coast vs Country (2016).

Kate and Koji is due to air on ITV Wednesday 18th March 2020 at 8pm.

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

 

 

Belgravia (2020)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
The cast of Belgravia standing in a row wearing period costumes in front of a brown backdrop.

Belgravia (2020) Episode One © ITV

Creator / Writer: Julian Fellowes
Directors: John Alexander
Starring: Adam James, Alice Eve
Production Company: Carnival Film and Television
Kent Locations Used: The Historic Chatham Dockyard

New ITV drama Belgravia, based on a book by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey (2010-2015) and Gosford Park (2001)), is a story of the secrets and scandals amongst the upper echelon of London society in the 19th Century.

The six part series stars Tamsin Greig (Elementary (2019), Harriet Walter (The Spanish Princess (2019), Alice Eve (Iron Fist (2018) and Philip Glenister (Living the Dream (2019) and the story begins at a legendary ball hosted by the Duchess of Richmond on the fateful evening of the Battle of Waterloo. This sets in motion a series of events that will have consequences for decades to come as secrets unravel behind the porticoed doors of London’s grandest postcode.

Executive producer is Gareth Neame (Downton Abbey (2010-2015) and director is John Alexander (Jamestown (2017)).

Production visited The Historic Chatham Dockyard and filmed on Anchor Wharf quayside, the Tarred Yarn Store as a Pimm’s Chop House and the streets around the Ropery to stand in for both a London market and the streets around Girton’s Mill.

The Historic Chatham Dockyard is a historic tourist attraction on the site of a former Royal Naval Dockyard and has been the location for several recent period dramas including Pennyworth (2019) and World On Fire Series 1 (2019).

Belgravia begins on ITV on Sunday 15 March 2020 at 9pm.

Click here for the Episode One trailer from ITV press centre

 

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