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. 


Canterbury Tales (2003)

Canterbury Tales DVD cover- montage of images from the film, with canterbury tales written in black above

Canterbury Tales DVD cover © BBC

Starring: Julie Walters, James Nesbitt, Billie Piper, John Simm, Keeley Hawes, Dennis Waterman

Production Company: Ziji Productions, BBC

Kent Locations: Rochester Castle, Cathedral, Chertsey Gate, the High Street and Esplanade, River Medway, Stangate Creek, Gravesend

Canterbury Tales is a BBC adaptation of a handful of Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14th century stories of the same name which are still set along the traditional Pilgrims’ route to Canterbury, but in the 21st century.

The stories include themes such as love, adultery, jealousy and revenge.

The six single dramas feature an all-star cast including Julie Walters (Mamma Mia!, Calendar Girls Billy Elliot), James Nesbitt (The Missing, Murphy’s Law, Cold Feet), Billie Piper (Doctor Who, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Penny Dreadful), John Simm (Human Traffic, Life on Mars, The Village), Keeley Hawes (Death at a Funeral, The Bank Job, The Avengers) and Dennis Waterman (New Tricks, The Sweeney, Back in Business).

Rochester is the principal setting for The Pardoner’s Tale with the castle, Cathedral, Chertsey Gate, the High Street, Esplanade and various streets, pubs and restaurants featuring.

The river scenes in The Man of Laws’ Tale were filmed on the River Medway and The Medway Estuary.

Gravesend is the setting in The Seacaptain’s Tale where old waterfront warehouses, the pier and Town Pier Square feature.

Rochester is a historic city set on the River Medway offering a Medieval Cathedral and castle and cobbled streets with shops, pubs and restaurants. Rochester has previously featured in productions such as Jekyll and Hyde (2015), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012) and Great Expectations (1989).

The River Medway starts in Sussex and runs through Tonbridge, Maidstone and Medway before flowing into the Thames Estuary near Sheerness. Stangate Creek is part of the River Medway and has been used as a film location by productions such as Mr Turner (2014), Great Expectations (2012) and The Long Memory (1953).

On the south bank of the River Thames, Gravesend has a cast iron pier, promenade and high street as well as international links at the nearby Ebbsfleet International station. The area has previously been used as a film location in productions such as The Interceptor (2015) and Age of Heroes (2011).

The Canterbury Tales aired in 2003 and is now available for DVD purchase.

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

 


All Or Nothing (2002)

Car driving through a isolated background with lighthouse

All or Nothing Screenshot © Thin Man Films/StudioCanal

Director: Mike Leigh

Starring: Timothy Spall, Lesley Manville, Ruth Sheen, James Corden

Production Company: Les Films Alain Sarde, Thin Man Films

Kent location used: Dungeness

All Or Nothing is a film set on a London housing estate and centres around three working-class families and the struggles they face; including unemployment, violence unplanned pregnancy and alcoholism.

The film was nominated for many awards and won two at the London Critics Circle Film Awards – British Film of the Year and British Actress of the Year for Lesley Manville.

The film is directed by the acclaimed Mike Leigh (Secrets & Lies, Happy-Go-Lucky, Vera Drake) and stars Timothy Spall (Mr Turner, The King’s Speech, Enchanted), Lesley Manville (Maleficent, Another Year, Secrets & Lies) Ruth Sheen (Run Fatboy Run, Misfits, Vanity Fair) and James Corden (Begin Again, Into the Woods, The History Boys).

driving through fields looking out onto the beach

All or Nothing Screenshot © Thin Man Films/StudioCanal

Dungeness features in the film when Phil drives to the beach to contemplate his problems.

Set in the Shepway district of Kent, Dungeness is a unique location with a shingle beach, old and modern homes, two lighthouses, a historic railway station and a Power Station. Dungeness has been used as a film location by productions such as Ginger and Rosa (2012), Derek (2008) and I Want You (1998).

All Or Nothing was released in cinemas on 18th October 2002 and is now available to buy on DVD.

 

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


The Gathering Storm (2002)

Two actors staring at each other through an open door frame

The Gathering Storm © HBO Films and BBC Films

Director: Richard Loncraine

Starring: Albert Finney, Vanessa Redgrave, Jim Broadbent, Ronnie Barker, Hugh Bonneville, Tom Hiddleston

Production Company: HBO Films, BBC Films, Scott Free Productions

Kent Locations: Chartwell, Westerham

The Gathering Storm is a BBC-HBO co-produced film for TV about Winston Churchill in the years leading up to World War II. It’s emphasis is on the relationship between Winston and his wife Clementine, their financial problems and his struggle as an isolated backbench MP when warning Parliament about the coming of a second major war.

Chartwell House - red brick large house surrounded by greenery

Chartwell House © National Trust

Albert Finney (The Bourne Ultimatum, Erin Brockovich) plays Churchill and won a host of awards for his performance including a Golden Globe, Emmy and BAFTA.

Starring alongside Albert Finney are Vanessa Redgrave (Call the Midwife, Deep Impact), Jim Broadbent (Gangs of New York, Cloud Atlas), Ronnie Barker (Open All Hours, Porridge), Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, The Monuments Men) and Tom Hiddleston (Thor, War Horse).

Chartwell was the real life Churchill family home from 1924 until Winston Churchill’s death in 1965 and was therefore chosen by the production to feature in The Gathering Storm as his house and grounds.

Chartwell is a National Trust property in Westerham set in delightful gardens. The rooms remain much as they were when Churchill lived there. Other National Trust locations in Kent which have been used for filming include Scotney Castle which was used for BBC drama Hunted (2012), Knole House featured in The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and The White Cliffs of Dover appeared in On a Clear Day (2005).

The Gathering Storm was shown in 2002 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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


Foyle’s War – The German Woman (2002)

Foyles War DVD © ITV

Directed by: Jeremy Silberston

Starring: Michael Kitchen, Honeysuckle Weeks, James McAvoy, Julien Ovenden, Anthony Howell, Robert Hardy, David Horovitch,  Joanna Kanska

Production Company: Greenlit Productions, Paddock Productions

Kent locations used: Squerryes Court

Joanna Kanska, Dominic Mafham and Micheal Kitchen on living room set at Squerryes Court

Joanna Kanska, Dominic Mafham and Micheal Kitchen on set at Squerryes Court © ITV

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

In the first episode of the first series, ‘The German Woman’, Foyle is working on a trail of corruption regarding the conscription process and the Enemy Alien  Act. It isn’t long before Greta Beaumont (Joanna Kanska), the German wife of wealthy estate owner Henry Beaumont (Robert Hardy), is murdered with a Nazi Swastika engraved at the scene. However, Detective Chief Superintendent Foyle soon realises that traditional motives, such as money and power might be involved.

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) as well as guest appearances in The German Women episode from James MaCavoy (Shameless,  The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe), Rosamund Pike (Die Another Day, Pride and Prejudice) and Robert Hardy (Frankenstein, Sense and Sensibility).

Squerryes Court was the perfect setting to double up as the grand home of estate owner of Henry Beaumont (Robert Hardy). Squerryes Court has previously been used for productions such as The Hollow Crown: Henry V (2012) and The Boat That Rocked (2009) and Emma (2009).

The first series was aired on ITV in October 2002, and all seven series are now available to buy on DVD.

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


Tipping the Velvet (2002)

Tipping the Velvet dvd cover- two ladies dressed in corsets sat next to each other in front of a red curtain. Tipping the Velvet written in white on top

Tipping the Velvet © BBC

 

Production Company: Sally Head Productions

Starring: Keeley Hawes, Rachael Stirling, Anna Chancellor, Sally Hawkins, Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugh Bonneville

Kent Locations used: Whitstable, The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Tipping the Velvet is a BBC television drama serial based on Sarah Waters best-selling  novel of the same name. Set in the 1890’s, the story focuses on  the lesbian love affair between male impersonator music hall star Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes) and Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling).

The series stars many familiar faces including Rachael Stirling (Snow White and the Huntsman, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen), Keeley Hawes (Death at a Funeral, The Bank Job), Anna Chancellor (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Dreamers), Sally Hawkins (All or Nothing, Layer Cake), Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Star Trek Into Darkness) and Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Iris).

 The production team visited Whitstable which doubled as the coastal village where Nancy Astley (Rachael Stirling) lives with her family before she leaves for London and The Historic Dockyard Chatham which was used for the London street scenes.

 

Production filming at Whitstable beach, lightning equipment pointed towards the sea

Production team at Whitstable © Kent Film Office

 

Rachel Stirling walking in costume down a muddy track next to white buildings, an umbrella is being held over her by a crew member

Rachel Stirling on set © Kent Film Office

Whitstable is a traditional seaside town renowned for its Oysters, which are integrated into its rich history and culture. Whitstable has been used previously for other TV and film projects such as Venus (2007).

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a very popular filming location due to  its varied Victorian and Georgian period architecture a and has previously welcomed productions such as Mr Selfridge (2013-2014), Les Miserables (2012) and Sherlock Holmes – Game of Shadows (2011).

Tipping The Velvet was shown in 2002 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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


Die Another Day (2002)

Die Another Day Movie Poster - James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) and Giacinta 'Jinx' Johnson (Halle Berry) pointing guns through a montage of images from the film. Die another day written in red

Die Another Day © MovieposterDB

Director: Lee Tamahori

Writers: Ian Fleming (Novel), Neal Purvis and Robert Wade (Screenplay)

Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry, Rosamund Pike, Judi Dench, John Cleese, Michael Madsen

Production Company: Eon Productions, Danjaq, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), United Artists

Kent Locations Used: Manston International Airport, now Stone Hill Park

Die Another Day is the twentieth film in the James Bond series, based on the original character created by Ian Fleming and marked the franchise’s 40th anniversary.

With Pierce Brosnan (Mamma Mia!, Dante’s Peak) taking the James Bond starring role for the fourth and final time, Halle Berry (Cloud Atlas Cloud Atlas, Monster’s Ball), Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Jack Reacher), Judi Dench (Notes on a Scandal, Iris), John Cleese (A Fish Called Wanda, Trolls) and Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs, The Hateful Eight).

The film sees Bond captured on a mission in North Korea after his true identity was leaked. A year later, he is released in exchange for a terrorist but MI6 relieve him of his “00” because they suspect he gave away secrets during his capture. Trying to prove his innocence, Bond sets off to find his betrayer as well as the terrorist he was exchanged for who has an evil plan – will Bond be able to stop him?

With an A-list cast including Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, Halle Berry as sidekick Giacinta ‘Jinx’ Johnson as well as Rosamund Pike, Judi Dench, John Cleese, Michael Madsen and even an appearance from Madonna!

The Die Another Day team visited the now closed Manston International Airport (now Stone Hill Park) in Ramsgate to film the Antonov cargo plane scenes towards the end of the film. The Thanet area has been previously used for filming Coast Vs Country (2016)True Love (2012) and Gypo (2006).

The film is now out 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. 


The Bill (2000)

The Bill Poster- headshots of all the cast members in a row with the bill written on top

The Bill Poster © ITV

Creator: Geoff McQueen

Starring: Graham Cole, Trudie Goodwin, Jeff Stewart, Russell Boulter, Tony O’Callaghan, Peter Ellis, Lisa Geoghan, Mark Wingett

Production Company: Thames Television

Kent Locations: Allhallows, Rochester

The Bill is an ITV police drama about the trials and tribulations faced by the officers working at Sun Hill Police Station in the fictional East London area of Canley.

Created by Geoff McQueen (Big Deal, Stay Lucky, Bureau Kruislaan), The Bill ran from 1984 – 2010 and won a number of awards including a BAFTA.

Throughout the years, the series starred Graham Cole (Doctor Who, Sooty), Trudie Goodwin (Emmerdale, Heartbeat), Jeff Stewart (Crossroads, The Mr. Men Show), Russell Boulter (Casualty, Isaac), Tony O’Callaghan (EastEnders, The Coven), Peter Ellis (Emmerdale, Acorn Antiques), Lisa Geoghan (Desmond’s, Honeymoon) and Mark Wingett (Snow White and the Huntsman, Far from the Madding Crowd).

bottle of Chardonnay with The Bill written on it

The Bill Chardonnay © Mike & Jacky Davies

The production visited Kent in 2000, to film a high speed car chase on Ratcliffe Highway in Allhallows Marshes and local residents were presented with their very own bottle of ‘The Bill Chardonnay’ as a thank you from the team.

Allhallows is a village set on the Hoo Peninsula in Medway with a church, creek, farmland and caravan park. The Medway area has featured on screen in productions including Jekyll and Hyde (2015), Great British Railway Journeys (2014) and Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (2011).

The Bill aired on ITV between 1984 and 2010.

 

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