We’ve Got The Toaster (2006)

Posted on February 4, 2006 by Kent Film Office

Lance (Jamie Mander) sat on a step in school uniform staring at the pavement, the legs of another student can be seen next to him

Lance (Jamie Mander) © Toaster Productions

Writer/Director: Mike Laloe

Production Company: Toaster Productions

Kent Filming locations: Tunbridge Wells

We’ve Got The Toaster was made on a tiny budget and took over 3 years from beginning to premiere. The cast and crew was made up of over 100 people, the vast majority of whom were under 18 when they started working on the project. Many of them had never been on a film set before. But they all had one thing in common ” they knew what it felt like to be teenager.

In the definitively middle-class Royal Tunbridge Wells, 16 year old Lance (Jamie Mander) has been romantically obsessed with Steph (Emma Blake) ‘the fittest thing since sliced fit” for exactly 3 years, 11 months and 25 and a half days’. And he’s barely even spoken to her!

Filming taking place in a shop © Toaster Productions

Unable to approach Steph, but desperate for something to change, Lance faces his worst fear ” of holding ‘the worst party ever’ when his parents go away for the weekend. Enlisting his enigmatic, porn-addicted best mate Henry (Rob Smith) to help plan things, Lance tries to work out what to do when “You’ve got no girls, no idea and 24 hours to throw a party”.

“A huge-hearted comedy tour de force from a future master story-teller” – James Delow, Producer ‘That Film Show’ Rapture TV.

“A deeply amusing and I believe accurate portrayal of the teenage psyche” – Henry Thomas, former head of Universal Pictures, London.

“Packed with wit and canny observation of character. Laloe is something of a modern-day Hogarth, revealing our everyday absurdities in a hilarious but also intelligent way.” – Steve Gough, Award winning Writer/Director of ‘Elenya’ and ‘Heartland’ starring Anthony Hopkins.

Tunbridge Wells is a town in West Kent, home to a host of historic buildings, specialist shops, churches and a busy town centre. Productions which have previously filmed in the area include Britain’s Best Bakery (2012), Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip(2015) and Hunted (2012).

We’ve Got The Toaster premiered in Tunbridge Wells to an audience of 600 and was covered in a live report by the BBC that lasted for 4 minutes. The film was screened in independent cinemas in locations including London, Oxford and Brighton.

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

Children of Men (2006)

Posted on February 4, 2006 by Kent Film Office

Clive Owen and Julianne Moore stood facing each other having a conversation in the Slip roof at Chatham Dockyards

Director: Alfonso Cuaron

Writer: Alfonso Cuaron, Timothy J Sexton, David Arata, Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby

Starring: Clive Owen, Michael Caine, Julianne Moore, Pam Ferris, Clare- Hope Ashitey

Production Company: Universal Pictures, Strike Entertainment,Hit & Run Productions, Ingenious Film Partners 2, Toho-Towa

Kent Filming Locations: The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Adapted from P.D James’ novel of the same title, Children of Men is set in 2027, eighteen years after global human infertility has begun. The youngest citizen of the world has died at the age of 18 and in a world without children, or the possibility of children, there is no hope. Miraculously a young woman named Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) falls pregnant against all expectation and a dormant activist, Theo (Clive Owen) is forced to decide whether he will fight for humanity’s survival by protecting mother and child or leave her to fend for herself.

Directed and written by Alfonso Cuarón (Great Expectations, Gravity) and starring Clive Owen (Sin City, The Knick) Julianne Moore (The Kids Are All Right, Still Alice), Michael Caine (The Dark Knight, Inception), Pam Ferris (Call The Midwife, Luther) and Clare- Hope Ashitey (Exodus, All Is by My Side).

The production filmed at Slip 3 at The Historic Dockyard Chatham is the setting for the rebel safe house where Julian first enlists Theo’s help to protect Kee, a young, Fijian woman who needs to leave the country. Will she make it out in time to give birth to the first child born in 19 years?

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is one of Kent’s most popular filming destinations previously hosting productions such as Call the Midwife (2012-2013), Les Miserables (2013) and Sherlock Holmes (2009).

Children of Men was released in cinemas in September 2006 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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

Gypo (2006)

Posted on February 4, 2006 by Kent Film Office

an actor leaping off a concrete structure into the air

The Leap © Medb Films

Writer/Director: Jan Dunn

Producer: Elaine Wickham

Production Company: Medb Films, British Broadcasting Corporation, Distant Eye Films, Molinare Studio, Spotty Dog Films, VMI

Starring: Pauline McLynn, Chloe Sirene, Paul McGann, Rula Lenska

Kent Filming Locations: East Kent College, Kingsgate Bay, Margate, Pegwell Bay, Port of Ramsgate, Ramsgate, Royal Harbour Hotel and the Wig & Pen pub

Gypo is a 2005 feature length film follows the breakup of a working class family when their teenage daughter befriends a Romany Czech refugee. Gypo told in three revelatory narratives, each from a particular character’s point of view, reveals how the disintegration of an ordinary working class family finally comes to a head when unexpected emotions are unleashed. An innovative, gripping and engaging journey into the heart of a dysfunctional British family on the Kent coast, Gypo reveals how suburban fears and tabloid sensationalism have come to perpetuate the myths surrounding refugees.

Jan Dunn (The Calling, Ruby Blue) directs and writes the screenplay to her debut feature length film. Pauline Mclynn (Father Ted, Eastenders, Angela’s Ashes) stars as Helen with a supporting cast including, Chloe Sirene (United 93, The Calling, Ruby Blue), Paul McGann (Alien 3, Withnail & I, Queen and the Damned).

The production filmed at a variety of locations in Thanet including East Kent College, Kingsgate Bay, Margate, Pegwell Bay, Port of Ramsgate, Ramsgate, Royal Harbour Hotel and the Wig & Pen pub.

Chloe Sirene and Freddie Connor running along Ramsgate Harbour In Gypo 2005 © Medb Films

Director Jan Dunn and Gypo Crew at Ramsgate Harbour © Medb Films

The Thanet area is made up of the towns Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs, and boasts beautiful sandy beaches and busy vibrant towns. The area has been featured on screen in productions including The Tunnel: Sabotage (2016), The Lady in the Van (2015) and Top Dog Model (2012) .

Since their success with GYPO, Elaine Wickham and Jan Dunn, the team behind Medb Films have made a second feature set in East Kent, RUBY BLUE starring Bob Hoskins, as well as a short, MY MOTHER, both currently in post-production.

The film was released in November 2005 and is now available for DVD release.

With thanks to Jan Dunn and Elaine Wickham from Medb Films for the photos

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.

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Posted on September 4, 2005 by Kent Film Office

Elizabeth Bennett (Keira Knightley) and Mrs Bennet (Brenda Blethyn)

Director: Joe Wright

Writer: Deborah Moggach

Starring: Keira Knightley, Brenda Blethyn, Matthew Macfadyen, Judy Dench, Talulah Riley, Kelly Reilly, Rosamund Pike, Donald Sutherland, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan

Production Company: Focus Features, Universal Pictures, StudioCanal, Working Title Films, Scion Films

Kent Filming Locations: Groombridge Place and Gardens

Jane Austen’s classic love story “Pride and Prejudice” is adapted for the big screen with an all-star cast which follows Elisabeth Bennett (Keira Knightley) through the trials and tribulations of love in the 1800’s. A first encounter between head strong Elisabeth and the rich and cold Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) leaves Elisabeth hating him and declaring that he is the ‘last person’ she could ever marry. Are they able to overcome their ‘pride and prejudices’ to realise that they truly are meant to be together?

Directed by Joe Wright (Atonement, Hanna) and starring a wealth of acting talent including Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean series, Anna Karenina), Brenda Blethyn (Vera, Secrets and Lies), Matthew Macfadyen (The Three Musketeers, Frost/Nixon), Judy Dench (Philomena, Skyfall), Talulah Riley (Inception, St. Trinian’s), Kelly Reilly (Sherlock Holmes, Flight), Rosamund Pike (Jack Reacher, Die Another Day), Donald Sutherland (The Hunger Games, The Italian Job), Jena Malone (Step Mom, Sucker Punch) and Carey Mulligan (Drive, Never Let Me Go).

Keira sitting under a tree at Groombridge holding a stick

Elizabeth Bennett (Keira Knightley) sitting under a tree at Groombridge © Groombridge Place

Groombridge Place in Tunbridge Wells was chosen for the perfect location to where they made use of the 17th century house, gardens, extensive woodlands and lake which doubled as the Bennett’s house and grounds.

Jane Austen has many connections with the county as her family originated from Kent and her brother Edward Knight owned Godmersham Park which lies between Ashford and Canterbury. Both Jane and her sister Cassandra were frequent visitors; this is perhaps why Kent appears throughout her novel Pride and Prejudice and it is therefore no surprise that Kent was chosen as the prime location for the new adaptation.

Pride and Prejudice was released in cinemas in September 2005 and can now be bought on DVD.

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

Vanity Fair (2005)

Posted on August 31, 2004 by Kent Film Office

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 19^th 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.

Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (2004)

Posted on March 19, 2004 by Kent Film Office

Agent Cody Banks 2 Destination London film poster- Cody banks running at the camera with his ID badge showing, two cast members behind him, london skyline behind him. Agent Cody Banks 2 written in orange

Agent Cody Banks 2 Destination London film poster © Dylan Sellers Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Splendid Pictures, Madacy Entertainment, Maverick Films

Writer: Jeffrey Jurgensen, Harald Zwart, Dylan Sellers, Don Rhymer

Director: Kevin Allen

Starring: Frankie Muniz, Anthony Anderson, Hannah Spearritt, Keith Allen

Production Company: Dylan Sellers Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Splendid Pictures, Madacy Entertainment, Maverick Films

Kent Locations Used: Cobham Hall

Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London is the sequel to action movie Agent Cody Banks. The story follows teenager turned secret agent, Cody Banks (Frankie Muniz) and his new partner Derek Bowman (Anthony Anderson) as they try to stop former CIA agent, Victor Diaz (Keith Allen) who plans to use a mind control device to take over the world.

The film is directed by Kevin Allen (Trainspotting, Spice World) and is written by Jeffrey Jurgensen (Agent Cody Banks), Harald Zwart (The Karate Kid, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones), Dylan Sellers (The Giver, Southpaw) and Don Rhymer (Surf’s Up, Rio).

Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle, My Dog Skip) stars as Agent Cody Banks alongside Anthony Anderson (Transformers, The Departed), Hannah Spearritt (Primeval, Seed of Chucky) and Keith Allen (Trainspotting, The Others).

The Gilt Hall at Cobham Hall was used as a film location for Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London doubling as the Queen’s gift room at Buckingham Palace and features at the end of the film where Cody Banks (Frankie Muniz) fights Diaz (Keith Allen) in a room full of treasures.

Cobham Hall is an outstanding private school in a historic house with surrounding parkland and includes a ballroom, library, courtyards and sports facilities. It has previously been used as locations for Hetty Feather (2015-2016), Wild Child (2008) and Bleak House (2005).

The film was released 26^th March 2004 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.

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

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 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.

The Gathering (2003)

Posted on March 17, 2003 by Kent Film Office

The Barons Hall large room with a meeting table in. Church officials are sat around the edge.

Written by: Anthony Horowitz

Directed by: Brian Gilbert

Starring: Christina Ricci, Harry Forrester, Stephen Dillane, Peter McNamara, Robert Hardy, Ioan Gruffudd, Simon Russell Beale

Production Company: Granada Film Productions, Isle of Man Film Commission, Samuelson Productions, Isle of Man Film

Kent Locations: Penshurst Place

The Gathering is a supernatural thriller about Cassie, a young woman who forgets her identity after a car accident. As a mysterious, buried First Century church is uncovered, a dark history regarding some of the townspeople is revealed. Cassie begins to have premonitions of people whose lives are in danger and as events unfold, she realises who she really is.

The film stars Christina Ricci (The Ice Storm, Sleepy Hollow), Stephen Dillane (Spy Game, King Arthur), Robert Hardy (Frankenstein, Sense and Sensibility), Ioan Gruffudd (Black Hawk Down, Fantastic 4 Franchise), Harry Forrester (The Bill) and Kerry Fox (Shallow Grave, Bright Stair).

The Barons Hall at Penshurst Place provided the location for the scenes where the Bishop held meetings with the clergy.

Penshurst Place is a beautiful medieval estate with a history spanning nearly 700 years. It is popular with the visiting public due to the dedicated conservation of the rooms and its beautifully maintained gardens. The vast home and grounds have previously welcomed productions such as Henry V (2012), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and BBC’s Merlin (2008).

The Gathering was released in January 2003 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