The Apprentice (2015)

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Kent Film Office

The Apprentice Contestant behind Karren Brady, Lord Sugar and Claude Littner

The Apprentice Contestant with Karren Brady, Lord Sugar, Claude Littner © BBC/Boundless/Jim Marks

Production company: Talkback

Kent Locations: Dover Castle, Margate, Ramsgate, Sandwich, Dover, Whitstable, Ashford

The Apprentice is a popular BBC One show where ambitious entrepreneurs compete to avoid hearing the famous line “You’re Fired” and win Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment.

The 18 candidates will have to show their commercial insight and business sense throughout the 12 tough tasks which are closely watched by Lord Sugar’s advisors Baroness Karren Brady and, replacing Nick Hewer, Claude Littner.

In episode three of series 11, “Cross-Channel Discount Buying”, Lord Sugar summons the group to the wartime tunnels underneath Dover Castle where the two teams “Connexus” and “Versatile” are given their task – half of the team must stay in Kent and the other half must travel to France to find nine items and negotiate the best possible price. The team that spends the least amount of money will win.

During the task, the teams visit Kent towns including Margate, Ramsgate, Sandwich, Dover, Whitstable and Ashford.

With the mission over, the teams head back to the boardroom to find out who won and which candidates are in the firing line.

Margate and Ramsgate are coastal towns in the Thanet District of Kent offering gorgeous beaches, historic towns and a harbour. The area has previously featured in productions such as Eastenders (2015), Edge of Heaven (2013) and True Love (2012).

Situated on the River Stour is the medieval town of Sandwich which has some of the best-preserved half-timbered houses in the country, eateries and B&B’s. The area has been used for filming on projects including Steph and Dom Meet Nigel Farage (2014) and World War Z (2013).

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 Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Mr Selfridge Series 3 (2015) and Missing (2009).

Whitstable is a seaside town near Canterbury, famous for its annual Oyster Festival as well as the delightful harbour, shingle beach, busy high street and strong arts and culture scene. Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip (2015) and Tipping the Velvet (2002) have previously chosen to film in Whitstable.

Ashford is a market town with many shops, eateries, and a designer outlet shopping centre with London and Europe are just a train ride away through Ashford International train station. Ashford and surrounding areas has been used as a film location from visiting productions including Gadget Man (2014), The Monuments Men (2014) and Emma (2009).

Don’t miss the Cross-Channel Discount Buying episode of The Apprentice featuring Kent which will be shown on Wednesday 21^st October 2015 at 21:00 on BBC One.

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

Big Bad World (2013)

Posted on August 21, 2013 by Kent Film Office

Big Bad World cast sat on a sofa in a cluttered studio flat smiling at the camera.

Big Bad World (2013) © Comedy Central

Writer / Creator: Joe Tucker, Lloyd Woolf
Starring: Blake Harrison, David Fynn, Seann Walsh, Rebecca Humphries, Scarlett Alice Johnson
Production Companies: Comedy Central Films, Objective Productions
Kent Locations Used: Herne Bay, The Diver’s Arms, Port of Ramsgate

Big Bad World (2013) is a Comedy Central series about university graduate Ben, played by Blake Harrison (Kate & Koji (2020-2022), The Inbetweeners (2010)), who returns home to Great Yarmouth to find that not much has changed in the three years he has been away.

As well as Blake Harrison, the show has many familiar faces from the world of comedy including Seann Walsh (Bad Move, The Bystanders), Rebecca Humphries (The Crown (2016-2022), Ten Percent), David Fynn (Am I Being Unreasonable?, The Mauritanian) and Scarlett Alice Johnson (The Good Karma Hospital, Pramface).

The series was created by Lloyd Woolf (Parents, Cowards) and Joe Tucker (Black Ops, Witless).

Ramsgate and Herne Bay double for Ben’s hometown of Great Yarmouth throughout the series. In Episode 2, Ben boards a boat at the Port of Ramsgate to trick Lucy into believing he’s going to work on an oil rig. After being thrown off the boat, he climbs the step onto Royal Harbour Approach Rd and is then driven home by Beth along the Royal Esplanade.

Beth tries to raise money for charity in Great Yarmouth town centre, actually filmed on Mortimer Street and William Street in Herne Bay. In Episode 8, Ben gets his hair cut at Cube Hair Design in Mortimer Street. Herne Bay Promenade and the exterior of Cain’s Amusements on Central Parade feature throughout the series. The Diver’s Arms appears in Episode 3, as one of the pubs the gang visit for Oakley’s birthday.

Ramsgate is a beautiful coastal town which boasts a beach, amusements, arcades, shops, eateries and a theatre as well as the Thanet District Council managed Port of Ramsgate, the only Royal Harbour Marina in the country. Ramsgate has provided back drops for productions such as True Love (2012), Johnny English Reborn (2011) and Ruby Blue (2008).

Herne Bay is part of the Canterbury district in South East Kent and has a popular shingle beach, beautiful coastline and seafront gardens. The town also has many shops and eateries, amusement arcades, a windmill and some interesting architecture including a Victorian bandstand. Productions that have chosen to film in Herne Bay include The Things I Haven’t Told You (2008) and French Dressing (1964).

Big Bad World (2013) began airing on Comedy Central on Wednesday 21^st August 2013 and is now available to purchase on Amazon Prime.

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

Not Going Out (2013)

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Kent Film Office

(L-R) Lucy holding Daisy mask, Daisy holding Lee Mask & Lee holding Lucy mask. Lucy (SALLY BRETTON), Daisy (KATY WIX), Lee (LEE MACK)

Not Going Out © BBC, Avalon, Neil Genower

Writer: Lee Mack
Director: Alex Hardcastle and Nick Wood
Starring: Lee Mack, Sally Bretton, Hugh Dennis, Abigail Cruttenden, Bobby Ball
Production Company: Avalon Television
Kent Locations Used: Port of Ramsgate

Popular BBC comedy sitcom Not Going Out is about Lee who has been drifting through life and his landlady Lucy who happens to be the woman of his dreams.

Now in its sixth series, Not Going Out is perfect Friday night viewing, with comedian Lee Mack taking the lead role, supported by Sally Bretton , Miranda Hart , Bobby Ball and Katy Wix.

The Not Going Out production visited Port of Ramsgate to film part of the last episode of the sixth series, entitled ‘Boat’. Lee’s dad, Frank (Bobby Ball) has bought a boat and invites Lee and his friends down for the weekend. When they arrive at Port of Ramsgate, which is doubling for Eastbourne, the boat is not what everyone expected!

Port of Ramsgate is managed by Thanet District Council and is the only Royal Harbour in the country. Ramsgate itself is a beautiful coastal town which boasts visually stunning Victorian architecture, a beach, amusements, arcades, shops, eateries and a theatre. The area has welcomed productions such as True Love (2012).

Not Going Out: Boat was first shown on Friday 31^st May 2013 on BBC One at 21:30.

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

Johnny English Reborn (2011)

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Kent Film Office

Rowan Atkinson as Johnny Engish holiday a gun with fire behind him, Johhny English Reborn written underneath

Johnny English Reborn © Universal Pictures

Director: Oliver Parker

Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Gillian Anderson, Dominic West, Rosamund Pike

Production Company: StudioCanal, Relativity Media, Working Title Films

Kent Filming Locations: The A299 carriageway and Cliffs End, Ramsgate.

Released in cinemas from October 7th, Johnny English Reborn sees M17’s deadliest secret agent in his latest adventure. After a failed mission, Johnny English retreated from service to hone his skills in a remote region of Asia. But when a plot to kill the Chinese premier is discovered, the agency must track down the only man who can stop it… Johnny English.

As the clock counts down to a Heads of State conference, high-tech gadgets and the improbable skills of English reveal that the layers of conspiracy are far reaching: all the way back to MI7.

As always, Johnny English goes to show that a “little intelligence goes a long way”.

Rowan Atkinson (Love Actually, Bean) returns as the haphazard Johnny English with a supporting cast including Gillian Anderson (The X Files, The Last King of Scotland), Dominic West (300, The Wire) and Rosamund Pike (Jack Reacher, Die Another Day).

The A299 carriageway, that runs from Faversham to Ramsgate was used to film a high speed car chase. This was made possible by the introduction of the KCC (filming on Highways) Act 2010, which allows Kent County Council to effect road closure to facilitate filming.

Cliff’s End in Ramsgate was also used as a filming location. Ramsgate is a popular coastal filming location for the county and home to the only “Royal” harbour in the country. Ramsgate has previously been seen in comedy series Not Going Out (2013), drama Hancock and Joan (2008) and the independent film Gypo (2006).

Johnny English Reborn was released in cinemas in October 2011 and is now available on DVD.

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

The Calling (2009)

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Kent Film Office

Close up of Emily Beecham standing in front of a window staring off camera

Emily Beecham in The Calling © Meave Films

Written and Directed by: Jan Dunn

Produced: Elaine Wickham

Production Company: Medb Films

Kent Filming Locations: Ramsgate, Broadstairs, University of Kent Canterbury Campus, Wingham Wildlife Park, The Churchill Tavern, Barnsole Vineyard, St Lawrence College, Salmonstone Grange, Viking Bay

The Calling is a film about Joanna (Emily Beecham), a university student in her final year chooses to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a nun, despite strong opposition from her family, friends and boyfriend. Arriving at the convent, a closed Benedictine order, she discovers an eccentric community of nuns Joanna begins her spiritual journey under the guidance of progressive Sister Ignatious (Brenda Blethyn). All seems well until an unexpected secret is uncovered, which puts Joanna’s future at the convent at risk. Only her bond with Sister Ignatious can guide her to fulfill her own destiny in a surprising twist of the plot…

Directed by Jan Dunn and produced by Elaine Wickham, of Kent based Maeve Films (formerly Medb Films) the same team who created the critically acclaimed ‘Ruby Blue’.

Susannah Harker, Brenda Blethyn, Rita Tushingham and Jan Dunn on the set of The Calling in a church holding bibles open in front of an alter

Susannah Harker, Brenda Blethyn, Rita Tushingham and Jan Dunn on the set of The Calling © Meave Films

Emily Beecham (Hail, Caesar!,Into the Badlands) stars as the protagonist Joanna, alongside Brenda Blethyn (Atonment, Pride & Prejudice, Secrets & Lies) as Sister Ignatious. The supporting cast includes, Susannah York (Superman 1978, A Man For All Seasons).

The film was shot entirely on location in Kent in the districts of Canterbury and Thanet. In Ramsgate, St Lawrence College was used for the nuns quarters whilst The Churchill Tavern featured as Joanna’s local pub. Salmonstone Grange in Margate,a beautiful 14th Century retreat, was used as the setting for St Bertha’s Priory. Various external scenes were filmed . In Broadstairs various external scenes were filmed in popular locations such as Viking Bay. The Thanet area has previously been used for filming including Not Going Out (2013) and Whistle and I’ll Come To You (2010).

In Canterbury the University of Kent Canterbury Campus doubled as Joanna’s university, whilst Barnsole Vineyard was the used for St Bertha’s Vineyard. Wingham Wildlife Park also featured doubling as Africa in the final scenes of the film. Rustom (2016), Boomers (2014) and Only Fools and Horses: The Jolly Boys Outing (1989) have previously filmed in the Canterbury area.

The Calling will open the fifth edition of the London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) on April 15^th. Writer/director Jan Dunn is a previous winner of the prestigious ‘Best Feature’ award at LIFF with her 2008 Kent based film Ruby Blue . She was able to use the £50,000 prize money, towards fund this new project.

The film was the first to benefit from Kent County Council’s Development Fund, the initial investment of £75,000 was then match funded by other Kent Businesses including Courtyard Studios, Screen South, Maidstone Studios and The Hop Farm. The investment secured more than £500,000 spend into the local economy and also provided training for six young people from Kent on the production.

The Calling was released in 2009 and is now available for DVD purchase.

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

Ruby Blue (2007)

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Kent Film Office

Director Jan with actress Angelica OReilly filming Ruby Blue at Barnsole Vineyard. © Medb Films

Directed and Written by: Jan Dunn

Starring: Bob Hoskins, Josiane Balasko, Jody Lathum, Jessica Stewart,Josef Altin

Production Company: Medb Films ,Entertainment Motion Pictures ,Le Tax Shelter du Gouvernement Fédéral de Belgique , uFilm

Kent Filming Locations: Ramsgate, Barnsole Vineyard

Written and directed by Jan Dunn (The Calling, Gypo), Ruby Blue stars Bob Hoskins (Hook, Enemy at the Gates), Josiane Balasko (My Life is Hell, French Fried Vacation), Jody Lathum (Shameless, EastEnders), Jessica Stewart (Genie in the House) and Josef Altin (Game of Thrones,Les Miserables).

The film is set in Ramsgate and several locations feature as themselves such as The Falstaff Inn, Ellington Park, The Granville, Ramsgate Port, and the High Street. Ramsgate is England’s only Royal Harbour, boasting of a rich history and has high speed rail links to London. Also Thanet Offshore Wind Farm, which can be seen in the film, is visible from the coastline on a clear day. Ramsgate has since welcomed further media productions such as Big Bad World (2013), True Love (2012) and The Calling (2009).

Barnsole Vineyard in Canterbury is used as the location of Rosie’s (Angelica O’Reilly) place of work in the film. The same Vineyard also features in The Calling (2009).

Ruby Blue was first released in cinemas in 2007 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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

Hancock and Joan (2008)

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Kent Film Office

Ken Stott sat at a wooden table with a white tea cup.

Ken Stott as Hancock. Copyright BBC/World Productions

Writer: Richard Cottan

Director: Richard Laxton

Production Company: World Productions

Kent Filming Locations: Broadstairs, Ramsgate

A one off drama starring Ken Stott as Hancock (Rebus) and Maxine Peake (Shameless), Hancock and Joan charts the affair between Hancock and his best friend’s wife, Joan Le Mesurier.

Not long wedded to their current spouses, Joan and Tony embarked on a passionate love affair that lasted nearly two years. But Tony, despite his adoration for Joan, was plagued with depression and alcoholism, which proved to be a constant drain on their relationship.

When Tony is offered a chance to revive his career with a new series in Australia, Joan gives him an ultimatum to give up alcohol and in return for her leaving John and marrying him. Agreeing Tony embarked to Australia. Unfortunately, the failure of his series and a misunderstanding about Joan’s loyalty for him prompted him to take his life.

Paul Hicks and his car. Copyright: Kent Film Office

On set of Hancock and Joan. Copyright: Kent Film Office

The programme is based on John Le Mesurier’s autobiography ‘Lady Don’t Fall Backwards’ and Edward Joffe’s ‘Hancock’s Last Stand’ and was filmed in the Le Mesurier’s home town of Ramsgate.

Set in 1967, the challenge to find period locations for the piece were providentially solved. Both Ramsgate itself and it’s close neighbour Broadstairs provided some untouched gems such as Morellli’s cafe, one of the only remaining 50’s style cafes in Britain and the house that doubled as John and Joan’s family home. Vintage cars where bought in from around the county to dress the streets, which proved to be a task in itself as despite glorious November sunshine temperatures were brisk and the cars had to be well looked after due to their fragile nature.

Broadstairs and Ramsgate are coastal towns in the Thanet District of Kent offering gorgeous beaches, historic towns and a harbour. Eastenders (2015), Edge of Heaven (2013) and True Love (2012) have all utilised the area for filming.

Hancock and Joan was shown on BBC 4 at 9pm on 26th March 2008.

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

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.

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.

The Big Sleep (1978)

Posted on October 12, 1978 by Kent Film Office

The Big Sleep film poster- a man pointing a gun at the camera, with a women looking at his behind. Smokey red background with Big sleep written in white

Director: Michael Winner
Writers: Raymond Chandler (novel), Michael Winner (screenplay)
Starring: Sarah Miles, John Mills, Oliver Reed, Edward Fox, James Stewart, Joan Collins
Production Company: ITC Films, Winkast Film Productions
Kent Locations Used: The Royal Harbour in Ramsgate

The Big Sleep (1978) is a film adaption of Raymond Chandler‘s 1939 novel of the same name. Set in 1970’s London, private eye Philip Marlowe (Robert Mitchum) is asked by a retired general (James Stewart) to investigate who is blackmailing his family.

The detective mystery film is directed and written by Michael Winner (Death Wish, The Sentinel) and stars an array of acting talent including Sarah Miles (Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines, Blow-Up), John Mills (Dunkirk (1958), The Long Memory), Oliver Reed (The Shuttered Room (1967), Gladiator), Edward Fox (The Mirror Crack’d (1980), A Bridge Too Far), James Stewart (It’s a Wonderful Life, Vertigo) and Joan Collins (Dynasty, Esther and the King).

A black classic car parked at Ramsgate Harbour with cast members walking towards it, Boats and sea can be seen behind

a car being pulled out of the water at Ramsgate Harbour- a boat is in the water behind

The production visited The Royal Harbour in Ramsgate to film the scenes where General Sternwood’s chauffeur (Martin Potter) drives his car into the sea.

Ramsgate is a historic coastal town with England’s only Royal Harbour, stunning Victorian architecture, a sandy beach, amusements, arcades as well as shops and eateries. Ramsgate has previously been used as a film location in Big Bad World (2013), True Love (2012) and Gypo (2006).

The Big Sleep (1978) was released on Monday 13th March 1978 and is now available on DVD.

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

À nous les petites Anglaises (1976)

Posted on January 7, 1976 by Kent Film Office

Movie Poster - cartoon character of woman wearing swimming costume. A Nous Les Petites Anglaises! written on top

Director / Writer: Michel Lang
Starring: Rémi Laurent, Stéphane Hillel, Véronique Delbourg
Production Company: Les Films Galaxie
Kent Locations Used: Ramsgate, Kingsgate Bay, Botany Bay, Port of Dover

À nous les petites Anglaises (1976) is a French coming-of-age film set in England in the summer of 1959. Two French boys Alain (Rémi Laurent) and Jean-Pierre (Stéphane Hillel) who have failed their English exams are sent to the South of England, in the hope to improve their English. However, the boys find it is easier to flirt with the other French schoolgirls.

The film is directed by Michel Lang (Tous vedettes, On n’est pas des anges… elles non plus) and stars Rémi Laurent (La Cage aux Folles, Les Plouffe), Stéphane Hillel (Le nouveau protocole, Á chacun son enfer) and Véronique Delbourg.

The film was filmed mainly in Ramsgate, the arcades, the Foy Boat, Royal Harbour and the main sands feature throughout the film. King George VI park in Ramsgate is used for the scenes where the boys take their dates to the park. Botany Bay and Kingsgate Bay features as the beach where the students and their dates have parties and go swimming. The Port of Dover is the place of arrival at the start of the film when Alain and Jean-Pierre arrive in the UK.

Ramsgate is a historic coastal town with beautiful beaches, cliff top walks, the only British Royal Harbour as well as a port. The town has been used as a film location for projects including Restoring Britain’s Landmarks (2015), True Love (2012) and Contraband (1940).

Kingsgate is a sandy bay surrounded by chalk cliffs that connects at low tide through Whiteness cliff arch to the beautiful Botany Bay. The beaches have featured in many different productions such as Mr. Selfridge Series 4 (2016) Mary Berry’s Absolute Favourites (2015) and Whistle and I’ll Come To You (2010).

The Port of Dover is one of the UK’s busiest Port, with cruise-liners, fright and cargo. This location has featured in Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (2011), Albert’s Memorial (2010) and Diamonds Are Forever (1971).

À nous les petites Anglaises (1976) was released on Wednesday 7^th January 1976 and is now available to purchase on DVD.

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

Kent's Premier Film Commission