tv factual

The Boats That Made Britain: A Time Team Special (2014)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Tony Robinson smiling at the camera

Tony Robinson © Channel 4

Production Company: Picture House Television Company, The Channel 4 Television Corporation, Videotext Communications

Kent locations used: Dover

This Time Team special sees Tony Robinson join a team of experts as they attempt to reconstruct a bronze age Dover Boat, one of the oldest seagoing boats in the world, using only materials and tools from the time.

Little evidence survives of what life was like three and a half thousand years ago however in 1992, archaeologists in Dover town centre unearthed the most intact Bronze Age boat ever found and in 2012, the Time Team crew including Sir Tony Robinson, Phil Harding and Francis Pryor worked alongside a team of experts as they strive to reconstruct the Dover Boat and unlock secrets of this mysterious time.

The production team visited Dover to explore the area where the boat was found. The Bronze Age Boat is now on display at Dover Museum.

Time Team is the popular Channel 4 series which ran for 20 series from 1994 – 2013 where each episode featured a team of specialists carrying out excavation on sites to attempt to solve archaeological mysteries. The Boats That Made Britain is one of several specials shown in 2014.

Dover is home to the infamous White Cliffs of Dover and Europe’s busiest passenger port. The area has been used for many filming projects such as The Choir: Sing While You Work (2013), Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008).

Don’t miss The Boats That Made Britain: A Time Team Special which will be shown on Sunday 7th September 2014 at 20:00 on Channel 4.

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

Gadget Man (2014)

Posted on by Kent Film Office

 

Gadget Man Presenter Richard Ayoade in an orange suit and blue tie

Gadget Man Presenter Richard Ayoade © Channel 4/North One Television

Production company: North One Television

Kent Locations: House in Faversham, Wye National Nature Reserve, Leeds Castle, Teapot Island Maidstone

Channel 4’s Gadget Man returns as Richard Ayoade takes a look at the world of gadgets and how new technology can help to make everyday life a little bit easier.

In the third series, Richard finds gadgets that can help tasks such as cooking, shopping, moving house and even going out or staying in. Guest stars who help Richard test the latest technology offerings include Richard E Grant, Allison Steadman, Tim Vine and David Mitchell.

Richard Ayoade and Phill Jupitus sitting on chairs with gadgets on their legs

Richard Ayoade and Phill Jupitus © Channel 4/North One Television

The Gadget Man team visited Kent where they used a private residence in Faversham for Richard’s house which features throughout the series as well as Wye National Nature Reserve in Ashford and Leeds Castle which are in episode three where Richard looks at gadgets that can solve “staycation” issues.

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

The 133 hectares of Wye National Nature Reserve consists of chalk grassland and woodland on steep coombes and offers spectacular views over the Romney Marsh and Weald. Ashford and surrounding areas has been used for filming with previous visiting productions including The Monuments Men (2014) and Emma (2009).

Leeds Castle is set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland and formal gardens in Maidstone. The castle itself was built in 1119 and has state rooms a mote. Leeds Castle has previously been featured in productions such as Lady Jane (1987) and Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).

Don’t miss Gadget Man which starts on Monday 25th August 2014 at 20:30 on Channel 4 and the staycation episode will be shown on Monday 8th September 2014 at 20:30 on Channel 4.

 

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

James May’s Cars of People (2014)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
James May and Henri Cogi sitting in a KV Mini 1 microcar, in Landes-Le-Gaulois, France

James May © BBC Worldwide/Rod Fountain

Production Company: BBC

Kent locations: Discovery Park

James May’s Cars of People is a new BBC Two series where the Top Gear presenter discovers how the car became an everyday part of people’s lives.

In the finale of the three part series, James explores how aspiration and wealth drove the development of some of the greatest cars ever made such as the Rolls Royce, Lamborghini and Porsche. James also reveals his ultimate people’s car which he deems to be the greatest vehicle in history.

James May visited Discovery Park in Sandwich for episode three where he drives a car around the industrial site.

James May standing by a Renault 4 and Citroën 2CV in a farmyard in front of a barn in Blois, France

James May © BBC Worldwide/Rod Fountain 2

Discovery Park is the former head quarters of the pharmaceutical company Pfizer and after a change of ownership in 2012, is fast becoming Europe’s leading science and technology park. The site offers a hub for the science, technology, business and enterprise sectors and boasts large office complexes, scientific laboratories, warehouses and plants.

Discovery Park has previously been used as a film location by productions such as feature film World War Z (2013) and Sky Atlantic thriller The Tunnel (2013).

Don’t miss the final episode of James May’s Cars of People which features Discovery Park and can be seen on Sunday 24th August 2014 on BBC Two at 21:00.

 

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

Coast (2014)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Richard Taylor-Jones on a sandy beach in Margate at dusk.

Richard Taylor-Jones in Margate © BBC

Production Company: BBC

Kent Locations: Margate

BBC Two series Coast sees presenters including Mark Horton, Neil Oliver and Nick Crane tour the British Isle where they uncover fascinating stories, wildlife and history behind our coastline.

The finale of the ninth series “Winter”, sets out to discover a secret season for Britain’s coast. Nick Crane explores the dramatic history of the Cornish coast, and its’ tolerance for storms, Neil Oliver experiences the Viking Fire Festival on Shetland and wildlife cameraman Richard Taylor-Jones visits Margate to see which creatures make the Kent town their home for winter.

The seaside town of Margate boasts a sandy beach, harbour, arcades, quirky shops, trendy cafes and gallery the Turner Contemporary. Margate has previously welcomed productions such as ITV comedy Edge of Heaven (2014) and BBC One’s drama True Love (2012).

Don’t miss the Margate feature of Coast which is shown on Tuesday 19th August 2014 on BBC Two at 20:00.

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

Sweets Made Simple (2014)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Sweets Made Simple - Kitty Hope and Mark Greenwood in the kitchen making sweets

Sweets Made Simple – Kitty Hope and Mark Greenwood © BBC/Screenchannel Television

Production Company: Screen Channel TV

Kent Locations Used: Littlestone- on- Sea, Shepway

Sweets Made Simple is a new BBC Two series featuring award-winning confectioners Kitty Hope and Mark Greenwood as they lovingly make childhood favourites such as Sherbet Dippers and Turkish Delight as well as modern treats, including Gingerbread Latte Fudge and Tequila Chilies.

The four part series will see the couple who share their passion for all things sugary and sweet, travel across the UK to try and find the best ingredients including tailored gin in Cambridge and the world’s best butter in Country Antrim.

The Sweets Made Simple team visited Kitty Hope and Mark Greenwood at their Kent home in Littlestone- on- Sea and filmed them on the beach.

Littlestone- on- Sea is a coastal village which lies between Greatstone and St Marys Bay, and has a beach consisting of shingle, mudflats and sand as well as a sea wall, promenade, beach huts and lifeboat station. Littlestone featured in The Harry Hill Movie (2013)and nearby Dungeness is a popular film location having been used by productions such as Parade’s End (2012) and The Poison Tree (2012).

Sweets Made Simple starts on Friday 8th August 2014 on BBC Two at 20:30.

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

Ade at Sea (2014)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Ade standing on a fishing boat with the sea and other boats behind

Ade at Sea © ITV

Production Company: ITV Studios

Kent Locations used: Thames Estuary – Redsand Forts, Whitstable Harbour, The Historic Dockyard Chatham

ITV’s new 5 part series, Ade at Sea, sees actor and presenter Ade Edmondson set sail to explore the history of Maritime Britain and meet people whose lives are still influenced by the sea today.

In the second episode of the series, Ade travels along the Thames Estuary visiting Kent locations such as The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Whitstable Harbour and Redsand Forts, also known as The Maunsell Forts.

With its cobbled streets, Georgian and Victorian architecture and period features spread across 80 acres, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a popular filming location having been seen on screen in productions such as Mr Selfridge (2013-2014), Les Miserables (2012) and The Mummy (1999).

Whitstable is a seaside town near Canterbury and is famous for its annual Oyster Festival as well as the delightful harbour, shingle beach, busy high street and strong arts and culture scene.  Whitstable has been previously seen on screen in productions such as Things I Haven’t Told You (2008).   

The Redsand Forts are metal and concrete structures which were built as bombing defences during the Second World War and are located 6 miles out into the Thames Estuary off the coast of Whitstable. They have previously been used on screen for projects such as a Prodigy music video and a Red Bull challenge!

Don’t miss the Thames Estuary episode of Ade at Sea which airs on Thursday 27th March 2014 at 20:30 on ITV1.

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

Britain’s Best Bakery (2014)

Posted on by Kent Film Office

 

Britain’s Best Bakery Judges Mich Turner and Peter Sidwell standing outside in front of a pond

Britain’s Best Bakery Judges Mich Turner and Peter Sidwell © ITV

Production company: Shine Limited

Kent locations used:  Whitstable

Britain’s Best Bakery returns to ITV for a second series in the search for the best independent bakery in the UK.

The expert judges Mitch Turner (TV chef, author and owner of Little Venice Cake Company) and Peter Sidwell (TV chef, cookery writer and restaurateur) must whittle 60 competitors down to one champion as they travel across the UK to choose their favourite bakeries from each region. The remaining contestants will then compete in ‘baking challenges’ to fight for the crown.

In June 2013, the production visited Geoff Champs of Champs Bakery in Whitstable to learn about his business and passion for baking. Will Champs Bakery make it through to the South East final?

Whitstable is a seaside town near Canterbury and is famous for its annual Oyster Festival as well as the delightful fishing harbour, shingle beach, busy high street and strong arts and culture scene. The area has been previously seen on screen in productions such Venus (2007).

Don’t miss the episode featuring Kent bakery Champs which airs on Thursday 6th January 2014 on ITV at 16:00.

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

Great British Railway Journeys (2014)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Great British Railway Journeys- presenter walking towards the camera with white cliffs behind

Great British Railway Journeys © BBC/Boundless, part of FremantleMedia UK

Production Company: Talkback Thames

Kent locations used: Gravesend, Rochester, Faversham, Dover, Tonbridge

This BBC Two series follows journalist and broadcaster Michael Portillo as he travels the country by train and looks into how Britain’s railways have shaped the country as well as the impact trains have had on our lives. 

On the journey between cathedral cities Norwich and Chichester, Michael Portillo travels across the South East and visits some delightful Kent locations. In episode 18 of the fifth series, he visits Gravesend where he discovers how army officer General Gordon influenced the town before he travels to Rochester to explore the one time home of renowned writer Charles Dickens.

Michael Portillo, John Owen in front of the entrance to Shepherd Neame brewery

Michael Portillo, John Owen at Shepherd Neame brewery © BBC/Boundless, part of FremantleMedia UK

In the next episode, Michael starts his journey in Faversham where he visits one of the oldest breweries in the country, Shepherd Neame, to investigate how railways helped the brewery transport beer. He then visits Dover to explore the fortification at Western Heights before heading to Tonbridge where he learns how railways helped Tonbridge School to cricketing glory. 

Gravesend is on the south bank of the River Thames and has a cast iron pier, promenade and high street as well as international links at the nearby Ebbsfleet International station. Gravesend has welcomed other film productions such as  Long Lost Family: Born without Trace (2020).

Rochester is a historic City that boasts an impressive cathedral and castle that links back to the medieval period. The City has strong connections with Charles Dickens, and many TV and film adaptations of his famous novels have filmed in the area.

Faversham is a beautiful, historic market town which boasts nearly 500 listed buildings and is set on the picturesque Faversham Creek. It has many restaurants, shops, attractions and beautiful walks and has been used for various productions including Channel 4 drama Southcliffe (2013) and the nearby Oare Marshes were used in feature film Great Expectations (2012).

Dover is home to the infamous White Cliffs of Dover and Europe’s busiest passenger port. The area has been used for many filming projects such as  Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008).

Tonbridge is a West Kent market town with a rich cultural heritage and spectacular scenery. The area is surrounded beautiful countryside and boasts castles, stately homes, gardens, farms, as well as sports and leisure facilities. Productions that have previously filmed in the area include Missing (2010).

Don’t miss the Kent episodes of Great British Railway Journeys which will be shown on Wednesday 29 January 2014 at 18:30 on BBC Two and Thursday 30 January 2014 at 18:30 on BBC Two.

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

By Royal Appointment (2008)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
By Royal Appointment written in a cartoon of an old envelope on a wooden background

By Royal Appointment Ident © KMB Productions

Kent Locations: Tunbridge Wells

By Royal Appointment explores the South East region collecting regal traditions and legacies of Royal connections. The series also features appearances from members of the Royal family including Princess Michael of Kent and Her Majesty the Queen.

Hannah Scott-Joynt sat down smiling at the camera with gardens and pathway behind her

Hannah Scott-Joynt presenter of By Royal Appointment © KMB Productions

In episode three, presenter Hannah Scott-Joynt visits Royal Tunbridge Wells to discover its noble past. Hannah’s visit takes her through the celebrated Pantiles famous for its Chalybeate Spring , whose waters attracted visitors from across the UK in Georgian times because of their healing properties. In 1909 Tunbridge Wells was given the right to use the word ‘Royal’ by King Edward VII and is still one of only two towns to be allowed to use the prefix.

After her visit to the Pantiles, Hannah partakes in a rather competitive game of Croquet with the local Croquet Club.

The influx of visitors in Georgian and Victorian times means that the area is filled with beautiful period architecture.  Its popularity has never waived and it is still a favourite with both tourists and filmmakers today.

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 Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year (2016), Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip (2015)  and Hunted (2012).

By Royal Appointment visits Royal Tunbridge Wells on Thursday 17th July 2008 on Meridian at 19.30.

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