T.V and Film Industry in Essex
The locations, the celebrities, and the companies involved.
Many film and t.v companies have filmed their latest epics in Essex, in a diverse number of locations, bringing with them celebrities, and tourism benefits to the region.
Location is everything, especially in the film and television industry, where companies will scour the country looking for just the right setting for their latest epic. Unbeknown to some many filming crews, and celebrity stars have landed in Essex., which brings many benefits to the county.
Why is Essex a good place to film?
Although London is at the heart of the industry, it is not always filming friendly, and according to the Real Essex website, can often be overcrowded. Scenic countryside, untouched coastlines, and everything from churches to airports have made an appearance on the big, or indeed little screens.
Which celebrities have filmed in Essex?
A-List stars such as Jude Law, Kristen Dunst, and the legendary Anthony Hopkins have all appeared in Essex for filming, whilst on the T.V front characters from soaps such as Eastenders have also regulary featured in storylines set in the county.
Popular locations for filming
Stansted airport, has naturally been very popular appearing in films such as Bridget Jone's Diary, 28 Weeks later, and Cracker.
Hylands House in Chelmsford has also proved popular with both film and T.V companies, owing to it's adaptability as a venue. The recently restored interiors have been deemed suitable as subsitute for The Vatican, an Italian hotel, and with a few cosmetic changes, the exterior has passed as The Whitehouse.
Programs and Films set in EssexSome films and T.V programs have found Essex to be the perfect location, because they themselves were set in the county. Most notable of the films is Essex Boys, the epic based on the Rettendon Murders.
On a more cheerful front Lovejoy is one of the most famous T.V programs set in Essex. Essex writer Jonathon Gash wrote the novels on which the T.V series' were based, and the producers have stayed true to these novels, using various locations in the county. Finchingfield, Maldon, and Saffron Walden were regulary in the spotlight, providing 15 minutes of fame for pubs, banks and even barges.
Ingatestone Hall, which has been featured in T.V programs a number of times, also played host to ITV drama, Lady Audleys Secret, an adaptation of a novel written at the house.
Getting Involved/Further Information
- Trade has an ever growing number of opportunties through the local film and t.v industry, supplying everything from locations themselves, to catering and accomadation. Agencies like Screen East are dedicated to promoting film andmedia in the region, with databases interested parties can join.
- Visitors and Tourists can find out about popular film/t.v locations through borough and county council websites, and dedicated tourism sites for the county/region.
- Occasionally opportunities are publicised via the local press or entertainment agencies, for people to appear as extras in film or t.v programs.
Suggested Reading
- Contacts by Spotlight (Industry Directory)
- Kemps, Film, Television, and Commercial Production Handbook by Reed Business Information
- A career handbook for T.V, Radio, Film, Television & Interactive Media by Shiona Llewellyn and Sue Walker.
