Welcome to the latest edition of Reel Life blog, where we peek behind the scenes at some of the TV and film productions and stars choosing our borough as their backdrop. .
From high-profile television dramas and feature films to large advertising campaigns, the borough’s film-friendly approach and diverse choice of locations continue to attract a host of experienced production companies and crews.
As ever in Reel Life, here is a round-up of just some of the productions that have come to film in our borough, via the council’s West London Film Office (WLFO).
The TV blockbuster: Pierre
One of the latest television productions to film in the borough was Pierre, a gritty Channel 4 legal drama that started showing on TV this month starring David Harewood (pictured at the top of this post, in full mystery mode – courtesy of Channel 4).
The series follows a formidable duty solicitor whose world is turned upside down when a client’s suspicious death draws him into a web of corruption and hidden agendas. Combining courtroom drama with a compelling mystery, the series promises to tackle challenging themes while delivering a powerful performance from Harewood.
From driving scenes in North Acton to the low-rise red-brick balconies and open spaces of Acton Vale Estate, Ealing provided the backdrop for key moments in the story. At the other end of the spectrum, the opulent splendour of Grade 1-listed Pitzhanger Manor doubled as an exclusive private members’ club, demonstrating the remarkable variety of locations available within the borough.
Truth be told, it takes more than great locations to create a successful shoot. Behind every production is a collaborative effort involving council teams, local businesses and residents, all helping to ensure filming runs smoothly alongside everyday life.
While film and television may be best known for what appears on screen, the industry also provides significant economic benefits behind the scenes, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions of pounds of investment across London and the UK.
The movie magic: Tender Loving Care
The borough also recently welcomed celebrated British filmmaker Mike Leigh as filming took place for his latest feature film, Tender Loving Care.
Tender Loving Care is described as a moving drama about the pressures of work, family and relationships. Examining resilience, compassion and community, the film continues Mike Leigh’s tradition of finding compelling stories in everyday life.
Few filmmakers are as closely associated with British cinema as Leigh. Known for creating richly observed stories and memorable characters, his films often draw inspiration from everyday life, making Ealing’s streets, homes and neighbourhoods a natural fit.
Leigh’s filmography has captured many of London’s boroughs for more than 2 decades, so it is a real honour for him to choose the borough’s residential streets, authentic atmosphere and wide variety of locations to craft his latest film.
Mike Leigh is well known for his highly collaborative approach to filmmaking. This fluid style can present unique challenges for location teams, who must remain flexible as the needs of a production evolve. The West London Film Office was very much up for that challenge, with our brilliant network of contacts, logistical know-how and extensive access to locations across the borough.
An Acton school provided a valuable production base during the school holidays, while a number of private homes featured as filming locations. Residents near Argyle Road and Scotch Common may even have caught sight of one of the production’s camera cars as filming took place in the area.
Welcoming filmmakers of Leigh’s stature further reinforces the borough’s reputation as one of London’s most sought-after filming locations.
The Ant and Dec return
The cameras were also rolling in Acton recently for a Santander advertising campaign featuring television favourites Ant and Dec.
Filming took place in Goodhall Street, a real gem of a location with welcoming residents and an active and knowledgeable residents association. Having returned to the borough on several occasions for different productions over the years, we’re beginning to suspect they enjoy filming here so much that it is hard for them to stay away.
While television dramas and feature films often attract the headlines, the advertising sector remains an important part of local filming activity, bringing a steady stream of creative projects and production teams into the borough.
No break for commercials
Alongside these headline productions, we welcomed a who’s who of major brands in recent months including Gillette, Nissan, ASOS, Nando’s, Argos, Boots, LEGO and Samsung for commercial filming within the borough.
These productions often operate to demanding schedules, with the WLFO working closely alongside production teams to ensure filming runs smoothly.
Oh, and before you go: the best in London
From residential streets and town centres to parks and commercial locations, the borough continues to provide the diverse range of settings required by modern productions.
Perhaps the greatest compliment comes from the professionals responsible for finding locations in the first place. In a recent industry poll of location managers, Ealing was recognised as one of the most highly regarded London boroughs for filming.
With television dramas, feature films, commercials and returning productions all choosing Ealing, the borough’s reputation continues to grow. Judging by the number of familiar faces arriving on set, word has clearly got around that Ealing remains one of London’s best places to film.
Fancy a piece of the action?
You can get involved too. Would you like the chance to have your house or flat in the next must-watch TV series and earn some money?
The West London Film Office is on the lookout for local properties that could be transformed by film and TV crews. Visit the WLFO website and email wlfo@ealing.gov.uk to find out more.
