Even small councils now have a dedicated film unit

Sir Michael Caine

Reporter: Stuart Littleford

It is highly unusual for a council to have its own dedicated film unit, especially one the size of Thanet.

But Thanet District Council does have its own dedicated film office facilitating high profile filming opportunities.

The Council has recently played host to Sir Michael Caine who was in Margate filming scenes for the new movie – Night at Hatton Garden, while Sky Atlantic shot the last series of the Tunnel in the town.

Shawn Mendes and Emeli Sande both used Botany Bay, one of Thanet’s most distinctive beaches, as the backdrop for their music videos, whilst filming has just concluded for new Nick Hornby adaptation, Juliet Naked, featuring Ethan Hawke, Chris O’Dowd and Rose Byrne in Broadstairs. 

The area has also made numerous appearances on programmes such as The One Show, and Springwatch featuring Kingfishers and Parakeets and fashion brands like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ASOS and Pringle Scotland have all shot collections here this year.

With a requirement for a percentage of the BBC and Channel 4 programming budgets to be spent outside of London, Thanet’s visual appeal, proximity to the capital, affordability and creative flair make it an excellent choice.

In the current financial climate, it is also a creative income generator. Last year, the film office made £185,000.