Creative sector investment: March industry updates
// budget // creative growth finance // investment
Pirates of the Caribbean star Makenzie Crook returns to the small screen, for a new six-part comedy drama, but where in the UK was it filmed?
Written and directed by Crook and made by Channel X productions, Detectorists follows the story of Andy (Makenzie Crook) and Lance (Toby Jones), two griping best friends who use their passion for metal detecting to search for the find of their lives – a hoard of priceless Saxon artefacts. However, it isn’t long before the duo stumble upon a dark secret that changes the direction of their search entirely.
Where was BBC Four Sitcom Detectorists Filmed?
Filming for Detectorists took place on location in Suffolk and Essex. Creative England’s Production Services team were contacted by the show’s Location Manager and asked to source a suitable production base, locations and crew. Due to the show’s metal detector storyline, finding photogenic fields was a top priority. Within 24 hours of receiving the enquiry, Production Liaison Manager Hayley Armstrong had used her in-depth knowledge of the area to arrange a recce to Suffolk’s Bentwater Parks and the RAF Wethersfield in Essex.
The market town of Framlingham was ultimately chosen as the production’s main base, with several locations in the area used for key scenes throughout the series. Whilst watching Detectorists keep an eye out for the Panorama Gift Shop, White Horse Pub and Castle Inn, as well as numerous fields and neighbouring farms.
Once filming had commenced, our Locations team were able to make useful introductions to Local Authorities and Film Friendly Partners to ensure a smooth shoot. Watch out for recognisable spots such as The King’s Head pub in Orford, The Crown in Great Glemham and Ipswich’s Mecca Bingo.
Our Production Services Team also provided the crew with Welcome Packs containing local maps and information on the best restaurants, accommodation and local attractions the region has to offer.
“Creative England have been extremely helpful and the Welcome Packs were incredible,” said Production Coordinator Gary Matsell.
Our Crew and Facilities Manager worked closely with Gary to source local crew for the shoot. By advertising numerous roles via on our national crew & facilities database and via the @CEnglandprodn twitter feed, we were able to send the production CVs of local crew and as a result several positions were filled by our assistance.
For more information on the crew & facilities database, filming in Suffolk, filming in Essex or filming in Ipswich, contact our Production Services team.
