An exciting new four-part drama from Channel 4 is the latest big production to be filmed in and around the City of Bath.
Following on from the German drama “The Other Wife” and feature film “Mariah Mundi and the Midas Box” which visited the city earlier this year, Channel 4 has now chosen several locations in the area to film its forthcoming four-part series “The Fear”.
Towards the end of August, filming will take place in an art gallery in the city, at Kingswood School and at the Richard Rogers-designed Circle Bath Hospital in Peasedown St. John.
The Council-run Film Office, together with its Highways and Parking Services team, has been assisting the production crew with their preparations, as have the galleries and shop-owners in Margaret’s Buildings which, for the filming, will be transformed into the Lanes area of Brighton.
Councillor Cherry Beath (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, said: “I’m delighted that Bath is proving to be such a popular filming destination. Together with these crowd-pulling dramas, we’re also experiencing increased demand from travel and TV shows from around the world, including Asia, Australia, South Africa and Europe.
“Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to building a stronger economy so this is very encouraging for our tourism and ensures that the area benefits from the revenue that these productions bring with them.”
Jenni Wagstaffe, Film Commissioner at the Council’s Film Office, added: “Filming brings great benefits to the area but only if it’s managed correctly. We work alongside the film companies to make sure that the local communities and businesses are consulted from the onset and that their concerns are addressed. On this occasion, filming arrangements are in the capable hands of Jamie Lengyel (The King’s Speech, Hugo), a local location manager who has brought many productions to the city including “The Duchess” starring Keira Knightley.”
This latest project for Channel 4, The Fear, stars Peter Mullan (Tyrannosaur, War Horse) as the head of a respected Brighton family with a murky past, battling threats to his business whilst dealing with the onset of early Alzheimer’s disease. Written by celebrated writer Rick Cottan (Wallender), directed by Bafta-winning director Michael Samuels (Any Human Heart) and also starring Richard E Grant (Withnail and I) The Fear will be broadcast in December 2012.
Mr Lengyel, who is delighted to be back working in Bath, commented: “It’s great to be able to showcase new areas in Bath for a high profile film production and we are very grateful for the enthusiastic support we have received, particularly from the art galleries in Margaret Buildings and the Bath Film Office. I would also like to pay tribute to the late Sarah Eastel, whose location finding company were very supportive in the research for this production.“