COVID-19

The screen industries are of course operating in unprecedented times and the impact of COVID-19 will undoubtedly be felt deeply as we work through this ever-evolving situation.

Our primary concern is for the health and welfare of the workforce and with productions re-starting, following guidelines is imperative to the safety of cast and crew and longevity of the industry.

Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission and Film London, recently reflected upon the guidance:

“We know that productions in the UK are rigorously following guidance with robust health and safety procedures in place, including stringent testing regimes, which is why any case of Coronavirus can be rapidly identified and appropriate self-isolating procedures implemented.

We’re confident that with all measures in place any production will resume filming as soon as it’s safe to do so, enabling our world class film and high-end TV sector to get back up and running.”

Cinema

Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated, high concept blockbuster Tenet has been the tent-pole film for cinemas reopening and safely welcoming audiences back through their doors.

In true Nolan style, it’s an intricate plot, with John David Washington starring as an unnamed CIA operative who must complete a time warped, global mission to stop World War Three. Filming took place all over the world, including the National Liberal Club in Westminster.

TV

Period drama series Harlots recently broadcast on BBC2, is available to catch-up on BBC iPlayer. Based on a pocket book directory highlighting sex workers in London between 1757 and 1795, the series is written, directed and produced by an all-female team and follows the trials and tribulations of an 18th Century brothel fighting for family, money and power. Filming took place in various stately locations including Film London’s Premiere Location, Chiswick House.

Online

Adventure mystery Enola Holmes will be available to watch on Netflix at the end of the month, which filmed in the capital. Starring Stranger Things starlet Millie Bobby Brown as the eponymous character, Enola is the teen sister of Sherlock Holmes (played by Henry Cavill), who embarks on a quest to find her missing mother, soon realising that Sherlock isn’t the only one with an eye, and mind, for detective work…

All five seasons of UK dark comedy series Misfits will also be available to binge on Netflix next week. Filmed at the Southmere Complex in Thamesmead, a group of young offenders doing community service get struck by lightning during a freak thunderstorm, leaving them all with unique superpowers they must learn to live with, but are they the only ones with powers

Filming

Various film and TV productions that went on hiatus have started to pick up the camera again, including series two ofPennyworth, the espionage origin story of Batman’s famous butler Alfred Pennyworth set in 1960’s London.

Reggie Yates’ directorial debut Pirates has also restarted filming, having postponed production back in March. The comedy feature celebrates the vibrancy and culture of the city with three friends driving from north to south London on New Year’s Eve in order to secure tickets to the best party around.