As the year comes to a conclusion, we look back on this year at the Lewisham Film Office, managed by the Film Office. We’re looking at some recent productions, a re-cap of our most recent On Location: Film Training, and at some of our community benefits; namely some paid work experience of film sets for local residents.
Sainsbury’s Christmas Visit to Lewisham
This years Christmas ad for Sainbury’s features the beloved BFG alongside Sainsbury’s colleagues, taking viewers on a whimsical adventure through Christmas food delights. Filmed on Lawrie Park Avenue and Canonbie Road, the production included scenes inside a house and on a snow-dusted Canonbie Road, where the BFG was later animated into the festive backdrop. To create the magical winter scene, fake snow was used to transform the area into a winter wonderland – what makes it more magical is that it was filmed in the height of summer!
As part of this exciting project, we arranged a day of paid work experience for one of our On Location Film Training alumni (more information about that below!). Jessie Trace, the film officer on the job says “It is fantastic to be able to place course alumni on exciting productions such as this – it’s great to give back to the community and help local people get their foot in the door in the industry.”
Check out the BFG up to his antics in the ad below!
‘Get Millie Black’: Lewisham Sets the Stage for a Gripping New TV Crime Drama
Another exciting project release! In 2022 we worked alongside Channel 4 and HBO on their upcoming miniseries Get Millie Black . The miniseries marks an onscreen debut for acclaimed writer Marlon James and stars Tamara Lawrence and Joe Dempsie. It follows Jamaican-born detective Millie-Jean Black who is forced out of Scotland Yard, and returns home to join the Jamaican Police Force to investigate a missing persons case.
The production spent 5 days in August filming in the borough where they hired a derelict house and transformed it into a thrillingly realistic crime-scene. A very exciting week for the local residents who were transported into a nail-biting vibrant crime drama, sure to entertain. The series was released in November on NowTV. Keep your eyes peeled for Eewlme Road… Trailer below!
On Location Film Training Triumphs Again!
On Wednesday 27th November we held our second On Location: Film Training at the Green Man Barn in Bellingham and we are delighted to announce it was a fantastic turnout! We were so pleased to welcome 12 local residents to take place in our course to gain key skills & knowledge for on-set location filming! ‘ On Location’ is run in collaboration with thecallsheet.co.uk and features fabulous trainers Amie Tridgell and Jude Winstanley.
After the triumph of the day, it is great to hear some wonderful feedback from course alumni. One attendant, Steve Modell, said, “Brilliant course… glad I took part. Jam packed full of useful professional tips, key industry advice, plenty of practical resources and special insider information. Superb, especially if you’re considering a career path working in the UK’s Film & TV business!”
Individuals who took place will now be placed on our CV database to secure on-set work experience with the locations departments of exciting productions we have shooting in 2025 and beyond.
We are so pleased that yet another On Location course has passed with smashing success and rave reviews. Watch this space for another On Location Course coming Lewisham’s way in the new year!
Lights, Camera, Local Talent: Film Set Placements for Community Residents
A word (more than) often uttered on a film set is “Action!”. As mentioned, a huge part of our training course is not just teaching on location skills but putting them into action. At The Lewisham Film Office we try to open pathways and new career opportunities within the industry – especially for local resident within our boroughs.
Following the success of our On Location Course in March this year, we are proud to say that we assisted 5 On Location graduates and 2 members of the local community who expressed an interest in filmmaking in securing on set work as Location Marshalls. The individuals assisted the Locations Department in a key role responsible for redirecting and informing members of the public about the filming, ensuring that the set runs smoothly, and all location logistics are in place during filming. From this year’s Sainsbury’s BFG Christmas Ad to Amazon Prime’s upcoming Haven, to Guy Ritchie’s latest TV drama, it was certainly an exciting way to gain first-hand knowledge of the industry. As mentioned previously, our next mission will be to secure many more paid work placements for the alumni from our most recent course (and others from various local partners) in 2025.
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We can’t wait to welcome yet more exciting productions into the borough in 2025 – watch this space! And from all of us at the Lewisham Film Office – we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
