The late Heath Ledger was named best supporting actor for his portrayal of The Joker in The Dark Knight. Screen East supported the filming at Cardington Airship Hangars in Bedfordshire, which was sourced directly from Screen East’s Location Library for Batman Begins. The construction of Gotham City in 2004 made Cardington home to Europe’s biggest ever indoor temporary film set. For the next instalment of this crime epic, careful construction for the building framework of the Trump Tower took place at Cardington. This is where scenes for the pivotal confrontation between Batman and The Joker were shot. The BAFTA was accepted by Producer Charles Roven, on behalf of Ledger’s family.
Costume designer Michael O’Connor was awarded BAFTA for best costume design for his work on The Duchess. Screen East assisted the production to find locations and Director, Saul Dibb, who studied Film and English at the University of East Anglia, chose the elegant 18th Century Holkham Hall in Norfolk to film a number of scenes for this contemporary tale of fame, notoriety and search for love. Ben Gladstone, Location Manager on The Duchess said: “Filming in the East of England was, as always, a pleasure. The Duchess spent two weeks in Norfolk filming in and around Holkham Hall and we could not have had a better experience. The grandeur of Holkham fitted the epic scale of the Devonshire's life perfectly, and the unspoilt surrounding countryside of North Norfolk gave us breathtaking pastoral backdrops".
Awards season has its glittering finale on February 22, 2009 with the most prominent film award ceremony in the world being held in Hollywood, the 81st Academy Awards. Given recent success at the Golden Globes and now the BAFTAs, it is hoped that Screen East assisted productions are duly recognised in two weeks time. The Dark Knight has received eight nominations, The Duchess has received nominations for Art Direction and Costume Design and Happy-Go-Lucky has received a nomination for Original Screenplay.
The East of England continues to attract high profile productions because of its diverse locations, varied landscape and skilled workforce. As a result, the film and television industry brings enormous economic and cultural benefits to the region.
Screen East is always seeking additions to their location library in particular large residential properties with modern features and a luxurious feel as well as modern, bright apartments in new developments. They are also keen to hear from anyone who has modern office space available and are always on the lookout for derelict industrial buildings and interesting period properties. If you would you like to see your property or business premises appearing on the big or small screen or have a company that could supply services to a feature film or a TV production company or work in the film and television industry, Screen East offers a FREE service - to register call 01923 495051, e-mail locations@screeneast.co.uk or visit www.screeneast.co.uk