Hertfordshire filmgoers should once again be able to spot St Albans on the big screen when Incendiary is released on 24th October following its premiere at the London Film Festival on 18th October. St Peter’s Street, Market Place, St Albans Station and St Albans Abbey were all used as backgrounds for scenes in this heart rendering and defiant tale set in the aftermath of a dramatic terrorist attack in London. Michelle Williams plays a young mother whose life is torn apart when her husband and infant son are killed in a suicide bombing at a football match. Incendiary is based on the bestselling debut novel by British author Chris Cleave which coincidently had its UK publication on 7th July 2005, the day of the London terrorist bombings.
People from St Albans auditioned to become an extra and for their chance to catch a glimpse of Hollywood actors Ewan McGregor and Michelle Williams. Screen East assisted the production with their location requirements throughout the shoot and as a result the magnificence of St Albans Abbey was used as a backdrop for a funeral scene. Location Manager, Ian Ellis, said: “As a location manager, I have found St Albans to be a great place to film. The variety of locations available to productions in a relatively small area, combined with great central unit bases and sensible street parking policies, make it an ideal city in which to shoot. Stunning locations such as the Cathedral and city centre alleys provide filmmakers with a wealth of unique locations.”
St Albans City & District Council sponsor Screen East’s activities to promote the area for both feature film and television production. As a result of Screen East’s promotion in recent times, St Albans has welcomed Hot Fuzz, Confetti, The Queen, Flyboys, EastEnders, Footballers’ Wives, Holby City, Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Judge John Deed, Life Begins, Love Soup and Spooks. Location owners, local businesses and residents have benefitted from film crews buying local services and hiring local skills. In 2006/07, approximately £1.2 million was spent in the local economy by productions filming on location in the district, but it doesn’t just stop there.
Screen East’s Head of Locations, Kerry Ixer, said: “Not only do film crews spend their location budget on location fees and local services, popular films and television programmes can provide a valuable boost to the local tourism industry if locations are open to the public. More and more people are seeking out locations they see on the big and small screen. EEDA, the regional development agency, has been quick to recognise this and has funded the development of an interactive movie map for the East of England. The website will of course show case all locations in the St Albans area open to the public which have appeared in a popular production. We therefore anticipate local tourism attractions, hoteliers, B&Bs and businesses will begin to benefit from an increase in visitors post the launch of the website in March 2009”.
Screen East is always seeking new locations to add to their library. Large, period or ultra contemporary houses, vacant or derelict industrial buildings and replicas of London or northern streets are of particular interest. If you think you have, or know of, a location worthy of the big or small screen contact Screen East on 01923 495051, email locations@screeneast.co.uk or visit www.screeneast.co.uk. Screen East would also be pleased to hear from facilities companies based in the East of England such as couriers, construction companies, florists, butchers, cleaners and taxi companies who could support filmmakers whilst shooting on location.
Visit Incendiary production page