Bristol has become a hub for filming movies and TV shows in recent years, none more so than in the last year when several different productions took place across the city. The variety of different spaces available to producers of shows, as well as the renowned Bottle Yard Studios, means that plenty of action can be seen across the city.
Whilst some filming is wrapped up in a short space of time, others can take several months across various locations. When filming does happen in Bristol, usually there is fanfare and a desperate need to know what is happening, and more importantly who is in it.
The fanfare has often led to speculation over the famous stars which are cast in these productions. Eagle-eyed spectators often will wait at the set for a glimpse of a famous celebrity.
Whilst filming in Bristol, several celebrities have been photographed as preparation for a shoot takes place, or sometimes even as it happens. Over the last year, photos have captured some of the famous faces that have graced the city.
Eleanor Tomlinson – The Forsyte Saga
In July, filming for The Forsyte Saga took place at the historic Christmas Steps. The six-part period drama stars BAFTA-winning Francesca Annis and Jack Davenport, who were both on set.
Eleanor Tomlinson, known for her roles in Jack the Giant Slayer and The Outlaws, was spotted in a vehicle preparing to film a car scene. The drama will be shown on Channel 5 in the UK.
Martin Freeman – The Seven Dials Mystery
Towards the end of July, filming for Agatha Christie’s The Seven Dials Mystery took place in the centre of Bristol. The 1920s series will be shown on Netflix but a date has not been announced for its release.
Martin Freeman, known for his roles in Sherlock, The Office and The Hobbit film trilogy, was snapped in a suit as he took part in a driving scene. He drove towards a green screen several times, increasing the speed of the 1920s vehicle with each take.
The Seven Dials Mystery also stars Mia McKenna-Bruce, Helena Bonham-Carter and Edward Bluemel. It is produced by Orchid Pictures.
Dónal Finn – Young Sherlock
Filming for Young Sherlock took place throughout the second half of 2024 as filming eventually wrapped up earlier this year in Bristol before moving onto Spain. Dónal Finn (The Wheel of Time and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) was one of the famous faces spotted in front of the Corn Exchange in September.
Donning a smart suit, Mr Finn plays Sherlock’s arch-nemesis James Moriarty. The series is directed by Guy Ritchie and was filmed at a number of locations, including Queen Square, St Nicholas Market and Portland Square in St Pauls.
The Amazon Prime series is expected to be released later this year. The series also stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Colin Firth and Joseph Fiennes. Zine Tseng was also spotted on set later in the filming cycle.
Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson – Down Cemetery Road
Down Cemetery Road is another series that filmed over several months across the city. Filming began in June for Apple TV+ and is based on the novel of the same name.
When filming near Baltic Wharf in February, both Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson were spotted on set in front of a green screen by locals walking by. Ms Thompson (Sense and Sensibility and Love Actually) and Ms Wilson (The Affair and His Dark Materials) were both on a boat whilst crews were to the right. The series also stars Adeel Akhtar, Tom Goodman-Hill and Sinead Matthews and is directed by Natalie Bailey.
Emma Thompson had also delighted a Clifton restaurant after visiting the establishment three times whilst filming. The Fish Tales Restaurant shared its experiences of hosting the Oscar-winning star on Instagram.