Written by on Jan 12, 2015. Posted in On Location

BBC to film The Dresser in London with Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen

The BBC is set to film TV drama The Dresser on location in London with Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen. Starz, the American network which recently screened the historical, Scottish-filmed drama Outlander, will co-produce the TV movie with the BBC.

Set against the backdrop of World War Two, The Dresser is inspired by the true story of Ronald Harwood, who dressed the actor and manager Sir Donald Wolfit.

“The Dresser is a timeless and poignant story about the relationship between artists, and to have this classic play brought to life on-screen by such acting giants as Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen is thrilling,” said Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director of Starz.

“We are glad to be working in partnership again with the BBC and [executive producer] Colin Callender on this very special project, and to be establishing a relationship with acclaimed theatre producer Sonia Friedman.”

London is one of the top production centres in the world as a result of the UK’s generous filming incentive programme, an experienced crew base and world-class studios. Most of the city’s studios are currently expanding, but their facilities are generally most suitable for feature productions.

Television productions filming in London are now frequently building their own studio facilities on existing industrial premises to save money on the costs of a long-term stay in a purpose-built studio.

Screen agency Film London has negotiated the availability of extensive industrial premises across the city to cater for demand. Productions including the Jack Bauer miniseries 24: Live Another Day and the Arctic-set drama Fortitude have taken this approach.