Written by Tom Deehan on Nov 1, 2017. Posted in On Location / Production News

Sky Atlantic’s Melrose doubles Glasgow for 1980s New York

Filming is now underway for Sky Atlantic’s upcoming miniseries, Melrose, with the production transforming Bothwell Street, Glasgow into New York of 1982. The five-part series was originally scheduled to shoot on location in New York but has likely opted for Glasgow as a cheaper alternative and for its ability to double as the American city with ease.

To achieve the effect, American flags were hung from nearby buildings while iconic New York taxis were scattered throughout the street. Additional shoots are scheduled for London and an unspecified location in the South of France.

Produced by SunnyMarch TV and Two Cities Television, Melrose will feature an all-star cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Hugo Weaving. As an adaptation of the novels of Edward St. Aubyn, the series will tell the story of Patrick Melrose (Cumberbatch), touching upon his troubled childhood and the effect it has on his adult life.

In detailing the series, Anne Mensah, Head of drama for Sky stated: “bravery and distinction are core to all original drama on Sky Atlantic. Through anti-hero Patrick Melrose, we will be offering viewers a compelling window into a world of privilege, cruelty and greed – crucially both a disturbing and a funny tale. We are so excited to welcome this amazing story and a huge thank you to Benedict, David (Nicholls) and the whole team.”

SunnyMarch TV recently produced the television special based on Ian McEwan's novel, The Child in Time.

This is not the first time that Glasgow has been used as a stand-in for New York, as 2013’s World War Z achieved the same effect.

High-end television series that spend a minimum of GBP1 million per-broadcast hour in the UK can receive a 25% tax rebate. Scotland provides an additional incentive through its Production Growth Fund, which has an annual reserve of GBP3.25 million to distribute amongst locally shot projects.

Creative Scotland will be will be attending FOCUS - the meeting place for international production in December. Click here to register your interest in the event.