insideKENT Magazine Issue 24 - March 2014 | Page 115

COVERSTORY © Kent Film Office Emma (2009) Squerryes Court, Westerham, with its grand Georgian rooms was the perfect location to double as the Woodhouse family home in the series, while the production team chose the beautiful village of Chilham near Ashford to feature as Highbury. Chilham village retains much of its original features, which makes it perfect for period dramas. During filming the square was closed off and all signs of modern life – from the double yellow lines to the burglar alarms – were gently erased. In its place a vibrant market was installed to capture the essence of village life in Jane Austen’s time. Directed by: Jim O’Hanlon Written by: Sandy Welch Kent locations used: Chilham and Squerryes Court, Westerham Autumn 2009 and Jane Austen’s Emma once again graced our screens with a four-part adaptation from the BBC. Jane Austen describes Emma as ‘handsome, clever and rich’ and confessed that Emma is a heroine which no one but her will like. Emma is determined not to marry, however, she cannot help but play matchmaker to all of her friends, often with disastrous consequences. Watch this space, as there is much more to come for Kent in 2014 and beyond... ABOUT THE KENT FILM OFFICE The Kent Film Office was established in 2006 as an economic development initiative of Kent County Council. The Kent Film Office generates inward investment from the film and broadcast industries into the Kent economy. Since its launch, the Film Office has managed to secure all of the aforementioned high profile productions and more, all of which have benefited many local businesses, communities and attractions. To the film and broadcast industries, the Kent Film Office offers a firstclass film commissioning service for all manner of productions. So, if you're considering filming in Kent, get in touch. w w w . k e n t f i l m o f f i c e . c o . u k 115