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BCP Council Reports 250,000 Economic Boost from Recent Film and TV Productions
Major film and television productions have brought an estimated £250,000 to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, a local authority said on Tuesday. The figure reflects the combined economic impact of recent shoots at Highcliffe Castle, Lake Pier in Hamworthy and Southbourne Beach, all of which have been used by high‑profile projects for streaming services and television networks.
Highcliffe Castle, a Grade I listed Gothic‑revival building on the cliffs above Christchurch, was the backdrop for a Netflix series featuring Ben Stiller in early July. The same location was also used earlier in the year for a production that highlighted the historic architecture of the area. Lake Pier in Hamworthy, a long pier on Poole’s waterfront, closed to the public from 1 to 3 June for filming of a Netflix drama about the Kennedy family, reportedly starring Michael Fassbender as Joe Kennedy Sr. Southbourne Beach, a quieter stretch of sand west of Bournemouth, was recently used by Netflix for another production.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council said the recent filming had significant economic benefits for the towns, with an estimated £225,125 generated through spending on accommodation, catering, transportation and other services. The council’s estimate is based on data collected from local businesses that supplied goods and services to the crews during the shoots.
Councillor Richard Herrett, cabinet member for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said the region’s diverse scenery and historic sites make it attractive to filmmakers. "We live in a beautiful place of the world, with miles of sandy beaches, stunning coastline and historic buildings which offer a wealth of possibilities for film and TV projects," he said. Herrett added that filming already brings people to the area and is expected to attract more visitors as fans seek out on‑screen locations.
The BCP area has become a familiar backdrop for screen actors over recent years. In 2025, a coastal cottage in Portland Bill was used for Amazon’s series The Rings of Power. In 2021, American actor Timothée Chalamet was spotted in Lyme Regis filming for a Willy Wonka movie. The first episode of Chris Chibnall’s Broadchurch was first shown to Dorset residents at Bridport Arts Centre before it aired on ITV in 2013. Chibnall has continued to use Dorset settings in his later work.
The BCP Film Office supports productions of all sizes, offering guidance, location advice and production support to make filming in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole straightforward. The office provides a single point of contact for organisations looking to film in the area, handling location access, permits and licensing.
The council’s report highlights the tangible benefits of the film and television industry for local economies. While the £250,000 figure represents a snapshot of recent activity, the council anticipates further growth as more productions are attracted to the region’s varied landscapes and historic sites. Upcoming projects and potential future shoots have not yet been announced, but the BCP Film Office remains active in courting new work.
In summary, the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council has documented a £250,000 boost from recent film and television productions, driven by shoots at Highcliffe Castle, Lake Pier and Southbourne Beach. The economic impact, estimated at £225,125, comes from local spending on accommodation, catering, transport and other services. The council views the region’s scenic diversity as a key asset for attracting future productions and anticipates continued growth in tourism and local business activity linked to on‑screen exposure.
Highcliffe Castle, a Grade I listed Gothic‑revival building on the cliffs above Christchurch, was the backdrop for a Netflix series featuring Ben Stiller in early July. The same location was also used earlier in the year for a production that highlighted the historic architecture of the area. Lake Pier in Hamworthy, a long pier on Poole’s waterfront, closed to the public from 1 to 3 June for filming of a Netflix drama about the Kennedy family, reportedly starring Michael Fassbender as Joe Kennedy Sr. Southbourne Beach, a quieter stretch of sand west of Bournemouth, was recently used by Netflix for another production.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council said the recent filming had significant economic benefits for the towns, with an estimated £225,125 generated through spending on accommodation, catering, transportation and other services. The council’s estimate is based on data collected from local businesses that supplied goods and services to the crews during the shoots.
Councillor Richard Herrett, cabinet member for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said the region’s diverse scenery and historic sites make it attractive to filmmakers. "We live in a beautiful place of the world, with miles of sandy beaches, stunning coastline and historic buildings which offer a wealth of possibilities for film and TV projects," he said. Herrett added that filming already brings people to the area and is expected to attract more visitors as fans seek out on‑screen locations.
The BCP area has become a familiar backdrop for screen actors over recent years. In 2025, a coastal cottage in Portland Bill was used for Amazon’s series The Rings of Power. In 2021, American actor Timothée Chalamet was spotted in Lyme Regis filming for a Willy Wonka movie. The first episode of Chris Chibnall’s Broadchurch was first shown to Dorset residents at Bridport Arts Centre before it aired on ITV in 2013. Chibnall has continued to use Dorset settings in his later work.
The BCP Film Office supports productions of all sizes, offering guidance, location advice and production support to make filming in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole straightforward. The office provides a single point of contact for organisations looking to film in the area, handling location access, permits and licensing.
The council’s report highlights the tangible benefits of the film and television industry for local economies. While the £250,000 figure represents a snapshot of recent activity, the council anticipates further growth as more productions are attracted to the region’s varied landscapes and historic sites. Upcoming projects and potential future shoots have not yet been announced, but the BCP Film Office remains active in courting new work.
In summary, the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council has documented a £250,000 boost from recent film and television productions, driven by shoots at Highcliffe Castle, Lake Pier and Southbourne Beach. The economic impact, estimated at £225,125, comes from local spending on accommodation, catering, transport and other services. The council views the region’s scenic diversity as a key asset for attracting future productions and anticipates continued growth in tourism and local business activity linked to on‑screen exposure.
