Written by new-contact on Oct 19, 2012. Posted in Production News

BBC miniseries The White Queen starts filming on location in Bruges

The BBC’s epic historical miniseries The White Queen has begun filming in the Belgian city of Bruges. Based on a series of novels by Philippa Gregory, the production is set in 15th Century England during the Wars of the Roses.

Ireland was a serious contender for the shoot as a double for England, but the BBC was attracted by Belgium’s specific combination of locations and financial support. They had also had a positive experience filming scenes there for recent miniseries Parade’s End. The White Queen has a budget of EUR22 million and has strong local support.

Katrien Maes is with Location Flanders: “Most of the required locations could be found within Bruges and its surroundings, and therefore Bruges was chosen as the main production centre for the 125-day shoot."

Most of the required locations could be found within Bruges and its surroundings, and therefore Bruges was chosen as the main production centre for the 125-day shoot.

Katrien Maes, Location Flanders

Maes adds: “Meanwhile, the UK producers found a local co-producer, CZAR Television, and were able to put the last pieces of their financing together thanks to the Belgian Tax Shelter system. VAF/Media Fund support has also been applied for.”

The location filming landscape could shift dramatically in 2013 if the British Government launches a TV filming tax credit, as is widely expected. A recent report found that the UK makes GBP12 back from every pound that it spends on its film tax credit.