Written by new-contact on Jul 16, 2015. Posted in On Location

Period drama Mr Selfridge to film new series in adapted London studio

Period drama series Mr Selfridge is set to shoot a new series in an adapted studio space in North-West London. The show stars Jeremy Piven and is based on the true story of US businessman Harry Selfridge who founded London’s Selfridges store at the turn of the 20th century.

Filming will take place in a replica of the old Selfridges built as a set in a former carpet warehouse in London, as has been the case for the past couple of years.

“We’re delighted to commission a fourth series of Mr Selfridge,” said Steve November, Director of Drama at ITV.

“It’s so pleasing to see the audience take the characters and storylines into their hearts. We’re looking forward to seeing Jeremy reprise his role as the visionary yet deeply troubled Harry alongside simply stunning production values.”

High-end television production has become more prolific in the UK since the launch of a dedicated tax credit two years ago. Television shoots are increasingly making use of former warehouses and industrial buildings as cheaper alternatives to London’s purpose-built studios.

Recent drama miniseries Fortitude and 24: Live Another Day both created their own studio spaces in London warehouses. Film London specifically lists what it calls ‘Alternative Studio Spaces’ for producers seeking different production facilities.

Several of London’s biggest studio facilities – including Pinewood, Leavesden and Elstree – are expanding to satisfy demand more effectively on a long-term basis. The Star Wars franchise will be based at Pinewood for at least the next couple of years and Leavesden has been refurbished since Warner Bros purchased the site.

(Image: ITV)