Exploring the Locations of Empire of Light
The presence of the great Olivia Colman, fresh from Oscar success, is always an enticing draw. Empire of Light captures the imagination of drama lovers. Written and directed by Sam Mendes, known for renowned films, it is set in the fast-changing Britain of the early 1980s. The film centers on the unique relationship between Hilary (Colman), a cinema manager in a fading seaside town, and new employee Stephen (Micheal Ward).
Setting the Scene in Margate
For Hilary and Stephen, a sense of freedom and opportunity just out of reach is highlighted by the contrast of rundown buildings paired with the beauty of the coast. Mendes chose Margate, a Victorian-era resort town, revitalized by the Turner Contemporary museum and new hotels and bars. However, during the timeframe of the film, it appears to be in decline. Mendes mentioned, “I was drawn to this particular place because it offered so much opportunity in the scale of the visual landscape.”
Dreamland Margate
The Empire Cinema, where Hilary and Stephen work, is situated within the Dreamland complex on Marine Terrace, located on the town’s seafront. Established as an amusement park in 1880 and named Dreamland in 1920, it became famous for its scenic rollercoaster. Following a period of disrepair, it underwent refurbishment in 2017.
As a classic British seaside park, Dreamland has enjoyed various appearances on screen. Production designer Mark Tildesley highlighted its extraordinary Art Deco glory, explaining how the site served as an analogy for the lead characters’ weathered and broken lives. The production team worked diligently to transform Dreamland into an authentic 1980s cinema.
The Seafront of Margate
Aside from Dreamland, the Margate seafront formed a significant backdrop for much of the film. The main sands and Nayland Rock Shelter on the Promenade showcase the place where TS Eliot penned parts of The Waste Land. Local cafes overlooking the beach were featured prominently.
Along the seafront, shops and stalls were updated to align with the period, complemented by time-specific billboards and posters. Additionally, stunning lights adorned the Promenade to illuminate the night scenes.
Discovering the Old Town
Behind The Parade and the seafront, Margate’s historic neighborhood played an essential role in the film. The Mayor’s Parlour transformed into a doctor’s office, while local cafes and restaurants were used to bring authenticity to the setting.
Cliftonville and Beyond
The neighborhood of Cliftonville, east of the town, served as the backdrop for Hilary’s flat. Ethelbert Terrace and Cliff Terrace, along with the Winter Gardens, are prominently featured. Conversely, Stephen’s flat is located in Arlington House, a Brutalist apartment block.
Filming in Broadstairs
For a day out with the cinema staff, the film shifted to the nearby resort town of Broadstairs. Lillyputt Mini Golf and the promenade of Victoria Gardens enriched the filming experience.
Utilizing Manston Airport
The production utilized the disused airfield at Manston to construct further sets, including the interior of Hilary’s and Stephen’s flats, and the cinema projection room, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.
Additional Locations
Beyond Margate, filming occurred at the Pavilion Theatre and Pier Pavilion in Worthing. Notably, Olivia Colman also filmed here in 2022 for another British film.
For beach scenes shared between Hilary and Stephen, the stunning Camber Sands served as a picturesque setting. Additionally, the East Kent Railway provided the backdrop for train scenes, ensuring historical accuracy.
Empire of Light is in cinemas now.
