Historic parks and gardens play a frequent – and frequently tantalizing – role in films and on TV. Where is the 18th century landscape that forms the background to scenes in Bridgerton? Which English country estate serves as Paris for both James Bond and Sherlock Holmes? Is that really a world heritage site being flooded for a scene in The Secret Garden?

Join The Gardens Trust on Wednesdays in May for behind-the-scenes at some of the locations used in costume dramas, children’s adventures, murder mysteries and much else. We’ll hear from a location manager on choosing the right gardens for shoots and from a garden historian on films in her own county, as well as the experience of three major players who regularly manage film crews in their historic landscapes – the National Trust, the Royal Parks and English Heritage. This ticket costs £35 for the full series of five talks or you may purchase a ticket for individual talks, costing £8. To sign up, visit Eventbrite UK HERE. Ticket holders can join each session live and/or view a recording for up to 2 weeks afterwards. Attendees will be sent a Zoom link 2 days (and again a few hours) prior to the start of the first talk.

The first talk on Wednesday May 7 is Gardens on Film, From Script to Screen. In this talk, Jenni Lewis will take you on a journey through the entire filming process, from script to screen, revealing how the perfect locations are discovered, chosen, and brought to life on set. She’ll share insider insights into managing complex shoots in outdoor and historic spaces, offering a glimpse into the meticulous planning and problem-solving behind the scenes. With a focus on the mutual benefits between filming and the locations themselves, this session will showcase the hidden magic that turns real-world places into unforgettable cinematic backdrops. Prepare for a deep dive into the world of location scouting and management—where creativity meets logistics in some of the most beautiful places.

Jenni Lewis is a seasoned Location Manager whose 18 years in the UK film industry have shaped the landscapes of iconic productions like Bridgerton, Matilda: The Musical, Belfast, Downton Abbey, The Secret Garden, Red Joan, and Howards End. Specializing in large-scale shoots in gardens and public spaces, Jenni brings a wealth of experience in navigating both the logistical and creative challenges of location management.