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Film crews to descend on Margate to shoot BBC’s The Dream Lands

16:57, 29 May 2024

updated: 17:02, 29 May 2024

Film crews will descend on Kent to shoot a hotly anticipated dystopian television drama based on an acclaimed book.

The Dream Lands will be shot in Margate between August and December this year.

The new series, called The Dream Lands, will be filmed in Margate
The new series, called The Dream Lands, will be filmed in Margate

It is based on Ramsgate author Rosa Rankin-Gee’s novel Dreamland, which is set in the coastal resort where temperatures are soaring, seas are rising, and the political climate is equally as menacing in 2039.

The BBC show will follow the story of Chance, a young woman who discovers life and love, while being forced to fight for her family’s survival in a world crumbling around her.

Locals are encouraged to sign up for roles in the series.

Casting director Rachel Sheridan, who cast the hit Netflix series One Day, is leading the effort along with Ri McDaid-Wren.

Ms Sheridan told KentOnline: “It's set in Margate and it's all about community.

A new BBC series will be filmed in Margate later this year
A new BBC series will be filmed in Margate later this year

“We wanted to make sure that during casting we give people local to Margate and the surrounding areas the opportunity to potentially be a part of the show, specifically focusing in on young people.”

Landmarks such as Dreamland will likely feature in the show, but will look “a little different”.

She explained: “This town in 2039 has been sort of forgotten about.

“It's not the thriving place that we see today.

“I don't think Dreamland is up and running anymore, let's just put it that way.”

The casting directors are looking for anyone aged 17-23 and prior experience is not necessary.

Those interested are asked to come to All Saints Church in Margate on June 8 anytime between 12 and 5pm.

The Dream Lands will be directed by Lucy Forbes, who worked on Adam Kay’s This is Going to Hurt.

It is written by Kayleigh Llewellyn, who said: “Telling stories I care about alongside a team of women I admire is the very reason I do this job, so working on The Dream Lands has been a gift.

“It’s an honour to be adapting Rosa Rankin-Gee’s beautiful, searing words for the screen.”

Margate has been a popular spot for filming in recent years.

The EastEnders cast filmed multiple episodes in the town last year.

Sam Mendes’ Empire of Light starring Olivia Colman turned Dreamland into a cinema and took over the coast in 2022.

Anyone interested in a role should email admin@rachelsheridancasting.com for more information.

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