06/03/2014 - Period drama first commercial film allowed to shoot on hallowed premises

In April, the Palace of Westminster, the seat of British parliament, will throw open its doors to Suffragette, being directed by Sarah Gavron (Brick Lane [+see also:
trailer
film profile]). With assistance and support from Film London, the Palace decided to allow commercial filming on when the House of Commons is not sitting. Suffragette [+see also:
film review
trailer
making of
film profile] is the first commercial filming proposal to be taken forward in this hallowed location, and will serve as a pilot for any future proposals.

Written by Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady [+see also:
film review
trailer
making of
film profile]), Suffragette is a period drama on the history of the campaign for enfranchisement of women in Britain that stars Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Ben Whishaw, Romola Garai and Brendan Gleeson. The UK’s Ruby Films is producing alongside Film4 and Pathé, with support from the BFI Film Fund.

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said, “This unique location promises to attract more production to the capital, and by working with the industry and our partners, we will help ensure it can get the most out of filming, while protecting the integrity of this very special building.”

Gavron said, “Our film is inspired by the true stories of the foot soldiers of the suffragette movement, women who were willing to sacrifice everything in their fight for the right to vote. We are honoured to be allowed to recreate a crucial moment in that long journey towards equality by filming where the suffragettes actually brought their protest over 100 years ago.”

Shooting is already underway at UK locations for the film that is due a 2015 release.