The Call the Midwife Christmas Special 2019 primarily filmed in external locations across Surrey and West Sussex, meticulously recreating the festive East End atmosphere of the 1960s. These locations, coupled with detailed set designs, transported viewers back to Poplar during the holiday season.
Unveiling the Filming Locations: More Than Just a Backdrop
Call the Midwife is renowned for its historical accuracy and dedication to portraying the realities of life in post-war London. This commitment extends to the selection of filming locations, which play a crucial role in bringing the story to life. The 2019 Christmas Special was no exception, carefully utilizing various sites to evoke the charm and challenges of the period.
While Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent often serves as a stand-in for Poplar’s streets and docks throughout the series, the Christmas specials frequently venture further afield to capture the specific seasonal ambiance.
Primary Locations Used in the Christmas Special
The 2019 Christmas Special heavily featured locations in Surrey and West Sussex. Exact addresses are kept intentionally vague by the production team to avoid overwhelming local communities, but a general overview can be provided.
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West Sussex Countryside: The idyllic scenes of the circus, a major plot point in the episode, were filmed in a rural area of West Sussex. This provided a stark contrast to the urban grit typically associated with Call the Midwife.
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Surrey Villages: Several Surrey villages, known for their period architecture and quiet charm, were utilized for establishing shots and exterior scenes depicting Poplar’s residential streets. The crew meticulously dressed these locations to match the 1960s aesthetic.
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Studio Sets: While outdoor locations are vital, substantial portions of the episode, particularly interior scenes within Nonnatus House and the local hospital, are filmed on meticulously constructed sets at Longcross Studios in Surrey.
The Importance of Location Scouting
The process of selecting filming locations for Call the Midwife is a meticulous one, involving extensive research, location scouting, and careful consideration of historical accuracy. The production team strives to find locations that not only visually resemble the 1960s East End but also offer logistical feasibility. This includes factors such as accessibility for crew and equipment, the availability of parking, and the cooperation of local authorities and residents.
Call the Midwife Christmas Special 2019 FAQs: Deeper Insights
These FAQs address common questions regarding the filming of the Call the Midwife Christmas Special 2019, providing greater context and clarity.
FAQ 1: Was Chatham Historic Dockyard used in the 2019 Christmas Special?
While Chatham Historic Dockyard is a frequent filming location for the series, its role in the 2019 Christmas Special was less prominent compared to previous episodes. The emphasis shifted towards the Surrey and West Sussex locations mentioned above, although some minor scenes may have been filmed there. Its typical function as Poplar’s exterior was minimized in this specific episode.
FAQ 2: Why are the filming locations kept relatively secret?
The production team deliberately avoids disclosing precise filming locations to protect the privacy of local residents and prevent disruption to the community. Overzealous fans can sometimes overwhelm small villages, impacting daily life. This measure is crucial for maintaining positive relationships with the communities where filming occurs.
FAQ 3: How does the production team ensure historical accuracy in the locations?
Achieving historical accuracy involves a combination of meticulous research, set dressing, and careful selection of locations. The production design team consults historical records, photographs, and expert advisors to ensure that the buildings, streets, and interiors accurately reflect the 1960s period. Modern elements are carefully removed or concealed to maintain authenticity.
FAQ 4: What role do studio sets play in filming the Christmas Specials?
Studio sets at Longcross Studios are essential for creating realistic interior spaces, particularly for Nonnatus House and the hospital. These sets allow for greater control over lighting, sound, and set design, enabling the production team to create intimate and detailed scenes that would be difficult or impossible to film on location. The combination of studio and location work is key to the show’s success.
FAQ 5: How long does it take to film a Call the Midwife Christmas Special?
Filming a Call the Midwife Christmas Special typically takes several weeks, often starting months in advance of the holiday season. The complex production schedule involves coordinating multiple locations, actors, and crew members, as well as accounting for potential weather delays. The intensive schedule guarantees a high-quality product.
FAQ 6: Are local residents involved in the filming process?
Yes, local residents often play a role in the filming process, either as extras or by providing support services to the production team. This involvement helps to foster a sense of community and allows the production to integrate more seamlessly into the local environment.
FAQ 7: How does the weather affect filming on location?
The weather can significantly impact filming on location, particularly for outdoor scenes. Rain, snow, and strong winds can cause delays and necessitate adjustments to the filming schedule. The production team must be prepared to adapt to unpredictable weather conditions. Contingency plans are always in place to deal with potential disruptions.
FAQ 8: Does the production team ever use CGI or visual effects to enhance the locations?
While Call the Midwife primarily relies on practical effects and authentic locations, CGI or visual effects may be used sparingly to enhance certain scenes or remove modern elements from the background. However, the emphasis is always on maintaining a realistic and grounded aesthetic.
FAQ 9: How does the filming location choice affect the storyline?
The choice of filming locations can influence the storyline by providing a specific atmosphere and setting the tone for the episode. For example, the rural West Sussex location chosen for the circus scenes in the 2019 Christmas Special helped to create a sense of wonder and escapism, contrasting with the more familiar urban backdrop of Poplar.
FAQ 10: Who is responsible for finding the filming locations for Call the Midwife?
The responsibility for finding filming locations falls primarily on the location manager and their team. They work closely with the director, production designer, and producers to identify and secure suitable locations that meet the specific requirements of the script and the overall aesthetic of the show.
FAQ 11: Are there any guided tours of the filming locations?
While official guided tours of the specific filming locations used in the 2019 Christmas Special are not typically available, general tours of Chatham Historic Dockyard, a frequent filming location for the series, are offered. These tours provide insight into the history of the dockyard and its role in various film and television productions.
FAQ 12: How does the show manage to keep the sets looking authentic for the period?
The authenticity of the sets is meticulously maintained through a combination of detailed research, careful sourcing of props and furniture, and constant attention to detail by the set decoration team. They work closely with historical advisors to ensure that every element of the set is accurate and appropriate for the 1960s setting. The level of dedication is truly remarkable.