A Filmmaker’s Guide to Brighton

Brighton has long been a creative hub, known for its eclectic culture, artistic community, and thriving media scene. Boasting a unique blend of seaside charm and bustling city vibes, filmmakers in Brighton are surrounded by a wealth of inspiration – both from the city itself and the people you’ll meet – and a diverse choice of filming locations.

Whether you are drawn to the iconic landmarks, progressive and welcoming atmosphere, or the beauty of the sweeping South Downs, Brighton’s vibrant creative energy make it a prime location for filmmakers of all kinds. As a home to a growing media and production industry, Brighton is a city that nurtures creativity and innovation. In short, it’s an ideal city in which to begin your career in the industry.

Film History and Industry Influence

Back in the in the late Victorian and early Edwardian era, Brighton was busy working on what would come to be the ‘language’ of cinema. One of these early pioneers was George Albert Smith, who was a member of what film historian Georges Sadoul dubbed the ‘Brighton School’. His 1900 film, The House that Jack Built was among the first to introduce ‘special effects’ by reversing the direction of the film in the camera.

Brighton-based filmmakers are responsible for a series of cinematic ‘firsts’: the first screen kiss, the first post-production edit, and – purportedly – even the first ‘blue movie’ (Woman Undressing – 1897). Brighton’s relatively good weather and naturally good lighting, combined with the contrast between the rolling hills of the Downs and the city itself, make the city a perfect ‘natural set’.

Throughout the twentieth century, Brighton has featured as the setting for a diverse array of films, from 1948’s Brighton Rock (and the 2010 remake) to Richard Attenborough’s 1969 anti-war satire, Oh What a Lovely War, and, of course, Quadrophenia (1979).

Brighton has continued to be a popular filming location into the 21st century. One standout is Ben Wheatley and Robin Hill’s Down Terrace (2009), which was shot in Hill’s childhood home on the titular street. The BFI describes the film complimentarily as “The Godfather performed in the style of Eastenders”.

Along with its illustrious filmography, Brighton has appeared as the setting of countless television shows, music videos, adverts, and more.

Brighton’s key filming locations

Where to begin? There are so many filming hotspots in the city that we can’t name them all here. So, let’s stick to the big ones…

The ruins of the West Pier have become an increasingly popular shooting spot following the fires that ripped through the historic landmark in 2003. Most recently, it was spotted briefly in 2022’s Everything, Everywhere, All at Once in the final ‘multiversal’ fight montage.

The Brighton Pavilion is always on screen. In early 2024, filming for the second season of Netflix series, The Sandman, took place at the Pavilion. But it has also appeared in everything from both the 1948 original and 2010 remake of Brighton Rock to 2017’s The Current War – and much more besides. IMDb has a filtered list of films that the Brighton Pavilion has appeared in.

The seafront promenade, the Lanes, the North Laine, The Grand Hotel, The Palace Pier, and the beach itself are all regulars on the big and small screen. For many filmmakers, though, there’s more to the city than the popular tourist haunts. In Brighton, there’s a perfect shot around every corner.

Local film festivals and events

There are countless film festivals in Brighton throughout the year, at which many of our students at MetFilm School Brighton have won awards or been shortlisted. Here are just a few of our regular favourites:

CINECITY: Described by The Guardian as ‘eclectic and imaginative’, CINECITY brings the best of world cinema to Brighton. As well as the big November event, there’s also a year-round programme of special events, including during the annual Brighton Festival each May.

Brighton Rocks International Film Festival: As Brighton’s main forum for independent cinema, Brighton Rocks is a platform for original voices beyond the mainstream. The annual festival takes place over six days in the month of June at several of the city’s most-loved cinemas and arts clubs.

Oska Bright Film Festival: The world’s leading festival for films produced by and featuring people with learning disabilities and autism. Working internationally with industry partners and funded by the BFI, Oska Bright is a BAFTA-qualifying festival with accessible screening and skill development opportunities for aspiring filmmakers.

Filmpride: Brighton & Hove Pride’s queer film festival features the best in contemporary indie queer film from the city during Pride Festival weekend in early August each year.

Brighton International Animation Festival: If animation is more your cup of tea, then the International Animation Festival is for you! Taking place over three days every April, this not-for-profit festival is run by animators and open to all.

Brighton’s filmmaking community

At MetFilm School, we are proud to be the most established, industry-focused and technologically-equipped film school in the city. With a thriving and friendly community of fellow filmmakers, as well as close ties with acting and music students at Performers College and BIMM Music Institute, you get to build your network right from day one. Plus, with regular big-name guests hosting masterclasses, campus patrons and industry partners, you’ll quickly gain connections that prove invaluable once you graduate and move into the industry.

Discover more about MetFilm School Brighton

The filmmaking community in Brighton itself is valuable for aspiring creators. Our students recommend joining the Brighton Filmmakers Facebook group, where filmmakers, actors, writers, producers, and film crew can find one another for projects, discuss their work, and make connections in the local scene.

Also, check out The Space, which runs regular arts, culture and media events in Brighton. The events often welcome industry guests, such as director Nicolas Roeg (Don’t Look Now), producer Robert Watts (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom), and cinematographer Brian Tufano (Trainspotting).

The city is also home to many pop-up cinemas and regular screening events. Check out White Wall Cinema, which hosts pop-up screenings at various venues across the city. The historic Duke of York’s cinema is the oldest cinema in the UK, and hosts monthly film clubs where cinephiles and filmmakers come together under a mutual love of cinema.

Aaaand…cut!

Simply put, Brighton is a brilliant city in which to become a filmmaker. Whether you’re an up-and-coming screenwriter or cinematographer, a hair and makeup artist, production designer, actor, sound designer, editor, or any other aspiring creative industry professional, there is little doubt that Brighton is bursting with inspiration and community spirit. With beautiful surroundings, a deeply artistic atmosphere, a wealth of networking and job opportunities – and London just a short train ride away – it’s no surprise that Brighton is known as a filmmaker’s paradise.