New ITV drama The Level has been filming in Brighton this month at locations across the city.
The six-part drama, billed as a “tense new thriller” starring Philip Glenister, Laura Haddock, Noel Clarke and Karla Crome, is written by Brighton writer Gaby Chiappe and Alex Perrin, and is likely to be screened in a primetime slot this autumn.
Crews have been spotted on the seafront, London Road, in Hanover and last night a lighting rig lit up the skies above the Level itself to film a dramatic but top secret stunt which is integral to the plot.
Beth Aynsley, assistant script editor at Bafta award-winning indie Hillbilly Films, which is producing the series, said: “It’s set in Brighton and The Level is the backdrop – is’t something that’s there if you know it and look for it.
“We have been filming all over the city. We have been in a couple of nice houses and some picturesque areas.
“The Level is written by a woman and man writing team, and the woman grew up in Brighton – it’s her background.
“The story is about the past catching up with you and so Brighton and The Level resonated with our writer. There’s also a sense of something both old and new about Brighton.”
Filming in not so sunny Brighton today. pic.twitter.com/j8ZOU8kXaf
— Hillbilly Films & TV (@Hillbillyfilms) April 15, 2016
The crew’s first two week stint ends today, and it is due to return for another fortnight later in spring or summer.
The plot centres around Detective Sergeant Nancy Devlin (Karla Crome), who has a secret double life. Her exemplary police career masks a covert attachment to shady businessman and drugs trafficker, Frank Le Saux (Philip Glenister).
Inextricably linked to Frank from childhood as the father of her best friend, Hayley (Laura Haddock) and the father figure she herself craved.
Nancy has been playing a dangerous game to ensure that Frank always remains off the police radar.
Nancy soon finds herself at the centre of an investigation which puts her at risk of exposure and sees her stalked by a killer intent on destroying her. Nancy’s complicated love life and relationships with colleagues creates further tension as she doesn’t know who she can trust..literally with her life.
Further cast includes Suzanne Packer (Casualty), Lorne MacFadyen (Grantchester), Jane Hazlegrove (Holby City), Ashley Kumar (EastEnders), Kelly Harrison (Happy Valley) and Rupert Procter (Peaky Blinders).
Written by Gaby Chiappe (Shetland, Vera, Lark Rise to Candleford) and Alex Perrin (Leonardo, Shetland), the series will be executive produced by Hillbilly Television joint Managing Directors, Polly Leys (Second Coming, Random, Holy Flying Circus, The Full Monty) and Kate Norrish (Second Coming, Random, Holy Flying Circus). Jane Dauncey (The Trial of Jimmy Rose, Law & Order: UK, Stella) will produce the series and Andy Goddard (Dracula, Downton Abbey, Law & Order: UK) is lead director.
CANT WAIT !