Dukes Bath: A Film Impact Case Study

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The Film Office caught up with hotel owner, Carole Cameron, to find out more about her experience of working with the Bridgerton crew.
Dukes Hotel exterior during filming, Jamie Bellinger
Bridgerton films outside Dukes Hotel, © Jamie Bellinger

What was your initial reaction when the production asked if they could use your hotel?

The interesting thing is we didn’t get a question like that out of the blue; it was all very gradual.  The hotel is located on the corner of Great Pulteney Street and Edward Street, which is the street they wanted to film on, so initial contact was just to let us know they were planning to film there. They then started using the hotel to warm up while they were doing recces and consultations; because this was all taking place November/December time and the weather was pretty cold.  As things progressed, they started booking rooms to stay in the hotel as their work was keeping them over night and soon the location team needed somewhere to use as an office, so we were able to offer them a room to use for that too. When it came to the filming, they needed somewhere for the supporting artists on the day, as well as a key actor, so the hotel became their base for all that as well.  It all kind of snowballed – in a good way - off the back of us being open to working with them.

 

Could you describe the atmosphere in the hotel while the filming was going on?

People usually stay with us for 1 or 2 nights, but the location team had become like regulars by the time of filming, and we also had additional crew join them for the week before the shoot. Having people stay for longer periods of time feels very different.  We still treat everyone like guests, but we got to know all the team by name, so it was almost like having friends to visit. 

It was a thrill for our team to see everything unfold: particularly watching the transformation of the street. And the confidential nature of what was happening – how the filming had a code name et cetera - made it even more exciting! 

Our hotel hours were a little different on the filming days because the 45 supporting artists arrived around 6.30 am, so we had to be ready.  Many of crew also worked until late into the evening, so we kept the bar open a bit later than usual so they could have a well-earned drink.

In summary, filming days were long, busy, and exciting!

Bridgerton Films outside Dukes Hotel, © Jamie Bellinger
Bridgerton Films outside Dukes Hotel, © Jamie Bellinger
Bridgerton supporting artist, © Jamie Bellinger
Bridgerton supporting artist, © Jamie Bellinger
Behind the scenes preparation for filming, © Jamie Bellinger
Behind the scenes preparation for filming, © Jamie Bellinger
Bridgerton Films outside Dukes Hotel, © Jamie Bellinger
Bridgerton Films outside Dukes Hotel, © Jamie Bellinger

Have you learnt anything interesting about drama filming that you didn’t know before?

The attention to detail was an eye opener.  It took 2 days to dress the street just how they wanted it.

You hear about how long things take in filming, but I don’t think I’d appreciated how long the days can be for supporting artists. I think they got to the unit base up at the racecourse for around 4.30am to change into costume and be made-up. After that they were moved to the hotel for about 6.30am. It was bitterly cold on the film days, so they would go out to the set with blankets draped over their beautiful costumes, then the blankets were taken off and they’d have to pretend it was a warm sunny day. Then they’d come in to warm up before being taken out to do it all again.

I also learnt a lot more about the work and professionalism of the location team. They put protection down on the carpets in the hotel to prevent damage, brought in their own cleaners to clean the high traffic areas being used by the crew and supporting artists and installed security personnel on the front door - they seemed to think of everything.  And then when the filming was done, they organised for the whole street to be stripped back to its original state in 2 hours.  Amazing!

 

What do you think the benefits are for local businesses that engage with drama filming?

The first thing I’d say to other businesses, based on our experience is don’t be nervous about engaging with drama filming.  The crew were so organized and professional. It was a good, positive experience for us. 

Bath is a unique World Heritage Site, but I don’t think we can just sit back and think that is enough.  We need to show we are open for business and open to all kinds of business if the city is going to thrive.

We have guests who come back to Dukes time and time again because there is lots to do in Bath. I think we all need to do our bit to keep the city vibrant and relevant. Encouraging filming and film tourism is an important part of that.

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