Brighton on Film
Brighton behind the camera
Did you know that Brighton & Hove was the site of some of the earliest activity in the film industry anywhere in the world? During the Edwardian era several of the key pioneers lived and worked here, including William Friese-Greene, Esmé Collings, James Williamson and George Albert Smith.
Apart from being a convenient and familiar seaside site within easy reach of London, Brighton and Hove also had a widespread reputation for its Regency connections and laid back leisurely attitude. Its reputation extended even to Hollywood.
Brighon infront of the camera
As well as its behind the scenes contribution to early film production, Brighton has also made quite a few star turns in front of the camera. And whilst many cities stand in for places such as Moscow or New York, key locations in Brighton, such as the station, Royal Pavilion, Pier or King's Road Arches are usually just too visually familiar to be anywhere else. Just think of some of the beachfront scenes in Quadrophenia or the black and white noir shots in Brighton Rock.
VisitBrighton Movie Map
From the intense realism of Brighton Rock to the wartime emotions of End of the Affair and the latest offering from comedic giant Woody Allen, many films have been set or partly shot in key locations around Brighton & Hove.
Check out our Movie Map to see relive some of Brighton and Hove’s celluloid history old and new.
The Duke of Yorks Picture House
And if you love film, but the multiplexes just aren’t your thing, check out the Duke Of Yorks Picture House for the very best in arthouse, independent, foreign language, cult and classic films.
A real treat for film lovers the Duke Of Yorks cinema is the oldest working cinema in the country. It’s also got a huge pair of can can legs on its roof so you can’t miss it. Oh and they sell cake too!
CINECITY Film Festival
Brighton also has its very own annual film festival, CINE-CITY, which celebrates the moving image every October with an eclectic mix of premieres, previews, classics and home-grown digital adventures. With different themes every year, it's a must for film lovers.
