Manchester has long been a creative hub, and Space Studios Manchester is a testament to the city's growing reputation in the film and TV industry. From gritty dramas to high-octane blockbusters, this state-of-the-art production facility has attracted some of the biggest names in entertainment. Whether you're a movie buff or just curious about what’s been filmed on your doorstep, here are just some of the fantastic films and TV shows shot at Space Studios Manchester.
1. Peaky Blinders – Stages 1 & 4
The critically acclaimed British crime drama Peaky Blinders has become a cultural phenomenon since it first aired in 2013. While much of the series is set in Birmingham, the production team has made extensive use of Manchester's film facilities, including Space Studios. For the later seasons, key interior scenes and intricate set pieces were shot at Space Studios, allowing for full control over the show's signature moody, atmospheric look. From the gritty underground meeting spots to the lavish interiors of Tommy Shelby’s business empire, the studio played a crucial role in bringing the world of Peaky Blinders to life.
2. The Crown
Netflix’s royal drama The Crown is known for its opulent settings and meticulously crafted period details. The studio provided a controlled environment for preparation and large costume areas for the scenes being shot in the city centre as some of Manchester’s key hotels and streets double for Diana’s famous visit to New York in the 80’s.
3. Nolly – Stage 1
Nolly, the ITV drama that explores the life of beloved British actress Noele Gordon, was bought to life in Space 1 at Space Studios Manchester. Starring Helena Bonham Carter as the iconic character, the series delves into Gordon’s rise to fame and her controversial firing from the iconic soap Crossroads. Space Studios provided the perfect backdrop for recreating the 1960s and 70s TV sets, capturing the behind-the-scenes drama of the entertainment industry during that era.
4. COBRA – Stages 3 & 4
The political thriller COBRA, which follows the British government’s response to national emergencies, also utilised Space Studios Manchester for key interior scenes. The show features high-stakes moments in crisis management, often set in the heart of government buildings. Space Studios provided the ideal controlled environment for replicating the intense, pressure-cooker atmosphere of the COBRA meeting rooms. The studio’s versatility allowed the production to craft convincing replicas of political settings with intricate attention to detail.
5. A Gentleman in Moscow - Stages 6 & 1
The most recent adaptation of Amor Towles’ best-selling novel A Gentleman in Moscow, starring Ewan McGregor. The Netflix period drama is set mostly in the opulent interiors of the luxurious Metropol Hotel during the Soviet era. The controlled environment allowed for the intricate period details to be rolled out effortlessly and helped to capture the intricacies of the Count’s life and confinement throughout the series.
6. Coronation Street - Stage 2
While the majority of Coronation Street is filmed on set at MediaCityUK in Salford and Trafford, some of the more daring scenes are filmed in other locations, including the largest stages at Space Studios. Many of the stunt scenes, including the fireball car crash and the sinkhole story line from 2021, were filmed over three weeks of day and night shoots at the studios and included special weather affects and even a large pool for the sink hole scenes.
7. The Listeners Stages 2 and 3
The sci-fi thriller The Listeners is another exciting project that was shot in Gorton’s very own Space Studios. Set in a near-future world where people can tap into and control the thoughts of others, the show blends psychological drama with futuristic technology. Space Studios provided the perfect backdrop for creating the high-tech labs, government facilities, and interrogation rooms that are central to the show’s storyline.
8. It’s a Sin
It's a Sin, the critically acclaimed drama from Russell T Davies, filmed several key scenes at Space Studios Manchester. Set during the 1980s, the series follows a group of friends as they navigate life during the early days of the AIDS crisis. The studio was used by the production for unit basing as they shot key scenes in the city centre. The studios secure parking and close vicinity to the city make it the ideal spot.
9. Morbius -Stage 1
The Marvel superhero film Morbius, starring Jared Leto as the enigmatic antihero Dr. Michael Morbius, utilised Space Studios Manchester for parts of its production. As a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster, the film required advanced facilities for its elaborate action sequences and special effects. The studio’s cutting-edge soundstages helped bring the dark, atmospheric world of Morbius to life, seamlessly blending high-tech elements with the film's gothic undertones.
10. The A Word – Stage 3 and 4
The heartwarming BBC drama The A Word, which focuses on a family coming to terms with their young son’s autism diagnosis. While much of the series is set against the scenic backdrop of the Lake District, Space Studios was essential for capturing intimate, indoor scenes such as therapy sessions and family interactions.
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