They’re filming a TV costume drama in York today (but not everyone’s happy)
Another beautiful corner of York is to star in a screen drama.
Filmmakers are moving into York Mansion House for two days’ filming.
The project is being kept under wraps, but YorkMix understands it may be an ITV drama.
Early this morning technicians were moving cameras, lighting rigs and other equipment into the 18th century home of the Lord Mayor of York.
It’s the latest starring role for the city which has become a regular haunt of filmmakers in recent years.
In March 2020, scenes for a gangster movie were shot on Micklegate. The month before a series called The Duke Of York Mysteries was being filmed outside the art gallery.
And in February this year, more scenes for the hit BBC drama Gentleman Jack were shot close to the Minster.
Buskers request
The Mansion House has appealed for buskers to keep it down during the filming.
One member of the team, speaking on behalf of the TV production crew, asked street performers if they could avoid St Helen’s Square between 7am and 7pm today and tomorrow.
“As a historic building, we sadly only have single pane glass, and even buskers singing quietly can be heard throughout most of the building,” he said on Facebook.
“We appreciate that it is a key busking pitch, but it will only be for these two days.”
But street performers pointed out that this was how they earn their money.
One said: “Whilst I understand your predicament, it’s not up to local artists to subsidise your film by giving up work.
“Did your production team not think there might be noise involved when booking such a busy central location for the shoot?
“It’s pretty insensitive to even ask artists not to work for your convenience, especially given your production obviously has a fair budget. Maybe next time don’t book a noisy venue if noise is an issue.”
Another said: “You’ll have to build in the money to your production costs and pay any busker £50 to play somewhere else.”
The Mansion House representative said he was trying to work with buskers: “We have been struggling to recover from the pandemic as well, and being used as a location for this show is a huge break for us.”