Skins and Poldark actor films in Ashford
Posted on 14 January 2025Local film and TV actor Alexander Arnold returns home to film directorial debut in Ashford as part of the Screen Ashford programme
Film & TV star Alexander Arnold chose to return to north Ashford where he grew up for his directorial debut film ‘11+’ as part of Screen Ashford.
Arnold chose to shoot key scenes at the Bybrook Nature Reserve in Kennington in north Ashford, as well as scenes on the Skyway (Skybridge) between Eureka Park and Sainsburys, and at the Spearpoint Recreation Ground, Kennington.
Alexander Arnold grew up in Ashford, Kent and had his breakout role at the age of 17 in E4’s BAFTA winning series Skins. Since then, he has appeared in numerous films and TV series. His TV work includes Poldark and Save Me. His film work includes David Brent: Life on The Road, The Beatles themed musical comedy, Yesterday, as well as The Outpost (Millennium). Recently he has been seen in the scuba diving shark thriller The Last Breath.
‘11+’ will mark his first narrative short film as writer-director. It is the story of two eleven-year-olds Louis and Jordan. In the summer of 2002, the two best friends embark on what might be their final adventure together before heading off to different secondary schools.
It was great to see the talented cast and crew in action [at Bybrook Nature Reserve]. Watching them craft the film in real time as a team was a privilege
Cllr Diccon Spain, Ashford Borough Council Councillor for Bockhanger ward in north Ashford and committee member of the Friends of Bybrook Nature Reserve
Arnold is one of four filmmakers from Screen Ashford’s Short Film Competition, an initiative by Ashford Borough Council and regional film agency Screen South, designed to spotlight and showcase local filmmakers. The other three winners filming around Ashford are:
Notification: Norah and Jeremy have recently moved to Ashford. Jeremy doesn’t read the news at all. Norah does, a lot. A heartfelt exploration of when we can’t switch off in an “always-on” digital age. Written by Nadia Nadif, directed by Tamer Akeil, produced by Joyce Veheary and Natasha Markou, co-produced by Evelyn Sharples.
Lost Toys: two lost-toys - Flick and Starr - travel across the streets of Ashford in an intense battle to win their owners affection. Written by Jake Thompson, directed by Morgan O’Callaghan and produced by Tim Arnold.
Esc.: In a world where everyone is glued to a screen, discontented Clive rediscovers a forgotten passion when he finally looks up - but it’s the support from some unlikely friends that brings his dream to life. Written by Christian Azzola and Bex Harvey, directed by Christian Azzola, produced by Syd Heather and Danny Eycott.
The Screen Ashford Short Film Competition has been absolutely instrumental in showcasing the diverse range of creative voices in Ashford and the surrounding community
Jo Nolan, Managing Director at Screen South
The short films will be screened in Spring 2025 at The Ashford Cinema.
On 29 January the cinema will be hosting Screen Ashford’s Short Film Screenings showcasing other short films produced by Kent-based filmmakers. You can find out more here.
