The gritty 1970s British crime drama, The Professionals, is as well-known for its fast-paced action as it is for its realistic and often stark portrayal of London and its surrounding areas. This article dives into the fascinating question, “where was The Professionals TV series filmed?”, taking you on a journey through the locations that became synonymous with the show’s intense atmosphere. We’ll not just identify the main spots, but also explore how these settings contributed to the show’s overall impact.
Iconic London Locations: The Heart of CI5 Operations
Many of the exterior shots for The Professionals were filmed in and around London. The city itself became a character in the show, reflecting the urban landscape where CI5 operated.
The Concrete Jungle and Industrial Backdrops
- Central London: The urban jungle provided many locations for the CI5 headquarters, and shootouts. You might recognize iconic landmarks interspersed with less glamorous backdrops.
- Docklands: The old, abandoned docklands of East London offered the perfect setting for clandestine meetings and action sequences, with warehouses and industrial sites setting a raw and dangerous tone.
- Run-Down Areas: The production team did not shy away from filming in the grittier parts of the city, giving the show a sense of realism.
Specific Locations
- Thames Path: The river and its embankments feature prominently in the series, used in pursuits, undercover operations, and sometimes just for establishing shots.
- South Bank: The South Bank area, at the time an emerging cultural and commercial hub, also makes several appearances. This was often a contrast to the more derelict areas and provided a great urban backdrop for the more modern feel the show was looking for.
“The use of London’s real environments was instrumental in establishing the show’s credibility,” says film location expert, Thomas Blackwood. “It wasn’t about Hollywood glamour; it was about showcasing a real Britain with all its problems and challenges.”
Beyond London: Expanding the Scope of The Professionals
While London served as the primary backdrop, The Professionals also ventured beyond the city to add further depth and variety to the visual landscape.
Countryside Escapes and Safe Houses
- Home Counties: Several episodes were filmed in the leafy suburbs surrounding London, providing a stark contrast to the inner-city areas. Country estates and quiet village lanes were often used as safe houses or hideouts.
- Remote Areas: Occasionally, the action would move to more remote areas, such as farms and coastal locations, giving the show a chance to explore a different side of Britain.
The Role of Location in Storytelling
The locations weren’t just backdrops; they actively influenced the narratives. Here’s how:
- Mood and Atmosphere: The contrast between gritty urban and peaceful rural settings added to the show’s dramatic effect and provided varied settings for plot developments.
- Realism and Authenticity: Using actual locations made the show feel more authentic and grounded in reality, contributing to its success with audiences.
- Visual Variety: The change in locations prevented the show from becoming visually monotonous, keeping audiences engaged with varied settings.
To further understand the visual styles, compare it to where is the great british bake off professionals filmed. While both are British productions, they utilize locations to suit their very different themes and settings.
How Filming Locations Contributed to The Professionals‘ Gritty Style
The filming locations were crucial in developing the signature gritty aesthetic of The Professionals.
Embracing the Real
- No Artificial Sets: Unlike many shows of the era, The Professionals made minimal use of sets, preferring the real grit and grime of existing environments.
- Utilizing Available Light: The cinematography often embraced available light, adding to the show’s documentary feel.
- The 1970s Aesthetic: The locations themselves captured the 1970s era perfectly, with brutalist architecture and industrial decay becoming a familiar background.
Creating a Sense of Danger
- Unpredictable Environments: The use of real locations introduced a sense of unpredictability and danger, making every situation feel more real.
- Natural Obstacles: The practical challenges of filming in real-world environments, from tight alleyways to busy streets, added to the overall gritty feel.
The show’s commitment to authentic settings is similar to that of some real-action films. For example, you can see the approach taken with action professional acting for film and television, where real environments and practical effects add to the believability of the action.
Behind the Scenes: Location Scouting and Filming Logistics
Filming on location isn’t without its challenges, especially in a bustling city like London.
The Challenges of Filming
- Securing Permits: Obtaining the necessary permits for filming in public areas was a major hurdle for the production team.
- Managing Crowds: Filming in busy areas meant managing and controlling crowds while also keeping the real locations authentic.
- Logistical Challenges: Transporting equipment to diverse locations and coordinating filming schedules across multiple sites created logistical challenges.
The Impact of Location Scouting
- Detailed Research: The location team had to do extensive research to find the right places that would capture the atmosphere required by the scripts.
- Adaptability: The film crew had to be flexible and adaptable, often having to make last-minute changes due to weather or unexpected issues on-site.
“Location scouting was an art form back then,” notes location manager Sarah Greene. “We didn’t have the tools of today; we had to rely on our intuition, detailed research, and the ability to adapt on the fly.”
The Professionals Filming Locations: A Legacy
The specific locations used in The Professionals have, in many cases, changed dramatically, but their legacy as a significant part of the show’s identity remains. Here is a comparison of some of the locations and how they were used in the series.
| Location | Use in The Professionals | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| London Docklands | Undercover meetings, chases, industrial backdrops | Redeveloped, now commercial and residential areas |
| Thames Path | Foot chases, establish shots | Largely unchanged but more modern, now pedestrian paths |
| Suburban Home Counties | Safehouses, hideouts | Largely residential, but properties have changed significantly |
| Central London | Headquarter exteriors, pursuits, shootouts | More modern with newer buildings, landmarks still recognisable |
| Remote Farm Locations | Isolated action scenes, countryside pursuit | Varied, some still as farmland, some redeveloped |
You can contrast the approach taken here with bake off professionals filming location for an example of location use in a completely different genre of TV show.
Conclusion: The Importance of Location
The Professionals’ use of real, often gritty locations was not just a stylistic choice but an essential element of its storytelling. The locations became as much a part of the show’s identity as its lead characters. These iconic backdrops helped create the show’s signature atmosphere of intensity, danger, and authenticity. Whether it was the back alleys of London, or quiet lanes in the countryside, the show embraced its surroundings. The legacy of The Professionals and its distinct filming locations continues to entertain and influence viewers. By using the actual locations, the show was able to capture and depict the grittiness of the era.
FAQ
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Was The Professionals filmed entirely in London?
No, while London was the primary filming location, the series also ventured into the surrounding Home Counties and occasionally more remote locations. -
Did the show use any studio sets?
The show primarily filmed on location, minimizing the use of studio sets to maintain realism. -
How did the locations influence the show’s atmosphere?
The contrasting use of gritty urban areas and peaceful rural settings added to the show’s dramatic effect and sense of danger. -
Are the filming locations from The Professionals still recognizable today?
Some locations have changed significantly due to development, while others remain relatively similar to their appearance in the show. -
What were some of the biggest challenges of filming on location?
Challenges included securing filming permits, managing crowds, and dealing with logistical issues. -
Why did the producers choose real locations instead of sets?
Using real locations made the show feel more authentic, grounded in reality, and gritty, contributing to its overall style. -
Do locations still play a big role in TV Shows
Yes! Locations are still very important for any TV show, to make it appear real and engage with viewers, without them the show would not be as interesting.
Technology and Filming
The evolution of film and television has been deeply intertwined with technological advancements. From the early days of bulky film cameras to the advent of digital cinematography, technology has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in visual storytelling. Flycam Review keeps pace with these advancements, reviewing not only the latest cameras and drones for professional filmmakers but also the software and technology that enhance modern filmmaking, emphasizing how digital tools enhance real locations. The use of AI and the advancements in smart phone cameras also has allowed for more convenient and cheaper methods of professional film making.
