Bridget Jones showcases London locations
Helen Fielding’s seminal character Bridget Jones has long been associated with Southwark, where some of the first two films were shot, but Bridget Jones’s Baby reveals some backdrops in other parts of London too.
As fans of the films will know, Bridget’s flat above the Globe Tavern in Borough Market has played almost as important a role in the films as the diarist herself. Bridget Jones’s Baby, which co-stars Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey, also took in locations in north London.
FilmFixer manages the film offices for Southwark as well as Camden and Islington. The company’s Andrew Pavord, who has worked with Bridget Jones in Southwark from the start, described the continuity of the location as Bridget’s home:
“It’s not a Bridget Jones film without Renee Zellweger tucked up in Southwark. And she’s always very welcome. I think to locals, Bridget is considered one of them – very much a part of the neighbourhood.
“As local as the character feels though, there is no getting away from the fact that this is a very big production. I’m always proud that Southwark is able to accommodate as many as 200 cast and crew with very minimal disruption.”
Specific Southwark locations used include Stoney Street, with the iconic Shard in the background, and Borough Market. Nearby Park Street and Southwark Bridge also feature, as does the interior of the Blue Fin building.
The arrival of Bridget’s baby opens out the film into Camden, as both potential fathers carry her to University College Hospital. There are also high-jinks played out at St Pancras International station.
Some location work also took place in Highbury Terrace, Islington, with various interiors shot at Highbury Place and a further segment at Highbury Fields.
Other London locations used include Greenwich and Woolwich. The ten-week shoot began in early October last year; the film opens on 16 September.
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