In our latest Location Spotlight, we hear from Tracy Rusbridge of The Jockey Club about all that is on offer for location managers and producers, including a range of modern, flexible interiors that can double for other spacious backdrops such as airports.

Which of your racecourses are available for location shoots?

All of our racecourses are available for location shoots, providing a variety of unique backdrops for filmmakers.

Our London courses, including Sandown Park, Kempton Park, and Epsom Downs, are particularly popular due to their convenient location within the M25 in Surrey. These racecourses have been film-friendly for a number of years.

Can you tell us about some of the productions they have hosted?

Our racecourses have played host to a variety of productions across different media. For instance, films including Love Actually, Eddie the Eagle, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and Bohemian Rhapsody have all had scenes shot at our London locations.

On the television side, popular shows like Outnumbered and Miranda have filmed with us, while major brands such as Sainsbury’s and the National Lottery have chosen our venues for their TV commercials.

The scale of these shoots varied from smaller productions to large-scale films requiring significant modifications to our facilities. For example, our racecourses have been transformed to double as airport terminals and baggage reclaim areas, as well as making use of our industrial-looking kitchens and large toilets that can fit the whole crew!

Can you describe some of the other facilities and backdrops on offer?

Our venues offer more than just breathtaking racecourse views; they provide a wide array of versatile spaces ideal for film and television productions. With features like high ceilings, escalators, staircases, kitchens, and grand entrance foyers, our locations can easily double as various interiors, such as bustling airport terminals, offices, and bars.

We also have large car parks that serve as ideal unit bases, offering plenty of space for trailers, equipment, and crew. Additionally, our large indoor suites can accommodate crowds for scenes requiring extras, as well as provide ample space for makeup, wardrobe, and other production needs.

Do your buildings double for other locations?

Absolutely, our racecourses frequently double as other structures, particularly airports. For instance, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Love Actually both utilised our spaces to recreate airport terminals, check in desks and arrivals/departures.

The large, flexible spaces we offer make it easy for productions to build their own sets or adapt the existing architecture to fit their specific needs.

Can film crews shoot on real race days?

Yes, on occasion, productions request to film on real race days to capture authentic, live-action footage of the racing environment. While we can facilitate such requests, it’s important to note that we rarely permit filming during live races to maintain the integrity and focus of the event.

If a production does wish to film on a race day, significant advance notice is required to coordinate the logistics and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Points of interest

A small racecourse in a suburban town in Surrey was once transformed into the snowy entrance of Milwaukee airport for a certain well known Christmas movie…still a big talking point at the venue!

Whilst that same racecourse was dressed for another airport scene hosting the arrival of Eddie the Eagle on his return from the Olympics!

With many thanks to The Jockey Club’s Tracy Rusbridge, Senior Exhibitions Account Executive – London.

All images supplied by The Jockey Club.