THERE aren't many places in the world where the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have been known to raise hell.

But Thamesmead is one of them thanks to the award-winning E4 TV drama 'Misfits', four series of which have been shot in the area.

Also famous as the setting for Brit flicks 'A Clockwork Orange' and 'Beautiful Thing', the town has been named location of the month by Bermondsey-based film company Film Fixer.

Run by former film producers Andrew Pavord and Karen Everett, the company manages locations across the capital; helping productions to run smoothly.

Mr Pavord said: "Thamesmead is location of the month because it has wonderful views over water and iconic, distinctive architecture.

"Film makers love it.

He added: "Location managers have looked at the estate for a Gucci commercial and another for a Plan B music video.

"We had the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse riding on BMX bikes along Southmere Lake for the current series of 'Misfits'."

The drama following a group of juvenile delinquents in orange jumpsuits handed strange and scary powers by a freak lightening storm has been a big hit.

Series location manager Mark Gladwin wanted a varied and striking location to film and Thamesmead's concrete brutalism and warrens of alleys and walkways were perfect.

He said: "Every corner you turn there's an interesting graphic to work with.

"It offers you something more every time you go."

The 50-year-old has worked in film location for 17 years on series like 'Spooks', 'Murphy's Law' and 'Footballer's Wives'.

He added: "My favourite sequence involved a helicam sweeping across the lake which gave us a really dramatic beginning to a series.

"Using the roofs of the tower blocks to film has been great and we have filmed some really interesting scenes up there."

Series four of 'Misfits' is currently running on E4 and the cast will likely be back to film a fifth instalment in spring or summer next year, joined by local residents as extras.

Other recent projects in Thamesmead include a still photography shoot for aspiring models and a community film project in October run by youngsters from Thamesmead Link.

Shot in Thamesmead

  • 'A Clockwork Orange' (1971) - Stanley Kubrick's disturbing adaptation of Anthony Burgess' novel featured famous scenes in Thamesmead, particularly along Southmere Lake.
  • 'Beautiful Thing' (1996) - coming of age Brit-flick love story about the relationship between teenage boys on a tough housing estate.
  • 'Misfits' (2009-present) - teen smash series following delinquent young superheros from their base in Southmere Community Centre.
  • Commercials and music videos - luxury brand Gucci, rock band Kasabian and singer Plan B have all looked at filming in Thamesmead with Kasabian pulling out of a shoot at the last minute in Larner Road in January.

Film Fixer are keen to help budding film and TV stars, directors, producers and writers get work experience with professional film and TV companies working in Thamesmead.

Contact info@filmfixer.co.uk