Brassic has become a popular hit, with its unique blend of comedy and drama resonating with audiences. Set in the fictional town of Hawley, the series, while inspired by Joe Gilgun’s upbringing in Chorley, was filmed across the northwest of England. Location manager Jonathan Davies, who joined the team in 2018, sheds light on the various filming spots that brought the world of Brassic to life.
The world of Brassic was designed to feel authentic, and this required selecting filming locations that matched the show’s gritty, down-to-earth vibe. According to Jonathan, the process was a highly collaborative effort between the director, the crew, and Joe Gilgun. They wanted to create a visual landscape that complemented the series’ narrative. The goal was to transport viewers to a world that felt lived-in and believable.
Brassic (Image via Getty)
Vinnie’s Shack in the Woods
One of the most memorable locations in Brassic is Vinnie’s shack, which serves as his home. Vinnie, portrayed by Joe Gilgun, is a character who prefers solitude, living alone in a makeshift shack tucked away in the woods. This location was filmed in the woodlands above Bolton, a spot that fascinated the director. Despite the logistical challenges of getting equipment and crew into the remote location, the site was too perfect to pass up.
The site had a horseshoe-shaped collection of trees, an established woodland area, and a stream running through it. A clearing provided a view of distant buildings, subtly hinting at a nearby town, reinforcing the idea that Vinnie keeps his distance from society.
Bacup as Hawley Town Centre
Though Brassic is set in the fictional town of Hawley, the real filming took place in Bacup, a small town located near West Yorkshire. While Joe Gilgun drew inspiration from his hometown of Chorley, Bacup provided the perfect backdrop due to its architecture and industrial history.
The town had once been prosperous, but like many former mill towns, much of the industry had disappeared, leaving behind a unique atmosphere of forgotten people and places. The mix of Victorian buildings and the remnants of Art Deco styles gave Bacup an interesting, layered look. This combination of architectural periods helped bring the fictional town of Hawley to life.
The Car Chase Through the Countryside
The opening sequence of Brassic features an exhilarating car chase through winding country roads. For this scene, the production team ventured into West Yorkshire. Jonathan, who was familiar with the area, was able to secure road closures with Calderdale Council, allowing the crew to film the chase uninterrupted.
Filming in this rural area, which was still part of the Pennines, allowed the team to capture the rugged, northern. The crew closed two intersecting country roads to film the sequence over the course of two days. Drones and other camera techniques were used to capture the high-speed chase through fields, contributing to the scene’s intensity.
Creating Ash’s Caravan Site
One of Vinnie’s friends, Ash, is from the traveler community, which required the creation of a temporary caravan site for the show. Jonathan found a location close to the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, which was a blank canvas for the production. This unused piece of land, with a striking backdrop of an old gasometer, was transformed into a bustling caravan site.
The production team had to reschedule filming due to an event at the nearby stadium. Manchester City’s matches often drew large crowds, and the crew needed to work around the timing of the game to avoid disruptions. Despite this, the location was perfect for Ash’s character, and the team managed to create a believable environment.
The Local Pub: The Star and Garter
The local pub in Brassic , a central hangout spot for the characters, was filmed at The Star and Garter, a historic pub located next to Piccadilly Station. The pub’s unique, old-school atmosphere made it the perfect location to represent the show’s gritty, working-class setting.
The Star and Garter (Image via Getty)
Jonathan explains that this location was one of the first to be chosen. Unlike many modern pubs that have been heavily refurbished, The Star and Garter retained much of its original character, which made it stand out. The pub also offered the advantage of being more of an evening destination, which worked well for the show’s filming schedule.
The Farm and Barn: A Key Location in the Series
In the first episode of Brassic , the characters leave their car at a farm, which becomes an important recurring location throughout the series. The farm is located on a hill separating Bacup from Burnley and is surrounded by wind farms. The steep hillside presented some challenges for the crew, as getting the equipment and crew members up to the location was a considerable effort.
Despite the challenges, the breathtaking views and ruggedness made it an ideal setting for key scenes, including the bare-knuckle boxing fights later in the series. The farm’s remoteness and isolation fit the tone of the show, and although it often rained during filming, the location added a raw authenticity to the scenes.
Erin’s House: A Hidden Gem in Ashton-Under-Lyne
Erin’s house, the home of Michelle Keegan’s character, was filmed in an area just outside Ashton-Under-Lyne, heading towards Heartshead Pike. Jonathan notes that this location was perfect because of its unique combination of urban and rural elements. While Ashton-Under-Lyne is a town, the house was situated in a way that, within a few minutes’ walk, the surrounding countryside could be reached.
The crew selected a housing estate with varied topography that made it visually interesting, as the roads leading to the house gave the impression of being situated above the town. Once the location was chosen, the team worked to find a willing homeowner, a process that involved writing polite letters and shortlisting potential properties.
The Surgery: A Surprising Location
Vinnie’s visits to the doctor, played by Dominic West, were filmed in a surprising location: a second-floor room at the Frederick Road Campus at Salford University. The campus provided the perfect setting, particularly since filming took place during the university’s term break, ensuring fewer disruptions.
The Star and Garter (Image via Getty)
The university’s quiet atmosphere and the availability of the location fit well with the tone of the scenes. Coordinating Dominic West’s availability with the filming schedule was another challenge, but the location ultimately worked perfectly for the character’s medical visits.
The Sewers: Filming in a Studio
In one memorable scene, Vinnie and his friends venture into the sewers to attempt a heist. This sequence was filmed in a studio at The Sharp Project in Newton Heath, Manchester. Although much of Brassic was filmed on location, certain scenes, like this one, were shot indoors to ensure control over the environment.
Jonathan explains that filming was kept away from central Manchester to avoid the city’s traffic and congestion. The Sharp Project offered an ideal base for production, as it was located outside the busy city center, making it easier for the crew to access various locations in the Pennines and beyond.
Doc Hollywood is a beloved romantic comedy released in 1991, offering a blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments. Directed by Michael Caton-Jones and starring Michael J. Fox, the film tells the story of Dr. Benjamin “Ben” Stone, a young surgeon whose life takes a turn after a car crash lands him in a small town. While the film is centered around a fictitious town in South Carolina, much of the production took place in Florida and Los Angeles, creating a charming mix of locations that contribute to its unique atmosphere.
The story follows Dr. Ben Stone, an ambitious and somewhat arrogant surgeon, who envisions a successful career in Beverly Hills. However, when he crashes his Porsche in the small town of Grady, South Carolina, he is sentenced to 32 hours of community service at the local clinic. Over time, Ben’s initially indifferent attitude toward small-town life begins to change, particularly after forming a bond with a spunky ambulance driver named Lou, played by Julie Warner.
Doc Hollywood (Image via Getty)
Although Doc Hollywood didn’t receive major awards, it found a loyal audience, praised for its endearing storyline and the performances of its cast, including Barnard Hughes, Woody Harrelson, and Bridget Fonda. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 69% approval rating, crediting its light-hearted nature and engaging cast, while Metacritic assigned it a 56/100 score.
The Scenic Locations Behind Grady
While Doc Hollywood is set in the fictional town of Grady, South Carolina, it was filmed primarily in Florida, particularly in the picturesque towns of Micanopy and McIntosh, located south of Gainesville. These charming towns were transformed to suit the film’s rural setting, with a reported $12 million spent to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Additional scenes were filmed in Los Angeles, further adding to the contrast between the small-town ambiance and the fast-paced life of Beverly Hills.
The filming locations not only showcase the beauty of small-town America but also provide a sense of nostalgia. Fans of the movie will find it interesting to visit these real-life spots, from the serene Micanopy to the bustling streets of Los Angeles, and even Universal Studios Florida, which helped create some of the more intricate scenes.
Key Locations in Micanopy, Florida
The Car Crash Scene
One of the first key moments in the film occurs when Ben crashes his vintage Porsche into a fence in Grady. This pivotal scene was filmed in Micanopy, Florida, specifically near the Evinston United Methodist Church. The house where Judge Evans (Roberts Blossom) lives, which plays a central role in this scene, is located along a dirt road just off SE 182 Ave. Fans can visit the area, though the house is privately owned, so it’s only viewable from a distance.
The Mayor’s Tour of Grady
Later in the film, Ben is introduced to the town of Grady by Mayor Nick Nicholson (David Ogden Stiers). This welcoming scene, which gives Ben a look into small-town life, was filmed along NE Cholokka Blvd in Micanopy. The street is lined with charming antique shops, coffeehouses, and locally owned businesses, capturing the essence of the movie’s setting. Micanopy, known for its historic charm, is often referred to as “The Town That Time Forgot,” adding to the film’s nostalgic feel.
Fans can visit Micanopy, which is easily accessible from nearby Gainesville or Ocala, to experience the small-town charm for themselves. The main street, NE Cholokka Blvd, is where much of the action unfolds, including the heartwarming interactions between the residents and Ben.
Micanopy, Florida (Image via Getty)
The Mechanic’s Shop
In another memorable scene, Ben’s Porsche is repaired at the local mechanic shop. This location was filmed at the Micanopy Trading Outpost, a vintage shop at 205 NE Cholokka Blvd. Though the building itself is now an antique store, fans can still visit and see the area where the mechanic’s shop scenes took place. The set for the café, which was also part of the film, has since been demolished, but the Trading Outpost remains a popular stop for those interested in the film’s history.
Micanopy is a small town with a lot to offer, and the Micanopy Trading Outpost is one of the many sites that attract visitors, especially those who enjoy both history and film.
The Hospital Scene
Ben’s transition from a high-pressure emergency room in the city to a more laid-back clinic in Grady is marked by a memorable sequence in a local medical office. This scene was filmed at the House of Hirsch Too Antiques in Micanopy, which served as the set for Doc Hogue’s office. The exterior of the building retains its appearance from the movie, and the antique shop is still operational today. Film fans can visit the location and explore its collection of vintage items while reflecting on the scenes filmed here.
Beverly Hills and Los Angeles Scenes
While Micanopy serves as the heart of Grady, some key scenes were filmed in Los Angeles, including the moment when Ben lands his dream job as a cosmetic surgeon in Beverly Hills. These sequences highlight the stark contrast between the small-town life that Ben grows to love and the superficiality of Beverly Hills.
The restaurant scene, where Ben encounters his former Grady residents now living in California, was filmed at 9489 Dayton Way in Beverly Hills. This location symbolizes Ben’s internal struggle, caught between two worlds—the glitz of Hollywood and the simplicity of Grady. Beverly Hills, known for its luxury and prestige, remains a significant backdrop to the film’s exploration of urban versus rural life.
Beverly Hills (Image via Getty)
A Heartfelt Journey Through Time and Place
Doc Hollywood is more than just a romantic comedy; it’s a journey that blends the charm of small-town life with the allure of the big city. Its setting plays a crucial role in enhancing the narrative, with locations like Micanopy and McIntosh capturing the essence of rural America. The contrasts between these peaceful towns and the bustling streets of Los Angeles help underscore the emotional growth of the protagonist, Dr. Ben Stone.
With its focus on relationships, personal growth, and the simplicity of life, Doc Hollywood offers a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre. The locations, from the quaint streets of Micanopy to the glamorous scenes in Beverly Hills, contribute to the film’s emotional depth, making it a delightful and enduring classic. For fans of the film, visiting these filming sites provides an opportunity to relive the movie’s heartwarming moments and explore the beautiful landscapes that helped bring its story to life.
