We have always known that Hotham Hall Estate is something special. Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of welcoming our first professional film production to the estate, and it confirmed something we had long believed: Hotham Hall has a great deal to offer the creative industries.
The Production: Is Anybody There?
The film in question is Is Anybody There?, a psychological thriller written by Justine Glenton, directed by Michael Lacey, and shot by Director of Photography Christopher Ramage. The project brought together an impressive assembly of creative talent from across East, North and West Yorkshire, and we were proud to play a part in bringing it to life.
Justine Glenton is an actress, writer and producer originally from East Yorkshire who spent six years in Los Angeles, where she earned her SAG-AFTRA membership and received two USA O-1 work visas for extraordinary ability in the arts and television industry. She has since returned to the region and co-founded Just Be Productions, an independent production company built on the belief that the most powerful storytelling is collaborative, emotionally honest, and driven by conviction rather than convention.
Justine came to us on the recommendation of a trusted contact, and from the very first conversation, it was clear the estate was the right fit for her vision.
Preparing Hotham Hall for Production
The shoot took place across two weekends, with our team working late into the night to ensure all the footage could be captured within a tight schedule. Both the main Hall and the estate cottage served as key locations, each offering its own distinct visual character for different scenes within the production.
Preparing the estate for a crew of this scale was no small undertaking, and one we approached with real care. We worked to accommodate actors, extras, make-up artists and costume personnel alongside all the logistical demands of a professional shoot. Furniture, antiques and objects throughout the Hall were carefully moved and repositioned to create the period setting the production required, all while preserving the integrity of our remarkable interiors.
We were also pleased to offer ample private parking for production vehicles and equipment, along with the security and privacy a professional shoot demands. As a filming location in Yorkshire, we believe Hotham Hall offers something that is genuinely difficult to find elsewhere: historic grandeur, versatile spaces, and a team that understands how to support a production properly.
In Their Own Words
Justine’s response to her time at Hotham Hall speaks for itself.
“We were blessed with the greatest fortune to film our forthcoming production of Is Anybody There? at the breathtakingly exquisite Hotham Hall Estate. The setting is simply fantastic, everything about it is majestic. Each room has its own unique, stunning interior design that leaves you in awe. The Director and I spent our whole recce saying ‘wow’ because the experience is so elevating and magical. Not only are you surrounded by the magnificent physical beauty but the love and care that has been imbued into it is palpable. There is ample private parking for all production necessities and 24-hour, high-end security. The owners, Linda and David Kilburn are so warm, welcoming and gracious, supported by an extraordinarily brilliant team making the whole experience seamless and joyous. Hotham Hall Estate is an exceptional gift for any filmmaker, a paradise providing everything you could want and I cannot recommend this location highly enough. We are so grateful to Hotham Hall for all their support. Our film is looking phenomenal in the edit. We shall without a doubt be back with full production very soon. Simply incredible, thank you.”
Justine Glenton, Actress, Writer and Producer, Just Be Productions
Our own Linda Kilburn reflected on the experience with equal warmth.
“We were absolutely delighted to welcome Just Be Productions to Hotham Hall for the filming of Is Anybody There? It was a joy to see our venue come alive during production, and we cannot wait to see the finished film. We hope this is the first of many productions to discover what Hotham Hall Estate has to offer, and we warmly invite filmmakers, directors, and production companies to consider us as their next location.”
Linda Kilburn, Owner, Hotham Hall Estate
A Country Hall Built for the Screen
Every room at Hotham Hall carries its own distinct atmosphere. Soaring ceilings, original Georgian panelling, large sash windows, and interiors restored to an exceptional standard create a visual richness that requires very little additional dressing. For period productions in particular, we offer something that purpose-built studios simply cannot replicate: authenticity at every turn.
We are proud to have supported Is Anybody There? and we look forward to welcoming many more productions through our doors. For filmmakers and production companies scouting distinctive filming locations in Yorkshire, or seeking a country hall for filming that comes with a fully dedicated on-site team, we would love to hear from you.
Enquire with us directly to discuss your production’s requirements.
