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How 'terrific' local talent helped forge new BBC drama Crookhaven

Alexandra RosbothamBBC News NI
News imageBBC Studios One young woman and three young men look startled by something they see off camera, looking as if they have been stopped in their tracks. All but one is carrying a backpack or bag. BBC Studios
The drama follows Crooklings, who spend their school days mastering skills in crookery in order to do good

When it came to producing a drama featuring skullduggery, forgery and masters of disguise the combination of local talent and a stunning location turned fiction into reality.

New BBC drama Crookhaven follows eight students as they undertake their studies at a secret school for crooks, competing for the infamous Crooked Cup, all while battling a shadowy enemy known as The Nameless.

For a period of 17 weeks, an estate house and its sprawling grounds secretly underwent a complete transformation for filming.

That makeover was made possible by the local talent of Northern Ireland's film industry, something remarked upon by actor Dougray Scott, who plays formidable headmaster Caspian Lockett.

"The location is a real character within the series, it gives a great energy to the drama," he said.

"I've filmed in Northern Ireland a couple times before… it's a great place to shoot.

"The film industry is really booming and the crews are really terrific."

News imageBBC Studios An older man with short hair stands fixing the lapels of the blazer he is wearing. He is dressed very smartly in a white collared shirt and tie, wearing a signet ring on his left hand and a pair of sunglasses. The photo is taken from a slight upward angle looking up to him.BBC Studios
Dougray Scott felt the County Down estate "really added character" to Crookhaven

Based on the hit global book series by JJ Arcanjo, the drama delves into the Crooked world and brings it to life for the small screen with an award-winning ensemble featuring Scott and Julie Hesmondhalgh, alongside upcoming young talent making up the cast of Crooklings.

You will not find subjects such English or maths being studied by the Crookling students, instead they spend their school days mastering skills in crookery in order to do good, bring balance, justice and order to the outside world by playing their enemies at their own game.

News imageBBC Studios Five adults, two women and three men stand on a platform in a field in front of a makeshift table which on top sits a silver cup trophy in the middle, Either side of the trophy sit arrows for bows at either end of the table. The sky is bright with little cloud and the field is green with trees in the far background. The adults are looking to the left at something out of frame.BBC Studios
Crookhaven's teachers stand ready as students compete for the "Crooked Cup"

Producer Leon McGeown-Fee was one of the many local crew members who worked on the production.

"For Crookhaven we needed something magical, conveying a heightened world and reality and this location has served us brilliantly, "she told BBC News NI on set.

"Crookhaven coming to Northern Ireland has been amazing experience, the programme really has had the best of crew and the best of cast and we've been able to create something much bigger than we ever expected."

News imageA woman with mid length hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a waterproof jacket and behind her in the distance is a lake and green shrubbery. A golden light from the sun is hitting her on the right side of her face.
Leon McGeown-Fee has worked across various TV productions in Northern Ireland.

Cast and crew said one themes such as identity, loyalty and family that were threaded throughout the programme were some of its most important aspects.

Carmel Laniado, who plays Crookling and headmaster's daughter Penelope Lockett said those were vital for the family appeal of the show.

"Friendship and trust are poignant themes in the show for me… each character goes through that journey in their own way, and help each other to grow," she said.

"This is something I hope audiences appreciate, I think no matter what you can watch it at any age and with anyone and find a character to connect with.

Crookhaven begins with a double bill on Sunday at 15:05 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and at 17:25 on CBBC. The full series will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer from the same day.