Lights, Camera, Yorkshire: What’s New and Where to Watch

Yorkshire isn’t just a beautiful region, it’s fast becoming one of the UK’s most exciting film and television locations. From period dramas to psychological thrillers, a growing number of high-profile productions are choosing Yorkshire as their backdrop. For aspiring actors, this rise in regional filming presents an incredible opportunity to train and work close to home.​

Recent Releases and What They Mean for YorkshireWith some really exciting releases ready for you to watch now on all major streaming platforms, Yorkshire is well and truly in the Spotlight. For Yorkshire actors, this means more opportunity happening on their very doorstep.


Good Boy (2025)Directed by Jan Komasa, Good Boy is a tense psychological thriller starring Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough, and Anson Boon. Originally a Polish screenplay set in Warsaw, it was adapted into English and relocated to Yorkshire for this version. Filming took place both in Yorkshire and Warsaw, giving the story a distinctly British edge. The film follows a 19-year-old thug who is kidnapped and forced into a strange “rehabilitation” by a married couple convinced they can reform him. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on 5 September 2025 and will be released in UK cinemas on 10 October 2025 with streaming platforms yet to be confirmed. Good Boy showcases Yorkshire as a location capable of delivering international-standard storytelling with a local twist, further proving that the region’s cinematic potential is world-class.


The Choral (2025)The Choral is a British historical drama written by Alan Bennett and directed by Nicholas Hytner. Set in 1916 in the fictional Yorkshire town of Ramsden, the film follows a local choral society that recruits teenage boys and girls to replace those lost to the First World War. Filming took place in and around Saltaire, using Salts Mill, Victoria Hall, and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to create an authentic period setting. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be released in UK cinemas on 7 November 2025. With its distinctly northern character, The Choral not only highlights Yorkshire’s visual appeal but also its cultural significance as a setting for heartfelt, human stories.


Riot Women (BBC, 2025)Riot Women is the latest series by Yorkshire writer Sally Wainwright, filmed across Hebden Bridge, Calderdale, Todmorden, Mytholmroyd, and Halifax. The series follows five women who form a punk band and discover freedom, friendship, and chaos in the process. It began airing on BBC One in October 2025 and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. As with Wainwright’s previous successes like Happy Valley and Gentleman Jack, Riot Women celebrates Yorkshire’s raw beauty, humour, and strength, and it continues the region’s tradition of being a hub for powerful female-led drama.


House of Guinness (Netflix, 2025)This Netflix period drama series was filmed at Broughton Hall in Skipton and tells the story of the origins of the Guinness brewing empire. It premiered globally on 1 October 2025 and is available to stream on Netflix. Yorkshire’s grand estates and historic buildings, such as Broughton Hall, continue to attract major international productions, providing work and inspiration for local actors and crews alike.


Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (2025)The beloved Downton Abbey franchise returned with its final chapter, and once again Yorkshire took centre stage. Scenes depicting the Royal Ascot and Yorkshire County Show were filmed at Ripon Racecourse and the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate. The film is currently showing in UK cinemas and will later be available for streaming on Peacock and Prime Video. The Downton Abbey series has consistently showcased the grandeur of Yorkshire’s architecture and countryside, attracting global attention to the region’s timeless charm.


Adolescence (Netflix, 2025)Adolescence is a gripping four-part Netflix crime drama filmed in Pontefract and South Kirkby, West Yorkshire. Known for its unique continuous-take cinematography, the series explores youth crime and redemption in a small northern town. It was released globally on Netflix in March 2025 and has received acclaim for its raw performances and authentic portrayal of northern life.


The Ceremony (2024)Filmed in Bradford and the Yorkshire Dales, The Ceremony is a black-and-white drama exploring the hidden world of migrant workers. Released in late 2024, it continues to make the festival rounds and is expected to appear on streaming platforms later this year. Its haunting aesthetic and powerful storytelling demonstrate the artistic versatility that Yorkshire locations can offer filmmakers.


Reunion (Upcoming, 2026)Currently in post-production, Reunion is a four-part thriller filmed around Sheffield and Doncaster. While no release date has been confirmed, it’s one of several upcoming projects that will continue Yorkshire’s growing momentum as a go-to destination for television drama.

Giant (January 9th, 2026)Another exciting addition to Yorkshire’s growing filmography is Giant, a powerful biographical sports drama directed by Rowan Athale. The film tells the true story of British-Yemeni boxing legend Prince Naseem “Naz” Hamed, charting his rise from humble beginnings in Sheffield to becoming a world-famous boxing champion. Amir El-Masry stars as Hamed, with Pierce Brosnan portraying his influential coach Brendan Ingle. Filming took place primarily in Leeds and Sheffield, showcasing both cities’ vibrant character and cultural heritage. Giant has premiered at film festivals in 2025 and is expected to receive a UK cinema release in January, 2026. The production highlights Yorkshire’s growing reputation for high-calibre storytelling and offers another example of the region’s ability to attract internationally recognised talent while remaining deeply rooted in its local identity.
Where to Watch These Productions

• Good Boy – UK cinemas from 10 October 2025 (streaming platform TBC)
  
  
• The Choral – UK cinemas from 7 November 2025
  
  
• Riot Women – BBC One and BBC iPlayer
  
  
• Virdee – BBC iPlayer
  
  
• House of Guinness – Netflix
  
  
• Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale – In cinemas now; streaming on Peacock and Prime Video later this year
  
  
• Adolescence – Netflix
  
  
• The Ceremony – Expected on streaming platforms late 2025
  
  
• Reunion – Release date to be announced
  
  
• Giant - Coming to UK cinemas, January 9th, 2026
  
  
  

Check local independent cinemas across Leeds, York, Sheffield, and Bradford, as many of these titles will have special screenings or Q&A events featuring local cast and crew.

Why Yorkshire Is a Magnet for Film and TV
Yorkshire offers an extraordinary mix of landscapes, architecture, and communities that can double for almost any setting from gritty urban realism to sweeping period drama. Productions benefit from competitive filming costs, experienced regional crews, and funding support from Screen Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Content Fund. But beyond logistics, it’s the authenticity and warmth of Yorkshire that make it stand out. Filmmakers know they can capture something here that feels real and lived-in. For actors, that authenticity matters too, it gives their performances texture and truth.

What This Means for Yorkshire Actors
The surge in local filming means there has never been a better time to pursue acting in Yorkshire. Productions like Good Boy and Riot Women prove that world-class storytelling can happen outside of London. As regional filming expands, so does the demand for actors who can bring genuine Yorkshire character to the screen.
Acting locally also means easier access to auditions, smaller competition pools, and real on-set experience. For those training in Yorkshire, this is an opportunity to align your skills with current industry needs: naturalistic performance styles, on-camera technique, and regional accent work.

Training Where the Cameras Are Rolling
At IPM Acting Academy and Agency, we’re proud to help aspiring performers build their confidence and camera craft right here in Yorkshire, where the industry is thriving. Our classes cover on-screen performance, audition techniques, and real filming experience, helping you transition from the classroom to the camera with ease. Many of our members have already been involved in locally shot productions like the ones mentioned above, gaining credits that strengthen their Spotlight profiles and professional showreels.
As more projects are set up in places like Leeds, Bradford, and Halifax, local actors who train and prepare now will be ready to step into casting opportunities as they arise. Whether your goal is to appear in a BBC drama, a Netflix series, or an independent film, training in the region where it’s all happening gives you a real advantage.

So, where does this leave us... 
Yorkshire is having its cinematic moment. With projects like The Choral, Good Boy, and Riot Women capturing national and international attention, the region’s film and television scene has never looked brighter. For audiences, this means seeing familiar streets, towns, and landscapes on screen. For aspiring actors, it’s a call to action, a reminder that major productions are happening right on your doorstep.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing yourself on screen, now is the time to start. Join IPM Acting Academy’s professional on-screen acting classes and develop the skills, experience, and confidence to take your place in Yorkshire’s growing film industry.
Visit our website to find out more about our upcoming classes and how you can get started. Because the next time a major film crew rolls into town, it could be your turn in front of the camera.

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