Disney celebrates 100 years of magic and imagination: FilmFixer reminisces on memorable collaborations
On October 27th in 1954, Walt Disney told the adoring fans of his television programme, ‘I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing, that it was all started by a mouse’. If only Disney knew then how much further his legacy would reach in the decades to come. From a single cartoon mouse, an empire of entertainment was born. This year marks 100 years of The Walt Disney Company and we are celebrating the timeless tales, iconic characters, and unforgettable moments crafted by Disney that have touched our hearts and inspired generations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of film and storytelling. Disney’s remarkable journey of a hundred years is not only a celebration of the past but also a testament to the continued innovation and creative excellence that have defined the company.
The Eternals (2021) – Essex Rd, Islington
The launch of Disney+ has played a pivotal role in the UK film industry, filming their trilling new TV series and cinematic blockbusters across London and the UK and investing in our talented film crews across the country. The continued success of these productions showcase Disney’s commitment to fostering the creative spirit, unique talents and versatile locations found in the UK.
Pistol (2022) – Southwark Street Estate (Peabody), Southwark
Since Disney’s acquisition of Pixar in 2006, the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2009 and Lucasfilm in 2012, they have taken us to worlds beyond Walt Disney’s wildest imagination. From mysterious planets in the far reaches of outer space to archaeological adventures millennia in the past, 1970s London to a head office beyond the reaches of time itself, audiences have been captivated by countless immersive worlds and engaging storytelling.
We, at FilmFixer, have had the privilege of collaborating with Disney on numerous, exceptional productions over the years across the boroughs we love and look after. Walt Disney himself said ‘It’s kind of fun to do the impossible’, and we have loved helping them do just that!
Cruella (2021) – Dukes Rd, Camden
Within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we have had the pleasure of working on both seasons 1 and 2 of the fan-favourite series, Loki. In this magical misadventure series, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Mobius (Owen Wilson) race through time and space to preserve the sacred timeline, which took this production on foot chases through Camden and Kingston. Feature film The Eternals also found themselves in Camden, where Sersi (Gemma Chan) dramatically transforms a double decker bus into a pile of rose petals and Ikaris (Richard Madden) fights a Deviant above the canal. Limited series Secret Invasion aptly invaded many of our boroughs, with the shapeshifting Skrull species secretly on the rise in Hounslow, Islington, Bromley, Camden, and Southwark. Other productions we had the pleasure of working on include Antman: Quantumania, TV series Miss Marvel and, of course, some exciting new projects yet to come!
The Eternals (2021) – Camden Lock, Camden
Through Lucasfilm, Disney has reignited some of our favourite franchises from years gone by. Within the Star Wars universe, FilmFixer has had the joy of working on both season 1 and 2 of the fantastic Andor series. With a stellar cast, including Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Fiona Shaw, Andy Serkis and more this series gladly takes us back to the galaxy far, far away. The Brunswick Estate in Camden was transformed into a housing complex on Coruscant where Syril Karn’s (Kyle Soller) mother lives. Lucasfilms also brought Indiana Jones back to us in the new action adventure Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) search the globe (including Camden and Lee Valley) for the missing piece of Archimedes’ Dial, uncovering much more of the past than they bargained for.
Andor (2022) – Brunswick Estate, Camden
The creation of Disney+ has expanded the company’s ability to create and share new stories and we are happy to say many of these new productions were filmed right here in London. The miniseries Pistol, delving into the punk rock era and the life of Sex Pistols’ guitarist Steve Jones, was filmed across Islington, Southwark, Camden, Barnet and Peabody’s Southwark Street Estate. Extraordinary season 1 (and the upcoming second season) hilariously answers the question, ‘is no one special if everyone is?’ Filmed in Bromley and Lee Valley, this superhero romp features unimaginable powers and unconditional friendships. Feature film Cruella, starring Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, transported us all back to the high fashion world of 1970s London and featured high speed car chases through Southwark’s Shad Thames and dalmatian-napping in Camden.
Cruella (2021) – Shad Thames, Southwark
One of Disney’s many wonderful qualities is their constant effort to keep us entertained. There are always projects on the go and upcoming releases to be excited about. Just a few of these we’ve had a hand in include: Culprits, the thrilling, darkly funny and high-tension crime thriller was filmed in Southwark, Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, Haringey, Camden, Bexley and Peabody’s Thamesmead Estate, premiering on Disney+ in the UK on 8th November, 2023. The Amateur, a new film from 20th Century Studios telling the story of a CIA cryptographer who seeks revenge after his wife is tragically killed in a London terrorist attack, was filmed in Camden and Hounslow and stars Rami Malek and Hugh Jackman, due to be released on 8th November, 2024. Beaumont a new series set in Belfast during the troubles of 1970s, 80s, and 90s, filmed in Camden, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Islington and Southwark, coming to Dinsey+ in 2024. A Thousand Blows, an epic new 12-part series set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London. Starring and executive produced by Stephen Graham and filmed across Camden, series 1 is inbound and series 2 isn’t far behind!
The Eternals (2021) – Belsize Lane, Camden
Looking back on 100 years of laughter, frights, inspiring sights and heart-pounding adventures, we are so proud to have played even a small part in it. Here’s to another 100 years of magic and joyful collaboration. In the words of Walt Disney, ‘We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.’
Loki (2021) – Hatton Wall, Camden
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Looking back on 100 years of laughter, frights, inspiring sights and heart-pounding adventures, we are so proud to have played even a small part in it.
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