Netflix uses Woking to film parts of popular show
It's lights, camera, action for the Surrey town
Last updated 22nd Aug 2024
Surrey fans of the popular Netflix hit Sandman may notice certain locations while watching the upcoming second season.
Bankrupt Woking Borough Council is trying an “innovative way” of making best use of its assets as it looks to get out of its cycle of debt.
The council has been working with location agents to promote its properties to the film and entertainment industry.
According to location agents the producers behind season two of The Sandman have used Dukes Court, which will double as a central London police station and Brookwood Cemetery – as well as the empty Debenhams store at the Victoria Place Shopping Centre.
The two council sites, used for a total of three days, were said to have generated “valuable income”.
Councillor Dale Roberts, Woking Borough Council’s portfolio holder for economic development and finance, said: “We have successfully been working with location agents to promote council-owned properties to the film, TV and events industry.
“Doing so offers an innovative way to make use of our assets whilst generating valuable income for the public purse.
“The combination of unique assets, such as Brookwood Cemetery, our proximity to Shepperton Studios, and easy access to both London and Heathrow, means our borough has much to offer the film and tv industry.”
Producers behind the Netflix series The Sandman selected Dukes Court in May 2024 due in part to its close proximity to Shepperton Studios the cost-effectiveness of filming outside the M25 rather than in London, and the “logistical advantage” of being able to move from the Brookwood site having filmed there the previous day.
Last year Woking Borough Council declared itself effectively bankrupt with debts forecast to reach £2.6 billion.
It was forced to then cut all unnecessary spending, reduce headcount and cut back on services. It was only allowed to provide services it had to by law until its books were balanced.
A review of its assets was later carried out with many to be sold or handed over to be run by community groups.