Mi6, malta y un casino brutalista: el secreto detrás de la nueva serie espionera de itv
Forget beige office dramas; ITV’s ‘Secret Service’ is a full-throttle dive into the murky world of international espionage, and the production’s logistical nightmare is as captivating as the plot itself.
Gemma arterton back in black: mi6 agent kate henderson takes center stage
Gemma Arterton trades her ‘Quantum of Solace’ Bond Girl guise for a formidable senior MI6 officer, Kate Henderson, a mother juggling high-stakes covert operations. Arterton’s commitment to the role – demanding extensive set design and location shoots – is evident from the outset.
Locations, locations, locations: a european tour
The series eschewed the predictable, opting for a sprawling European filming schedule. From the sun-drenched Mediterranean island of Malta – complete with infinity pools and historic citadels – to the slick streets of London and the stark beauty of Finnish forests, ‘Secret Service’ has traded in the usual British backdrops for a truly global canvas. The budget, however, proved a surprisingly significant hurdle, as director James Marsh admitted during a recent Q&A.
Behind the scenes: from cabinet office to brutalist havens
Forget easy access to Whitehall. Filming for the cabinet office scenes took place at the Old Royal Naval College, cleverly repurposed to mimic the secretive atmosphere. Similarly, John Adam Street, just a stone’s throw from Number 10, provided the exterior shots of the Prime Minister’s office, while Harefield House stepped in for the interior. The production team’s ingenuity is remarkable – particularly in replicating the iconic brutalist architecture of a 1960s Haye building as the MI6 headquarters, complete with elaborate ‘tiger traps’ and strategically placed green screens.
Cast and crew on the move
Rafe Spall, Khalid Abdalla and Alex Kingston add further weight to the narrative, alongside a host of notable supporting actors. Crucially, the series sheds light on the personal lives of these operatives – Kate’s suburban home in Ealing, complete with teenage children and a well-stocked library, becomes a surprisingly intimate backdrop for her dangerous missions. Rev’s luxurious residence, nestled in prime London real estate, and Ryan Walker’s opulent Ladbroke Grove pad offer tantalizing glimpses into the lives of those involved.
Malta: a photographer’s paradise – and a production challenge
Malta’s breathtaking scenery proved a double-edged sword. While the team secured a stunning villa near Dingli with an infinity pool – a clear victory for the visual aesthetic – logistical challenges were rife. Director James Marsh described the “fight” to stay on budget and manage the demanding lighting conditions as a significant undertaking, though thankfully not “too painful.” The team expertly utilized local Maltese crews to unearth hidden gems like Senglea’s historic church and Rabat’s charming streets.
The final word
‘Secret Service’ isn’t just a spy thriller; it’s a meticulously crafted exploration of the sacrifices and complexities inherent in the world of intelligence. Tune in this Monday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX – and prepare to be captivated.