The new drama series 'Out There' has caught the attention of viewers with its gritty story set against the stunning backdrop of rural Wales. Starring Martin Clunes as Nathan, the show delves deeply not only to dark themes but also to the beautiful landscapes of its filming locations, which significantly influence its narrative.
Produced by ITVX and filmed entirely on location, 'Out There' captures the essence of the Black Mountains and Llandovery, locations where Clunes experiences life as a farmer racing against time to protect his son from the dangers posed by drug dealers operating near their community. The series marks yet another collaboration with Creative Wales, which aims to promote Welsh talent and local settings.
Joedi Langley, interim head of Creative Wales, emphasized the importance of showcasing Wales’s stunning landscapes: "Out There showcases some of Wales’ stunning locations, and is yet another example of first-class drama being made in Wales and utilising Welsh talent at all levels." The cooperation significantly benefitted local trainees, as funding from Creative Wales provided fourteen opportunities for those interested in the film industry, including apprenticeships.
Ed Whitmore, the show’s creator and writer, explained his choice to set 'Out There' near the England-Wales border: "You have the sense of territory and and border and it felt like a natural place to set it just over the border between England and Wales." He continued to describe how the idyllic setting subtly contradicts the violent narrative, commenting on the concerns residents feel about increasingly prevalent drug issues: "We all don’t want things happening on our doorstep, but we all feel we know what is happening on our doorstep."
Martin Clunes, known for his lighter role as Doc Martin, enjoyed the shift to the seriousness he encountered on set, stating, "I really enjoyed filming in Wales. The locations were beautiful. I like being on a farm and being in the countryside. I was in my element..." This sentiment was also echoed by Natalia Kostrzewa, who plays Eva, who expressed her appreciation for the natural beauty found during the filming.
The filming locations serve more than just aesthetic purposes; they establish the environment where the narrative flourishes. Reflecting on their experiences, actors talked about the significant impact of filming on location. Mark Lewis Jones, who stars as Caleb, shared personal insights from when the cast recorded a scene at a local pub. He disclosed, "When we filmed in a pub, we had a chat with the actual landlady... she said the drug problem in the town is so bad now
that she's considering giving up." Such remarks showcase the real-life parallels of the fictional narrative, where county lines drug trafficking is wreaking havoc even on rural communities—a theme interwoven throughout the series.
While 'Out There' is rich with dramatic tension rooted within its compelling storyline, the lush Welsh scenery transforms the series by offering viewers breathtaking visuals. From the peaceful mountains to the provincial architecture, each frame invites audiences to immerse themselves fully within Nathan's world and broadens their perspective on modern-day issues challenging such serene communities.
'Out There' is currently available for streaming on ITVX, enticing drama enthusiasts with its emotional depth and picturesque landscapes. Viewers are sure to appreciate the combination of storytelling excellence and the beautiful backdrop afforded by Wales' expansive countryside.
It adds to the growing recognition and appreciation for Welsh locations as captivating settings for dramatic narratives, exemplifying how the intersection of creativity and culture can breathe life to stories featured on screen.