Editing EastEnders (section)

== Production ==
{{See also|List of EastEnders crew members}}

=== Set ===
[[File:EastEnders set.jpg|thumb|The Butcher/Jackson living room in 2008.|alt=refer to caption]]
The exterior set for the fictional Albert Square is located in the permanent [[backlot]] of the [[BBC Elstree Centre]], [[Borehamwood]], [[Hertfordshire]], at {{coord|51|39|32|N|0|16|40|W|type:landmark_region:GB|display=inline}}, and is outdoors and open to the weather.<ref name="Set">{{cite web|title=EastEnders Set|url=https://www.google.com/maps/@51.6586784,-0.2775168,70m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en-GB|publisher=[[Google Maps]]|access-date=5 May 2017}}</ref> It was initially built in 1984 with a specification that it should last for at least 15 years at a cost of £750,000.<ref>{{Harvnb|Kingsley|1991|p=9}}</ref> The ''EastEnders'' lot was designed by Keith Harris, who was a senior designer within the production team together with supervising art directors Peter Findley and Gina Parr.<ref name="Londonist">{{cite web|last1=Venables|first1=Ben|title=The Story Behind The Set Of EastEnders|date=13 January 2015|url=http://londonist.com/2015/01/exclusive-the-story-behind-the-sets-of-eastenders|publisher=[[londonist]]|access-date=7 May 2017}}</ref> The main buildings on the square consisted originally of hollow shells, constructed from marine plywood facades mounted onto steel frames.<ref name="20years p146">{{Harvnb|Smith|2005|p=146}}</ref> The lower walls, pavements, etc., were constructed of real brick and tarmac. The set had to be made to look as if it had been standing for years. This was done by a number of means, including chipping the pavements, using chemicals to crack the top layer of the paint work, using varnish to create damp patches underneath the railway bridge, and making garden walls in such a way they appeared to sag.<ref name="1987 Annual p43">{{Harvnb|Barraclough|1986|p=43}}</ref> The final touches were added in summer 1984, these included a [[telephone box]], [[telegraph pole]] that was provided by [[British Telecom]], [[lampposts]] that were provided by [[Hertsmere]] Borough Council and a number of vehicles parked on the square.<ref name="1987 Annual p43" /> All the appliances on each set are fully functional, such as gas cookers, the laundry washing machines and [[#Setting|The Queen Victoria]] beer pumps.<ref name="1987 Annual p43" />

The walls were intentionally built crooked to give them an aged appearance.<ref name="20years p146" /> The drains around the set are real so rainwater can naturally flow from the streets.<ref name="Insidestory p43">{{Harvnb|Smith|Holland|1987|p=43}}</ref> The square was built in two phases with only three sides being built, plus Bridge Street, to begin with in 1984, in time to be used for the show's first episode.<ref name="Insidestory p95">{{Harvnb|Smith|Holland|1987|p=95}}</ref> Then in 1986, Harris added an extension to the set, building the fourth side of Albert Square, and in 1987, Turpin Road began to be featured more, which included buildings such as The Dagmar.<ref name="First10Years p19-20">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|pp=19–20}}</ref>

In 1993, George Street was added, and soon after [[Walford East tube station|Walford East Underground station]] was built, to create further locations when ''EastEnders'' went from two to three episodes per week. The set was constructed by the BBC in-house construction department under construction manager Mike Hagan. Most of the buildings on Albert Square have no interior filming space, with a few exceptions, and most do not have rears or gardens. Some interior shots are filmed in the actual buildings.

In February 2008, it was reported that the set would transfer to [[Pinewood Studios]] in [[Buckinghamshire]], where a new set would be built<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article3386610.ece |title=Sets too shabby for latest TVs force EastEnders out of town|date=18 February 2008|work=Times Online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013170154/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article3386610.ece|archive-date=13 October 2008}}</ref> as the set was looking "shabby", with its flaws showing up on [[high-definition television]] broadcasts; however, by April 2010 a follow-up report confirmed that Albert Square would remain at Elstree Studios for at least another four years, taking the set through its 25th anniversary.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Green|first1=Chris|title=High-definition television forces BBC to fix sets|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/high-definition-television-forces-bbc-to-fix-its-sets-1757472.html|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|access-date=1 May 2017|date=22 July 2009}}</ref><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/apr/28/eastenders-elstree-studios EastEnders to stay at Elstree Studios] Guardian</ref> The set was consequently rebuilt for high definition on the same site, using mostly real brick with some areas using a new improved plastic brick. Throughout rebuilding filming would still take place, and so scaffolding was often seen on screen during the process, with some storylines written to accommodate the rebuilding, such as the [[Queen Vic Fire Week|Queen Vic fire]].<ref>{{cite web|title=TV Set Support Eastenders|url=http://www.mediastructures.co.uk/portfolio/tv-set-support-eastenders/|publisher=Media Structures Ltd|access-date=5 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160331/http://www.mediastructures.co.uk/portfolio/tv-set-support-eastenders/|archive-date=30 December 2016}}</ref>

In 2014, then executive producer [[Dominic Treadwell-Collins]] said that he wanted Albert Square to look like a real-life east London neighbourhood so that the soap would "better reflect the more fashionable areas of east London beloved of young professionals" giving a flavour of the "creeping gentrification" of east London. He added: "It should feel more like London. It's been frozen in aspic for too long."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-25922416|title=EastEnders makes a move upmarket|publisher=BBC|date=28 January 2014|access-date=3 February 2014 }}</ref> The BBC announced that it would rebuild the ''EastEnders'' set<ref name="digitalspy.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a546056/eastenders-announces-plans-to-build-new-exterior-set-at-elstree/|title=EastEnders announces plans to build new exterior set at Elstree|website=Digital Spy|date=23 January 2014}}</ref> to secure the long-term future of the show, with completion expected to be in 2018. The set would provide a modern, upgraded exterior filming resource for ''EastEnders'', and copy the appearance of the existing buildings; however, it would be 20 per cent bigger, in order to enable greater editorial ambition and improve working conditions for staff. A temporary set would be created on-site to enable filming to continue while the permanent structure was rebuilt.<ref name="digitalspy.co.uk" />

In May 2016, the rebuild was delayed until 2020, and forecast to cost in excess of £15&nbsp;million,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Plunkett|first1=John|title=BBC's new EastEnders set delayed until 2020|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/may/10/bbcs-new-eastenders-set-delayed-until-2020|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=22 December 2016|date=10 May 2016}}</ref> although the main part of the set was scheduled to be able to start filming in May 2019.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hardingham-Gill|first1=Tamara|title=EastEnders' new and improved set won't be ready until 2020|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/05/16/eastenders-new-and-improved-set-wont-be-ready-until-2020-5886350/|newspaper=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]|access-date=22 December 2016|date=16 May 2016}}</ref> In December 2018, it was revealed that the new set was now planned to cost £59&nbsp;million but a [[National Audit Office (United Kingdom)|National Audit Office]] (NAO) report stated that it would actually cost £86.7&nbsp;million and be completed two-and-a-half years later than planned, in 2023; the NAO concluded that the BBC "could not provide value for money on the project".<ref name="EastEnders set over budget" /> The NAO's forecast cost was more than the annual combined budget for [[BBC Radio 1]] and [[BBC Radio 2|Radio 2]].<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Media news |magazine=[[Private Eye]] |location=London |publisher= Pressdram Ltd|date=22 December 2018 }}</ref> The BBC said the new set would be more suitable for HD filming, and better reflect the modern East End of London.<ref name="EastEnders set over budget">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/dec/13/bbc-new-eastenders-set-over-budget-by-27m-watchdog-finds|title=BBC's new EastEnders set over budget by £27m, watchdog finds|last=Syal|first=Rajeev|date=13 December 2018|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=13 December 2018}}</ref> In March 2019 there was criticism from a group of MPs about how the BBC handled the redevelopment of the set.<ref>House of Commons [[Public Accounts Committee]], [https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmpubacc/1737/1737.pdf Renewing the EastEnders set] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413065849/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmpubacc/1737/1737.pdf |date=13 April 2019 }}, published 20 March 2019</ref> In March 2020, during the suspension of filming, the interior sets were used for a new adaptation of ''[[Talking Heads (British TV series)|Talking Heads]]''. This marked the first time that it had been used for anything other than ''EastEnders''.<ref name="New Talking Heads filmed on EastEnders set">{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/breaking-eastenders-filming-begin-again-22026296.amp|title= EastEnders filming will begin again next month – but with major changes for cast|last=Saunders|first=Emmeline|date=14 May 2020|work=[[Daily Mirror|The Mirror]]|access-date=9 June 2020}}</ref> In January 2022, the new £86.7m exterior set was officially unveiled by the BBC, replacing the original set built in 1984. The new scenes from the new set first appeared in episodes airing in spring that year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-59950299|title=EastEnders starts filming on troubled new £87m Albert Square sets|date=11 January 2022|accessdate=12 January 2022|newspaper=[[BBC News Online|BBC News]]}}</ref>

=== Filming ===
The majority of ''EastEnders'' episodes are filmed at the [[BBC Elstree Centre]] in [[Borehamwood]], Hertfordshire.<ref name="Educational Resource Part Two" /> In January 1987, ''EastEnders'' had three production teams each comprising a director, production manager, production assistant and assistant floor manager. Other permanent staff included the producer's office, script department and designer, meaning between 30 and 35 people would be working full-time on ''EastEnders'', rising to 60 to 70 on filming days.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tinyurl.galegroup.com/tinyurl/8fBC30|title=Can they pull the plug on Dirty Den?|last=Greaves|first=William|date=6 January 1987|work=[[The Times]]|page=8|access-date=1 January 2019 |via=The Times Digital Archive}}</ref> When the number of episodes was increased to four per week, more studio space was needed, so ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' was moved from its studio at Elstree to [[BBC Television Centre]] in April 2001.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Revamped "Top of the Pops" returns to old home after a decade in exile |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/revamped-top-of-the-pops-returns-to-old-home-after-a-decade-in-exile-9217880.html |work=The Independent |date=16 October 2001 |access-date=28 February 2008 |location=London |first=Louise |last=Jury}}</ref> Episodes are produced in "quartets" of four episodes, each of which starts filming on a Tuesday and takes nine days to record.<ref name="Educational Resource Part Two" /> Each day, between 25 and 30 scenes are recorded.<ref name="Camera Supervisor">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/backstage/crew/interviews/interview_content/interview_camera_supervisor.shtml|title=Camera Supervisor|website=EastEnders|publisher=BBC|access-date=4 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061028084813/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/backstage/crew/interviews/interview_content/interview_camera_supervisor.shtml |archive-date=28 October 2006}}</ref> During the filming week, actors can film for as many as eight to 12 episodes. Exterior scenes are filmed on a specially constructed film lot, and interior scenes take place in six studios.<ref>{{cite web |title=BBC Elstree Centre |url=http://www.tvstudiohistory.co.uk/studio%20history.htm#bbc%20elstree |website=TV Studio History |access-date=25 January 2019 |archive-date=17 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717051915/http://www.tvstudiohistory.co.uk/studio%20history.htm#bbc%20elstree |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Educational Resource Part Two">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/howcani/howcani_content/howcani_0010.shtml|title=Educational Resource (Part Two)|website=EastEnders|publisher=BBC|access-date=4 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206193347/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/howcani/howcani_content/howcani_0010.shtml |archive-date=6 February 2007}}</ref> The episodes are usually filmed about six<ref name="Educational Resource Part Two" /> to eight weeks in advance of broadcast. During the winter period, filming can take place up to 12 weeks in advance, due to less daylight for outdoor filming sessions.<ref name="20years p147">{{Harvnb|Smith|2005|p=147}}</ref> This time difference has been known to cause problems when filming outdoor scenes. On 8 February 2007, heavy snow fell on the set and filming had to be cancelled as the scenes due to be filmed on the day were to be transmitted in April.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20070108.shtml|title=Winter Wonderland|website=EastEnders|publisher=BBC|access-date=4 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210160540/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20070108.shtml |archive-date=10 February 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/let-it-snow---airports-and-schools-closed-450946|title=Let it snow&nbsp;– airports and schools closed|date=9 February 2007|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|access-date=4 January 2013}}</ref> ''EastEnders'' is normally recorded using four cameras.<ref name="Camera Supervisor" /> When a quartet is completed, it is edited by the director, videotape editor and script supervisor.<ref name="Educational Resource Part Two" /> The producer then reviews the edits and decides if anything needs to be re-edited, which the director will do. A week later, sound is added to the episodes and they are technically reviewed, and are ready for transmission if they are deemed of acceptable quality.<ref name="Educational Resource Part Two" />

Although episodes are predominantly recorded weeks before they are broadcast, occasionally, ''EastEnders'' includes current events. In 1987, ''EastEnders'' covered the [[1987 United Kingdom general election|general election]].<ref name="First10Years p54">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=54}}</ref> Using a plan devised by co-creators Smith and Holland, five minutes of material was cut from four of the pre-recorded episodes preceding the election.<ref name="First10Years p54" /> These were replaced by specially recorded election material, including representatives from each major party, and a scene recorded on the day after the election reflecting the result, which was broadcast the following Tuesday.<ref name="First10Years p54" /> The result of the [[2010 United Kingdom general election|2010 general election]] was referenced on 7 May 2010 episode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a216777/eastenders-to-reference-election-result/|title=EXCLUSIVE: "EastEnders" to reference election result|last=Green|first=Kris|date=5 May 2010|website=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=6 May 2010}}</ref> During the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]], actors filmed short scenes following the tournament's events that were edited into the programme in the following episode.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5076722.stm|title=World Cup fever hits Walford|last=Robb|first=Stephen|date=14 June 2006|work=BBC News|access-date=4 January 2013}}</ref> Last-minute scenes have also been recorded to reference the 50th anniversary of the end of the [[Second World War]] in 1995, the two-minute silence on Remembrance Day 2005 (2005 also being the year for the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the 200th anniversary of the [[Battle of Trafalgar]]), [[Barack Obama]]'s election victory in 2008,<ref name="Last-minute scenes">{{cite news|title=EastEnders film last-minute scene to mark Michael Jackson's death for Friday's episode|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5651820/EastEnders-film-last-minute-scene-to-mark-Michael-Jacksons-death-for-Fridays-episode.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5651820/EastEnders-film-last-minute-scene-to-mark-Michael-Jacksons-death-for-Fridays-episode.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=22 December 2016|date=26 June 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref> the [[death of Michael Jackson]] in 2009,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a162236/eastenders-films-michael-jackson-reference/|title='EastEnders' films Michael Jackson reference|first=Kris|last=Green|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=26 June 2009|access-date=26 June 2009}}</ref> the [[Spending Review#2010 Comprehensive Spending Review|2010 Comprehensive Spending Review]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a283418/eastenders-to-reference-spending-review/|title=Exclusive: "EastEnders" to reference spending review|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=21 October 2010|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=21 October 2010}}</ref> [[Andy Murray]] winning the [[2013 Wimbledon Championships&nbsp;– Men's Singles|men's singles]] at the [[2013 Wimbledon Championships]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.atvtoday.co.uk/37597-eastenders-to-reference-andy-murray-wimbledon-victory/|title=EastEnders to reference Andy Murray Wimbledon victory|last=Patterson|first=Callum|date=9 July 2013|work=ATV Today UK|publisher=ATV Network|access-date=9 July 2013|archive-date=21 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721221921/http://www.atvtoday.co.uk/37597-eastenders-to-reference-andy-murray-wimbledon-victory/|url-status=dead}}</ref> the [[wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton]], the birth of [[Prince George of Wales]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-23417708|title=EastEnders reflects Royal birth|date=23 July 2013|work=BBC News|access-date=24 July 2013}}</ref> Scotland voting no against independence in 2014, and the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the [[First World War]].

''EastEnders'' is often filmed on location, away from the studios in Borehamwood. Sometimes an entire quartet is filmed on location, which has a practical function and are the result of ''EastEnders'' making a "double bank", when an extra week's worth of episodes are recorded at the same time as the regular schedule, enabling the production of the programme to stop for a two-week break at Christmas. These episodes often air in late June or early July and again in late October or early November.<ref name="first10years">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=<!-- page numbers needed for each of the 21 references to this book, cite each one separately with this template -->}}</ref> The first time this happened was in December 1985 when [[Pauline Fowler|Pauline]] ([[Wendy Richard]]) and [[Arthur Fowler]] ([[Bill Treacher]]) travelled to the [[Southend-on-Sea]] to find their son [[Mark Fowler|Mark]], who had run away from home.<ref name="First10Years p36">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=36}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode |title=Episode dated 31 December 1985|series= EastEnders|network=[[BBC]] |station=[[BBC1]]|airdate=31 December 1985}}</ref> In 1986, ''EastEnders'' filmed overseas for the first time, in [[Venice]], and this was also the first time it was not shot on videotape, as a union rule at the time prevented producers taking a video crew abroad and a film crew had to be used instead.<ref name="First10Years p46">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=46}}</ref> In 2011, it was reported that eight per cent of the series is filmed on location.<ref name="Cost of producing continuing drama" />

If scenes during a normal week are to be filmed on location, this is done during the normal recording week.<ref name="Educational Resource Part Two" /> Off-set locations that have been used for filming include [[Clacton]] (1989), [[Devon]] (September 1990), [[Hertfordshire]] (used for scenes set in [[Gretna Green]] in July 1991), [[Portsmouth]] (November 1991),<ref name="first10years" /> [[Milan]] (1997), [[EastEnders episodes in Ireland|Ireland]] (1997),<ref name="Italy">{{cite news|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-61053150|title=Italy's Square deal; last night's view|last=Purnell|first=Tony|date=11 November 1997|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|access-date=4 January 2013|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901170301/https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-61053150/italy-s-square-deal-last-night-s-view|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Amsterdam]] (December 1999),<ref name="amsterdam1">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/695141.stm|title=Watchdog attacks EastEnders|date=29 March 2000|work=BBC News|access-date=4 January 2013}}</ref> [[Brighton]] (2001) and [[Portugal]] (2003).<ref name="A Life Abroad">{{cite web|url=http://uktv.co.uk/gold/item/aid/527844|title=EastEnders: A Life Abroad|publisher=[[UKTV]]|access-date=4 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927214009/http://uktv.co.uk/gold/item/aid/527844 |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref> In 2003, filming took place at Loch Fyne Hotel and Leisure Club in [[Inveraray]], The Arkinglass Estate in [[Cairndow]] and Grims Dyke Hotel, [[Harrow Weald]], north London, for a week of episodes set in Scotland.<ref name="A Life Abroad" /> The episode shown on 9 April 2007 featured scenes filmed at [[St Giles Church, Wormshill|St Giles Church]] and The Blacksmiths Arms public house in [[Wormshill]], the [[Ringlestone Inn]], two miles away and Court Lodge Farm in [[Stansted, Kent|Stansted]], Kent.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://kentfilmoffice.co.uk/2007/04/eastenders-easter-special-2007/|title=Eastenders Easter Special (2007)|publisher=Kent Film Office|access-date=11 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421080302/https://kentfilmoffice.co.uk/2007/04/eastenders-easter-special-2007/|archive-date=21 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the [[Port of Dover]], [[Kent]]. .<ref>{{cite web |author=Kent Film Office |url=https://kentfilmoffice.co.uk/2018/01/eastenders-2018/ |title=Kent Film Office Eastenders Article |access-date=23 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052934/https://kentfilmoffice.co.uk/2018/01/eastenders-2018/ |archive-date=24 February 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Other locations have included the court house, a disused office block, Evershed House,<ref>{{cite episode|title= EastEnders Vixens: The Rise and Fall of Stella|series= EastEnders|episode-link= List of EastEnders television spin-offs#EastEnders Vixens: The Rise and Fall of Stella| network= [[BBC]]| station= [[BBC Three]]| airdate= 20 July 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Eastenders in court |url=http://www.hertsad.co.uk/content/herts/news/story.aspx?brand=HADOnline&category=News&tBrand=herts24&tCategory=newshadnew&itemid=WEED23%20Aug%202007%2012%3A08%3A39%3A560 |work=The Herts Advertiser |date=23 August 2007 |access-date=4 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928144255/http://www.hertsad.co.uk/content/herts/news/story.aspx?brand=HADOnline&category=News&tBrand=herts24&tCategory=newshadnew&itemid=WEED23%20Aug%202007%2012%3A08%3A39%3A560 |archive-date=28 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Church of St Peter, St Albans|St Peter's Church]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stalbansreview.co.uk/news/4778756.Streaker_storms_Eastenders_film_set_in_St_Albans/?ref=mr|title=Streaker storms EastEnders film set in St Albans|work=St Albans and Harpenden Review|first=Alexandra|last=Barham|date=4 December 2009|access-date=5 December 2009}}</ref> all in [[St Albans]], an abandoned mental facility in [[Worthing]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Have a Butchers at this|url=http://www.sundaylife.co.uk/features/article2876711.ece|work=[[The Belfast Telegraph]]|publisher=[[Independent News & Media]]|date=19 August 2007|first=Ben|last=Falk|access-date=4 January 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070824133532/http://www.sundaylife.co.uk/features/article2876711.ece |archive-date = 24 August 2007}}</ref> and a wedding dress shop in [[Muswell Hill]], north London.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a223502/pics-ronnie-shops-for-a-wedding-dress-in-enders/|title=Pics: Ronnie shops for a wedding dress in 'Enders?|last=Green|first=Kris|date=7 June 2010|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=7 June 2010|location=London}}</ref> A week of episodes in 2011 saw filming take place on a beach in [[Thorpe Bay]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/9069494.EastEnders_Dot_Cotton_filming_in_Thorpe_Bay/|title=EastEnders Dot Cotton filming in Thorpe Bay|last=McCarthy|first=Ryan|date=7 June 2011|work=Echo|access-date=7 June 2011|location=Basildon}}</ref> and a pier in Southend-on-Sea—during which a stuntman was injured when a gust of wind threw him off balance and he fell onto rocks—<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/eastenders-stunt-actor-smashes-head-133522|title=EastEnders stunt actor smashes head while filming Ryan Malloy horror fall|last=Boyle|first=Simon|date=8 June 2011|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|access-date=8 June 2011|location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a323763/eastenders-stuntman-injured-in-pier-fall/|title='EastEnders' stuntman injured in pier fall|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=8 June 2011|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=8 June 2011|location=London}}</ref> with other scenes filmed on the Essex coast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk/news/north_essex_news/9288427.essex-eastenders-filmed-in-clacton/|title=Essex: EastEnders filmed in Clacton|date=5 October 2011|work=Braintree and Witham Times|publisher=Newsquest Media Group Ltd.|access-date=31 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/9286710.eastenders-on-sea/|title=EastEnders on sea|last=Lambert|first=Dave|date=4 October 2011|work=Daily Gazette|publisher=Newsquest Media Group Ltd.|access-date=31 January 2021}}</ref> In 2012, filming took place in [[Keynsham]], Somerset.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|title='EastEnders' car crash details revealed|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a405239/eastenders-car-crash-details-revealed/|website=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=11 September 2012|date=11 September 2012}}</ref> In January 2013, on-location filming at [[Grahame Park]] in [[Colindale]], north London, was interrupted by at least seven youths who threw a firework at the set and threatened members of the crew.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a454140/eastenders-shoot-interrupted-by-gang-threatening-to-cut-up-crew/|title='EastEnders' shoot interrupted by gang threatening to "cut up" crew|last=Daniels|first=Colin|date=27 January 2013|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=4 February 2013}}</ref> In October 2013, scenes were filmed on a road near [[London Southend Airport]] in Essex.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theenquirer.co.uk/read.aspx?id=12608 |title=EastEnders meets Southend |date=10 October 2013 |work=The Enquirer |access-date=10 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014173611/http://www.theenquirer.co.uk/read.aspx?id=12608 |archive-date=14 October 2013 }}</ref>

''EastEnders'' has featured seven live broadcasts. For its 25th anniversary in February 2010, a [[EastEnders Live|live episode]] was broadcast in which [[Stacey Slater]] ([[Lacey Turner]]) was revealed as [[Archie Mitchell]]'s ([[Larry Lamb]]) killer. Turner was told only 30&nbsp;minutes before the live episode and to maintain suspense, she whispers this revelation to former lover and current father-in-law, Max Branning, in the very final moments of the live show. Many other cast members only found out at the same time as the public, when the episode was broadcast.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a177337/live-ep-for-eastenders-25th-anniversary/|title=Live ep for "EastEnders" 25th anniversary|work=[[Digital Spy]]|first=Kris|last=Green|date=15 September 2009|access-date=15 September 2009}}</ref> On 23 July 2012, a segment of [[Episode 4466|that evening's episode]] was screened live as [[Billy Mitchell (EastEnders)|Billy Mitchell]] ([[Perry Fenwick]]) carried the [[Olympic flame]] around Walford in preparation for the [[2012 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Nickie |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/2011/11/the-olympic-flame-comes-to-wal.shtml |title=EastEnders: The Olympic flame comes to Walford! |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 March 2012}}</ref> In February 2015, for the soap's 30th anniversary, [[EastEnders Live Week|five episodes in a week]] featured live inserts throughout them. Episodes airing on Tuesday 17, Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 (which featured an hour long episode and a second episode) all featured at least one live insert. The show revealed that the killer of [[Lucy Beale]] ([[Hetti Bywater]]) was her younger brother, [[Bobby Beale (EastEnders)|Bobby]] (Eliot Carrington), during the second episode on Thursday, after a [[Who Killed Lucy Beale?|10-month mystery regarding who killed her]]. In a flashback episode which revisited the night of the murder, Bobby was revealed to have killed his sister. The aftermath episode, which aired on Friday 20, was completely live and explained in detail Lucy's death. Carrington was told he was Lucy's killer on Monday 16,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a630200/eastenders-boss-on-bobby-reveal-its-the-start-of-a-bigger-story/|title=EastEnders boss on Bobby reveal: 'It's the start of a bigger story'|website=Digital Spy|date=19 February 2015|access-date=9 August 2015}}</ref> while [[Laurie Brett]] (who plays Bobby's adoptive mother, [[Jane Beale|Jane]]) was informed in November, due to the character playing a major role in the cover-up of Lucy's murder.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a630489/eastenders-star-laurie-brett-on-bobby-ive-known-since-november/|title=EastEnders star Laurie Brett on Bobby: 'I've known since November'|website=Digital Spy|date=20 February 2015|access-date=9 August 2015}}</ref> Bywater only discovered Bobby was responsible for Lucy's death on the morning of Thursday, 19 February, several hours before they filmed the scenes revealing Bobby as Lucy's killer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a630208/eastenders-star-hetti-bywater-on-bobby-reveal-i-was-so-shocked/|title=EastEnders star Hetti Bywater on Bobby reveal: 'I was so shocked'|website=Digital Spy|date=20 February 2015|access-date=9 August 2015}}</ref>

=== Post-production ===
Each episode should run for 27 minutes and 15 seconds; however, if any episode runs over or under then it is the job of post-production to cut or add scenes where appropriate. As noted in the 1994 behind-the-scenes book, ''EastEnders: The First 10 Years'', after filming, tapes were sent to the videotape editor, who then edited the scenes together into an episode. The videotape editor used the director's notes so they knew which scenes the director wanted to appear in a particular episode. The producer might have asked for further changes to be made.<ref name="First10Years p142">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=142}}</ref> The episode was then copied onto [[D3 video]]. The final process was to add the audio which included background noise such as a train or a jukebox music and to check it met the [[BBC]]'s technical standard for broadcasting.<ref name="First10Years p143">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=143}}</ref>

Since 2010, ''EastEnders'' no longer uses tapes in the recording or editing process. After footage is recorded, the material is sent digitally to the post-production team. The editors then assemble all the scenes recorded for the director to view and note any changes that are needed. The sound team also have the capability to access the edited episode, enabling them to dub the sound and create the final version.<ref name="EastEnders Case Study">{{cite web|title=EastEnders|url=https://www.bbcstudioworks.com/?case_study=eastenders|publisher=[[BBC Studios]]|access-date=9 October 2016}}</ref>

=== Budgets and costs ===
According to the book ''How to Study Television'', in 1995 ''EastEnders'' cost the BBC £40,000 per episode on average.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sun, Sea, Sex, Sand and Conservatism in the Australian Television Soap Opera|url=http://eprints.qut.edu.au/62594/2/62594.pdf#page=3|publisher=[[Queensland University of Technology]]|access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref> A 2012 agreement between the BBC, the [[Writers' Guild of Great Britain]] and the Personal Managers' Association set out the pay rate for ''EastEnders'' scripts as £137.70 per minute of transmission time (£4,131 for 30 minutes), which is 85 per cent of the rate for scripts for other BBC television series. The writers would be paid 75 per cent of that fee for any repeats of the episode.<ref name="Writers Guild">{{cite web|title=BBC television script agreement|url=https://writersguild.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/BBC-TV-Script-Agreement.pdf|publisher=[[Writers' Guild of Great Britain]]|access-date=11 July 2016|date=22 May 2012|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816121756/https://writersguild.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/BBC-TV-Script-Agreement.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2011, it was reported that actors receive a per-episode fee of between £400 and £1,200, and are guaranteed a certain number of episodes per year, perhaps as few as 30 or as many as 100, therefore annual salaries could range from £12,000 to £200,000 depending on the popularity of a character. Some actors' salaries were leaked in 2006, revealing that [[Natalie Cassidy]] ([[Sonia Fowler]]) was paid £150,000, [[Cliff Parisi]] ([[Minty Peterson]]) received £220,000, [[Barbara Windsor]] ([[Peggy Mitchell]]) and [[Steve McFadden]] ([[Phil Mitchell]]) each received £360,000 and [[Wendy Richard]] ([[Pauline Fowler]]) had a salary of £370,000.<ref name="how much do soap stars earn?" /> In 2017, it was revealed that [[Danny Dyer]] ([[Mick Carter]]) and [[Adam Woodyatt]] ([[Ian Beale]]) were the highest-paid actors in ''EastEnders'', earning between £200,000 and £249,999, followed by [[Laurie Brett]] ([[Jane Beale]]), [[Letitia Dean]] ([[Sharon Watts]]), [[Tameka Empson]] ([[Kim Fox]]), [[Linda Henry]] ([[Shirley Carter]]), [[Scott Maslen]] ([[Jack Branning]]), [[Diane Parish]] ([[Denise Fox]]), [[Gillian Taylforth]] ([[Kathy Beale]]) and [[Lacey Turner]] ([[Stacey Slater]]), earning between £150,000 and £199,999.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/19/revealed-full-list-bbcs-96-highest-paid-stars/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/19/revealed-full-list-bbcs-96-highest-paid-stars/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Revealed: The full list of the BBC's 96 highest-paid stars|last1=Singh|first1=Anita|last2=Boyle|first2=Danny|date=19 July 2017|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=19 July 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

A 2011 report from the [[National Audit Office (United Kingdom)|National Audit Office]] (NAO) showed that ''EastEnders'' had an annual budget of £29.9&nbsp;million. Of that, £2.9&nbsp;million was spent on scripts and £6.9&nbsp;million went towards paying actors, extras and chaperones for child actors.<ref name="how much do soap stars earn?">{{cite magazine|title=How much do soap stars earn?|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2011-05-14/how-much-do-soap-stars-earn|magazine=[[Radio Times]]|access-date=4 June 2016|date=14 May 2011}}</ref> According to the NAO, BBC executives approved £500,000 of additional funding for the [[EastEnders Live|25th anniversary live episode]] (19 February 2010).<ref name="National Audit Office">{{cite web|title=The BBC's management of the costs of producing continuing drama|url=https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/1011_bbc_drama.pdf#page=18|publisher=[[National Audit Office (United Kingdom)|National Audit Office]]|access-date=4 June 2016|date=3 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Barnes|first1=Anthony|title=BBC spent £700,000 on EastEnders episode |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/bbc-spent-700000-on-eastenders-episode-2249790.html|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|access-date=4 June 2016|date=22 March 2011}}</ref> With a total cost of £696,000, the difference was covered from the 2009–2010 series budget for ''EastEnders''.<ref name="National Audit Office" /> When repeats and omnibus editions are shown, the BBC pays additional fees to cast and scriptwriters and incurs additional editing costs, which in the period 2009–2010, amounted to £5.5{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="Cost of producing continuing drama" /> According to a [[Radio Times]] article for 212 episodes it works out at £141,000 per episode or 3.5p per viewer hour.<ref name="how much do soap stars earn?" />

{| class="wikitable"
|+Total annual cost<ref>{{cite web|title=Total annual cost of the continuing dramas|url=https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/1011_bbc_drama.pdf#page=26|publisher=[[National Audit Office (United Kingdom)|National Audit Office]]|access-date=4 June 2016|date=3 March 2011}}</ref><ref name="Cost of producing continuing drama">{{cite web|url=http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/review_report_research/vfm/continuing_drama.pdf|title=The BBC's management of the costs of producing continuing drama|date=3 March 2011|publisher=[[BBC Trust]]|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825163533/http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/review_report_research/vfm/continuing_drama.pdf|archive-date=25 August 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
!Year
! 2002–2003 !! 2003–2004 !! 2004–2005 !! 2005–2006 !! 2006–2007 !! 2007–2008 !! 2008–2009 !! 2009–2010
|-
!Cost (£millions)
| 35.8 || 36.2 || 34.7 || 34.1 || 33.0 || 33.6 || 31.5 || 29.9
|}

=== Sustainability ===
In 2014, two new studios were built and they were equipped with low-energy lighting which has saved approximately 90,000 kwh per year.<ref name="Sustainability">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/bb643f66-1847-44f5-a0f8-e64038802e8e|title=Eco-Enders&nbsp;– EastEnders earns top sustainability award|date=9 May 2016|work=EastEnders|publisher=[[BBC Online]]|access-date=30 March 2017}}</ref> A carbon literacy course was run with heads of departments of ''EastEnders'' attending. As a result, representatives from each department agreed to meet quarterly to share new sustainability ideas.<ref name="Sustainability" /> The paper usage was reduced by 50 per cent across script distribution and other weekly documents and 20 per cent across all other paper usage.<ref name="Sustainability" /> The production team also began using recycled paper and stationery.<ref name="Sustainability" />

Additionally, changes made to working online also saved transportation cost of distribution 2,500 DVDs per year.<ref name="Sustainability" /> Sets, costumes, paste pots and paint are all recycled by the design department.<ref name="Sustainability" /> Cars used by the studio are low emission vehicles and the production team take more efficient energy efficient generators out on location.<ref name="Sustainability" /> Caterers no longer use polystyrene cups and recycling on location must be provided.<ref name="Sustainability" />

As a result of ''EastEnders''{{'}} sustainability, it was awarded [[albert+]], an award that recognises the production's commitment to becoming a more eco-friendly television production.<ref name="Sustainability" /> The albert+ logo was first shown at the end of the ''EastEnders'' titles for episode 5281 on 9 May 2016.<ref name="Sustainability" /> Four years later, in 2020, the organisation did a follow-up piece about ''EastEnders''{{'}} sustainability. They revealed that all food served on set as a prop is vegetarian, unless the script requires it to be meat. All food waste and any other compostable waste, including the flowers from the market's flower stall or from a wedding or funeral, are also collected for [[anerobic digestion]]. The soap also began using electric vehicles whilst filming and has its own electric car sharing scheme and charging point. Off set, ''EastEnders'' has two hybrid technical vans and extended their hybrid fleet to the props department with a hybrid props van.<ref>{{cite web |title=EastEnders (2020) | date=21 December 2020 |url=https://wearealbert.org/climate-content/eastenders-2020/#:~:text=All%20food%20served%20on%20set,now%20collected%20for%20anerobic%20digestion. |publisher=[[albert+]] |access-date=2 April 2025}}</ref>