<P> Series one focused on the search for the boy 's murderer by detectives Alec Hardy ( played by David Tennant ) and Ellie Miller ( played by Olivia Colman ) . Chibnall was inspired by the Jurassic Coast of England to set his crime drama in a fictional , close - knit small town in Dorset . Much of the tone of the series was inspired by the music of Ólafur Arnalds , who also composed the soundtrack for the programme . Writing on spec , Chibnall persuaded ITV to green - light the series in the autumn of 2011 . Auditions soon followed , although some actors were offered roles directly . Principal photography began in August 2012 , with location shooting occurring primarily in towns and villages in Dorset , North Somerset , South Gloucestershire , and Bristol . The production went to great lengths to keep the identity of the murderer secret . Cast and crew were nominated for many awards for series one ; they won several British Academy Television ( BAFTA ) Awards and a BAFTA Craft Award . </P>
<P> Series one focused on the search for the boy 's murderer by detectives Alec Hardy ( played by David Tennant ) and Ellie Miller ( played by Olivia Colman ) . Chibnall was inspired by the Jurassic Coast of England to set his crime drama in a fictional , close - knit small town in Dorset . Much of the tone of the series was inspired by the music of Ólafur Arnalds , who also composed the soundtrack for the programme . Writing on spec , Chibnall persuaded ITV to green - light the series in the autumn of 2011 . Auditions soon followed , although some actors were offered roles directly . Principal photography began in August 2012 , with location shooting occurring primarily in towns and villages in Dorset , North Somerset , South Gloucestershire , and Bristol . The production went to great lengths to keep the identity of the murderer secret . Cast and crew were nominated for many awards for series one ; they won several British Academy Television ( BAFTA ) Awards and a BAFTA Craft Award . </P>
where does the tv series broadchurch take place
where does the tv series broadchurch take place
a fictional , close - knit small town in Dorset
a fictional , close - knit small town in Dorset