Businesses across Bradford are being given the opportunity to find out how to play a role in the increasing number of blockbuster productions that are filming in the area.
As part of the Bradford International Film Summit, Bradford Breakthrough are organising an event for local companies entitled the ‘Business of Film’.
The aim of the event is to explain the needs of film and TV productions, which can be met by local providers. From caterers to landlords, the event hopes to attract representatives from across the business community.
Taking place on Thursday, 5 March at the Midland Hotel, speakers at the event include David Wilson, Director of Bradford UNESCO City of Film, Sally Joynson, Chief Executive of Screen Yorkshire and Richard Knight, Head of Production for Screen Yorkshire and a former Location Manager.
Speaking about the event, David Wilson said
“Out of the 34 filming requests we had in 2014, 48 days of filming took place in the Bradford District including well-known TV shows across the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and many big budget feature films.
“Some of these productions include The One show, Heston Blumenthal Great British food, the fourth series of DCI Banks, US multi million dollar feature film Hunters Prayer, Miss You Already featuring Drew Barrymoore, HOCKNEY and Testament of Youth.
“Based on the success of 2014 we are confident that filming will continue to increase and we are now looking for businesses to join our City of Film supplier database so that we pass details on to film productions when they are based in the area.”
Richard Knight, a former Location Manager who worked on This is England ’86 and Four Lions explained
“Bradford is an extremely cinematic city with grand buildings, sweeping views and a great sense of space. The “can do” attitude of the local authorities, residents and businesses alike make it an attractive prospect for filming.
“There are numerous ways that local businesses can capitalise on the influx of film and television projects – the needs of a film crew are varied, usually urgent, and sometimes downright surreal – potentially putting the production into contact with a wide variety of local suppliers.
“The film summit provides an ideal opportunity for local businesses to learn the scope and scale of the film production market, and how to tap into it.”
Colin Philpott, Chief Executive of Bradford Breakthrough said
“Film and TV production in and around Bradford has grown significantly in the last couple of years as the area has exploited its UNESCO City of Film status.
This provides a great opportunity for local businesses to benefit by providing a whole range of services to productions when they’re shooting in Bradford. The Business of Film Conference on March 5th will showcase these exciting opportunities.”
