Opportunities to grow region's Screen Industries

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
A bold vision for driving growth and collaboration across the region's thriving screen industries was shared at Fareham College on Wednesday 11 December.

The 2024 Solent Screen Industries Cluster Meeting brought together key leaders and stakeholders in the region’s film and TV sector to explore how to grow local screen businesses and create skills development pathways, employment, and cultural tourism.

The event showcased the findings of the Film Office and Screen Development Agency Feasibility Study, an ambitious plan outlining a collaborative route to enhance the area’s appeal to the global film and television industry. The study proposed establishing a dedicated film office in the region to support high-profile productions, boost local businesses, and create a thriving screen ecosystem. Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council and board member of Solent Growth Partnership, was one of the speakers at the event.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “The region has immense potential to become a key player in the UK’s booming screen industry. With growing global interest in UK production, our focus is to leverage this opportunity, fostering a region that attracts top-tier productions and champions local talent.

Industry professionals connect and collaborate at the Solent Screen Industries Cluster Meeting 2024, discussing a new vision for the region's screen sector.Industry professionals connect and collaborate at the Solent Screen Industries Cluster Meeting 2024, discussing a new vision for the region's screen sector.
Industry professionals connect and collaborate at the Solent Screen Industries Cluster Meeting 2024, discussing a new vision for the region's screen sector.

"The Solent Screen Support Feasibility Study provides an invaluable framework to shape a vibrant screen sector, and we’re looking forward to working with local partners on this transformative journey in bringing this vision to life for the locality”.

Work on the feasibility study is being managed and funded by the Solent Growth Partnership, the successor to the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, formed by a collaboration of Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton councils. It was commissioned with Creative Network South to highlight the importance of a regional film location agency, which would streamline the process for national and international production companies to shoot on location.

Chris Curley, Head of Nations and Regions Member Relations and Projects at PACT, the UK’s screen sector trade body representing and supporting independent production and distribution companies, also addressed attendees.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: "It is a time of change in the creative industries, and we are looking forward to presenting the opportunities for growth in the film and TV sector, which can benefit the region and, most importantly, the wider economy with jobs and investment by supporting its creative entrepreneurs”.

The event welcomed attendees from across the industry and explored options for empowering local screen businesses and creating pathways for skills development, employment, and cultural tourism. Speakers included Steve Pitt (Leader of Portsmouth City Council), Jo Nolan (Managing Director of Screen South), Chris Curley (Head of Nations and Regions Member Relations at PACT), Sue Beckett (Executive Director of City Eye), and Roy Hanney (Mission Director of DVMISSION 48 Hour Film Challenge).

Jo Nolan, Managing Director of Screen South, said: “This meeting was an exciting opportunity for the dynamic Solent Screen industries and stakeholders to showcase the region’s screen sector potential in an increasingly competitive global market.”

The UK screen industry has experienced rapid growth, with a record-breaking £4.23 billion in film and high-end TV (HETV) production expenditure in 2023. Demand for UK locations remains strong, and the Solent region is uniquely positioned with historic and modern filming sites in the Isle of Wight, New Forest, Portsmouth, and Southampton on productions such as The Crown, Les Misérables, Napoleon, and Tenet.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration, Culture and Leisure at Isle of Wight Council, shared: “Creative Industries are a high-growth sector for the Solent economies, with filmmaking being of particular note. For instance, on the Isle of Wight, we have our successful Film Wight (film office) and have been working to bring a much-needed film studio to the Medina, providing high-quality facilities and skills. Coming together as a film industry region is perfectly timed, especially as we get economic impact from tourism in the form of 'set jetting’”.

Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council and Chair of the Solent Growth Board, added: “This event highlighted the Solent region’s incredible potential to thrive in the film and TV industry. From stunning coastlines to historic architecture, we have so much to offer. By fostering a vibrant screen industry, we can create jobs, attract and retain talent, boost our local economy, and put the region on the global map. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and collaboration in the room, which will undoubtedly drive positive change for our communities”. Download the Film Office & Screen Development Agency Feasibility study report: https://www.creativenetworksouth.co.uk/a-new-vision-for-the-regions-screen-sector/

News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice