Sponsored by the Kent Film Office, the Kent Creative Industries Award was presented to Medb Films at the 2007 Kent Business Awards ceremony on the 21^st June.

Based at and in partnership with James Thomas' Royal Harbour Hotel Ramsgate, Medb Films is run by producer Elaine Wickham and writer/director Jan Dunn. In the last two years the company has produced two films shot entirely in Kent including Gypo which won countless awards including the coveted British Independent Film Awards.

Elaine Wickham said “Having shot two feature films and a handful of short movies in Kent now, I know the county has extraordinary locations and fantastic light. Building an infrastructure of businesses to facilitate filmmaking in the region is now important. Thanks to the Kent Film Office, Kent County Council and Maidstone Studios, I think this will be the next step in promoting Kent as a film-friendly region.”

Left to right Tanya Oliver (Head of Strategic Development Unit, KCC), Geoff Miles (Maidstone Studios), Elaine Wickham, Jo Nolan (ScreenSouth), Jan Dunn, Peter Gilroy (Chief Executive of Kent County Council) and James Thomas. ©Kent Film Office

The Kent Film Office recognises the important work that Medb Films have done to encourage the growth of the Creative Industry in Kent. Alongside their own filming, the company also encourages other independent film makers to produce their own work, by offering their filming knowledge and post production facilities. Medb are also actively involved in training young people from Kent through their Medb Independent Film Focus scheme which is designed to help gain entry-level experience in the industry.

Peter Gilroy said "I am delighted that Medb Films have won this award.  The Kent Film Office sponsored this award to help raise the profile of the creative industries in Kent and to recognise the important role of the creative industries in the Kent economy and Mebd Films is an excellent example of this.  They have energy, vision and enthusiasm and a real commitment to East Kent."

Congratulations to Medb on winning the award.

We would also like to congratulate our runners up Busroot Ltd from Paddock Wood and Lavender Blue Media based in Maidstone who were both excellent companies and made our decision very difficult.

[Pascale Blackburn]

Links

• For information on the 2008 Kent Creative Industries Award, please contact the Kent Film Office on filmoffice@kent.gov.uk .