|
 Kent is fast becoming a major film setting
thanks to the Kent Film Office - a KCC initiative that
promotes the wide diversity of Kent's urban, industrial and
countryside locations as major film and television
venues.
Launched in 2006, Kent Film Office works in partnership with
district councils, National Trust, English Heritage and others to
develop the county as a major venue and location for film and
television. This in turn benefits the Kent economy.
The office helps the film and television industries find
locations in Kent in which to film. To date it has helped secure
significant filming including a six-month major Channel 4 series,
Cape Wrath (made by Ecosse), which ensured direct spend into the
local economy of £2.5 million and employed 35 local people.
A Bollywood movie was filmed at the Kent and East Sussex Railway
in Tenterden, a Tesco apple advert secured the future of a
community apple orchard as the fee went direct to the parish, and
an East Kent filming company has been given a chance to expand
through the help given by Kent Film Office to film Ruby Blue.
The development of Kent Film Office links directly with the
strategic document
Towards 2010 which includes a target to develop Kent as a major
venue and location for film, television and creative industries to
benefit the Kent economy.
It also increases opportunities for graduates to work in Kent,
another Towards 2010 target, and develops the economic prosperity
of Kent in line with the Kent Agreement.
The film industry is worth £4.3 billion to the UK economy and
Kent is now taking a slice of that thanks to the Kent Film Office.
Research has shown that for every £1 spent on location, another
£2.50 is spent in the local economy. Tourists are also attracted to
the area to see film settings, boosting the local economy even
further. |