Company directors see potential of creative industries in Suffolk

Meeting organised by the Institute of Directors about Suffolks burgeoning film industry (Image: Sarah Lucy brown)

Company bosses spent the evening at the Old Jet creative hub, based at Bentwaters Park and designed to welcome creative types needing writing, rehearsal and recording space.

The tour was organised by the Suffolk branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD), which also arranged a quick spin round the former airbase – now frequently used as a filming location.

The group got an introduction by Julien Mery, of Livid Films and Film Suffolk, and were treated to a clip from independent film With love from… Suffolk, which premiered at the Riverside Theatre in Woodbridge in February.

Graham Kill, chairman of IoD Suffolk, said: “It was a fascinating insight into one of Suffolk’s most burgeoning industries.

“We clearly have a group of truly passionate creative professionals in Suffolk on a mission to make our county a destination for film production.

“Local production would provide direct creative job opportunities and indirect opportunities for the myriad support services required, from catering to transport and everything in between.

Passion alone, though, will not cut it, and public-private money is needed for these initiatives to succeed. We hope by our providing a platform for this story to be told, these passionate people are a step further in fulfilling their mission.”

Julien Mery added: “We were very keen to connect with the Institute of Directors to give the business community an insight into the developments of Suffolk’s creative industry.

“This evening has provided an opportunity for creatives and directors in Suffolk to ignite a relationship and consider how they can work together in the future.”