Filming for films, adverts, TV shows and catalogues has generated millions of pounds for the Suffolk economy in the last 12 months, latest figures show – with a single day’s filming worth between £11,000 and £35,000.
Screen Suffolk was launched in December 2016 with the task of bringing more filming to the county to have a positive impact on its culture and economy.
In its first 12 months it smashed its 100 filming day target by bringing in 210 filming days, and latest figures presented to the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders meeting reveal it has generated £2.3 million local spend.
Creative England figures estimated that figure to be £7.35m.
An estimated average day of filming generates at least £11,200 spend on accommodation, catering, transport and private location hire – a figure which doesn’t include income from film permits and tourism boost.
Creative England suggests that figure is nearer £35,000 per day.
Screen Suffolk director Karen Everett said she was thrilled with the progress so far, and more is to come in 2018.
“In Screen Suffolk’s first year, the county became a starring location in the hit ITV drama series Fearless, Suffolk attracted Benedict Cumberbatch in the BBC’s A Child in Time, Ridley Scott’s Hollywood film All the Money in the World, global hit TV show The Crown and it welcomed back firm favourites The Detectorists.
“Global pop sensation and Suffolk local Ed Sheeran of course also filmed the video for his love song to the county, Castle on the Hill, in Framlingham.
“Already we have even more exciting filming lined up for this year, which we’ll speak about as soon as commercial confidentiality allows.”
The Suffolk Public Sector Leaders collective has agreed to grant the service an additional £50,000 from pooled business rates over the next two years to continue its development, after which it will be self-sustaining.
As well as the economic boost, the service has also helped local film crew secure additional work and allowed up-and-coming youngsters to secure valuable work placements on productions.
Screen Suffolk works as a one-stop-shop offering location scouting, filming permits, helping organise accommodation, offices and catering, and securing local crews.
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