Screen Suffolk target for number of filming days in first year surpassed in seven months

Fearless stars Helen McCrory and Jonathan Forbes on set at the beach house in Shingle Street, near Hollesley. Picture: ITV (Image: Archant)

Screen Suffolk – a branch of location scouting and management firm Film Fixer – beat six other companies last summer for the contract to bring filming for TV shows and films, as well as photoshoots for adverts to the county.

Officially launching at the end of December, Screen Suffolk had aimed for 100 filming days in its first 12 months.

But by the end of July the firm confirmed it had already achieved 116 filming days – five months before its 12 month target date.

Screen Suffolk helped aspiring filmmaker Aine Kirwan gain work experience assisting the third assistant director on the set of Detectorists. Picture: OLIVIA PHIPPS (Image: Archant)

“We are absolutely thrilled about that,” said Karen Everett, Screen Suffolk director.

“Our message is getting out there and people are starting to take notice.

“There is quite a lot of work that goes on behind those shoots so that is really nice.”

Screen Suffolk directors Andrew Pavord and Karen Everett have been buoyed by the number of filming days so far (Image: Archant)

Suffolk County Council launched the tender last year, with the aim of boosting the local economy through productions using film firms, catering companies and accommodation, as well as boosting the county’s tourism and utilising local filmmakers.

Crucially, Screen Suffolk helps with everything from location scouting, logistics, sourcing accommodation and catering and bringing local experts on board.

Many of those who have signed up to the Screen Suffolk website as industry professionals have already gained work, while those looking to break into the industry are being hooked up with work experience opportunities.

Orford couple Jill Green and Anthony Horowitz have helped promote Suffolk as a filming location. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Among the projects to have come to the county during its first seven months have been ITV drama Fearless, which filmed at Bentwaters, Southwold and Hollesley, Framlingham-based Detectorists, The Child in Time featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, and at least one big-budget movie from a world-famous director.

Ed Sheeran’s video for Castle on the Hill was also filmed in the county.

Ms Everett said the hospitality from people in Suffolk had been “exceptional” and added that having established relationships with key organisations meant the process of bringing productions back in or getting others on board was made easier.

Behind the scenes filming of the video for Ed Sheeran's Castle on the Hill. Picture: RACHEL ALDRIDGE (Image: Archant)

To get involved visit the Screen Suffolk website here.