Screen Yorkshire launches service to link region's crew to film and TV producers

Leeds-based Screen Yorkshire's new venture will run alongside its Film Office’s locations service, meaning that film and TV producers will now have a "single-entry point to a comprehensive production liaison service" across the whole of Yorkshire and the Humber.

The new service will include networking and promotional opportunities to support regional crew alongside film and TV supply chain companies.

Sally Joynson, chief executive at Screen Yorkshire says: ‘‘This is a critical time for the industry as it emerges from lockdown. We hope that our new crew and facilities service, along with other initiatives, can play a part in getting people back into work and ensure Yorkshire retains its competitive edge.

"Yorkshire has an enviable legacy in film and TV production. Our new crew and facilities service will give us a platform to showcase the amazingly talented crew and facilities companies that have worked on these productions and will offer a supportive peer network to help level the playing field for freelancers working the industry.’’

Karl Hall, a line producer who has worked on Netflix drama The English Game, Hope Gap and Girlfriends, added: "Having lived and worked here for a number of years I know Yorkshire crew are a fantastically talented and hardworking bunch.

"The new crew and facilities service will benefit both freelancers and productions alike providing local jobs for our highly skilled workforce and tempting more great film and TV productions to the region.’’

The service will be managed by Screen Yorkshire’s Film Office team, whose members have more than 50 years of combined experience working on some of the best-known productions filmed in the region, such as Gentleman Jack, The Steph Show, Peaky Blinders, Ackley Bridge, Emmerdale, Last Tango In Halifax, All Creatures Great And Small, Victoria, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Official Secrets.

The Film Office will also be running regular networking opportunities for crew, following the success of its online ‘Friday Freelancer Forum', launched during Covid-19, with the intention of rolling out face-to-face networking events as lockdown restrictions ease.

The team also announced last month that it has adapted its location service to offer virtual and socially distanced recces - tours - for productions preparing to shoot in the region.

As the first port of call for producers looking to film in Yorkshire, and those needing specialist advice and help, Screen Yorkshire’s Film Office supports international, domestic and regional productions.

Its work spans feature film, high-end TV drama and childrens’ content as well as factual, entertainment, comedy, corporate and advertising campaigns.

Budgets for high-end TV dramas and feature films made in Yorkshire average between £10m and £20m per project, reports Screen Yorkshire.

The organisation, one of various regional agencies around the country, has been supported by the BFI’s National Cluster Growth Fund, using National Lottery funding to support the development and growth of the Yorkshire screen sector.