Regional screen agency Screen Yorkshire has launched a four-year production programme, backed by £10 million of funding from Yorkshire Forward – the largest ever award from a regional development agency to a regional screen agency. The investment could make England's biggest county a leading centre of low budget film production, drawing more investment into the region by pulling in in more film and TV production.
Screen Yorkshire will strengthen indigenous film production and build on the region's growing reputation for innovative low budget screen work already seen in projects like Yasmin, Mischief Night and This is England.
The Yorkshire Agency will join forces with the East Midlands agency EM Media at Cannes, on 21st May, to launch the new investment and promote the work of both agencies. Yorkshire-born actor Patrick Stewart is to attend.
Screen Yorkshre has worked in partnership with EM Media, the UK Film Council and Film Four for the last year in support of the new Yorkshire-based pioneering digital production studioWarp X.
Using cutting edge digital technology coupled with low budget production methods Warp X will produce seven high-value movies aimed at the international market.
Producer at Warp Films Mark Herbert said: “Warp X is going to re-tox British cinema. We are creating the opportunity for outstanding talent to make fresh and exhilarating films in innovative ways. Regionally made films for global audiences.”
Screen Yorkshire will market the county nationally and internationally as a regional production base, build on existing success in attracting production by investing in feature film and returning television drama series by developing the infrastructure and skilled workforce. Plans include an on-line location and crewing database to market the regional workforce around the world; offering industry accredited training opportunities; and expanding the regional services on offer to filmmakers.