U.K. Production Fund Gets $12.3 Million Injection

LEEDS: Screen Yorkshire has doubled its content fund for film, TV, games and digital production in the U.K., receiving £7.5 million ($12.3 million) from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

This additional money will be invested in projects that start by the end of 2015. The funding is open to content producers working in film, TV, games and digital based in Yorkshire or from outside but looking to establish a base in the region, all with the purpose of stimulating local production levels.

Along with doubling the size of the fund, Screen Yorkshire will also now consider applicants seeking higher production investments that it did previously, in excess of £1 million on a single film or TV series. This was done in hopes of attracting bigger projects to the region.

Sally Joynson, the chief executive of Screen Yorkshire, said: “This additional investment of £7.5 million, effectively doubling the capacity of the Yorkshire Content Fund, is a vote of confidence in Yorkshire, in Screen Yorkshire and the effectiveness of the Yorkshire Content Fund in putting Yorkshire at the heart of production across the U.K. screen industries. Over the past two years we have been able to work with established and emerging U.K. producers from across the U.K. as well as those based in Yorkshire to make 18 film and television productions in the region generating work and training opportunities as well as boosting spend within the local economy. By increasing the level we’re prepared to invest in key projects, we are also now aiming to work with bigger productions which can further grow and create opportunities for Yorkshire.”

John Surtees, the chair of Screen Yorkshire, added: “Screen Yorkshire’s work with local talent and businesses over the last decade has helped create skilled and creative local resources which can now work on major productions. But it is the Yorkshire Content Fund which is now enabling the region to participate in production in a way that is generating real growth and sustainability.”

David Thompson, the head of Origin Pictures, producer of Death Comes to Pemberley and Jamaica Inn, said: "It is great news that Screen Yorkshire have been able to extend their fund. They are playing an invaluable part in the U.K. film and television industry, providing crucial equity funding in a marketplace where investment is hard to find. For producers, the organization is efficient and straightforward to deal with in terms of deal making, with little red tape. As a production base, Yorkshire has a rich pool of locations for both contemporary and period productions and its skilled and enthusiastic crews are an asset to every production. Sally, Hugo and their team have created a very special and important organization, long may it continue!"

Mark Herbert, joint MD of Warp Films, which produced ’71 with investment from the Yorkshire Content Fund, said: "I can safely say that Warp Films growth over the years has been thanks to the ongoing support from Screen Yorkshire. Back in 2003 we secured business development funding from them and I was able to hire our now head of production Barry Ryan, meaning that there was someone there to hold the fort whilst I got the films off the ground. Screen Yorkshire also stepped in at a critical time when some funds fell through close to shooting the film This is England and that has turned into BAFTA-winning film and 7 hours of TV drama. Our latest film ‘71 has also been supported by them and we hope to continue working together as we enter our second decade.’’