Summit Eyes Bright Future for Region’s Screen Industry

The inaugural Bristol and Bath Screen Summit has highlighted the importance of nurturing the region’s creative talent alongside innovation, diversity and sustainability.

Showcasing the region as a leading global production community, the Summit was opened by the Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees. Guests heard from programme makers from some of the world’s biggest brands, including Bristol’s Grant Mansfield (Founder and CEO of Plimsoll Productions) and Julian Bellamy (Managing Director of ITV Studios).

The UWE Bristol event, which was hosted by broadcaster Carol Vorderman and actor Gamba Cole, was a key recommendation from research by UWE Bristol’s Digital Cultures Research Centre (DCRC). The research found that while the screen industry in the city-region is booming, more could be done to overcome the political and economic challenges it is facing.

Lynn Barlow, Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Creative and Cultural Industries Engagement at UWE, said, “A clear message from the event is that people are key to the industry’s success, and the incredible talent base and amazing track record of TV and film in this area is continuing to drive growth.

“We should celebrate what we have already achieved, but there is still much to do, particularly pushing innovation through creativity and technology, but also ensuring the industry is representative of all audiences by creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

“Thank you to the panellists who kindly gave their time to speak at the Summit. Their insight really demonstrates how much the region has to offer as we look to the future.”

The Summit also included discussions on supporting and extending the emerging indigenous film and television drama industry in the area, considering the benefits of creating a ‘regional production fund’ and access to investment packages, either to companies already based here or to those looking to bring productions to the area.