Movie-makers will bring investment
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by business editor Trevor Sturgess
Kent is focusing on a revenue boost from movie-makers after MPs
backed its bid to close roads for filming.
There should be more camera, lights, action after the county
became the only area outside London to have legal powers to close
roads temporarily to enable directors to get their best location
shots.
Kent County Council asked the Government to push through the
Parliamentary bill as part of its campaign to back local business
and the county's economy.
"It believes encouraging filmmakers to the county brings
multi-million pound benefits to businesses, tourism and
residents."
Kevin Lynes, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration
and Economic Development, said: "Filming brings a serious income
into the Kent economy, so we're absolutely committed to nurturing
the industry and making Kent a national and international contender
for filming.
"Our wonderfully diverse county has everything from dramatic
landscapes and historical settings to modern, urban backdrops and
the new law means we can offer filmmakers an even better
package."
The Kent Film Office, run by KCC, has generated more than £14
million for the county's economy in the four years since it was set
up.
It has attracted projects including BBC drama Emma
featuring Michael Gambon and Is Anybody There featuring Michael
Caine. Other films shot on location in Kent include The Other
Boleyn Girl, Vanity Fair and The Golden Compass.
Although the new law gives legal powers to close roads, the Kent
Film Office will continue to work closely with local residents and
businesses and take their needs into account.
Tanya Oliver, director of strategic development and public
access, added: "This is really exciting for Kent.
"We can now offer filmmakers a real flexibility to meet their
needs and that's going to make us an even more attractive
prospect.
"I think our county is set for stardom that will benefit
everyone."
Wednesday, July 28 2010
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