Member Article

£7.5 million ERGF funding for Screen Yorkshire

Screen Yorkshire has secured an additional £7.5m of funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support its investment in film, television and digital content.

Secured through the Yorkshire Content Fund, which is the biggest regional investment fund for production in the UK, and is open to content producers working in film, TV, games and digital based in the county, the funding is available with immediate effect and will be invested in projects that start by the end of 2015.

As part of its work with Screen Yorkshire, the council is currently undertaking a joint survey on how best to continue the development of film, TV and digital industry in the region, with a report set to be provided on the findings by the end of March this year.

This follows the council signing the Screen Friendly City Charter, which will support Screen Yorkshire in identifying possible locations and studios for companies and individuals to produce film and TV in the city and wider region, and also supporting the identification of new talent.

Critically acclaimed TV dramas to benefit from Yorkshire Content Fund since its inception nearly two years ago include Peaky Blinders, The Great Train Robbery and Death comes to Pemberley.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for leisure & skills said:“The further funding Screen Yorkshire has attracted from the ERDF will, through the Yorkshire Content Fund, continue to see them support local talent and play a key role in the filming of fantastic TV, film and drama.

“We are delighted to continue our work with Screen Yorkshire in the wide range of work they are undertaking to attract more film making, television and digital content to be based and produced in our city and region.

“Leeds has a proud history in screen arts and the industry is of huge social and economic benefit to the local area. Let’s hope we can look forward to even more success in the near future.”

Sally Joynson, Chief Executive, Screen Yorkshire said: “Leeds has a long track record as a major production hub and the creative industries remain an important driver for the city’s economy.

“Screen Yorkshire’s fund will provide a further welcome boost to the industry, but more important is the partnership that has been brought together under the City Council’s leadership to look at the long term future of the industry, helping to ensure it develops on a dynamic, but sustainable, footing.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .