RED CARPET NOT RED TAPE (Dee Doocey)

RED CARPET NOT RED TAPE

November 2, 2006 12:00 AM

London needs to become a film-friendly city and do more to support the capital's multi-billion pound movie industry, the Assembly said today.

A report by the London Assembly's Economic Development, Sport, Culture and Tourism Committee highlights the importance of the film-making industry to London's economy.

The report also found that exposure on the silver screen boosts the capital's tourism industry by promoting the city's identity around the world, and adds to London's rich cultural life.

However, the capital as a filming location faces cut-throat international competition, and poses a number of barriers to getting a cast and crew together in the city's streets so the cameras can roll.

Central London locations are particularly popular because of the unique atmosphere and iconic landmarks. Filming units in central London are likely to use different vehicles each day, which can make negotiating the Congestion Charge payment system complicated. To smooth the way for film-makers, the report calls on Transport for London to help find a simple way for businesses to pay the Congestion Charge for many different vehicles that may vary at short notice.

Parking in central London can also be an issue due to the number of vehicles film units use and the report calls on local authorities and Transport for London to find new ways to help film-makers find legal parking.

The Committee's investigation also found that while some boroughs welcome film-makers and do a great deal to help, in other areas local officials are more interested in red tape than video tape. To tackle this, the report calls for Film London to do more to show borough councils how film-making can benefit an area.

Dee Doocey AM, Chair of the Committee said: "Filming in London generates over £9.4billion per year and supports 90,000 jobs.

"The film industry is very important to the capital and local authorities should do all they can to reap the economic and cultural benefits it brings.

"If we don't encourage both international and independent companies to make films in London we risk them choosing other cities."

Adrian Wootton, CEO of Film London, said: "Film London welcomes this report which recognises the importance of filming to the economic and cultural life of the capital.

"In recent years, London has experienced a significant upturn in filming, with a record number of shooting days in 2005.

"Building on the success of the London Filming Partnership, which has brought together over 120 organisations and agencies to make filming easier, Film London is developing a range of initiatives to make the city even more film friendly and cement its position as a leading global production centre."