Mayor Sadiq Khan has committed to funding the capital’s film agency for the remainder of his term, a move which will help cement the capital’s status as a major hub for big name movie and TV productions.
First established in 2003, Film London has led the capital’s renaissance as a major destination for film and TV projects by courting US productions and investing in emerging talent.
As well as providing advice and assistance to productions, the agency has been a powerful advocate for the UK’s tax credits system which provides a rebate for productions using UK and European talent on both sides of the camera.
The incentive helps ensure London can compete with other major production hubs such as Los Angeles and New York and Hollywood producers, including bosses as Disney-owned Marvel, have previously credited it with their decision to film in the UK.
Past hits set and made in the capital include London Has Fallen, Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation and Fast and Furious 6.
The city also features in next month’s Unlocked which stars Noomi Rapace, Orlando Bloom and Michael Douglas and sees a CIA interrogator lured into a ruse that puts London at risk of a biological attack.
Film London also played a major part in successfully convincing the Government to extend the credits system to cover high quality TV productions, a move which has seen major productions such as Netflix’s The Crown and 24: Live Another Day filmed in the capital.
London’s popularity means most TV and film studios are now fully booked for years ahead.
The Mayor’s decision to guarantee Film London’s funding for at least another three years, a commitment totalling £4.65m, allows the agency to continue wooing productions which support jobs in and around the capital.
A City Hall spokesperson told this site: “The Mayor recognises the huge contribution the creative industries make to London’s economy and reputation as a global powerhouse of innovation and culture.
“He has pledged to make the creative industries a core priority during his Mayoralty.”
