South Gloucestershire film location database launched

South Gloucestershire Council has been helping to bring some Hollywood glamour to the district.

The council has been promoting South Gloucestershire as a desirable location to film, which has helped to attract a wide range of productions, from the latest blockbusters such as Harry Potter, to period dramas such Larkrise to Candleford, and ongoing filming with Casualty and Skins.

The council has been working in partnership with South West Screen, and recently received their ‘film-friendly accredited authority’ award.

Attracting filming to the district brings in significant economic benefits, for example film crews looking for accommodation to stay in, or places to eat.

Also, most of the income generated by filming which takes place on council-owned property is reinvested back into the community where it took place. For example, it is anticipated the picnic area at Tog Hill will shortly be enhanced in 2011, after a production used it as a base for vehicles and equipment.

To further boost filming in the district, the council has also just launched a special film location database. It advertises existing filming locations to production companies, as well as allowing residents, organisations and businesses to register their details if they can offer a potential location that is unusual or interesting.

Recently the makers of Channel 4’s Skins decided to film the entire last episode of the current series in South Gloucestershire after the new database helped them find the locations they required.

Councillor John Godwin, executive member for external affairs and partnerships, said: “The council has been promoting South Gloucestershire as a desirable location to film in because of the knock-on economic benefits for the district, and most of the income from filming on council-owned land is invested back into the local community. The launch of the film location database should help to attract more film crews scouting locations, as well as giving residents, organisations and businesses the opportunity to sign-up.”

For more information about filming in South Gloucestershire, or to register an unusual or interesting location with the filming database, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/film.