A BID to make Yorkshire the number one location for film and television productions is moving into top gear.

A Film Friendly Partnership Charter was signed by Visit York, City of York Council and 17 other local authorities from across the region at the regional premiere of the new film Brideshead Revisited, held at Castle Howard – where much of the filming took place last summer.

The partnership sets out a code of best practice to ensure that the region get the maximum benefit from the publicity, press and tourism opportunities that filming can bring.

Screen Yorkshire, which launched the initiative last year, says it is aimed at making the region the number one destination for film and television production in the UK.

“The initiative also aims to ensure that filming in York happens as easily and effectively as possible, so that production companies have a positive experience of filming here and return for their next project,” said a spokeswoman for Visit York.

“The charter signing coincides with one of the busiest periods of film and television production in recent years, as the industry recognises that the facilities and support are on hand to support any scale of project.

“Over the past two years, Screen Yorkshire has attracted film and television productions worth over £50 million to the region.”

John Yeomans, chairman of Visit York, said: ‘This is a great step forward for film production in York and the region and we’re delighted to be working closely with our colleagues in the city council to ensure York is the most film-friendly city in the UK. “Brideshead Revisited has already attracted widespread attention and we’re confident the release of this fantastic new film will bring in thousands of visitors not just to Castle Howard but to York and the rest of the region.”

Sally Joynson, chief executive at Screen Yorkshire, said it was delighted so many partner organisations from across the region had come together in support and recognition of the value that film and television production could bring to the cultural and economic wealth of the region.

“Local employment in the film industry does not stop just at traditional local crew and services. Productions also use taxis, hotels and restaurants, which all benefit financially from filming in the region.

“Film and television productions can also reap long-term tourism benefits for the area in which they were filmed.

“Castle Howard is still welcoming visitors on the back of Granada’s television series more than 20 years after it screened and the release of the new feature film is certain to revitalise interest from the public in one of the UK’s most stunning stately homes."


Film-makers attracted to historic city and county

A NUMBER of major films and TV dramas have been filmed in York and North Yorkshire over the past decade, in addition to Brideshead Revisited.

Stars such as Sean Bean, Sam Neill and Joss Ackland arrived in York earlier this year for the filming of a multi-million pound Robinson Crusoe television series.

Last year, Newby Hall in Ripon was used as the location for the filming of a new adaptation of Austen’s 1814 novel Mansfield Park, featuring former Dr Who star Billie Piper in the leading role.

A decade ago, York Minster was used for the coronation of Elizabeth I in the film Elizabeth, starring Cate Blanchett.

Goathland and other villages on the North York Moors have long been the setting for ITV’s drama Heartbeat.