At the recent Isle of Wight Creative Industries Conference, the Cabinet member for Economy, Regeneration, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, announced that regeneration officers at Isle of Wight council were in the process of putting a bid together for skills funding to the British Film Institute (BFI).
She explained this move was critical to get Islanders ready for the enormous opportunity of the new Medina Film Studios opening on the Island next year.
Jones Evans: We need to get ready for that
At last week’s cabinet meeting she explained,
“It’s a different industry that we’ve never had before, so we need to get ready for that.
“You’ve heard me talk about ‘match-fit for film’ several times, so a successful grant funding application will certainly be ‘a shot in the arm’.
“It also shows all the work that we’ve done over the past few months, along with all of our partners on the Island who are ready and waiting, are working together to put this bid together.”
Stride: Film offers the potential to transform a view of who we are
Gavin Stride, Director of Creative Island, the Isle of Wight’s Cultural Development Agency, told OnTheWight,
“I think film offers the potential to transform a view of who we are as a contemporary, dynamic set of communities.
“Which is why we at Creative Island are so keen to support the full range of jobs that are required to ensure the film sector flourishes.”
Letter to the Culture Secretary
Councillor Jones Evans went on to explain that Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, had recently announced new tax relief for independent filmmakers and how important skills in the creative industries will be.
It was requested that a letter be sent from the Isle of Wight council to Lisa Nandy explaining what is happening on the Island. Councillor Jones Evans said,
“We need all the support we can get, because this is a new industry and we really do need to pull on any lead we can to get this going as quickly as possible.”
Article edit
1.30pm 14th Oct 2024 – GS comment added
