Norfolk is looking to exploit its potential as a major filming destination after a major study reported its findings.
In 2021, Norfolk County Council and partners, including New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, commissioned Olsberg●SPI to deliver a research project on the Norfolk screen sector. The purpose of this study was to understand the sector better, including the impact of Covid-19, future challenges and the need for support.
The study also gathered information for the creation of a new database that organisations supporting the screen sector in Norfolk could access, as well as, potentially, a public crew directory.
An online Q&A session hosted by Olsberg●SPI was streamed live from Norfolk University of the Arts on 17 February to facilitate discussion around the report’s findings.
Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, thanked those who had taken part in the research and said the discussion would help continue conversations around how partners might work together to strengthen and grow the sector.
“It’s not just about the specialist film crews, we want everyone involved in the industry to join us, especially those linked to the tourism industry. We have a wealth of stunning locations to help boost our economy, so let’s celebrate Norfolk as a destination.”
Leader of Norfolk County Council, Cllr Andrew Proctor, commented: “This research report is the culmination of a year-long multi-agency, cross county collaboration. We worked with our district council partners to commission this work, alongside New Anglia LEP.
“The commissioning partners have also benefitted from expertise brought to the Steering Group by Hethel Innovation, Norfolk Constabulary and by Norwich University of the Arts.
“Given the growth in the national and international sector this seems a good time to take stock of the national and international screen sector investment boom, into our own home-grown film sector, and allow fresh conversations on how Norfolk plc might benefit from the growth in international screen investment.”
