I recently received an offer to produce 36 episodes of 20 minutes each about the history and contemporary life of the UK. The content was to cover everything from geological features to the most trendy bars and night clubs of today. I was asked for a budget, which I duly put together.
In the week marking the first anniversary of our new website being launched, the focus is once again on filming incentives in the US, while specific geographic needs have resulted in the new Mad Max sequel relocating from Australia. In the UK new plans are underway to continue boosting location filming in London around the Olympics.
Film London is developing a permanent, dedicated Portal to streamline the location filming process in the English capital. The organisation wants to make sure London maintains its profile as an international filming location in 2012 when the Olympics will get most of the attention.
Sam Mendes’ Bond film Skyfall has abruptly cancelled plans to film at Duntrune Castle in western Scotland. The 800-year-old historic home is situated in an isolated spot in Lochgilphead in Argyll and was set for a February 2012 shoot, but it seems the producers have changed their minds.
With Mark Whittow-Williams – commercials producer - Academy Films, London.
[slideshow id=191]Blended scotch whisky brand Chivas Regal has sent four male friends into the desert for new short Here’s to Big Bear. The film - one of two made for the brand - shows the friends in a bar recalling the adventure of getting off a train in a desert after a party and meeting eccentric lorry driver Big Bear.
Good news for the UK this week as the location filming tax relief scheme was renewed through to 2015. Also in Europe Julia Wülker of the FilmFernsehFonds Bayern gave us an insight into the Bavarian filming locations used for The Three Musketeers. Elsewhere there’s been activity in Australia and New Zealand.
The British Government has announced that location filming tax relief will continue to be available for production in the UK through to the end of 2015. Projects budgeted at more than GBP20 million can get a 20% rebate, while those spending less than GBP20 million can access 25% tax relief.