Written by new-contact on Nov 22, 2013. Posted in On Location

Film London increases available filming space as TV tax credit boosts demand

Film London has made 1.25 million square feet of additional filming space available in the English capital. The move is a response to heightened demand since the launch of the UK’s TV tax credit earlier this year, a move that has attracted big-budget productions including 24: Live Another Day.

Producers on the 24 miniseries have opted to base the shoot at an “alternative warehouse space” in London. Film London has been working with the city’s industrial property industry to make the extra space available, given the limited capacity in London’s purpose-built studio facilities.

“The new space we have unlocked, thanks to support from the Mayor of London, is vital in ensuring we can capitalise on this opportunity,” said Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, at the two-day Content London event at BAFTA.

“We now have a total of 4.32 million square feet of potential studio space inside the M25, so the message is clear: London is open for business and we have the talent and space to accommodate the influx of production."

We now have a total of 4.32 million square feet of potential studio space inside the M25, so the message is clear: London is open for business.

Adrian Wootton, Film London/British Film Commission

“Obviously we will continue to work with the industry on issues of capacity for space and crew so we can service incoming new business, but as we are finding alternative space is the preference for many high-end television productions, we are extremely encouraged by the amount of new square footage we have discovered,”

Iain Smith is a producer on 24: Live Another Day and added: “From my experience, the US creatives are inspired as they have a whole new field to play on. They did not choose London just because of the tax reliefs, although they are obviously a vital financial incentive which triggered them to consider London, but they are bringing the show here because of what the city has to offer – it is a fantastic destination.”

Studio space in and around London is in high demand, given that the city is one of the world’s top production hubs. Elstree Studios recently started a GBP4.5 million expansion and Warner Bros Studios Leavesden re-opened earlier this year after a massive refurbishment. Pinewood Studios is currently seeking authorisation to begin work a major development plan of its own.

Retrofitting existing buildings for use as studio space is becoming more common elsewhere in the UK too. The BBC has partially converted a former supermarket warehouse in Chepstow in Wales for its fantasy TV drama Atlantis. Similarly, the major drama miniseries Outlander is filming in a retrofitted facility near Glasgow as the Scottish government considers plans to develop a purpose-built studio.