St Albans City and District Council is backing an Act of Parliament to make location filming in Hertfordshire easier for film and media companies.
The close proximity of the District to London and film studios, such as Leavesden and Elstree Studios, makes it popular as a location for film and media companies. In recent years, scenes for films such as ‘Johnny English’, starring Rowan Atkinson, and ‘Incendiary’, featuring Ewan McGregor and Michelle Williams, have been filmed in the District.
Discussions between Hertfordshire County Council and the film industry have highlighted that implementing road closures for filming is a complex and lengthy process.
The District Council is joining other local councils in supporting a Private Members Bill for Hertfordshire that will make this easier.
Once the Bill is passed by Parliament it will enable the County Council to close roads temporarily for filming and to issue permission to place filming equipment on the road for short periods of time. Consideration will be given to traffic pressures and the needs of local residents.
Councillor Julian Daly, Executive Leader for St Albans City and District Council, said: “Location filming benefits the local economy and helps attract visitors to the District. The Council is keen to work with film companies to make filming on location in the District as easy as possible. We are therefore backing this County Council led initiative for a Private Members Bill to permit filming on the highway across the county.”
David Lloyd, Hertfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Resources & Economic Well-Being, said: “Our county is already a popular choice for film and television production. Securing this Bill would make us one of only two counties outside of London who are able to give permission so swiftly and would give us a competitive advantage in this multi-billion pound industry. Making the filming process easier in Hertfordshire will help us get even more economic and social benefits for all of our communities.”
Councillor contact:
Councillor Julian Daly, Executive Leader for St Albans City and District Council
Mob: 07775 657 200
Contact for the media:
Amanda Wilkinson,
Media and Internal Communications Officer
St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819317
E-mail: amanda.wilkinson@stalbans.gov.uk
www.stalbans.gov.uk