The film offices of Essex County Council and Hertfordshire County Council have announced an exciting new partnership: Screen Alliance East. This collaboration has aims to transform the region into one of the UK’s most dynamic hubs for TV and film production.
A Powerful Alliance for Growth
Screen Alliance East combines the strengths, expertise, and innovation of both film offices to act as a catalyst for growth in the screen sector. The alliance will serve as a central hub for:
- Production Support – Helping crews and studios with everything from location scouting to filming.
- Skills Development – Creating training and career pathways for emerging and established professionals.
- Industry Promotion – Showcasing the East of England as a world-class destination for film and TV.
- Sustainability – Encouraging greener practices and innovation across the sector.
- Investment Attraction – Developing regional funds to support independent productions.
The goal? To ensure local talent, businesses, and communities benefit directly from the UK’s booming screen industry.
Voices from the Region
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Communities and Business Engagement at Essex County Council, said:
“Essex already has a fantastic track record of attracting blockbuster films and quality TV productions. Screen Alliance East will unlock more opportunities for our residents, businesses, and communities. Together, we are ensuring that the eastern region is at the forefront of the TV and film industry.”
Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for the Arts and Culture at Essex County Council, added:
“By uniting through a regional screen alliance, we can build on our cultural landscape that champions local talent and identity. It will also support independent productions and enhance the region’s appeal to national and international co-producers and financiers.”
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and Chairman of Elstree Film Studios, commented:
“This alliance will be game-changing for our region. Hertfordshire’s screen industries sit at the heart of a globally significant production cluster. By working together with Essex, we will unlock opportunities that neither region could achieve alone.”
A Track Record of Success
The two film offices have already collaborated on major projects, including the latest instalment of Netflix’s hit ‘Knives Out’, filmed at Leavesden Studios and on location in Epping Forest and Witham, Essex. Leavesden Studios is also renowned for hosting the Harry Potter franchise.
Why It Matters
By pooling resources, Essex and Hertfordshire will drive:
- Skills Training & Job Creation
- Inward Investment
- Global Visibility
- Tourism Growth
This alliance sets the stage for attracting more high-profile projects and creating a thriving creative economy in the East of England.
For more information, visit: www.screenallianceeast.co.uk