Hull is stepping up its profile as a filming location hotspot as Apple TV launches the city’s biggest production to date, bringing cash into the local economy.
‘Blitz’ is currently filming at locations across the city, including Hepworth Arcade and Walton Street fairground, and has recruited more than 750 extras to be involved over the next couple of weeks. An additional spend of £250,000 is being eyed across hospitality and retail.
Hull City Council is now capitalising on this and other successful productions, including Enola Holmes Two, The Crown, The Extraordinary Life of David Copperfield and A Royal Night Out, by developing a TV and Film Prospectus and marketing plan.
Read more: A closer look at the film set in Hull's OId Town following its first day of shooting
It will detail how the council has moved from simply being a location finder to a full-service provider. It sets out all the services the council can offer, including professional management services, client liaison and onsite operational delivery.
The council’s partnership with Screen Yorkshire has helped to showcase the city to national and international location managers and producers, resulting in regular site visits and more filming already scheduled. The prospectus will help to further promote the city’s offer to this important creative sector, with the potential for post-viewing tourism too.
Cllr Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The council’s events and destinations teams have been working closely with film and TV location managers for a number of years now, building strong relationships and the reputation of the city as a prime location.
“It is clear we can and do provide more than just somewhere that looks great – we have an incredibly professional set-up and our reputation is building across the film industry.
“But now we want to take it up to the next level, and that’s why we’re now launching our prospectus. I am sure our city can reap the reward as Hull takes on more of these exciting productions.
"Having these large-scale productions in the city is not just fantastic for our residents to see and be part of - it has a real financial benefit. With crews filling our hotel spaces and using our leisure and hospitality offer, most productions will recruit extras from the local area too. This brings in upwards of £250,000 direct spend across the city’s hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors.”
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