Somerset sees record year for film and TV productions, bringing in nearly £3m

Film and television production has boomed in Somerset over the past year, with a remarkable £2.8m spent in the county, thanks to a surge in high-profile shoots across some of Somerset's most iconic locations. From dramatic scenes set in Cheddar Gorge to bustling production crews in Street, Shepton Mallet, Minehead, and Norton St Philip, the county has cemented its status as a sought-after filming destination, with Screen Somerset leading the way in making it happen.

This impressive figure is a huge leap from the previous financial year's £1.1m, with production activity in Somerset now rivalling some of the country's more traditional filming hubs. Supported by Somerset Council's film office, Screen Somerset has been working to attract productions to the region, providing essential services and guidance to ensure film crews have everything they need. The impact on the local economy is significant, with spending benefiting a wide range of businesses, particularly in the hospitality and accommodation sectors.

As part of this effort, Visit Somerset is urging local accommodation providers to seize the opportunity by signing up as 'film-friendly' lodgings. Film crews often need flexible and accommodating lodgings, with properties that can offer discounted group rates, adapt to changing schedules, and provide good parking and connectivity. Visit Somerset is compiling a list of suitable options to help productions easily find the accommodation they need, with providers able to register for free by contacting [email protected].

Screen Somerset's work is made possible through funding from the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which supports its mission to make the county as 'film-friendly' as possible. The organisation offers a single point of contact for productions, coordinating with Somerset Council's highways, parking, and property services to smooth out logistics. Screen Somerset actively promotes the county to regional, national, and international location managers, partnering closely with Creative England's Filming in England Partnership to draw productions beyond London's borders.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset's Lead Member for Economic Development Planning and Assets, praised the efforts of Screen Somerset in elevating the county's profile. "We have a stunning and varied county, and it's fantastic to see so many productions coming our way as Screen Somerset raises our profile on the national and international stage," he said. "There's huge potential to use filming to attract more visitors and create spin-offs for local skills and employment. It really is all for the greater good."

The benefits extend beyond the immediate spending on hotels, restaurants, and local services, as productions leave a lasting impact through screen tourism. When Somerset's landscapes appear on screen, they attract visitors eager to see the sights for themselves, bringing an added boost to local businesses in the long term.

Charlotte Wood, Production Liaison Manager for the South West region at Filming in England, highlighted the importance of Somerset's contributions. "Production activity in Somerset, and the wider South West, not only showcases the region's stunning locations and film-friendliness, but also highlights the economic and cultural benefits that filming can bring to local communities," she said. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with Screen Somerset to support the growth of this key industry outside of London."

John Turner, CEO of Visit Somerset, also expressed enthusiasm about the county's growing appeal. "Film location work and film tourism bring considerable amounts of money and interest into our county," he said. "The whole film location movement is really helping to ensure Somerset is seen in a new light. Visit Somerset is committed to working with Screen Somerset to ensure that as many businesses as possible can benefit from these investments, while visitors enjoy the unique experiences that film tourism brings."

With productions spending an estimated £213m on high-end TV and feature films across England's regions outside of London last year, and around £22m of that in the South West, Somerset is fast emerging as a key player in the UK's vibrant screen industry. As Screen Somerset continues to attract major productions, the county's profile as a filming destination and cultural hotspot is only set to grow.