A role for your business in film production? Register now!

Film and television production can be great for the local economy and represents an exciting opportunity for Somerset businesses.

Screen Somerset, Somerset Council’s film office, supports, promotes and celebrates filming in the county in recognition of the economic and wider benefits. We have helped dozens of productions, large and small, film in the county – from daytime TV and adverts, right up to major blockbusters like 28 Years Later.

Last year, film and TV production in the county generated an estimated £4m of spend, and that’s before you consider the benefits of screen tourism.

Screen Somerset, which is funded from the Shared Prosperity Fund, works closely with Creative England’s Filming in England Partnership (FiEP) and together we encourage the use of local businesses wherever possible. If you have a business that could support a film production, please register it on the FiEP Supplier Directory.

The directory is often used by incoming productions and being on it will greatly improve your chances of attracting film-related business. Registration is free and should take a few minutes. There are no guarantees, but it could end up being a route for some extra income.

The most obvious sectors are accommodation providers and caterers – tips to consider below - but the film business needs a huge range of services: traffic management, vehicle hire, props, storage space, costume hire, cleaning, couriers, events equipment hire – to name but a few. Take a look and see if there is a role that your business may be able to play.

Tips for film friendly accommodation:

• Offer accommodation on ‘room only’ basis – meals are often provided on set.
• Offer flexible rates on out of hours and late check-in and check-out times.
• Hold pencil bookings longer than normal – filming schedules can change last minute.
• Provide free onsite parking – and be clear on restrictions to access such as height barriers.
• Space for meetings, kit, wardrobe and make-up is helpful.
• Demonstrate sustainability – productions like to see green policies in place.
• Be open to providing out of hours bar and room service if possible.
• Be discreet about high-profile artists – you may be asked to sign an NDA.
• Have a single point of contact from the initial enquiry and during the crews stay.

Tips for film friendly catering:

• Demonstrate sustainability credentials – productions will be looking for them.
• Cater for a range of dietary requirements – including vegan, gluten-free and plant-based.
• Offer fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
• Offer a diverse menu – particularly if catering for a crew for a several days.
• Have a scalable service able to cater for a small or large crew.
• Be open to catering at unsociable hours and in unusual locations.

If you would like any further information about the filming sector in Somerset, please email filming@somerset.gov.uk.