Last week we were delighted to host our first Studios and Facilities Showcase for independent producers.

Held at Central Hall Westminster, 50 London-based producers attended to hear from a selection of London’s studios and facilities offering deals and discounts to independent producers going for the Enhanced Audio-Visual Expenditure Creditfor lower budget film on their next production.

We chatted to Film London’s Head of Inward Investment & Business Development, Helena Mackenzie about the day.

Hi Helena, can you tell us a bit about why you decided to hold this event?

For over 20 years Film London has had a track record of identifying and meeting the needs of the industry, but it’s not just about fixing problems, it’s also about identifying new opportunities. It was through conversations relating to the new AVEC with both the studios and indie producers we saw a disconnect between them and also a pathway to bring them together. There has been a conception with Indie producers that a studio was not something they would ever use as it was either too expensive for their budget or it was unavailable due to the inward investment, large budget franchise movies. At the same time, we saw that some of the middle sized, smaller independent studios had space available but hadn’t thought of investigating the indie producer route as historically they had not used studios. With the new AVEC catering for films with budgets up to £23.5m an indie production cannot be considered ‘low budget’ any more.

We also thought that the studios all vary in size and their offerings. Some have VP stages, some have post production facilities and some even have some investment finance attached so they all have their own story to tell. We also understand that no-one has the time to visit these studios and facilities often enough so we brought them all together in one place to see the offers and to facilitate an informative and productive networking opportunity.

How were the studios and facilities selected?

We had presentations from 13 companies on the day, but this is of course just a snapshot of what London has to offer. We’ll listen to feedback from attendees and if there’s appetite we’ll look to run similar events. Watch this space…

The full line up of presenters included:

• Elstree Studios
• The Story Works
• Panalux
• Location Collective & OMA Studios Group
• West London Film Studios
• Troubadour Studios
• Angels Costumes
• Garden Studios
• RD Studios
• Sunbelt Rentals
• 3 Mills Studios
• Eastbrook Studios London
• Twickenham Film Studios

As Film London’s Head of Inward Investment and Business Development you’re plugged in to all that London has to offer. Did you find out anything new during the showcase?

The purpose was of course to connect with people less familiar but there were some surprising facts thrown in throughout the day. We learned that some studios offer some financial investment. We learned about the flexibility of the spaces on offer and how each facility or studio are always open to deals. We heard from presenters that as well as talking to producers they also found it useful to hear from other studios and facilities. We also saw how collegiate the studios can be. Whilst they are of course competitive they will also help each other out so it was a good opportunity for the studios to present that united front.

The location for this event has been a backdrop to numerous film and TV programmes. Can you tell us more about the venue?

Our thanks go to the Location Collective for introducing us to the team at Central Hall Westminster which was the perfect backdrop to the showcase. The Grade II listed building is one of the largest conference and events venues in Central London and has featured in film and TV including Jekyll & Hyde, Calendar Girls and The Crown – Season 3 to name but a few. Attendees of the showcase were taken on a tour of the venue at the end of the day followed by a networking reception.

How can independent producers access advice from Film London?

This showcase was curated by our experienced team - myself, Michelle Jenkins, Nick Goundry and Melinda Knowles . We’re on hand to offer advice to filmmakers looking to make their production in London.

For guidance on permits and how to find a location, studio or production office space, and the Filming in London Code of Practice and the London Filming Partners, visit here.