• UK film production spend now worth almost £1.1 billion
• Over 100 features shot on location in London in 2013, compared to 60 in 2012
• 75 per cent of this production concentrated in and around the capital
• 50 crews shooting on the streets of London each day
• 18,000 filming days in 2013
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson today hailed the continuing success of the capital's film sector.
Ahead of this evening's Centrepiece Gala at the 58th BFI London Film Festival, the Mayor commented: 'The BFI London Film Festival is a superlative showcase of films from across the globe. It is also an opportunity to shout about the outstanding home-grown talent that is to be found in front of and behind the camera, exemplified by tonight's film Testament of Youth.
'It is the creativity and dynamism of our filmmakers that has helped London become such an important global hub for film production. More films are being shot in the capital than ever and we are working closely with Film London to ensure that this city continues to compete with those other great filmmaking centres New York and LA. I am delighted to support this hugely important sector, which generates billions for our economy and brings thousands of jobs to the capital.'
Over 100 features were shot on location in London in 2013, compared to 60 in 201, and UK film production spend is now worth almost £1.1 billion. 75 per cent of this production is concentrated in and around the capital, with 50 crews shooting on the streets of London each day.
There was a total of 18,000 filming days in 2013.
Tonight's Centrepiece Gala film Testament of Youth was shot in a number of London locations including the Royal Naval College in Greenwich. It is directed by British director and stars Hayley Atwell, Kit Harington and Emily Watson.
As well as the Centrepiece Gala, the Mayor is providing funding for the Festival Industry Office, which gives delegates from the UK and overseas access to a range of services, including panel discussions and speed meetings, career guidance sessions and training initiatives, as well as networking opportunities and other events related to skills and talent development and the business of film sales.
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: 'We are thrilled to be working with the Mayor of London to support this fantastic festival once again. Not only a flagship cultural event for our great capital, it has also become an important event on the international film industry calendar. And in terms of this year's programme, I am proud to see so many London-shot films on screen.'
Notes to editors
1. The film industry makes a significant contribution to London and the UK economy. In 2013 UK film production spend almost £1.1 billion. With approximately 75 per cent of this production concentrated in London and the studios just outside the city, over £800m was spent in the capital. London now hosts an average of 50 crews on the streets of London every day and last year, London's local authorities recorded almost 18,000 filming days including film, TV and commercials.
2. The British Film Institute (BFI) has been a recipient of funding from the Mayor of London since 2005 with funding distributed until this year via Film London. It is the lead body for film in the UK with the ambition to create a flourishing film environment in which innovation, opportunity and creativity can thrive. The BFI London Film Festival champions creativity, originality, vision and imagination by annually showcasing the best of contemporary world cinema, documentaries, shorts, animation and experimental film. The BFI London Film Festival is a highly regarded and anticipated event in Europe's cultural calendar, attracting leading international filmmakers, industry professionals and the media together with large public audiences to London for a two week showcase of the best in contemporary world cinema. www.bfi.org.uk.
3. Film London is the capital’s screen industries agency. We connect ideas, talent and finance to develop a pioneering creative culture in the city that delivers success in film, television, animation, games and beyond. The agency works to sustain, promote and develop London as a global content production hub, supporting the development of the city’s new and emerging filmmaking talent and investing in a diverse and rich film culture. Funded by the Mayor of London and the National Lottery through the BFI, Film London also receives support from Arts Council England and Creative Skillset. www.filmlondon.org.uk @Film_London