VIDEO: Now we must make most of our world title (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

VIDEO: Now we must make most of our world title

12:10am Saturday 13th June 2009 in News

Bradford is the Hollywood of Yorkshire as a result of the UNESCO City of Film designation, said Bradford-born movie producer Steve Abbott.

“People should not have to go to London to make films. Bradford is the Hollywood of Yorkshire. This is a realistic aspiration that will bring enormous economic benefits,” he said.

With the news of the award whizzing round the world – it was reported in yesterday’s edition of The Hollywood Reporter in Los Angeles – representatives of Bradford Council, the National Media Museum and Screen Yorkshire, which Mr Abbott chairs, were talking about the future.

Oscar-winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy said: “Other cities could argue that they come close to deserving a designation like ours, but we have the best place for enjoying cinema in all its forms in Europe and UNESCO has endorsed that.

“City of Film is a designation for life – unless UNESCO decides you’re not living up to the designation.

“The Council should look at the international film festival and put in some more money. It could be as big as the film festivals in London and Edinburgh.

“Bradford is already set up. What it needs is a concerted push, and money and the right people.”

Nigel Rice, Bradford Council’s project manager for the City of Film bid, said: “We have set up Bradford City of Film Ltd to get things done. Peg Alexander has been appointed the director of that. She starts on July 22 and will be based at the National Media Museum.”

The NMM’s director, Colin Philpott, said: “I will be trying to make use of this by persuading the Council and others to help us build up the three festivals we run.”

Asked if that meant inviting Clint Eastwood to the next international film festival, he said that was the kind of thing that had to be done.

Welcome to Yorkshire, formerly the Yorkshire Tourist Board, told the T&A that a group of European journalists called Jet Setters wanted to come over in the autumn to see Yorkshire film locations.

Gary Verity, chief executive of WY, said: “Bradford richly deserves its new status which sends a global message that we are the destination of choice for film- lovers.” But action is definitely needed to ensure Bradford keeps its accolade. Coun Anne Hawksworth, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment and culture, told the T&A that if Bradford collectively failed to capitalise on its City of Film status, UNESCO had the power to respond.

“There will be a community celebration in six to eight weeks. And five years from now I would hope there will be an increase in cultural industries. Bradford has a reputation for looking at a glass half full. Today it’s brimming over.”

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