Bradford is the only city in the world to hold Unesco City of Film status, and I have long believed the Media Museum is the jewel in the crown for Bradford.

I don’t know about you, but I think that’s pretty impressive. It was awarded the accolade this time last year, and as a result the city’s film and production capabilities and credentials continue to grow from strength to strength.

In the last five years, 11 films, 15 TV dramas and three TV documentaries have been filmed in the Bradford area. Screen Yorkshire, the regional screen agency which promotes and supports the film, TV, games and interactive media sector, has more than 290 registered filming locations in Bradford and 136 crew registered on its database.

The BAFTA award-winning Red Riding is without doubt one of Bradford’s filming successes, with the series about to be remade by Ridley Scott in the United States. More recently, the BBC’s hit drama, A Passionate Woman, shot scenes in the area, and Forgotten Fallen, which appeared on BBC4, was filmed all over Bradford. The King’s Speech, which is due for release at the beginning of next year and stars Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter, has also been filming in the area recently.

But it’s not just the high-budget blockbusters we need to be proud of in Bradford A total of 141 individuals have been supported with training, 72 businesses have been supported with business advice or grants, and 274 individuals have been helped with employment support since April 2006. Screen Yorkshire, with Yorkshire Forward funding, has made this happen.

Bradford’s City of Film status and its filming accreditations have made Bradfordians proud and passionate, whether they’re involved in the industry or they have just seen Bradford on TV. More than that, it’s put our beloved city on the world stage and it’s now time for all to stand up and take notice.