WHAT does being a City of Film actually mean? To Steve Abbott, it's much more than just film. It’s about business, education, community and cultural identity - and it belongs to everyone in Bradford.

Steve, who grew up in Barkerend and produced hit films such as Brassed Off and A Fish Called Wanda, has been chairman of Bradford UNESCO City of Film since the title was granted in 2009.

It was 2007 when he was approached by Mike Cowlam and Bill Lawrence to lead a committee bidding for Bradford to become the world’s first UNESCO City of Film. Steve admits it was a daunting prospect but, as a proud Bradfordian, he worked passionately for it. Now, as Bradford City of Film celebrates its 10th anniversary, he says: “I’m even prouder that with limited resources, and a great deal of energy from David (City of Film director David Wilson), we have exceeded our ambitions. We've made major inroads through the Creative Cities network, which we’re an important part of. We were the first City of Film, now there are 13. I’ve been privileged to attend the UNESCO summit, and every one of those Cities of Film says a big thank you to Bradford, for leading the way, helping their bids and making lasting connections. We’re talking cities like Rome, Sydney and now Qingdao, the Hollywood of China. China has the world’s fastest growing film industry, and we have a Bradford film office in the heart of that, in Qingdao. Benefits from Chinese links and tourism are huge for Bradford.”

In providing locations, crew and logistical support for film and television productions - 35 were here last year, including TV hits Peaky Blinders, Victoria and The ABC Murders - the City of Film team has put Bradford on the global map as a film-making destination. While crews are here, the team calls on local businesses for things like catering, transport, filming premises and accommodation. Film tourism is growing too. City of Film is holding regular heritage walks, and Peaky Blinders tours are planned this year. As Steve says, people come to Bradford wanting to see where the likes of John Malkovich and Cillian Murphy have appeared. And with a Chinese film version of Jane Eyre in the pipeline, Bradford looks set to benefit from the massive Chinese tourism market.

Steve wants Bradford, particularly its business community, to “take ownership” of City of Film. “When Bradford first got this, people said: ‘It’s only for a year’. It’s actually a designation that lasts forever, if we want it to,” he says. “This is for everyone - from community cinema and film-making groups; the schools film literacy project Bradford is a world leader in; the memory bank of old films; the festivals - including smartphone, Golden Years and Drunken Film; to business. This title belongs to the city, we can all benefit.”

A highlight of this year’s anniversary programme is Channel 4’s DIVERSITY Festival. A key factor in the bid for Leeds to be Channel 4's new home was Bradford Screen Skills Diversity Programme; developing a range of TV and film production skills, starting in secondary schools. It's led by Bradford City of Film, Bradford Council and Screen Yorkshire.

“Leeds wouldn’t have Channel 4 without Bradford,” says Steve. “It’s the Leeds City Region, and we’re part of that. The Screen Skills programme opens up many opportunities in the industry for young people.”

It was Bradford’s rich film heritage that inspired Steve to become a film-maker. A former Bradford Grammar School boy, he was initially a chartered accountant, then took an unlikely path working for Handmade Films, set up by George Harrison to rescue Monty Python’s Life of Brian. A big Python fan, Steve was managing his comedy heroes by his mid-twenties. Moving into film production, he founded Prominent Features, producing films such as A Fish Called Wanda, Blame It on the Bellboy and Fierce Creatures. His TV company made Michael Palin’s acclaimed travelogues.

A Bafta life member and a voting member of the Oscars, Steve has fond memories of shooting Monty Python’s Meaning of Life at Bradford’s Norfolk Gardens and Lister Park. “Growing up in Bradford is why I do what I do,” he smiles. “I’m a proud Bradfordian and a huge City fan. My mum lives here and I read the T&A every day.

"Our ambition for Bradford, back in 2009, was to use film to drive social and economic change. Now we have local, national and global partnerships in place, delivering widespread opportunities, particularly in business and education. It is up to the people of Bradford to own this designation and take it into the future."