We are excited to invite you to the upcoming Screen Industry Cluster Meeting for the Solent Region, which is scheduled for Friday 22 September 10am to  1.15pm at Fareham College, South Hampshire.

Hosted by Creative Network South, this meeting is a unique opportunity for district councils, borough councils, county councils, unitary authorities, and economic development agencies, as well as higher education, further education establishments, and film industry professionals and relevant stakeholders, to come together and evaluate the opportunities to establish a film office and a screen industries sector development agency in the Solent Region.

The enormous grow the film and screen industries is an opportunity for economic growth and skills development in the Solent Region.

This meeting aims to inform attendees on the current trends and forecast growth of the sector and discuss ways to take action that will drive economic growth and job opportunities for the region through the creation of Screen Solent, a combined film office and sector development agency.

The meeting will include keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions to explore the following topics:

• The potential for economic impact of the film, HETV and other screen industries on the Solent Region
• Case studies of current film offices and screen development agencies
• Opportunities and challenges for establishing a film office and a screen industries sector development agency
• Identifying funding sources and partnerships to support the growth of the sector in the region

We have already confirmed a number of speakers for the event including:

John McVay, OBE, Chief Executive - PACT

Pact is the UK screen sector trade body representing and supporting independent production and distribution companies.

Vicki Brown, Film Officer - Surrey Film Office

The Surrey Film Office is a Surrey County Council initiative, working in conjunction with Surrey’s District and Borough Councils and key organisations, to promote Surrey as a first class filming location. 

Kelly Mikulla, MD – Sussex Film Office

The Sussex Film Office provides a complete film production support service and works closely with locations, suppliers and local authorities to ensure productions run smoothly, safely, and on time. 

Dr Mark McKenna - Staffordshire University

Co-author of the recent report “Developing Film, TV and Other Content Production in North Staffordshire” Dr Mark McKenna is an Associate Professor in the Film and Media Industries and Director of the Centre for Research in the Digital Entertainment and Media Industries at Staffordshire University.

I strongly encourage you to attend this meeting and be part of this exciting initiative.

Further information, including the agenda and registration details, will be sent out in due course, so please save the date, and look out for our updates.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing you there.

Best regards,

Charles Freeman

Creative Network South