John Newbigin, Chair of the regional screen agency network Screen England and newly named Chair of Creative England, said; “Over the past months, Screen England has worked closely with the coalition Government to map out the best course of action to secure a strong future for film and the wider creative industries outside of London. We are pleased to say that in the Creative England structure, we believe we have arrived at a framework that will deliver effective and streamlined support to the regions.
“Digital convergence is accelerating, and our creative industries need to adapt at a time when it is more important than ever that public investment is made to work harder and reach further. Creative England will increase delivery and reduce costs, whilst retaining local resonance across the country. The regional screen agencies will now work together to recalibrate into Creative England’s three hubs; Creative North, Creative Central and Creative South. The business plan for Creative England will be open to full industry consultation in the New Year.”

Caroline Norbury response to Ed Vaizey’s announcement of proposals to form Creative England

Caroline Norbury, Chief Executive of South West Screen, said; “South West Screen is pleased that the new Creative England structure has been decided, and we look forward to working with the other screen agencies to form the three hubs of Creative North, Central and South. We are confident that this new framework will support our local film and screen-related sectors, whilst also delivering for the wider creative industries which we have been engaged with for some time.
“We have already shown in the past eight years that we can generate key economic growth in our local creative sectors by providing the right businesses with targeted support. We look forward to being able to continue this work under the Creative England banner, and will share further details with the industry as they are confirmed in due course.
“While Film London will be given the responsibility for promoting inward investment into the UK as a whole, providing locations support and encouraging such investment into the regions remains extremely important to both the national and regional film economy, and these will continue to be key areas of activity going forward. The regional screen agencies will work together to decide the best way to continue this support under Creative England, and we will confirm further details in due course.”