Regional screen agency South West Screen has announced the full transfer of all of its projects and activities into the new agency Creative England.
South West Screen’s first stage of transfer into the new agency took place in September, when its responsibilities to distribute Lottery funds from the BFI for film support passed to Creative England.
South West Screen has now undertaken all the necessary steps to complete the second and final phase of transfer, and from today (Friday, December 16), Creative England becomes ‘sole member’ of the agency, and will oversee all of its contracts and services.
South West Screen staff have now transferred into Creative England and will continue to work out of the same Bristol office.
South West Screen Chairman Kip Meek said: ‘The past 18 months presented some of the biggest challenges to South West Screen since its formation a decade ago, and we have been confident from an early stage that the best route forward for supporting the South West industry is to become fully part of Creative England.
‘In the last financial year, the agency leveraged over £3 million in match funding, and generated £56 million in inward investment. It’s this kind of success that we are confident that Creative England will build on.
‘We have ensured that the resources that South West Screen has built up over many years -skilled staff, good relationships in the region and carefully husbanded reserves -are protected in the transition to Creative England, so that the South West’s creative industries continue to be well represented, supported and championed.’
Creative England Chairman John Newbigin, said: ‘The importance of keeping a local focus at the heart of Creative England’s delivery cannot be overstated. We are extremely pleased to take on these exemplary projects, along with the knowledge and relationships that have been forged by South West Screen over the years. I can assure the industry that this will be built on to provide relevant and targeted support for the South West in the future.’
