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European funding helps creative media in the East go green
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European funding helps creative media in the East go green
26 November 2009
The burgeoning creative media sectors of film, television and computer games within the East of England are getting £10 million to ‘go green’ thanks to a European funding boost.
A new collaborative initiative between Norwich-based Screen East, the regional screen agency, supported by the region’s low-carbon themed European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Competitiveness Programme and the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), will help these creative industries become more carbon efficient.
The Low Carbon Digital Content Project aims to provide a venture capital fund specifically for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) within the content industry, encouraging them in the creation of new, carbon efficient commercial propositions and helping the region lead the way in the development of a low carbon content sector within England.
The three-year initiative will cost almost £10.3 million and has significantly benefited from a £3.6 million contribution from the ERDF, which is managed by EEDA, who has also contributed £500,000.
Commenting on the initiative, Laurie Hayward, chief executive officer at Screen East, said: “The Low Carbon Digital Content Project will encourage the creation of low carbon content products and services by businesses and believe that it is a ‘first’ for the UK, and possibly the world, in incentivising low carbon production techniques as a criterion for investment.
“Producers, programme makers and game developers will be required to adopt low carbon film, television and digital production methods, attracting ethical finance to co-invest and take new products and services to market as consumers show their preference for low carbon products.
“The project is supported by an innovative partnership between the Low Carbon Innovation Centre (UEA) and the UK Film Council which are expert in carbon reduction and the film industry. The outcomes will be shared with the content industries nationally and will contribute to the leadership of the region in the content industry’s response to climate change, meeting the requirements of the government’s carbon reduction targets set for 2050.”
David Morrall, Director International, EEDA said: “The East of England is unique in having an ERDF Competitiveness programme that is focussed exclusively on low carbon economic development. This collaboration with Screen East is another example of how sectors such as the film industry are being incentivised through a dedicated European Programme to adopt low carbon technologies and practices. This fund will bring important economic benefits for businesses in the film sector and the region’s flourishing creative economy.
“The involvement and interest of the National Film Council in this initiative really demonstrates the national leadership role being taken by the East of England in supporting our industries and business to embrace a low carbon approach.”
The project is split into two phases. The first is a business support programme, including up to 10 workshops on business planning and carbon reduction, which provides practical examples to reduce carbon emissions, particularly in relation to crew travel, electrical generators on location and the use of next generation lighting technology.
The second phase is an Investment Fund, providing up to £250,000 investments for 15-20 individual investment projects and a unique referral system to link creators with commissioning editors, games publishers and film financiers within this area of expertise.
Laurie concluded: “The lack of tailored, sector-specific business support is one of the main barriers to growth in the content industry so we are absolutely delighted that the ERDF is supporting the Low Carbon Digital Content Project. We expect approximately 105 companies to benefit from the project with an anticipated 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions, helping both individual companies and the region as a whole.”
- Download full press release (DOC 358KB)
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