Flanders International Film Festival director Jacques Dubrulle is drawing up plans that could lead to Ghent becoming the first Belgian city to launch a film commission.

Dubrulle, who was approached by the Ghent city authorities to help with the project, put Ghent on the map as home for the Flanders Film Festival after the ratings success of Flikken (Cops). The Flemish Cagney And Lacey-like TV series is set in Ghent.

Besides offering financial support, the proposed commission will also assist producers with location hunting, finding accommodation, liaising with local producers and facilities companies, as well as dealing with administrative matters such as obtaining the right permits.

Dubrulle is expected to present a report on the creation of the commission shortly after visiting the Annual Locations 2000 Global Expo in Los Angeles (Feb 25-27).