New film commission Film Link to be based out of Elstree

The new film commission — Film Link — will be based out of Elstree Studios and promises to replace Screen East’s location services, offering full support to film-makers looking to shoot in the East of England.

Backed by the University of Hertfordshire, together with Hertfordshire County Council, Elstree and Leaveseden Studios, the film commission now plans to work with the newly formed Creative England as well as with local councils to maximise inward investment potential.

“Film Link recognised the opportunity left by Screen East, made a bid and has successfully acquired Screen East’s locations and film crew database. It is our intention to continue to offer a high quality film and television locations service to the filming industry and to sustain the East of England’s film-friendly reputation,” said Kerry Ixer, who previously headed up the locations department at Screen East, and who now takes the post of director of filming-related services at the new film commission.

Roger Morris, managing director of Elstree Studios, added that the studio was “very keen for the future film commission for the east of England to remain within the east of England.”

“Elstree Studios, home to so many excellent films including most recently the acclaimed The Kings Speech, Mathew Vaughn’s Kick Ass, and currently in production Sherlock Holmes 2, is the natural home for Film Link and its services to the film and television industry.”