THE Yorkshire Dales has long been regarded as an ideal location for film and television; now, thanks to a £10 million funding boost, the wider region is set to establish itself as a leading national and international centre for film, broadcast and interactive media.

Screen Yorkshire can now build on its already significant foundations to develop and encourage a successful film and media industry in a region rich in talent and innovation

Patrick Stewart - Screen Yorkshire Patron

Regional Screen Agency, Screen Yorkshire has launched a new four-year programme, following the announcement of the £10 million of funding from Regional Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward.

It is the largest award to date from any Regional Development Agency to a Regional Screen Agency and Screen Yorkshire is hoping to build on the successes of its past three years to launch an ambitious programme aimed at creating nearly a thousand jobs and attracting over £50 million of inward investment.

A key part of the new programme will see Screen Yorkshire bidding to attract more film and television drama production to the region. This initiative will receive a high profile launch at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, when Patrick Stewart, patron of Screen Yorkshire will attend the event.

In addition to attracting outside projects, the Agency is working to build on Yorkshire's growing reputation as a centre for low budget, innovative filmmaking established by investments in projects such as Yasmin - filmed largely on location in Keighley.

Steve Abbott, Film Producer and Chair of Screen Yorkshire said:

"I am extremely proud of Screen Yorkshire's achievements to date. This award from Yorkshire Forward is testament to my strong belief that Screen Yorkshire plays an essential strategic role in the region, economically, socially and culturally.

"Over the next four years, Screen Yorkshire will put the region firmly on the map as a leading national and international centre for film, broadcast and interactive media."

Actor Patrick Stewart added: "I am delighted that Screen Yorkshire can now build on its already significant foundations to develop and encourage a successful film and media industry in a region rich in talent and innovation."

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