Film production company set to rock the Kasbah
Associated British Ports (ABP) Keal Productions has become the first film production company to the historic quarter of Associated British Ports’ Port of Grimsby.
Headed by Boston-born Heather Greenwood, the business has taken on office space in a recently renovated building on Wharncliffe Road leased to WE1 Heritage. The production company is developing a range of film and television projects, many of which Greenwood hopes to film in Lincolnshire.
An experienced BAFTA nominated senior executive and producer, Greenwood has brought her team to the port and has also launched Location Lincs, offering a location finding service, as well as sourcing crew and facilities.
Simon Bird, regional director of the Humber ports, said: “We’re delighted to have Keal Productions take up residence in Grimsby. It’s great to see the interest in our port historic quarter which is at the start of its cinematic journey.
“The port, and the greater region has much to offer with regards to a rich diversity of filming locations and we’re pleased to be involved in this offering. It brings a lot of attention, as well as jobs and money into the local economy which is a great sector to have on our doorstep.”
Greenwood said: “Being Lincolnshire born and bred, I am immensely proud of the incredible people, places and landscapes that I have grown up with. With so many stories and places untouched and yet to be discovered, the sheer scale of creative opportunity is mind blowing.
“Taking residence at the Kasbah Filming Locations is a natural fit for the ambitious plans that Keal Productions, LocationLincs and ABP have for its cinematic future.”
“Keal Productions is committed to producing commercial scripted content in Film, Television and Theatre that has energy and ambition, telling unique British stories with global appeal.Approaching each venture with tenacity and passion our mission is to inspire and entertain, through the power of storytelling.”
The film and television industry has seen a major growth in studio construction fuelled by demand from streaming companies for new content. The Port of Grimsby has been used as a location for Atonement, This Is England, and more recently Three Day Millionaire and Bodies, a drama produced for Netflix.
Greg Lacey, head of property, Humber said: “This is a real vote of confidence and investment from Heather and her team at Keal Productions into both the Port of Grimsby and the wider Lincolnshire region. The UK film and television industry continues to be one that is fast moving as the demand for content grows, overall production spend last year was £4.2bn across the UK, more than double that of 2022 spend.
“We believe that Grimsby has the potential to be repositioned in the longer term as a film production hub for Yorkshire and Humber and Lincolnshire regions and that are USP’s can offer something different to anywhere else. I am looking forward to attending FOCUS in December with the rest of the team to further promote our offer to the wider sector.”
