Further investment for independent TV and film sector in Leeds
The trade association for independent TV production companies in the UK has announced it will open an office in Leeds later this year.
Pact has announced the office opening along with major investment into new services to support the UK independent TV, film, animation, children’s and digital sectors in regions across the country.
The move comes in light of recognition that nearly 50% of total UK original programming spend is now in the UK’s Nations and Regions, and there is clearly a shift in the way the sector is developing.
Pact said: “This investment recognises how competitive the market is and that Pact is best placed to do more to support smaller companies. This is the sector re-investing in itself to make sure we remain competitive and globally successful.”
The new office in Leeds will host Pact’s new Out of London (OoL) team by summer 2019. Initially comprising two or three posts, these new positions will be tasked with doing more to help Pact’s OoL members grow their businesses, win more commissions and take advantage of the growing international opportunities.
The key new role will be peripatetic, working with members in all of the production centres around the UK and will report into the newly created business development and global department headed up by Dawn McCarthy-Simpson.
Sara Geater, Pact Chair, said: “The TV landscape in the UK is changing and with more original programming spend in the Nations and Regions it makes absolute sense for Pact to expand its services to ensure that it is able to assist its members across the whole of the UK.
“These new services show a real commitment from Pact to its members in helping them access a wealth of information and opportunities to build successful businesses.”
John McVay, Pact CEO, said: “We know from member feedback that there is a need for specialist help and advice for small indies to grow their businesses and as the trade body for indies across the UK, we know that we are best placed to provide this help.
“Opening up a Leeds office is a natural step given the way in which the market is travelling, and we look forward to engaging more with our members across the UK”.
Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake said: “This is yet another boost for the independent TV production sector in Leeds in what is fast becoming a thriving and highly competitive industry.
“We are hugely excited to see the progress within the city in this industry since the C4 HQ announcement, and support any new initiatives as well as new organisations coming into the city.
“These are exciting times for the sector, with companies outside of London receiving recognition for their work and being given more support to showcase further talent and grow and nurture new talent.”
