Amidst a year of considerable challenges, the Hertfordshire Film Office has shone brightly as a beacon of resilience and innovation.

Amidst a year filled with significant challenges, the Hertfordshire Film Office (HFO) has emerged as a symbol of resilience and innovation. Despite the disruptions caused by the writers’ and actors’ strikes, HFO showcased a strong recovery, underscoring its unwavering commitment to the local film industry and economic growth.

Elle, Location Manager expressed her gratitude: “Thanks for all your help setting this up, I really appreciate it, and it was all great and smooth. I would shoot everything in Hertfordshire if I could!”

One of the key highlights of HFO’s success this year has been its robust support for local job creation and educational initiatives. The office has played a pivotal role in supporting a variety of events aimed at enhancing skills and providing opportunities for the local community, such as supporting Discover! Creative Careers Week. By collaborating with major studios and independent filmmakers alike, HFO has equipped participants with the skills needed to thrive in the film industry.

Carrie Wootten, Media Careers emphasised the importance of these efforts: “It’s critical to inspire and inform young people about the breadth of career opportunities in our industry.”

Since March 2023, the HFO team has supported an impressive 318 productions, resulting in 221 referrals to private businesses and 264 referrals to district and county partners. This level of activity not only highlights the office’s dedication to facilitating film production in Hertfordshire but also demonstrates its effectiveness in connecting productions with the resources they need to succeed.

The economic impact of HFO’s activities is substantial. According to the FIE Economic Toolkit, the estimated economic spend from productions in Hertfordshire for the first two quarters of 2024/25 totals an impressive £4,348,050. This figure underscores the vital role that HFO plays in driving economic growth and supporting the local economy through its various initiatives and partnerships.

Hertfordshire Film Office has proven to be a cornerstone of the local film industry, driving economic growth, supporting job creation, and fostering educational opportunities. Its innovative approaches and strong performance post-strikes have set a benchmark for other regions.

Notably, HFO’s support was crucial for the short film ‘Selvedge’ at Bovingdon Airfield Studios.

Amina Hassam and Adriana Kulig, Co-Producers of Selvedge acknowledged: “We could not have completed this film without your kind and generous support and wanted to acknowledge your contribution in making this production possible.” 

As HFO continues to support productions and collaborate with partners, its impact on the local economy and community is set to grow, solidifying Hertfordshire’s reputation as a thriving hub for film and television production.