Leamington touted as perfect film location
It may not have the glitz and glamour of Hollywood – but Leamington and Warwick has the potential to tempt film crews out of London.
The mix of Georgian, Regency, Victorian and Edwardian architecture – from the grand to the humble terrace – is just the thing film and TV companies need for location work, said Patrick McNeill, of Way Out Productions.
He said: "There are so many roads and streets that resemble parts of London – not just grand buildings and the broad tree-lined avenues, but ordinary terraces as well.
"And it's not just houses, be they a kitchen or front room, it could also be gardens.
"There could be a school that's not being used or a hospital ward that's closed – there's lots of possibilities."
The 47-year-old multi-media/film producer said production companies are looking to cut costs and London is proving pricey for them.
And for those who let the film crews in, there is a healthy return. "For one day it could be around 400," said Mr McNeill, of Palmer Road, Whitnash.
People can load images of their properties for free on his website and if film makers like what they see, they book it through his company.
The former soldier and audiovisual technician at Warwickshire College said: "We've got the locations, we've got the facilities, places are in close proximity, we're cheaper and there's not the hassle of London."
His company will look to provide services such as catering, hotels and transport so that film crews get a "head start" before filming.
He has been in talks with a number of organisations in the area in an effort to bring his idea to reality and said: "There are those who have the vision of more of a media presence here. The spin-off for shops, restaurants and hotels would be enormous."
And like Hollywood is spelled out in the hills overlooking Tinsel Town, he joked: "It would be great to see Leamywood in the Campion Hills."
www.wayoutproductions.co.uk
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leamington
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North
