MEP visits Harry Potter set

Christopher Beazley, MEP, recently visited the set of the new Harry Potter film – 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'.
Organised by Business Link Hertfordshire, the visit was to introduce Mr. Beazley to the Herts FilmLink team and see what opportunities are available in Europe to the Hertfordshire film industry and its associated local suppliers. Christopher Beazley is currently on the Culture, Youth, Education, Media & Sport Committee in the European Parliament.
During the visit, the Herts FilmLink team explained the impact that the film industry has had on the Hertfordshire economy, attracting around £50 million investment through film productions and projects. These productions provide diversification for local businesses to supply the film industry while providing local employment opportunities for Hertfordshire workers.
During the visit, there was also the opportunity to tour the facilities of the West Herts Media Centre where companies or individuals can attend workshops on digital production, post production, presentation and performance skills. The facilities are also used by local companies to produce high quality, low cost promotional or training videos.
Christopher Beazley MEP said during the visit: “This opportunity has opened my eyes to how much investment the film industry brings into the area. This is not as well known as it should be and I am keen to make my colleagues in the EU more aware of Hertfordshire’s successes in the film industry.
“Having had the opportunity to tour the film set for the second Harry Potter film, I now have a much better idea of exactly how much work and how many people are involved in the film production process. The opportunities are tremendous and I would certainly encourage local businesses to think about what they could offer the film industry and contact Herts FilmLink or Business Link Hertfordshire to help them.”
Business Link Hertfordshire is part of a national network of 45 local Business Link operators who provide information, advice and access to experts on all issues relating to running a business.
Herts FilmLink, the film commission office for Hertfordshire, is the point of contact for all film enquiries in the county and is dedicated to the promotion and development of the county's film and media industry.
(KmcA)