Boost for London film industry as LDA acquires studios

The London Development Agency is poised to acquire one of the UK's major television and film studios as part of its drive to support and develop London's creative industries.
The studios will be managed by the LDA with the advice of industry body Film London.
3 Mills Studios in east London is currently home to ‘Bad Girls’ and ‘Footballers' Wives’, as well as Warner Bros Productions new Tim Burton animation ‘The Corpse Bride’. Films that have been shot at 3 Mills include ‘28 Days Later’ and ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone said: “London is beginning to see the positive impact that Film London and Creative London are already having on creative industries, which are a vital part of the capital's economy and its future prosperity. 3 Mills illustrates the important role the London Development Agency can play and will help strengthen London's position as a city to make films in.”
Tony Winterbottom, director of regeneration and development at the LDA, said: “The LDA has acquired 3 Mills studios as part of its ongoing commitment to develop the capital's creative strengths through its Creative London project. We announced in April at the launch of Creative London that we were going to set up ten creative hubs providing flexible workspace and support facilities. 3 Mills will form a key part of east London's creative hub.”
Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film London, added: “London is the third busiest film production centre in the world. London's East End is fast establishing an international reputation for its locations and facilities, with recent projects such as ‘Bridget Jones’ and ‘The Yank’ choosing to film extensively in the area. The development of world class studio facilities in East London is of enormous importance to the overall growth of the film and TV industry in the capital.”
(GB)