A young heritage media company, Heritage4Media (H4M), has produced groundbreaking research that confirms the substantial impact of filming and broadcasting industries on the economics of historic properties as tens of millions of pounds enter the sector each year, while a new web resource is being developed to help access and promote that media-based income.
IHBC Director Sean O’Reilly said: ‘We’re delighted that this innovative and substantial research will open new opportunities for the sector, as it highlights another critical area in which the country’s built heritage contributes to economic growth.’
‘Even more welcome is the ongoing and linked development of a web resource to help building owners access what will be, for many, new funding streams. This provides yet another ray of hope for hard-pressed owners of buildings that even now, in the 21st century, face VAT charges on repairs at the same time as they are charged with the care of the nation’s heritage.’
H4M’s Architectural Historian & Film Advisor Nancy Sheridan said: ‘The research proves that there has never been a better time for owners of historic buildings to engage with the media. The results reveal that there is still a desperate need for virgin or rarely used locations, and that a huge percentage of owners of heritage buildings are not engaging with the media as a potential income stream.’
‘The new website resource that we are developing is being universally welcomed because it will negate the need for fees at a time when production budgets are generally shrinking, and instead provide a fast, effective, industry-standard for global filmmakers to access heritage properties direct and at no cost.’
‘And as the initiative is being developed by architectural historians with direct expertise in production needs, owners can be sure that the value of their heritage will be properly recognised and reported.’
Heritage4Media also writes of the research:
‘More than 400 interviews were conducted with, among others:
· private and institutional historic site owners and custodians
· conservation experts, architects and surveyors
· location agencies
· leading heritage operatives
· cathedral deans and church curators
· influential and multi awarding winning film, television, and broadcasting professionals.
The results provide the clearest indicator yet as to the impact of the ‘creative industries’ on the welfare of English historic buildings, and the level of reliance that exists between them.
The results reveal:
· the economic value taken between the years 2009-2011
· the extent of repair and restoration works carried out with ‘media cash’
· the value of the media as a comparative commercial business stream
· an enormous disparity between facility fee benchmarking rates
· value-added benefits (footfall and secondary spending, raising profile and public engagement, influencing localism, international tourism, and the media as a channel to politicians).
The research also assessed the impact of filming to UK GDP and the importance of retaining UK Film Taxation Relief, both potential issues that may cause a downturn in the use of historic buildings.
Furthermore, severe weaknesses were exposed in the relationship between heritage and media, particularly in relation to communication.
Research Outcomes
Historic Building Owners and Managers will now be able to connect directly to the Filming and Broadcasting Industries as a website will be launched that will serve as ‘the definitive, holistic, and transparent network channel between media professionals and the heritage sector’.
The website has been developed and underpinned entirely by the issues expressed during interviews with Location Managers, Assistant Directors, and multi-awarding winning Art Directors, Production Designers, Directors of Photography, and Executive Producers.
The website will also provide a platform for heritage professionals to communicate with media executives, and where professional bodies and institutions can publish articles pertinent to the relationship between heritage and media.
‘Context’, the membership journal of the IHBC, will shortly publish more detail on the research and the initiatives outlined here.
For further information on how the new Heritage4Media website can connect historic buildings with filming and broadcasting professionals please email Dr Nancy Sheridan at nancy.sheridan@heritage4media.com.
