Birmingham  will cement its reputation as a pioneering centre for international film and television production tomorrow (23 February 2006) with the official launch of FILM Birmingham , the city's film office.

Launched by Council Leader Mike Whitby, FILM Birmingham will strengthen the city's reputation as a recognised centre for film and television production, support a wide range of festivals and events and foster a successful environment for Birmingham 's filmmakers and production companies to develop.

Two key initiatives, to be announced at tomorrow's launch, will help to drive Birmingham 's unprecedented growth in the film and television industry: a Film Charter for the City of Birmingham and the FILM Birmingham Fund.

 Councillor Whitby said: "We are committed to promoting our film-friendly reputation and will be encouraging even more production within the city by ensuring that filming in Birmingham is as easy as possible. As a firm indication of our support for the UK film industry the City Cabinet will next week approve a new 'Film Charter' for the City.

"Our innovative Film Charter promises a new and efficient system for filming requests and a co-ordinated, film-friendly approach across the Council. Through FILM Birmingham we will deliver a first rate, and competitive, service for film and television production."

In addition, the FILM Birmingham Fund will provide an opportunity for private investors to share in the success of the city's growing screen industry.

Councillor Whitby added: "There is such huge momentum behind the film industry that we want the city to be part of this success story. We want to establish a Film Birmingham Fund which will marry private investment with public funds and take this success to another level, securing Birmingham 's position as a global film city."

Speaking about the launch, Suzie Ralph, Director of FILM Birmingham and former BBC producer and presenter, said: "I am passionate about promoting Birmingham as a prime location for national and international TV and film production, while at the same time highlighting the wealth of creative talent based in the city and the region. Momentum is really building for our film and TV industry, with a schedule of film festivals, debates and high profile premieres planned for 2006."

Birmingham 's reputation as a film-friendly city will be bolstered this year with the release of four feature films supported and funded by the regional screen agency Screen West Midlands, including The Road to Guantanamo, directed by Michael Winterbottom and recently awarded the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. BAFTA award winning, Birmingham-based film and production company, Dreamfinder, has also been instrumental in furthering the productivity of the city's screen industry by playing a major role in establishing the West Midlands Producers' Forum.

Birmingham is home to a strong network of media and production companies including Maverick Television (awarded a Creative Cities Award by Channel 4 in 2005), Hotbed Media and Endboard Productions. BBC Birmingham's multi-million pound move into the city centre in 2005 cemented the broadcaster's commitment to production within the region.

The FILM Birmingham website, www.filmbirmingham.co.uk, will provide a focus for TV and film production in the city, including Birmingham 's first online location finding service, a guide to filming in the city and a wealth of useful contacts. FILM Birmingham 's unique community network will enable film makers to interact directly with community leaders and representatives.

FILM Birmingham will deliver The Big Picture programme for Urban Fusion, a Birmingham City Council initiative bringing together over 60 of the city's leading lights in art and culture. Big Picture has hosted a number of film festivals over the winter season including the 7 Inch Cinema Flat Pack Film Festival and the Fierce! Mirage Film Festival. A diverse range of projects are planned for 2006 to develop regional, national and international links with Birmingham .

FILM Birmingham will host its official launch on February 23rd with a red carpet event at St Martin 's Church in the heart of Birmingham 's iconic Bullring.

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For press information please contact Ruth Ward or James Bovill at Neon Communications on 0121 456 9303 or email ruthw@brightnewthinking.com / jamesb@brightnewthinking.com