Alexandra and Ainsworth estate, known as Rowley Way. PHOTO: Oxyman

• FURTHER to your December 7 reports (Action! Stop the rot on film set estate and New direction? Films contract debate), when filming takes place at Alexandra & Ainsworth Estate I am writing on the work that our film service team does across the borough.

I know that my colleague Cllr Meric Apak is working hard along with the Kilburn ward councillors and council officers to support the residents on the estate to rectify their heating issues.

Since 2013 a total of £2.5million had been retained by the council from filming fees. A large proportion of this is for council services directly involved with the filming, such as parking suspensions and traffic management. The £330,000 surplus revenue raised from filming in the borough is invested back into the council’s services.

Further to the council fees, we actively encourage donations from film crews to Camden voluntary groups as a goodwill gesture when filming takes place across the borough. Since 2013 we are aware that over £380,000 has been donated by film productions to local TRAs, charities and community groups.

Filming also brings in investment to the borough through location fees to residents, businesses and venues as well as encouraging visitors, which also further boosts the local economy.

Camden Film office have facilitated set visits and paid work experience for residents on many major film and TV productions. This helps people get that vital first step into a rewarding career in the film and TV industry, and we intend to significantly increase these opportunities with the new contract.

As part of the procurement process, the council will continue to engage with the community to strengthen protocols that are in place to minimise the impact of filming across the borough.

CLLR JONATHAN SIMPSON
Cabinet Member for Promoting Culture & Community Services