Isle of Wight launches film office

Isle of Wight cultural investment company, Venture South, has launched Filmwight, the island’s first official film office. 

The new, non-commercial organisation, forms part of Venture South’s plan to stimulate the local economy while providing a central point of contact for UK and international producers seeking locations and filming support. 

Filmwight is endorsed by Creative England’s Filming in England team, the Isle of Wight Council and members of industry body Film Offices UK. 

The Isle of Wight recently supported filming on Britbox Original thriller The Beast Must Die, starring Jared Harris and Cush Jumbo, which began an 11-week shoot in late August last year. Executive producer Ed Rubin said: “We shot all of ‘The Beast Must Die’ on the Isle of Wight for 11 weeks last autumn, filming at over 60 locations including several days at sea. 

“Despite the inevitable stresses of shooting during the pandemic, the cast and crew thoroughly enjoyed their time on the island, and it certainly provided a unique & stunning backdrop for the drama.”

Linda Sullivan, chair, Venture South and co-founder of Filmwight, said: “The mission of Venture South is to nurture projects and partnerships that enhance the creative and economic potential of the Isle of Wight. We know we can generate jobs by encouraging film, tv and advertising companies to use the island for their location shoots and through our new film office we will promote the Isle of Wight as one of the UK’s most attractive regional production hubs.”

Filmwight is looking to build a studio complex on the island within the next couple of years, to further raise its film-friendly profile.  

The Isle of Wight is two hours from London, and is well-known for its sunny climate. The island has a wide range of varied locations, both coastal and inland, and a range of historical architecture that can double for other European locales. 

The Beast Must Die image:  Gareth Gatrell/BritBox/PA.
Isle of Wight (Appuldurcombe House): Gianpaolo Mario Photography.