CHESHIRE has become the first nationally recognised ‘filming friendly’ county in the North West.
Councillors from Halton, Warrington and Cheshire's East and West authorities signed a charter to make filming in the area easier.
This will include helping directors select filming locations and working closely with business.
Cheshire councilors will be assisted by North West company Vision+Media to ensure the needs of directors are met, while ensuring minimal disruption to local trade.
Kaye Elliott of Vision+Media said: “Cheshire is a county with a rich source of filming locations. Last year Cheshire supported 130 filming days, at an estimated value to the county of nearly £3m.”
Earlier this month Frodsham screen writer Tim Firth visited Chester to film new British romantic comedy The Wedding Video staring TV comics Robert Webb and Rufus Hound.
The film, written by Firth, has many scenes shot in Chester, including by the river, at the races and in the city centre.
The Calendar Girls creator said: “When it comes to being a ‘filming friendly' county Cheshire has done its bit by being beautiful.
“The challenge for any liaison authority will be to find practical and financial incentives to offer low-budget companies.”
It is hoped more UK filmmakers will be tempted to bring their productions to the area, boosting trade and lifting the county's profile though ‘film tourism’.
