News Release

20th June 2003

LICHFIELD FILM LOCATION

Following Michael Fabricant's hurried series of meetings with American film bosses, Stephen Norris, Commissioner of the UK Film Council based in London, has now contacted Michael to set up a meeting with himself and Krysia Rozanska, Chief Executive of Screen West Midlands to discuss how best to promote Lichfield as a location for overseas film makers.

"This is not so crazy as it might at first seem", says Michael. "Locations throughout the UK have been used for US funded films and those locations have benefited from a legacy of increased tourism. Japanese tourists still look for the famous blue front door featured in 'Notting Hill' while Harry Potter fans visit Oxford colleges where some of the scenes were shot. While I don't envisage a remake of King Kong with a giant gorilla hanging from one of our Cathedral's steeples, I can imagine a period drama being filmed round Dam Street or even a scene from a future Harry Potter being filmed in the Cathedral's medieval library. The fact is film makers bring both fame and fortune to locations they film. Lichfield should not sell itself short. We have a lot to offer; far less attractive towns have been used as locations. By meeting with the heads of the Film Council and Screen West Midlands, I hope to facilitate a campaign to promote the City." Michael adds: "Occasionally, there are times for a City to blow its own trumpet!"