News Release

12th September 2003

LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL IN BLOCKBUSTER?

Lichfield Cathedral will be promoted by Screen West Midlands (SWM) when producers from around the world descend on Birmingham later this month for the European AudioVisual Entrepreneurs Conference. And SWM, and arm of the British Film Council, have suggested that Lichfield Cathedral and the surrounding streets along with the caves at Hawkstone Park in Shropshire, Birmingham's urban canal network, and the River Avon at Stratford all make excellent locations for film-makers. This follows Michael Fabricant's approaches to the Film Council and the Film Commissioner, Stephen Norris, to ensure that Lichfield is not overlooked as a location.

Michael Fabricant says: "The Film Council and Screen West Midlands are to be congratulated in attracting this prestigious international Conference to Birmingham. This is the first time it has come to the UK. And I am absolutely delighted that SWM are now actively promoting Lichfield as a possible location for filming and I hope that a number of the producers will find time out of their busy schedule to visit our Cathedral City. I will also pray for sunny weather on the day of their visit!".

Meanwhile, the prestigious House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, of which Michael Fabricant is a member, will be publishing its report on the British Film Industry at 11am next Thursday, 18th September. It will address the issues which will affect the future of the industry and will be making crucial recommendations to the Government. The Government will then have two months to respond.