National film and TV convention hosted in Bristol
Stats suggest 800 million people a month watch shows produced in the West Country
A national film and TV convention is ongoing in the West Country celebrating the growing strength of the industry in the region.
Taking place at the Bristol Beacon 350 delegates are expected to attend over two days (April 23-24th), with sessions being run by BBC 3, Paramount Plus and the director of ITV's hit docudrama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which covered the Horizon Scandal.
The event was opened by West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris.
“I am delighted to welcome the Creative Cities Convention to the West of England – the Hollywood of the UK," he said.
“800 million people every month watch programmes produced in this great region. Over 35% of global natural history content is made in our part of the world. Plus my Mayoral Combined Authority is backing the extraordinary wealth of creative talent we have in the West through things like Culture West.
“This is a great opportunity to put our great region on the map, and help shine a spotlight on some of the big global brands, fantastic sustainable studios and groundbreaking innovation in the UK creative industries - including what the West has to offer.
“It sends yet another strong message that our world-leading creative sector here in the West of England is thriving.”
Over the past 18 months two new film studios have opened in the region, Bottle Yard and Box7.
Conference director Ruth Pitt added: “The West of England has one of the biggest production sectors in the country and leads the world in Natural History programming.
"The region has everything that a film, TV or digital producer could ever want - and we’re delighted to be bringing our conference to the Bristol Beacon this year."
Among those who attended day one were several cast members of Stephen Merchant's hit comedy The Outlaws.
Filmed in Bristol it follows a group of ordinary people brought together through community service, who end up caught up with a brutal drugs gang.
Rhianne Barreto who plays Rhani said: "I feel like there is such a hub (in Bristol).
"Working with the crews that we worked with for season 1,2,3, they were just so good, they were just so brilliant at what they did that it would be a shame if people didn't work here and experience that.
"The amount of talent that is in Bristol in terms of behind the camera is extraordinary.
"I'm excited to see what else is made here."
Gamba Cole who plays Ben (or Christian) told Hits Radio said: "I would hope though that with these great shows that are being filmed in Bristol, they also give opportunities to people who live here to be a part of the process.
"Not just be in the city where great things are happening but actually get to experience that and build careers."
Season three of The Outlaws will air on Amazon Prime from 31st May.