Filmmaking brings £6m economic boost to Somerset
Two major productions are set for release soon
Film and TV productions spent over £6 million in Somerset last year.
The release of "Masters of the Universe" and season two of "A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder" mark another milestone for the county's entertainment industry's growth.
"Masters of the Universe", featuring Somerset's James Purefoy, was filmed at Wells Cathedral and Wookey Hole Caves. This captivating adaptation of the 80s cartoon will appear in cinemas across the UK on 3rd June.
Season two of "A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder", will hit Netflix and BBC on 27th May. The drama returns under the spotlight with protagonist Pip, played by Emma Meyer, exploring the fictional town of Little Kilton—based in Axbridge, Somerset.
These productions, among others, contributed an estimated spend of £6.6 million to Somerset's economy last year, fuelled by Screen Somerset’s initiatives.
Screen Somerset supports filming in the county as part of Somerset Council's film office. Backed by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), it embraces the economic benefits filming can bring.
Other notable projects assisted include Dawn French's BBC series "Can You Keep A Secret," Netflix's "Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials," Bafta-nominated drama "Wasteman," the comedy film "Mother’s Pride," and Guy Ritchie’s "Young Sherlock" on Prime Video.
'You only have to look at the continued impact of Hot Fuzz in Wells'
Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development Planning and Assets, highlighted Somerset’s role in the screen industry, bringing benefits to local tourism while utilising Bristol’s nearby studios. He cited the ongoing success of "Hot Fuzz" in Wells as evidence of the positive impact.
He said: “We have the locations, Bristol’s great studios on our doorstep and lots of local talent.
"As well as the spend that comes when crews are in the county, appearing on screen can have benefits for the visitor economy.
"You only have to look at the continued impact of Hot Fuzz in Wells to see how powerful it can be."
Screen Somerset supports filmmakers with location scouting, and logistics, collaborating with county services to optimise filming success. The county's outreach to location managers continues, promoting the region’s assets alongside Creative England's Filming in England Partnership.
'Somerset is perfectly positioned'
Charlotte Wood, Production Liaison Manager for Creative England’s Filming in England, praises Somerset as a prime spot for productions. She notes the region's blend of landscapes and proximity to Bristol enhances its filming appeal, enriching the local economy.
She said: "Somerset is perfectly positioned in close proximity to the main production hub of Bristol, with a dedicated point of contact liaising with filmmakers and offering a range of impressive landscapes from Cheddar Gorge, to the historic city of Wells and stunning Exmoor coastline, benefitting from the positive economic contribution filming brings to the local area.
"And the South West as a whole boasts a strong industry network through established studios, film-friendly locations and Film Office provision, providing the perfect backdrop for production activity."
In 2024/25, the South West saw a combined film and TV spend estimated at £39.5 million.