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New law to lure film-makers to London
Katharine Barney, Evening Standard22.10.08
LONDON'S international appeal as a movie location has been boosted by a law making it easier to close roads for filming.
The move is intended to encourage directors to film on the capital's streets following the success of films such as 28 Days Later and The Bourne Ultimatum.
Today Boris Johnson welcomed the law at a meeting with prominent figures from the film and television industries.
Directors present included Michael Winterbottom and Gurinder Chadha. Mr Johnson, whose Mayor of London gala screening of Winterbottom's Genova is tonight, said: "The film industry arguably more than any other has simultaneously brought the world to London and put London on the world map.
"It's no surprise our capital has become one of the top production centres in the world. My job is to help keep it that way."
The London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act, which came into force last month, allows traffic to be blocked from any road for up to 24 hours.
However the same stretch cannot be closed more than six times a year, and six weeks' or six months' notice are needed according to how busy the area is.
Production companies are charged for the cost of implementing an order.
The Mayor also unveiled an idea for a London Film Day, which would including screenings and educational events.
In addition Mr Johnson promised to double the funding for the London Borough Film Fund Challenge to £100,000, boosting grassroots film-making.
Film London figures show there has been a 40 per cent increase in movie-making since 2004 and there are now up to 38 crews on the capital's streets every day of the year.
Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film London, said: "I am delighted the Mayor has pledged his support for film and filming in London. This is a massively important industry to our city."
