A major £2.5 million equity initiative has been launched to supercharge the film and high-end television industry in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, promising a significant economic and cultural windfall for the region.
Investing in Cornish Stories and Talent
The Screen Cornwall Equity Production Investment (SCEPI) is a public-private partnership designed to establish the area as a nationally significant hub for screen production. The scheme will directly invest in a portfolio of up to 10 film and high-end TV projects that are either produced or filmed in the region between 2025 and 2028.
Each selected production will receive an equity investment of between £125,000 and £500,000, with each pound matched by private investors. The programme includes a substantial £1.25 million investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.
Councillor Leigh Frost, the Leader of Cornwall Council, unveiled the scheme on the set of the popular BBC drama Beyond Paradise, which is currently filming its fourth series in the county. He stated that the fund "marks a bold step forward for Cornwall’s creative industries" and will drive local employment.
Economic Impact and Green Ambitions
The initiative is projected to generate more than £6.75 million in additional regional spend and support the creation of up to 117 new jobs across the sector. By attracting inward investment and bolstering local production companies, freelancers, and service providers, the scheme aims to strengthen and retain a skilled local workforce.
Beyond the financial injection, the scheme mandates that all supported productions must contribute significant production expenditure to the local economy and adhere to advanced environmental standards. This requirement reinforces Cornwall’s commitment to green growth and its net zero ambitions.
Nurturing the Next Generation and Cornish Identity
A core component of SCEPI is a dedicated focus on skills development. The scheme will provide 30 paid placements for local trainees, offering a crucial pathway into the industry and helping them build sustainable careers.
Projects will be carefully selected for their strong commercial potential and their ability to "reflect Cornwall’s unique identity and culture". This includes a specific emphasis on stories with natural links to the region and the potential use of the Cornish language, promoting the Duchy's distinct character to audiences worldwide.
Nada Cirjanic, the newly appointed investment manager for SCEPI at Screen Cornwall, commented that the fund answers a clear need for new finance in the market. She highlighted that it will draw on the resources and experience built up from years of high-profile film and TV shoots in Cornwall, offering experienced producers a vital source of equity.
