Jersey hosting inaugural 'Screen Summit'

A first-of-its-kind summit is being held in Jersey to shape the future of the film and TV sector.

Representatives from government, film and television, finance, education, the creative industries, and local businesses are coming together at the Freedom Centre between 1pm and 5pm today (Monday 9 November) for the inaugural Screen Summit.

It will examine the opportunities and challenges of creating a sustainable screen industry, with a focus on attracting investment, developing local talent, and ensuring productions deliver lasting benefits for Jersey.

The aim is to find practical steps towards making Jersey a competitive destination for film and television production, while ensuring islanders and the local economy share in its success.

Rebecca Coley, speaking on behalf of Screen Jersey, said:

"Jersey has an opportunity to build something meaningful for the island through a creative industry with ‘screen’ which encompasses film and television, creating jobs, developing local talent, attracting investment and bringing our stories to wider audiences. But that will only happen if we work together and understand what is needed to make it possible and the good impact this can have for the island.

The summit is being held at the Freedom Centre

"The Screen Summit is about bringing everyone around the same table: Government, industry, finance, creatives and the businesses that support productions. We want to have honest conversations about the challenges, make the economic case, identify the opportunities and leave with practical next steps."

Brian Constantine, CEO of Westward Studios and Executive Producer of Bergerac, said:

"At Westward Studios, we welcome these discussions and the opportunity to help shape the future of Jersey’s screen industry. Jersey has invested in Bergerac and is now seeing a significant, multifaceted return on that investment. This includes direct economic spending and opportunities for local businesses, the creation of jobs, the up-skilling of local students through our trainee scheme, and a share in the sales revenue generated by the series around the world. The series is also helping raise Jersey’s profile internationally, showcasing the island to audiences and potential visitors across the globe. 

"We hope to play a part in planting the seed that successful, globally reaching productions can be made on the island by both local and international companies. Bergerac has already demonstrated what can be achieved when investment, talent and ambition come together. With the right support 
and collaboration, we can build on that success and create a sustainable screen industry that delivers lasting economic and creative opportunities for Jersey."

There will be keynote speakers, a case study exploring the production of Bergerac in Jersey, and contributions from trainees reflecting on the value of gaining local production experience.

A panel discussion, called 'Let's Never Entertain a Film Industry', will look at the financial case for screen production, alongside the realities of financing projects and attracting investment.

Round-table workshops will explore key questions, such as how Jersey can compete for productions and investment, what legislation and infrastructure may be needed, how to ensure islanders benefit, and the potential cost of failing to develop the sector.

The summit will also think about the realities of working in Jersey's screen industries, including the experiences of freelancers and the practical challenges of building sustainable creative careers on-island.

It finishes with a project-sharing session, giving six projects give minutes each to present their ideas, ambitions and potential benefits for Jersey.