'Action' call for Cumbria film centre

The county has many scenic attractions

Cumbria could soon rival Northumberland as a prime movie location if a plan to get a film office up and running in the county goes ahead.

North West Vision, the screen and media agency for the region, wants to create a one-stop-centre for anyone thinking of filming in the county.

The centre would have a database of more than 5,000 possible film locations, and members of North West Vision will push the locations at national and international film conferences.

Neighbouring Northumberland has been used for a number of movie shoots, most famously Alnwick Castle was used in the Harry Potter films.

'International audiences'

Cumbria County councillor Norman Shaw, from Barrow, said: "Obviously the scenery and some of the other attractions will be of interest to the outside world.

"The important thing is that films are made for home and international audiences, but it has to be an attractive proposition for film makers."

He said a dedicated film office could bring in as much as £1m in investment.

Some episodes of Coronation Street, and scenes from a few Bollywood movies have been shot in the county but Mr Shaw said a film office would bring more ventures.

He said: "I am proposing a partnership between the county council and North West Vision."

The idea has been forwarded to Cumbria County Council for discussion.