Interview with Hilary Dugdale, Development Manager for Isle of Man Film
By: Liz Corlett
30 September 2008
When was Isle of Man Film established?
We were approved by Tynwald in May 1997 and our first film, the Brylcream Boys, was released in August 1997. Who would have thought, at that time, that there would be a film industry on the Isle of Man? But we’ve obviously done something right because we’re still here, with 89 film and TV productions under our belt.
What were its founding principles and goals?
To lessen our dependence on the finance sector; to diversify the Island’s economy; to generate job opportunities; and to aid tourism. From the diversification angle, we have achieved what we set out to do. Film companies are obliged to take on a minimum number of local trainees per production, so employment opportunities have been created. It has also been a marketing success: miles of column inches have been generated by coverage of productions, bringing exposure for the Isle of Man.
What funding is available to prospective filmmakers?
We can invest anything between 20 – 80%. Whatever investment Government makes has to be minimal risk and the more we invest, the stronger our position.
What are the unique advantages of filming on the Isle of Man?
You get the services of a very pro-film Government, spearheaded by hands-on assistance from our department. Nowhere else in the British Isles offers such a tremendous level of ‘on the ground’ support. Huge sets can be built in the film studios and of course, we have a fantastic diversity of locations.
Can you name some locations for which the Island has been a ‘stand in’?
Cornwall, the Home Counties, Ireland, Hamburg, Lake District, Oregon, India, San Francisco – and a space station!
How would you sum up the relationship between CinemaNX and Isle of Man film?
CinemaNX is our investment arm, in so much as film investment now goes straight from the Treasury through to CinemaNX. Before its establishment, it was handled by the Department of Trade and Industry, with Treasury approval. It is a wholly Manx company which works closely at all times with Isle of Man Film.
How are the Isle of Man’s film-making capacities promoted overseas?
The Cannes Film Festival is our ‘shop window’. The AFM (American Film Market) in Los Angeles is very business-orientated; this gives us an excellent opportunity to meet studio partners. Our reputation has always been excellent – we’re collectively known for being diligent, honest and honourable – something which is not that common in the film industry! We’ve worked hard from the beginning to convey and maintain that image.
What challenges and prospects face Isle of Man Film in the next ten years?
There is a misconception that we face threats from other film-making locations; we actually tend to collaborate rather than conflict with such places as Ireland, Yorkshire, Wales and Scotland. Half of every film produced has to be made on Isle of Man to ensure the requisite local spend.
On the other hand, the credit crunch is bound to have an impact on the whole industry.
Our main challenge is still to do six films a year, with a mixture of big and small budgets. We must also work hard to maintain positive media coverage and maximise employment and training opportunities for Island residents. Other than that, we’re simply looking forward to our 100th film.