Guernsey filmmakers call for support from States

Russ Fossey, head of development at Guernsey Arts, said the Covid-19 lockdown caused the island's film scene to thrive

Filmmakers in Guernsey are seeking out more support from the island's States to help the local industry develop.

The States does not currently offer direct financial support, but it works to assist filmmakers in other ways, such as giving certain film permissions.

Arts leaders said the film scene had been starting to thrive since the Covid-19 lockdown.

The States said the Committee for Economic Development had no plans to provide direct financial support or tax incentives, but would consider it if it could be shown evidence of possible benefits.

Filmmakers on Guernsey create work in historic landmarks such as Castle Cornet

Russ Fossey, head of development at Guernsey Arts, said that, while some financial support could be offered, existing resources were spread thinly between filmmakers and other creatives.

Private sponsorship grants are typically given in the range of £5,000 to £10,000.

However, Mr Fossey said it was estimated the total cost of a film project could be £50,000 to £100,000.

He said it meant the island had a sharing culture, where films were made by "begging and borrowing", and filmmakers securing support by offering their time and skills for free.

Mr Fossey said: "If you go back five or six years ago, we didn't see much of this locally.

"But, since lockdown, filmmakers found themselves back in Guernsey, and they began working."

Film director Lars Janssen believes his latest movie could inspire change in the film industry

Guernsey Arts said it was keen to help local filmmakers collaborate, and a meeting was set up to allow local filmmakers to meet and network.

Lars Janssen, of Revasser Films, has worked on a pirate film set at Guernsey's Castle Cornet, and said he was hopeful his success would inspire other filmmakers to work in Guernsey.

He said he was keen for States involvement, but also said it was important to continue focusing on local talent, rather than trying to compete with the rest of the world.

Mr Janssen said: "I think it would be great for there to be something in place... to support the local film industry, which is very much in its infancy."

Filmmaker Brandon Ashplant explained it was important to create groundwork to help the industry develop into the future

While filmmakers have been keen to access support, some also said it was important that support was reasonable and was not taking away from important local services.

Brandon Ashplant, of Golden Goat Films, said: "We don't want to overplay our hand here... I think taxpayer funding should go to housing and social care, and other more important pillars of the island.

"But I think there's a real opportunity for the government to create the ecosystem or environment in which filmmakers and the film industry really develop."

The States said: "As it has the mandate for Economic Development, the committee will ensure that a strong economic case is made to demonstrate the direct and secondary benefits to the economy in the provision of support.

"At present, the Committee for Economic Development has no plans to provide direct financial support or tax incentives to filmmakers but with evidence of the benefits likely to be accrued it would be happy to consider this."