Unlocking the East of England’s Creative Potential: APPG Hosts Film & TV Industry Roundtables in Parliament

The East of England APPG invited a range of industry voices in Parliament on Tuesday 16th July, with strong ties to the region including Norfolk Screen to focus on how to stimulate growth in the film and television sector across the East. The discussions centred on unlocking the region’s creative potential, driving economic growth and ensuring that talented young people can build meaningful careers close to home.

Contributors such as Jamie Hall from BBC Studios, award‑winning producer Debbie Gray of Genesius Pictures, Chris Bird from Hawkshead AI and formerly Amazon Prime Video, Claire Chapman from Norfolk Screen, Chris Curley from PACT and Chloë Thomas of One Glove Production highlighted both the opportunities and the challenges facing the East of England’s screen sector. They spoke about the depth of emerging and established talent across the region and the potential to build a more sustainable and better‑connected ecosystem one that could thrive with the right strategic backing.

While there was clear optimism about the region’s creative strengths, speakers were equally frank about the barriers that continue to hold the East back. Funding gaps, limited development support, and a shortage of accessible skills and training pathways were raised. Across the meetings, a consistent message emerged: the East of England has significant creative and economic potential, but without targeted investment and coordinated support, the region risks missing out on opportunities that could deliver substantial economic benefits.

Norfolk Screen is keen to keep this conversation going in collaboration with those who contributed to this meeting.