North West Vision takes unique vision to the Dragon\'s den

North West Vision takes screen agency takes unique vision to the Dragon's den

19th April 2005

North West Vision, the Film and TV agency for England's North West, is to showcase its innovative approach to funding at a top industry conference this month. North West Vision's Head of Funds Chris Moll will be revealing how the agency goes about choosing and managing its investments in the region's independent production sector at the Creative Strategies Conference in Glasgow during a seminar styled on the television programme 'The Dragon's Den'.

North West Vision's initiatives such as the Regional Attraction Fund and the Merseyside Film & Television Fund have been instrumental in attracting major indies such as Hat Trick to the North West and in developing indigenous high-growth production companies. North West Vision is using these funds to develop new financing mechanisms appropriate to the creative industries.

Chris Moll will be joined by a number of industry professionals for the seminar, modelled on the recent BBC programme involving budding entrepreneurs pitching their ideas to potential investors. During the seminar three fictitious production companies will pitch their business plans to the panel of experts. The seminar will offer advice for production companies on attracting investment and raising finance.

The conference, which takes place on Thursday 28th April at Glasgow's Radisson SAS Hotel, is organised by Pact, the UK trade association for the independent film and TV production sector. Now in its second year the conference brings together high profile speakers from across the production industry to address business issues affecting the sector and explore opportunities available to creative production companies.

North West Vision is also supporting representatives from eight North West productions companies to attend the conference including Red Productions, MMA, Turn On TV and Libra Productions.

Chris Moll, Head of Funds at North West Vision said: "We are dedicated to nurturing local talent as well as promoting the North West as a premier location for independent production companies. Our funding portfolio further reflects our commitment to the small independent companies - the companies at the heart of the production sector. By working closely with national organisations such as Pact, we aim to ensure the industry in the North West cements its status as the most important television broadcast centre outside of London."

'The Dragon's Den' ushers in a period of closer co-operation between North West Vision and Pact. Not only are the two organisations partnering up on a series of 'Meet The Commissioners' events later in the year but they are also co-developing two new training courses entitled 'Marketing Your Business' and 'Raising TV Finance'. These courses will pilot in the North West in the autumn before being rolled out by Pact across the UK.

Margaret Scott, Director of Nations and Regions at Pact said: "In today's financial climate where many small independent companies struggle to get projects off the ground, it is crucial that organisations work together to support small independents and the industry as a whole. Joint investment and initiatives are key to providing the sector with finance, funding, skills and advice and we welcome the strengthening partnership with North West Vision."

ENDS

For further information contact Lorna Skingely, Angie Grant or Geraldine Vesey at Spin Media on 0161 236 9909 or email lorna@spinmedia.co.uk

Notes to Editors

· North West Vision is the film and TV development agency for England's Northwest. It funds film and TV programmes, develops new talent, and is working to attract new production and inward investment into the region.

· For further information about North West Vision visit www.northwestvision.co.uk

· The Regional Attraction Fund (or 'RAF') is a major initiative to attract high-growth independent television producers to England's Northwest and to support indigenous production companies in the region. Delivered by North West Vision in partnership with the Northwest Development Agency, the first £1 million phase of the Fund runs from January 2005 to October 2005 and offers a integrated package of incentives, business support and product development investment to companies with ambitious, market-driven strategies for growth within the television sector. www.northwestvision.co.uk/raf