Medb Films lead the way at Kent Business Awards
Screen South-supported and Ramsgate-based production company Medb Films won the CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AWARD at the Kent Business Awards on Thursday 21 st June, a fitting tribute to their hard work and dedication to Kent. The awards night was hailed as a fantastic success, attracting over 500 business leaders from the county.
Since meeting on Screen South's Good Foundations training programme in 2004 and setting up Medb Films, producer Elaine Wickham and writer/director Jan Dunn have gone from strength to strength and their production company is now increasingly cited as one of the most promising independent Film production companies in the UK.
The financial risks that Jan and Elaine took during the production of their first feature GYPO in 2004/05 would have scared off many a seasoned entrepreneur but the combination of sound business skills and unmistakable creative talent soon got them recognised. GYPO went on to conquer critics around the world, winning several awards, with producer Elaine Wickham's hard work earning one of the highest accolades from the industry with the Outstanding Achievement in Production at the prestigious British Independent Film Awards in 2005.
The team have since completed their second feature, RUBY BLUE , starring the legendary Bob Hoskins and French leading lady Josiane Balasko, in her first English-speaking part. Once again shot on location in and around Ramsgate and supported by Screen South the film is already proving popular with the critics and is currently in the process of securing theatrical distribution.
At the recent Cannes International Film festival Medb were in a celebratory mood after signing a three picture deal with Target Entertainment, with partnership development support from Screen South. Target's Alison Rayson was keen to point out ‘Medb's Jan and Elaine are an exceptionally talented team (…) and have clearly proven their skill at writing, producing and directing movies for a worldwide audience'.
Medb's business acumen lead them to partner up with the Royal Harbour Hotel in Ramsgate, where they are now based and house their fully equipped post-production suite. The partnership with the Royal Harbour Hotel has proved an inspired one, providing Medb Films with quality accommodation both during shoots and to those seeking to use the state of the art facilities on offer. This winning combination is now attracting filmmakers from London and beyond.
Says Jo Nolan, Screen South Chief Executive:
“This award is great news, it's recognition that the independent film production sector is at the heart of the talented creative industries here in the South East. Kent County support is leading the way as Medb Films continue to make their mark on the regional, national and international arena.”
Says Kent County Council Chief Executive Peter Gilroy:
"I am delighted that Medb Films have won this award. The Kent Film Office sponsored this award to help raise the profile of the creative industries in Kent and to recognise the important role of the creative industries in the Kent economy and Mebd Films is an excellent example of this. They have energy, vision and enthusiasm and a real commitment to East Kent."
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