Regional Film - Yorkshire

Sheffield gets the Warp Factor

Warp X, a new pioneering low budget digital film studio, is due to launch this spring, injecting a new lease of life into filmmaking in the area. Funded by the UK Film Council, EM Media, Screen Yorkshire and Optimum Releasing, the aim of the partners is to create a mini studio model that will allow filmmakers with fresh, exciting idea’s to get their projects into production and distributed to an audience with speed and, essentially, support.

Caroline Cooper Charles (who used to work on the UK Film Council’s New Cinema Fund) has just been appointed as the company’s head of creative development and intends to pursue productions using low budget digital cinema, opening up opportunities to many enthusiastic but under funded filmmakers in the region.

The news of such a large project outside of London will come as a welcome surprise for many who struggle to get both funding and access to equipment. Cynics may watch with a wary eye to see if the UK Film Council and its other backers follow through with their intentions and create what could be the beginning of a creative hub in the Sheffield area.

What do you think about the imminent arrival of Warp X? Do you welcome the chance to shoot, edit and distribute your own film in your own region? Get in touch with close-up film and let us know your opinions.

daniel@close-upfilm.com (News Editor)