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Trends and Insight in association withSynapse Virtual Production
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It’s Not All Brexit Blues for UK Shoots

02/12/2016
Group745
Production Services
Madrid, Spain
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PSN UK’s Yanina Barry tells us why shooting in the UK is going from strength to strength
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With the UK facing an uncertain future after deciding to leave the European Union the currency in the UK has taken a predictable hit. However, since the decision, the appeal of shooting in the UK has only strengthened. Now that the pound is weaker against other currencies, shooting in the United Kingdom has become an attractive proposition worldwide.

PSN UK Partner Yanina Barry is the founder of one of London’s leading production houses. Here she shares her extensive knowledge on shooting in the UK post-brexit.

Q:  Can you list a few top reasons producers come to shoot with you in the UK?
A: The UK is second to none in terms of skills, creativity, convenience, facilities, locations, studios, and cast – we have it all. And post-Brexit, we are an amazing value for the money. The range of locations is huge – from iconic landmarks to cityscapes and landscapes.   Talent is also another vital reason. A lot of our work is with celebrities, but we can also offer brilliant cast of all skills and ethnicities.

Q:  And what are the most requested locations?
A:  Big Ben and Tower Bridge are frequently requested. Then comes traditional historic England, driving and roads, gardens and landscapes, and very often PUBS – but sometimes they are just for fun after the shoot!

We have an exceptionally large locations database in-house, but we also have lots of location libraries that give us instant access to a vast range of locations. Just in London, we have historic country houses, minimalist and modern architecture, urban cityscapes, riverside views, rooftops to Underground, and fabulous landscaped parks – as well as the iconic views. We can also double up for most other cities. Across the country, we have everything from ancient and historic sites to fabulous modern structures to landscapes to cityscapes.   

Q:  What is the best season to shoot in the UK? 
A:  Clients come all through the year – it really depends on the creative requirements.

Q:  How are you fixed for studio space?  And back lots?
A:  There is a huge choice of studios in the UK – mostly in the London area but also in the main cities, such as Manchester. There is every size, shape, and style – Cyc’s, sound stages, water tanks, and plenty of back lot spaces.  

Q:  What strengths do you have in local crew? 
A:   British crew are recognised as ‘World Class’. Because of the amount of production in the UK, we have constant development of crew training throughout all the grades. With agreed terms and guidelines in place for all productions, we have no problems with unions.

Q:  So there’s no need to travel in a DOP?  You’ve got some good reels to present?
A: We have hundreds of very top-class DOPs, most of them with their showreels online for easy access. There's a huge international demand for our crews -many of our DOPs travel the world for overseas production companies.

Q:  How about art, construction, and wardrobe, comparatively speaking? 
A:  UK film services are second to none – we are filming more movies and blockbusters here than Los Angeles these days. And that also demands top-drawer prop hire, costume, prosthetics, SPFX, etc. Our company knows and works with terrific suppliers in all areas and at all cost levels – and we always get the best trade discounts.

Q:  What are the strong and weak points of casting in the UK? 
A:  There are no weak points – everything from deluxe celebrities and international sports people to thousands of extras available in a 100% multinational talent pool. We have good guides, so we can negotiate usage based on our clients’ needs at very advantageous rates.

Q:  How about talented performance specialists? 
A:  We have everything you could imagine – and some you would not want to imagine! We have filmed with stunt performers, magicians, acrobats, fire eaters, lion tamers – and even a polar bear.

Q:  Does your country have any tricky production requisites we need to know about? 
A:  Really there is nothing that causes any problems. A good production partner like us automatically deals with all the legal and accountancy procedures. Business visitors are welcome on normal visas.

Q:  What local delicacies or traditions might visitors enjoy during their stay in your country? 
A:  Um – where do I start? Let’s carry on this chat in the pub…

Click here to view the original article: Shoot in the UK FAQs
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