Time to 'take a breath and look again' at investing in film industry says MHK

Ashford to ask for Tynwald to set up select committee

A Douglas North MHK will ask Tynwald to consider the merits of once again investing in an Isle of Man film industry.

David Ashford would like to see a select committee established following a petition submitted by a Manx resident on Tynwald Day this year.

James George Hargreaves wants a rolling £20 million ‘Feature Film, Print and Advertising Fund Loan Guarantee Scheme’ implemented saying he’s ‘aggrieved’ by the ‘decimation’ of the industry.

He describes himself as an ‘entertainment professional of more than fifty years standing’ with successful experience in music, TV, film production and film promotion.

Government stopped investing some years ago after making a reported £26 million loss.

Mr Hargreaves says it’s left a lack of financial incentives necessary for the production of feature films on the Isle of Man which portray the Island, its culture and highlight ‘treasured landmarks’.

But many still have unhappy memories of the cost of the last foray into filmmaking as John Moss reports: