Staffordshire film company launches big screen production with county council backing
A Staffordshire start-up film production company is set to launch its first big screen release thanks to professional support from a county council programme.
The Green Eye Production Academy is the brainchild of producer and founder Julie Daly-Wallman, who has worked in the film industry for over 30 years. The business works on screen plans, films, books, stage scripts and more in an eco-friendly way from its Eccleshall studio hub. Julie hopes to set up more academy hubs at locations across the UK and possibly further afield as the business grows.
Getting the business off the ground, Julie turned to the county council for advice on what support was available to start-ups.
As part of the Staffordshire Means Business support programme, a package of support set up by the county council in response to the pandemic, Julie was initially able to access a £3,000 start-up loan.
She then found out about the Get Started and Grow scheme – a fully-funded programme providing professional marketing and accountancy support. Through Get Started, Julie has been able to develop Green Eye Production’s online shop through expert e-commerce advice and practical support from local experts, Hub Creative Services.
Now the company is set to release its first production, scheduled to be screening at cinemas towards the end of 2023.
Genuine Fakes is based on the life of the infamous John Myatt, who masterminded possibly the largest art fraud of the twentieth century before being handed a prison sentence. He later used his artistic skills to set up a legitimate business which he still runs today. Starring Colin Morgan, Peter Frith and Tara Fitzgerald, the film was officially launched in London’s Mayfair recently.
Julie said:
“I love the fact that we set up this company here in Eccleshall, Staffordshire, which I am very passionate about.
“The first academy hub will be here in Eccleshall but we hope to have hubs all over the UK and then who knows?
“The Get Started and Grow team was fantastic, supporting me step by step with the application for support which has made a real difference.
“I’d certainly recommend the Get Started scheme for new businesses – giving them the professional support and advice while they get on their feet.”
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said:
“Julie’s company is further demonstration of the broad range of enterprises our business support programme has made a difference to across different sectors.
“It’s fantastic to see a creative company here in Staffordshire making its mark so quickly with a quality production which will be seen worldwide.
“And not only is the business creating jobs locally, it’s also enabling people to develop new skills in the industry.
“Get Started and Grow has provided expert accountancy and marketing support to Julie and her team, meaning they can focus on delivering a top-quality production.
“We wish the business well in its future growth and look forward to seeing the results next year.”
People can find out more at: www.greeneyeproductionsacademy.com
The Get Started and Grow programme has been funded by the county council and the Government’s UK
Community Renewal Fund. It offers small businesses the opportunity to save thousands and not compromise on the essentials they need to start up and grow. With fully funded digital marketing campaigns, logo and website development, accountancy, forecasting and planning support, businesses can get the support they need from local experts.
As part of the Staffordshire Means Business support scheme, over £100,000 has been invested in start-up companies, in the form of start-up schemes with loans, grants and professional support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with an additional £3.4m being allocated to businesses in total over the original amount available from the central government.
People can find out more about the Get Started scheme from Staffordshire County Council at: https://bit.ly/GetStartedAndGrow
