The Achievements of Hertfordshire ProConnect

Summer 2019 marks the end of delivery for our pioneering programme of support –Hertfordshire ProConnect. The ProConnect programme was co-funded by Creative England and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to provide specialist support to Hertfordshire based creative businesses, sole traders and related industries, working in or aspiring to work in the film and TV industry.

Over the last two years, the programme delivered 44 workshops and networking evenings to over 245 registered beneficiaries, with far reaching themes, including Running a Creative Company, Pitching & Presenting to Commissioners, Building Digital Audiences, Navigating the Festival Circuit and Crowdfunding for Creative Projects, held at the famous Elstree Studios.

The flagship event at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden introduced beneficiaries to key industry trends, celebrating the evolution of cross-platform content, the emergence of interactive media and the changing audience landscape across film, television and digital content.

‘As an independent producer based in Hertfordshire, the ProConnect series of workshops, seminars and networking events has been a truly invaluable resource. The events are brilliantly organised and the guest speakers are chosen with a great deal of care and industry insight. I have learnt a lot through attending the programme and have met some really interesting and talented people which has led to potential business opportunities.’

– Rob Heard, Lightstruck Digital

In addition, the programme provided one-to-one tailored advice and referral activity through stakeholder partnerships with local authorities, Hertfordshire LEP and the Hertfordshire Growth Hub. A total of 24 SMEs within the film and TV supply chain were also successfully awarded £150,000 in grant funding, to enable them to access specialist consultancy support. These awarded businesses ranged from, animation studios, casting management agencies, production catering providers, prop suppliers, video communications and electrical contractors to the entertainment sector.

The Knowledge Bites strand of the programme – supporting further and higher education graduates aspiring to work in the sector – has introduced new entrants to Production Coordinating, Documentary Filmmakingand Self-Shooting Directing. It has broken down access barriers, encouraged entrepreneurial activity and supported the growth of film and TV businesses of the future, through engagement with West Herts College and the University of Hertfordshire.

‘A great use of theory and examples. An excellent and insightful workshop giving access to invaluable wisdom and experience in filmmaking. I will apply what I have learnt to my future work as a Runner.’

‘Fantastic course, great opportunity to work practically with the camera…it’s given me the confidence to self-shoot.’

Creative England is committed to investing in and empowering the creative industries, continuing to build upon the success of Hertfordshire ProConnect, and further contributing to the infrastructure of the film and TV sector through Creative Enterprise – a national programme of support bringing together companies who work in moving image for storytelling.