Bradford's booming film industry is bringing a huge cash and jobs boost to the district.

West Yorkshire's mini 'Tinsel Town' is being picked by dozens of film companies as the location for dramas and television productions.

Figures released today by the Council's film office estimate that £250,000 was spent in the district last year as a result of the productions.

Officers also estimate that about 200 temporary production related jobs were created.

Studies show the film and television companies are spending as much as 30 per cent of their budget on hotels, catering and transport in the locations they pick.

And the boom seems likely to continue because the film office received 95 inquiries last year from international film producers, major television and cable companies and independent film-makers. The figure was 30 per cent up on 1997.

The unit - which is the region's only city based film office - has played a key role in attracting the film-makers.

Its successes include two major productions, LA without a Map, which was filmed in the centre of Bradford, Ilkley Moor and Undercliffe Cemetery.

The film, Fanny and Elvis, starring Jennifer Saunders and Ray Winstone was also shot in Bradford and both productions are scheduled for nationwide release in Spring.

The film office works closely with the Yorkshire Media Production Agency which provides financial help to film-makers in the region. Its funding has helped 12 independent productions which were shot in the district during 1998.

Last year, Bradford's television credits included Big Kevin, Little Kevin, starring celebrity chef Kevin Woodford and featuring city curry houses. The Carlton TV sit-com Barbara was filmed around Ilkley Moor.

Producers say they are attracted to the area by its rich landscape, impressive Victorian architecture, rolling countryside and multi-cultural identity.

Chairman of the Council's leisure services committee Councillor Barry Thorne said they would not know the outcome of some of the inquiries until later this year. "But it is clear word is spreading within the industry that Bradford has a great deal to offer."

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