North West Vision heads into 'The Dragon's Den'

North West Vision, the film and television agency for north-west England, is to showcase its innovative approach to funding at a top industry conference this month.
North West Vision's Head of Funds Chris Moll will be revealing how the agency goes about choosing and managing its investments in the region's independent production sector at the Creative Strategies Conference in Glasgow during a seminar styled on the television programme 'The Dragon's Den'.
North West Vision's initiatives such as the Regional Attraction Fund and the Merseyside Film & Television Fund have been instrumental in attracting major indies such as Hat Trick to the North West and in developing indigenous high-growth production companies. North West Vision is using these funds to develop new financing mechanisms appropriate to the creative industries.
Chris Moll will be joined by a number of industry professionals for the seminar, modelled on the recent BBC programme involving budding entrepreneurs pitching their ideas to potential investors. During the seminar three fictitious production companies will pitch their business plans to the panel of experts. The seminar will offer advice for production companies on attracting investment and raising finance.
The conference, which takes place on Thursday April 28 at Glasgow's Radisson SAS Hotel, is organised by Pact, the UK trade association for the independent film and television production sector. Now in its second year the conference brings together high profile speakers from across the production industry to address business issues affecting the sector and explore opportunities available to creative production companies.
North West Vision is also supporting representatives from eight North West productions companies to attend the conference including Red Productions, MMA, Turn On TV and Libra Productions.
Chris Moll, Head of Funds at North West Vision, said: "We are dedicated to nurturing local talent as well as promoting the North West as a premier location for independent production companies. Our funding portfolio further reflects our commitment to the small independent companies - the companies at the heart of the production sector. By working closely with national organisations such as Pact, we aim to ensure the industry in the North West cements its status as the most important television broadcast centre outside of London."
Margaret Scott, Director of Nations and Regions at Pact, said: "In today's financial climate where many small independent companies struggle to get projects off the ground, it is crucial that organisations work together to support small independents and the industry as a whole. Joint investment and initiatives are key to providing the sector with finance, funding, skills and advice and we welcome the strengthening partnership with North West Vision."
(GB)