Norwich studio set for an 'EPIC' future
Thursday 2nd February 2012Norfolk County Council PR 8872
Norwich studio set for an 'EPIC' future
The future of EPIC studios in Norwich looks to be bright, after Norfolk County Council agreed a deal to sell the facility to a leading local company with a track record of success in various broadcast sectors.
The Norfolk County Council owned and operated facility is housed in the former Anglia TV studios on Magdalen Street and the agreement ensures that the facility will be protected, including existing tenants, for at least the next five years.
Configured as a creative industries enterprise hub in 2007, using EEDA grant funding, EPIC (the East of England Production Innovation Centre) was set up to maintain Norwich and Norfolk's credentials as a centre for the creative and digital media, following the regional shake-up of ITV and the subsequent closure of Anglia TV's studio.
EPIC is one of the most advanced broadcast production facilities in Europe, hiring HD studios and post production facilities to broadcasters and production companies.
It is also host to a number of successful tenants working right across the creative digital sector, ranging from web design, marketing, video production and editing, to name a few.
Since opening; EPIC has incubated more than 20 business start-ups - that have created over 70 jobs and assisted a further 35 people to secure jobs. Furthermore, through working with partners across Europe, EPIC has secured significant EU funding.
As the County Council looks to bridge a funding shortfall of £75m over the next two years, having already found savings of £60m in the current financial year, it has looked at ways of safeguarding the future of EPIC and the tenants that are based in the premise, whilst looking to relinquish ownership of the building.
The solution has been to agree a deal with Extreme Video, owned by local entrepreneur, Jonathan Thursby.
The company is based in Norwich and has been established for over 20 years and its work and offices span throughout the globe.
Extreme Video’s work includes all aspects of broadcast, broadcast and corporate production including multi-platform media.
The company’s wide variety of work includes specialised filming solutions for the offshore oil and gas industries ( EVcam.com ), through to Top Gear, World Rally Championship, BTCC British Touring Car Championships, Sport Relief, to name but a few clients.
Ann Steward, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet member for Economic Development, said:
"Norfolk County Council and the East of England Development Agency stepped in to safeguard the future of the studios on Magdalen Street after Anglia TV closed the premise following a regional TV shake-up.
"Back then the market wasn't there for the private sector to pick up the premise and it was vital that we maintained Norwich and Norfolk's credentials as a centre for the creative and digital media.
"I feel we've done just that and I am delighted that this deal has been struck and that we have not only safeguarded the future of EPIC and our future creative industry that use the facility, but have put it back into the private sector and into the hands of a company who will really push it forward.
“Extreme Video knows the broadcast industry inside out. They have some very high profile clients and I know they are confident that they will be able to draw business to the studios.
“Aside from TV production they also work in other areas, such as graphic design, illustrations, scripting and music scores - which will only further complement the existing local expertise that is based in the building."
Jonathan Thursby, Owner of Extreme Video, said:
“Norfolk County Council has developed a fantastic facility and I am planning to build on the existing strengths of the centre and the tenants within and really take the facility to the next level.
“There is massive potential for delivering productions from EPIC and I’ve already got production work that my company is involved with that can be produced from here, as well as targeting other production contacts I have across the country and marketing the facility to them.
“There are some very talented businesses based at EPIC and I hope to be able to involve them, where possible.
Additionally I feel there are further ways in which we can maximise local training and education work done from the premise - such as apprenticeships and firm ties with academic colleges.
“This is a great opportunity to further build on the strong reputation Norwich has for its broadcast and digital media expertise.”
Cliff Jordan, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet member for Efficiency, said:
"As the County Council continues to find significant savings over the next two years, it is pleasing that we have been able to raise some revenue from the sale of the building and avoid ongoing onward costs.
It is also of course pleasing that we are able to ensure that EPIC is maintained as a creative industries hub."
Graham Creelman, Chair of the EPIC Advisory Board, said:
“Norfolk County Council and EEDA have provided excellent support for EPIC. But it's the right time to move the enterprise back into the commercial sector, where EPIC will benefit from the entrepreneurial drive needed to drive media businesses forward in the current challenging climate. One of the great successes of EPIC has been the strong links it has forged with education, and I hope this will continue."
For interview
Jonathan Thursby, 07785 261361, jonathan@evcam.com
For political comment
Economic Development
Cllr Ann Steward (Cons) Cabinet member for Economic Development on 01760 756247
Cllr Dr Marie Strong (Lib Dem) on 07920 286597
Cllr Marcus Hemsley (Green) on 07827 282430
Cllr George Nobbs (Lab) on 01603 611406
For further information please contact:
Website Link: http://www.edp24.co.uk/business/norwich_based_tv_company_steps_in_to_buy_epic_studios_from_norfolk_county_council_1_1195572
