Location Stevenage! Creating a Film Friendly Town

Stevenage Borough Council has announced a new partnership with The Film Office, whose clients include Universal, Disney, and Amazon, to put the town on the map for film, television, and brand activation projects.

The Film Office has long managed filming on behalf of councils across London, sourcing locations, issuing filming licences, and generating income and opportunities for local communities. Stevenage now joins that list and becomes one of the first councils outside London to do so.

The partnership builds on Stevenage's growing track record as a filming location. Because the council is known to be ‘film friendly’, we have already had several film projects made using local locations. With its proximity to Knebworth House (frequently used for filming) and the major film studios in south Hertfordshire, plus our excellent transport links, Stevenage is well placed to attract location filming.

Talks between the council and The Film Office explored what Stevenage could offer an industry that is always on the lookout for fresh, distinctive locations. Its New Town architecture, historic Old Town, and green spaces give The Film Office exactly the kind of locations that productions look for.

Councillor Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council said, “This partnership is a fantastic opportunity to support local communities and businesses, bringing investment, creating opportunities, and showcasing Stevenage. It’s also about strengthening our profile within the film industry. It’s not just about the ‘nice’ locations – production companies also look for areas that they can ‘dress’, or locations that can ‘double’ for other places. Being a ‘film friendly’ council that says ‘yes, now what’s the question?’ is music to the ears of film companies.”

The council wants a wide range of Stevenage locations to feature on The Film Office's platform, putting the town's buildings, parks, public spaces, factories, office buildings, housing estates and private houses directly in front of location scouts, brand teams, and advertisers working for some of the world's biggest studios and brands. The council hopes local institutions and community venues will join the online Stevenage hub building a collaborative showcase of everything the town has to offer.