Freelance Film and TV Office Consultant

Role purpose

Salford City Council is considering establishing a new Film and TV Office to attract and manage film and TV production activity across the city. The Freelance Film and TV Office Consultant will lead the scoping and development of this service, laying the groundwork for a permanent Film and TV Office function as part of a wider Creative Industries role from April 2026. This fixed-term contract, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is a strategic pilot designed to establish the foundations and business case for a fully operational Film and TV Office in Salford. It will:

• Test and validate the model by implementing core functions and assessing demand and impact.
• Build internal and external infrastructure including systems, databases and partnerships.
• Generate evidence of impact through data collection and reporting
• Position Salford as a film-friendly destination aligned with regional creative economy goals.
• Inform future investment and scaling by providing a fully developed strategic, economic, commercial and management case and detailed roadmap for a permanent Film and TV Office.

The post-holder will work closely with Creative England/Filming in England, which supports local authorities in delivering industry-facing services and attracting inward investment.

Background

Salford has developed a significant relationship with the UK's screen industries, influenced by its proximity to Manchester's production centre and the presence of MediaCityUK, which houses the BBC, ITV and several independent production companies. In the past ten years, Salford has increasingly served as a filming location for TV dramas and feature films.

Creative England’s figures show that in 2023–24, Salford hosted:

• 40 feature films and TV dramas
• An estimated £80 million in local production expenditure

Despite disruptions caused by COVID-19 and US industrial action, Salford continued to see growth in both the number and value of productions.

These statistics indicate an increasing economic contribution from the screen sector in Salford and suggest that the city may play a larger regional role within the UK film and TV industry.

The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy 2025 presents a ten-year plan focused on encouraging business investment and supporting development in sectors such as creative industries. The strategy highlights creative fields - including film, TV, gaming, music, and design - as important for economic stability, innovation and international standing. A Creative Industries Sector Plan, released in June 2025, implements this approach through targeted investment, skills training and infrastructure support.

Greater Manchester is identified as a priority region in this strategy due to its established creative community. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is creating its own Creative Industries Sector Plan, which aligns with national priorities while addressing local circumstances. This initiative includes specific plans for film, TV, radio and photography, involving consultations and targeted investment.

Salford is preparing an application to become a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts in 2026, reflecting its focus on the media sector. As part of this effort, a dedicated Film and TV Office is planned, to support screen production, attract investment and promote Salford’s cultural resources internationally.

Strategic location and infrastructure

Salford’s appeal to filmmakers is bolstered by:

• Diverse urban and natural locations, from historic buildings and industrial backdrops to modern waterfronts.
• Excellent transport links and proximity to Manchester city centre.
• The presence of MediaCityUK, a national hub for broadcast and digital media.

Opportunity for growth

Data highlights a clear opportunity to:

• Formalise and scale Salford’s support for filming through a dedicated Film and TV Office.
• Attract inward investment and screen tourism.
• Create local jobs and training pathways in the screen industries.
• Leverage partnerships with national bodies like Filming in England to maximise impact.

The key outcomes for this contract brief are:

• Establishment of an operational Film and TV Office function that effectively manages all aspects of filming in Salford.
• Efficient handling pathway for filming enquiries and applications, ensuring full compliance with local regulations and consideration for community impact.
• Streamlined internal coordination process with departments such as highways, parks, and planning to facilitate filming permissions and support.
• A comprehensive and up-to-date locations database showcasing Salford’s filming assets to attract productions.
• Informed decision-making report on permit software solutions, including clear structures for fees, invoicing, and documentation.
• Strong relationships with industry stakeholders, local partners, and national bodies like Filming in England.
• Regular monitoring and reporting mechanism for filming activity, including economic impact, filming days, and income generation.
• Enhanced local employment and training opportunities within the screen sector, contributing to workforce development.
• Alignment of Film and TV Office activities with Salford’s broader place-making, regeneration, and cultural strategies.

Essential skills and experience

• Minimum five years’ experience in the film industry or in delivering film-related projects.
• Strong understanding of film production processes, permitting, and location management.
• Experience working with local authorities or public sector partners.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Familiarity with film permitting systems and industry-standard software.
• Knowledge of film career pathways and workforce development.
• Understanding of screen tourism, economic development, and cultural policy.

Strategic partnerships

• Creative England/Filming in England 
• GMCA and city region Local Authorities 
• MediaCity 
• BFI
• Screen North
• UK Screen Investment Programme
• British Screen Forum

How to apply

To apply for this freelance opportunity, please submit a two page proposal including:

• Why you are interested in this role.
• How your skills and experience meet our criteria.
• How you would manage the workload over the six-month contract to achieve the specified outcomes.
• How you would demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental responsibility.

Please also include your CV or LinkedIn link. 

Applications should be submitted to sally.cook@salford.gov.uk 

Application deadline: 28 August 2025 at 5pm
Interviews: 11 September 2025