Business Region Göteborg
Swedish
Wednesday 22 February, 2012
POSTAL ADDRESS
Business Region Göteborg AB
Box 111 19
SE-404 23 Göteborg
Sweden
Visiting address:
Norra Hamngatan 14
Phone: +46 31 61 24 02
Fax: +46 31 61 24 01
Cluster just the ticket
Anna Abelius, Gothenburg Film
Studios
Gothenburg Film Studios gathers 45 film-related companies in premises totaling around 108,000 square feet . The cluster of companies is growing rapidly and is attracting both Swedish and international production companies to Lindholmen.
Gothenburg Film Studios works proactively for the development of the Scandinavian film industry. Around 45 film-related companies have formed a community at Lindholmen Science Park, which provides an incentive for production companies to locate their film productions in the region.
 
“We've created a meeting place for the film industry. We act as both a physical venue and an organization that pursues the industry's development," says project manager Anna Abelius.
 
Gothenburg Film Studios started out in 2009 and has already built up a stable foundation for the film industry in Gothenburg. The cluster provides opportunities for companies to manage and launch ideas and to attract high-quality productions to Lindholmen. It provides everything film productions need, from the screenplay through to the completed film.
 
“This year we've increased the number of member companies by 50 per cent," says Anna Abelius. “You can find both one-man operations and larger, more established companies. When productions are under way here you can see several hundred extras and employees milling around at the park."
 
Gothenburg Film Studios provides synergies for member companies and production companies alike. In time the studios aim to assist international production companies with everything they need for filming in the region.
 
“The more films that are made here, the more attractive the region will become for the film industry," says Anna Abelius. She emphasizes how important it is for the cluster to be dynamic:
 
“We're dependent on a flow of new ability and talent. We need the whole gamut from youthfulness to experience to achieve vitality. Everyone who works here is passionate about what they do, and this is the be-all and end-all for a successful cluster."

 


Voices from Gothenburg Film Studios:

Paul Blomgren, MD, film cameraman and steadicam operator at Gothenburg Film Studios

Steadicam operator Paul Blomgren has worked on many feature films, advertisements and documentaries. Förtroligheten (Intimacy) and Melancholia (Melancholy) are two of his latest works. Before Gothenburg Film Studios was founded Paul Blomgren did a lot of freelance work on international projects all over the world. “When Hans Johansson, Michael Petersen and I formedCameraCenterin 2006 we sought to establish a film industry in Gothenburg."

And now here we are five years later sharing100,000 square feetwith 45 other companies. The cluster creates conditions that benefit everyone but I've never seen one that's had this kind of effect before. Instead of focusing on competition within the industry Gothenburg Film Studios regards collaboration as the driving force.

“Everyone shares the same passion and work, hobbies and leisure time all meld into one."

Louise Drake, scenographer and props manager at Gothenburg Film Studios

Scenographer and props manager Louise Drake works with the things you see seen on screen, which can mean everything from wall art to police cars. She's been working in the profession since 1987 and began at Gothenburg Film Studios in 2009. “It's wonderful to take part in this development and see Gothenburg grow as a film center. There's an openness and curiosity here that allows us to demonstrate that the

Gothenburg region has film expertise that is the equal of Stockholm's, if not better." Louise Drake thinks that Gothenburg, together withNorwayandDenmark , could form a Scandinavian film triangle where expertise can develop and grow.
“Because I worked alone before I joined the cluster I was able to bring along a big contact  network. Everyone has something to contribute and I would recommend anyone who is enthusiastic about the industry and who needs contacts also to join."
Anders Muammar, custom prop maker at Gothenburg Prop Makers

Horror fan Anders Muammar found his niche in film props that must be specially made, such as masks for horror films and zombie movies. Before Gothenburg Prop Makers joined the cluster two years ago this type of work was a lot harder to find than it is today. “Becoming part of Gothenburg Film Studios was the best choice we could have made," says Anders Muammar.

"Working as part of a greater whole provides stability. We stand on firmer ground and can concentrate on doing a good job rather than chasing work.
Our résumé's heft has increased tenfold and we've even had to turn down some job offers. It's all been of immense value to us.
Henrik Ohlin, sound producer, post production, Cloud Berry Sound

Cloud Berry Sound works with anything that has to do with sound, from recording on location to post production processing. The company joined the cluster to draw benefit from the synergies it provides.

“It's difficult to improve your quality on your own," says Henrik Ohlin. “So the more of us that join the cluster the more attractive it becomes for film companies to locate their major productions here.

"We have everything a producer can wish for and we work hard to deliver quality."

Cloud Berry Sound aims to branch out internationally and its opportunities for this have improved thanks to the cluster.  

“We had a solid business when we moved here but plenty of new opportunities have come along," says Henrik Ohlin.

Photos: Linn Hedesström Blad

Updated: 20120113