The UK Film sector, locked down through the pandemic like so many other industries, is beginning to reopen. Productions that were frozen are now restarting again, and costumes, props and sets are being designed and ordered once more. The future is promising for those suppliers who are truly in-tune with how this sector works.
Some suppliers to the creative industries don’t understand the pressures and demands their customers are facing. They may be used to providing engineering solutions to engineering companies, but this is different. To really add value companies need to be able to respond to tight deadlines, cope with last minute changes to designs, and ensure that the aesthetics of a design, as well as the dimensions, are fully respected.
As a long-term provider of machining solutions to the F1 sector, Midlands-based Central Patternmaking understands these needs as well as anyone. The company has been machining all sorts of shapes since its inception over 80 years ago as a manufacturer of tooling for the foundry industry. It now also serves the UK Film Production Industry and, thanks to the arrival on the team of Kevan Day, it has the understanding and experience this demanding sector requires. Kev has been working with UK Film Studios for a number of years and is familiar with how they operate (whether large or small).
Due to the pandemic-induced movement restrictions, fewer visitors have been allowed on site at the studios. As the recovery springs into life, there is a lot to catch up on. Visits to suppliers have been difficult to organise as well, but to help there is a virtual video tour of Central Patternmaking you can take.
It's going to be a bumper year for film production, and there will be lots of costumes, props and sets to purchase. The supply base is ready and waiting, and now has another supplier primed for action!