About Us

The East Midlands Film is the vision of Emma Ellis and Blake Sporne. With over 40 years combined industry experience behind them, they began to research why such a beautiful and diverse region wasn’t seen as a viable film location. After the loss of the EM Media back in 2011, the region was left with no one to promote the region and its workforce to the industry.

Their focus is to collaborate with local governments in facilitating the needs of productions by creating a film friendly process, create a central point of contact and build a path of least resistance for productions. The need for a joined up strategic approach was obvious during their research, as well as the need for an initiative to grow a local talent database platform for production managers and producers to connect with local crew and a pathway for those wishing to build their experience and skills for a career in an exciting industry.

Furthermore, the emphasis on being a non for profit stand alone company highlights a commitment to the community with the long-term goal of reinvesting in training, cross training and up-skilling local talent. It also allows the office to be flexible, adaptable to the industries needs and not linked to any funding changes from the political landscape. This approach is vital for the sustainable growth of the creative industries in the East Midlands, ensuring that the region can thrive in the sector.

Overall, East Midlands Film will play a vital role in the fostering a developing film industry in the region, not only by promoting its unique locations but also by supporting and developing local talent.