Croydon’s growing reputation as one of London’s most recognisable filming locations is set to be taken to the next level, with the launch of a new CRO-llywood Working Group.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry announced the new group at a film and video industry conference held at Croydon’s CEZ Creative Space on Tuesday 2 June. The announcement forms part of his first 100 days of action following his re-election as Mayor.
The group will bring together industry leaders, education providers, creative businesses and production professionals to help turn Croydon’s filming success into jobs, skills, investment and opportunities for local people.
Croydon has appeared on screens watched by millions around the world. From Batman to The Crown, from major Hollywood productions to chart-topping music videos, the borough’s streets, buildings, shopping centres, markets and skyline have made it one of the capital’s most versatile filming destinations.
Taylor Swift used the Whitgift Centre as the setting for her recent music video Opalite, while British film All of Us Strangers showcased the leafy streets of Sanderstead. Netflix series The Crown featured the modernist backdrop of Fairfield Halls, while Amazon’s Heads of State brought Idris Elba and John Cena to St George’s Square.
This growing profile has helped cement Croydon’s reputation as CRO-llywood, a nickname coined by The Times last year.
Now the Council wants to build on that momentum and ensure Croydon is known not just as a place where productions are filmed, but as a place where creative businesses grow, content is made and local people can build careers in the screen sector.
The CRO-llywood Working Group will be formally established in the coming months. It will develop a long-term vision for film, television and digital media production in the borough, with a focus on strengthening industry infrastructure, supporting local talent and opening up opportunities both in front of and behind the camera.
Croydon’s excellent transport links, varied locations and strong pool of creative talent mean it is well placed to play a bigger role in London’s wider creative economy.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry said:
“For years, Croydon has helped other places tell their stories, standing in for global cities, fictional worlds and iconic locations on screen. Now, with the launch of the CRO-llywood Working Group, we have the opportunity to tell our own story.
“We have the locations, the talent, the transport connections and the creative energy. The purpose of the CRO-llywood Working Group is to bring those strengths together and support the next generation of creative talent.
“Earlier this year I met with representatives from the British Film Commission. They recognised the opportunity that exists here and were supportive of Croydon’s aspiration to play a bigger role in the future of film and television production.
“Our vision is to support a full pipeline of roles across the sector, from filmmakers, producers and writers, to editors, camera operators, sound engineers, visual effects artists and production teams.
“By bringing these elements together, we can establish Croydon’s position as one of London’s leading destinations for film, television and digital media production.”
The launch of the CRO-llywood Working Group forms part of Mayor Perry’s wider commitment to supporting growth, attracting investment and creating new opportunities for residents across Croydon.
