Written by Joe Jackson on Feb 14, 2022. Posted in General Interest

Andy Harries replaces Lord David Puttnam as Chair of Film London Executive Task Force

Film London has announced that Lord David Puttnam CBA will be stepping down as Chair of the Film London Executive Task Force this month. The outgoing Chair will be succeeded by Left Bank Pictures CEO Andy Harries. The Task Force is a collection of key stakeholders from industry and the public sector, including: Netflix, Channel 4, the Production Guild of Great Britain and the capital’s Commissioner of Transport. The group works to ensure London remains one of the most production-friendly cities in the world, addressing key issues such as traffic management, code of practice, permissions and fees, data collection and communication.

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to have served for seventeen years as Chair,” says Lord Puttnam. “I’m delighted to have played a role in the development of this collaborative and wholly successful Executive Task Force… I’d like to recognise the enormous support and encouragement I’ve received from the Board and Film London’s Executive, every one of whom has been a delight to work with.”

As inaugural Chair, Lord Puttnam led the Task Force from 2004. During his tenure, he oversaw the introduction of the first road closure legislation for filming in the UK, as well as the launch of the London Filming Partnership in 2005. The initiative brings together over 500 organisations to make London as film-friendly as possible, supporting nearly 16,000 filming days every year.

“We can all take pride in what’s been achieved during my tenure,” adds Lord Puttnam, “including the design and implementation of the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act of 2008 and the subsequent - and very significant - increase in all types of filming in our city (whether it be feature films, television, advertisements or student films)… With the appointment of my successor, Andy Harries, I know the Executive Task Force will be brilliantly placed to fulfil its mission of ensuring the UK remains the ‘destination of choice’ for the rapidly growing international content industry.”

Andy Harries looks forward to the new role

The Task Force will welcome its new Chair this month. Andy Harries established Left Bank Pictures in 2007 and has produced a range of hit shows. One the company’s most notable success is the The Crown, garnering 63 Emmy nominations and critical acclaim since its debut in 2016. Left Bank Pictures strives toward sustainable film production, trialling the Green Screen Programme on the first season of The Crown and continuing to implement sustainable best practice. Harries is currently executive producing the show’s fifth series.

“I have been living and filming in London for the last 30 years of my life,” Harries explains, “and this great city gives me the greatest pleasure, watching it come to life on screen and raising my family here. It’s an honour to follow David in this position and a privilege to keep the fight up for London to be at the very heart of our brilliant and ever expanding business.”