The Brussels Film Office (BFO) celebrated its 10th anniversary on Tuesday. The office, which helps film shoots taking place in Brussels, is happy about the increasing number of films shot in the capital. There were 800 applications submitted to the office and nearly 400 films shot in Brussels in 2014.
The BFO was founded in 2005, under the name “Bruxelles Tournage”. It changed its name in 2011. The office aims to make filming in the capital easier, for example by granting permits or helping find backdrops. It also promotes Brussels as a filming location.
The BFO says there have been positive results during its first 10 years. The number of days spent filming in Brussels went from 491 in 2007 to 871 in 2014. These film shoots also generate income for the Brussels region, according to the BFO. Figures provided by the ULB show the audio-visual industry has created around 8,000 jobs in Brussels, while the transport, restaurant and housing sectors also profit from this industry.
The BFO has spoken about the “remarkable reputation” Brussels has in the audio-visual sector today. “The quality of the companies in the sector, the Regional Bruxellimage/Wallimage Funds and the tax shelter advantages also make the region an attractive shooting location”.
The office will celebrate its anniversary at the Metropole hotel during the avant-première of “Le Tout Nouveau Testament”, the latest feature film by Jaco Van Dormael. It was almost entirely filmed in Brussels.
(Source: Belga)
