Malaysian TV dramas given Bradford backdrop (16/08/2010)
Bradford is set to play a starring role in two Malaysian TV dramas thanks to its City of Film status. Producers of Kau Tak Pernah Jauh (You Never Be Away) and Mimpi Sabrina (Sabrina's Dream) approached Bradford Council's city centre management team for permission to film in the city having seen it earn the prestigious UNESCO title last year.
Actors and crew spent two days recording around Bank Street and Market Street, Bradford Cathedral and BradfordUniversity, where the main characters fulfil their dream of studying overseas.The programmes are aimed at 16 to 30-year-olds and will be broadcast on a satellite channel watched by around four million people in Malaysia and Brunei later this year.
Coun the Rev Paul Flowers, Bradford Council's portfolio holder responsible for Culture, Tourism and Sport, said: "I am not aware of the city ever being used as a location for a TV show or film screened as far away as Malaysia before so it is great that the crew enjoyed such a successful shoot. It is testament to the power of the City of Film status that these producers would pick Bradford as their preferred location.''
Peg Alexander, Director of the City of Film initiative said: "As the world's first official UNESCO City of Film one of our aims is to help film makers see that Bradford is a world-class place to make film. How wonderful that a Malaysian company has recognised this. Here in Bradford we have fantastic locations for amazing movies - from inner city backdrops for both current and period pieces, to outstandingly beautiful rural and industrial landscapes. We have great facilities in and around Bradford and a real pool of local talent. It's very exciting and we expect to see more of this in the future."
Programme producer Faiz Helimi said: "We were impressed with the people, the city and how the council managed this cool and vibrant place. We hope we may be able to promote Bradford. It was a wonderful experience having this beautiful city in our drama project and we wish that we could come again."
www.bradford-city-of-film.com
