The head of the film and television studios behind some of the 海角视频’s biggest series including Poldark, Broadchurch and Wolf Hall is stepping down after 10 years in the top job.
Fiona Francombe is leaving the Bottle Yard to join Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in August as its new chief executive and principal.
Francombe founded the studios in 2010 after lobbying Bristol City Council for support to keep production industries in the city following the BBC’s 2009 decision to relocate the making of dramas such as Casualty to Cardiff.
The council-owned studios are based in previously disused warehouses on a seven-acre site on the outskirts of Bristol - and have grown to become one of the 海角视频’s top production facilities, pumping millions of pounds a year into the local economy.
More than 60 titles have been produced at the site over the past decade, including high-end TV dramas, light entertainment programmes such as The Crystal Maze and Tipping Point , and films including Hellboy and The Festival .
The studios are also home to a creative hub of more than 20 businesses, including casting, special effects and costume hire.
Francombe said: “I have always wanted to make a difference for Bristol. This move will allow me to continue to do so, after 10 years developing The Bottle Yard Studios into a competitive film and television hub the city can be proud of.
“My career started in theatre and this new role brings it full circle. I have always respected and admired Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s extraordinary reputation for nurturing excellent talent so it will be an honour to lead the school into its 75th anniversary year in 2021 and beyond.”
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During the last decade, Francombe has worked to improve pathways into the production industry for young people from all backgrounds.
Bottle Yard now has on-site classrooms which house more than 60 16-to-19-year-olds studying film and TV production, and stage and screen production arts diplomas delivered by Boomsatsuma in a working environment.
She was also instrumental in Bristol's successful bids to become a UNESCO City of Film in 2017 and a Channel 4 creative hub in 2019.
Last year Francombe was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Arts from UWE Bristol for her “exceptional contribution to film and television”.
Craig Cheney, deputy mayor of Bristol, said: “Fiona has played a crucial role in establishing and developing the city’s international renowned film and TV sector."
He added: “Whilst we are sad to see her leave I am delighted to see her take up a post at one of the city’s key culture institutions where she can continue to play a leading role in developing Bristol’s cultural profile. I wish her all the best in her new role and look forward to working with her to continue our city’s development journey.”
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Iain Smith, producer and chair of the British Film Commission, added: “In the long journey she made Fiona displayed incredible fortitude and commitment.
“She was not only persuasive, she was insistent in making sure that all of us in the industry were kept fully aware of the transformation she was making at the studio.
“Quite frankly, Fiona Francombe is The Bottle Yard. I wish her well in her new role and congratulate her on the remarkable achievement she leaves behind.”
Bristol City Council will start recruiting for the studio’s new head “in due course”, according to the Bottle Yard.