A new film and TV industry working group is aiming to turn Croydon into the Hollywood of south London.
Dubbed the CRO-llywood Working Group, the project was launched on June 2 by Croydon’s executive mayor Jason Perry.
The group aims to turn Croydon’s filming success into jobs, skills, investment and opportunities for local people.
The group will bring together key partners from the creative sector, including industry leaders, education providers, production professionals and businesses.
They will work together to develop a long-term vision for the screen sector in Croydon.
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Mr 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 announcement was made at a film and video industry conference held at the CEZ Creative Space as part of Mr Perry’s first 100 days of action in his second term.
Croydon featured in Batman, The Crown, and Taylor Swift’s Opalite music video, which was filmed at the Whitgift Centre.
British film All of Us Strangers highlighted the leafy streets of Sanderstead, and Amazon’s Heads of State brought Idris Elba and John Cena to St George’s Square.
The Times coined the nickname "CRO-llywood" last year.
The working group is expected to be formally established in the coming months and will focus on strengthening industry infrastructure and supporting local talent.
Mr Perry said: "The purpose of the CRO-llywood Working Group is to bring those strengths together and support the next generation of creative talent. 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."
