Cotswold Airport – Hollywood of the South West?.

It may be famed for its aviation, but Cotswold Airport is fast gaining a reputation for its use as a valuable filming location.

The airport has already provided the backdrop for a number of popular television shows, including Top Gear, Casualty , Fifth Gear and the BBC’s One Show.

South West Screen also took part in a recent tour of the facility with a party of producers and location managers, which generated extremely positive feedback.

The tour has already led to movie enquiries and directors at the airport are now keen to build on its growing reputation as a filming location, by attracting new business.

Suzannah Harvey, whose father Ronan owns Cotswold Airport, said: “We’re always delighted to welcome film and television crews here and have a vast array of opportunities available to suit most filming requirements.

“Not only is the airport itself a fantastic backdrop, but we have everything from classic jets and propeller-driven aircraft to heavy jets, such as 747s, which can also be used for desired filming purposes.

“Of course, the great thing about filming work is that it is generally non-obtrusive, so there is absolutely no impact on the surrounding area too.”

Famous faces such as Jeremy Clarkson and Formula One driver David Coulthard have been among those to visit the airport for filming purposes in recent months.

Television presenter Carol Vorderman was also impressed with the facilities when she visited to film part of BBC’s One Show.

Taking time between filming scenes, she said: “I love it here; I love aircraft.

“Last year, I went up with the Red Arrows and it was fantastic.”

“I studied engineering but I also wanted to be an airline pilot at the time as well, so I have an obvious interest in aviation.

“I feel very comfortable in these surroundings. It’s a really interesting place to come and film.”

The airport continues to receive regular enquiries from a mixture of television and film companies, as well as documentary makers.

For more information,  contact Cotswold Airport on 01285 771177.

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EDITORS’ NOTE (not for publication): For more information, please call Cotswold Airport Press and PR officer Paul Bull (Corinium Media - www.coriniummedia.com ) on 07728 552215.