Poll shows overwhelming local support for Marlow Film Studios
The first large-scale polling of Buckinghamshire residents on the film industry and the Marlow Film Studios proposals has shown overwhelming support from across the three major political parties.
Award-winning independent market research and insight agency Opinium conducted the poll, on behalf of the film studios. The survey covered a sample of 500 Buckinghamshire residents, including 152 residents living within 5 miles of the proposed development.
Citing the creation of 4,000 new jobs, investment in the local road network, public transport, and the development of a new public recreation space, four fifths (79%) of Bucks residents surveyed support the building of the film studio in Marlow, with just 11% in opposition. This resounding support is retained within the 5-mile radius of the proposed site, where 78% support against 17% opposed.
There is also remarkable consistency of support across the three major political parties. 89% of those planning to vote Conservative locally support the studios, alongside 82% of Labour voters, and 71% of Liberal Democrats*. The development could be an election-impacting issue for Buckinghamshire, as four fifths (80%) of undecided voters gave their support for the project, and 72% of those not intending to vote. Responses also showed that 44% of people surveyed want more to be done to develop new business opportunities in the local area, against just 22% who think enough is being done.
The poll explored the reasons for respondents’ support of the studios. Almost nine in ten believe that it will open more creative jobs opportunities in the film and TV sector for local people (86%), while almost the same proportion (85%) believe that it will create more jobs in other industries due to the increased local demand from the film and TV industry.
Download the report (PDF)
Robert Laycock, CEO of Marlow Film Studios, added:
“Buckinghamshire is the powerhouse of British film – and the UK’s success depends on the talent and work of people here. According to the British Film Institute, the last six years of British-made films have averaged a mighty 21% of the global Box Office, excluding the 2020 lockdown. So there’s no surprise that residents and voters overwhelmingly support the film industry getting a world-class enhancement here – and that they want the opportunities and economic advantages that Marlow Film Studios brings.
“While opposition to development can sometimes be vocal, in these circumstances independent research shows a far more supportive, meaningful and positive attitude widespread in the community. The special qualities of Marlow Film Studios resonate widely, which has been seen in the over 4,700 registered letters of support, and now in the findings of this research. Regardless of location or
political persuasion, people’s support for Marlow Film Studios, the careers, skills, opportunities and investment is evident and undeniable.”
* The figures in this report relating to Liberal Democrat voters are indicative, and come from 34 responses out of the total sample of 500 adults in Buckinghamshire.
Award-winning independent market research and insight agency Opinium conducted the poll, on behalf of the film studios. The survey covered a sample of 500 Buckinghamshire residents, including 152 residents living within 5 miles of the proposed development.
Citing the creation of 4,000 new jobs, investment in the local road network, public transport, and the development of a new public recreation space, four fifths (79%) of Bucks residents surveyed support the building of the film studio in Marlow, with just 11% in opposition. This resounding support is retained within the 5-mile radius of the proposed site, where 78% support against 17% opposed.
There is also remarkable consistency of support across the three major political parties. 89% of those planning to vote Conservative locally support the studios, alongside 82% of Labour voters, and 71% of Liberal Democrats*. The development could be an election-impacting issue for Buckinghamshire, as four fifths (80%) of undecided voters gave their support for the project, and 72% of those not intending to vote. Responses also showed that 44% of people surveyed want more to be done to develop new business opportunities in the local area, against just 22% who think enough is being done.
The poll explored the reasons for respondents’ support of the studios. Almost nine in ten believe that it will open more creative jobs opportunities in the film and TV sector for local people (86%), while almost the same proportion (85%) believe that it will create more jobs in other industries due to the increased local demand from the film and TV industry.
Download the report (PDF)
Robert Laycock, CEO of Marlow Film Studios, added:
“Buckinghamshire is the powerhouse of British film – and the UK’s success depends on the talent and work of people here. According to the British Film Institute, the last six years of British-made films have averaged a mighty 21% of the global Box Office, excluding the 2020 lockdown. So there’s no surprise that residents and voters overwhelmingly support the film industry getting a world-class enhancement here – and that they want the opportunities and economic advantages that Marlow Film Studios brings.
“While opposition to development can sometimes be vocal, in these circumstances independent research shows a far more supportive, meaningful and positive attitude widespread in the community. The special qualities of Marlow Film Studios resonate widely, which has been seen in the over 4,700 registered letters of support, and now in the findings of this research. Regardless of location or
political persuasion, people’s support for Marlow Film Studios, the careers, skills, opportunities and investment is evident and undeniable.”
* The figures in this report relating to Liberal Democrat voters are indicative, and come from 34 responses out of the total sample of 500 adults in Buckinghamshire.
