MOVIE fans in Weston are hoping to turn the town into a film centre for the South West. Dan Healy, aged 29, is keen to set up a film institute with a studio for up and coming film makers and an archive of footage filmed in the area for people in the indus

MOVIE fans in Weston are hoping to turn the town into a film centre for the South West.Dan Healy, aged 29, is keen to set up a film institute with a studio for up and coming film makers and an archive of footage filmed in the area for people in the industry to view.The seaside resort has attracted many stars over the years including Anthony Hopkins and Colin Firth, who visited the town to film scenes for Remains Of The Day and the BBC's Pride and Prejudice.Brean Down was the setting for scenes from The Golden Age which is out in October and stars Cate Blanchett and Clive Owen.Other shows including Only Fools and Horses, Casualty, Ground Force and Changing Rooms have been filmed at some of the town's beauty spots, along with numerous music videos and TV commercials. Dan and three friends, all involved in film research and production, have been working with North Somerset Council to find a base in Weston for their venture, but so far have not had any luck.Dan said: "Ultimately we're trying to start making an archive centre, which will be good for film makers. They will be able to see what films have been made in Weston and also see the sights in the town, which will hopefully attract more film makers. We'd also like a production studio where we can bring people together."At the moment most people work in Bristol or London, where the industry is based. There are a very high number of industry professionals living in Weston, some even from Hollywood, but the town hasn't had any exposure. We want to put Weston on the map."Dan Healy, of Williton Crescent, studied film at Cleveland College of Art and Design before making a number of independent films in Europe and Russia.He is now working in production and started up the Weston Film Festival three years ago, which is held at Blakehay, and allows film makers to show their work.Anyone interested in helping set up the institute or any film makers keen to add their work to the group's archive can contact Dan on 07980 454328 or via email on satsus999@yahoo.com