Film London has hired David Shepheard as senior inward investment manager, a role that will see him manage all activity relating to filming in the capital.

Joining the inward investment and development team, which is headed up by Helena Mackenzie, Shepheard will be responsible for showcasing London globally to ensure the city is ready to accommodate domestic and international productions.

Shepheard certainly has the experience, from setting up the Abu Dhabi Film Commission to heading inward investment and locations at South West Screen. The Abu Dhabi Film Commission was the third film and television agency he has launched; he was also the first director of the Bristol Film Office. Shepheard has experience on the production side too, having been an assistant director for four years, working across features, commercials and television.

Commenting on the appointment, Adrian Wootton, Film London’s chief executive said: “The production industries in London are in the midst of an expansion with the new UK tax reliefs for television and animation now in place, and the upcoming enhancement to the film tax relief. As an agency we are working to attract and facilitate international productions, and continuing to build on our success in overturning London’s reputation as a difficult place to film.

“I am delighted David will be driving this work forward. His experience in this area will ensure we capitalise on London’s assets and deliver more investment into the capital, creating jobs and new opportunities for the benefit of the city.”