The new British Film Commissioner will know exactly what Elstree Studios has to offer when promoting it to American producers -- following his tour on Monday last week.

Stephen Norris was encouraged and surprised by the growth he saw in evidence at the Shenley Road studios, just two years after the Phoenix rose from the ashes.

"When he goes to the States to promote film-making in the UK, he will know from first hand experience what we have here," said studios consultant Paul Welsh.

On his first visit as commissioner, taking over from high-profile Elstree supporter Sir Sydney Samuelson, Mr Norris saw the Kavanagh QC set and the new sound stages under construction.

"He said that when American producers look at the relative costs of filming in California and in the UK, they do not realise there are added, hidden costs in America.

"He seemed optimistic about the flow of US work into this country," Mr Welsh said.

Mr Norris was a production executive with David Puttnam's company, Enigma -- last at Elstree for post-production work on The Mission.

The next step in promoting Elstree, said Mr Welsh, was to invite the American movie bosses here when the sound stages were complete early next year.

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