THE GAMING industry in Leamington is the focus of a new documentary film.
Silicon Spa – the nickname based on the number of games developers and industry specialists working in around the town – tells the story of how Leamington became the video games capital of the UK.
David Darling of Codemasters fame and the Oliver twins who founded Blitz Games are among the industry pioneers featured in the documentary, which mixes new interviews with archive footage to create the first film detailing Leamington’s pivotal role in the booming industry.
The video games sector has exploded in the past decade. A recent report by the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) stated
the industry was worth £3.86billion – more than double its value in 2007 – and was more lucrative than video and music combined.
Pip Burley, who produced the Silicon Spa documentary, said: “Hopefully this film will last as a document of the amazing history of video games in Leamington Spa.”
The film will be premiered at Leamington’s Spa Centre on January 31 during the Interactive Futures Festival dedicated to games, creativity, and culture. The three day festival will feature workshops, talks, and events from January 31 to February 2.
Entry to the film, which starts at 6.30pm, is free.
The film was made in association with Leamington LAMP – a social enterprise committed to improving people’s lives through arts and education projects.
Click here to see a trailer, or www.siliconspamovie.co.uk and facebook.com/siliconspamovie for further details.
