Which Manx films have you seen?

Waking Ned, Keeping Mum, Albatross, Stormbreaker and Mindhorn were all produced ilmed in the island.

Losses of almost £27m made by the island’s film industry have been referred to the public accounts committee following a debate in Tynwald last week

The Examiner asked residents for their thoughts on the island films they have watched and whether more should be made.

’We’ve seen Waking Ned, Stormbreaker and Five Children and It, which are very good quality films,’ said Paul Hatton, aged 60 from Laxey.

’A lot of the actors like it here because they’re not being mobbed on the street.’

His wife Julie, 59, said: ’The films made here are on par with Hollywood.

’The island has the ability to provide so many options for film-makers. For instance it has a diverse countryside, lakes and moorland and of course the seascape which they wouldn’t have to go too far to film it.’

Graham Brunstrom, 51, from Douglas, has had a number of experiences as a film extra in the island.

’I was a police officer in one film and had to wear the full police gear. It was good fun,’ he said. ’You get to meet very nice people over a couple of days.

’I once chased Christian Slater down a hall wearing a German uniform when I was part of the cast for Churchill: the Hollywood Years.

’However, the industry just kind of went away. I remember that there used to be signs which told people filming was taking place in the area. I’m not too aware of any other films being made here, except for Waking Ned. I think they could do more. We’ve got great locations here and lots of antiquated stuff.’

Helen Murtagh from Lonan said: ’I’ve seen Waking Ned but that was quite a long time ago. There are little bits that I remember. I think it showed the island in a nice way.’

Her daughter Rachael, aged 18, added: ’I think with the scenery and countryside it gives great opportunities for possible films especially the photography side of this.’

Helen continued: ’I’ve not heard much about other films being made here and it’s hard to know what the benefits of these films are having on the Isle of Man. Are there not other ways we could be promoting the island?

’I think it would be better to spend money elsewhere and particularly for the young people. The island needs to address that rather than making more films.’

Douglas resident Kirsty Liebenberg, 44, said: ’I’ve seen TT3D: Closer to the Edge and snippets of Me and Orson Welles. I thought Closer to the Edge was really well done and it makes you proud when you know who the people are. I have already bought copies to send to friends back home in South Africa and in the UK.

’I’ve not heard of any other films. Maybe they need to promote them [the films] a bit better to make people more aware that a film has been shot here.’

Nick Harris, 40, from Ballasalla saw Closer to the Edge when it first came out.

’It’s really good and the island was shown in a good light,’ he said.

He added: ’I think they should focus on diversifying the economy that way it brings in benefits like creating jobs.’