MANY television firms are based in the bright lights of London, Los Angeles or New York.

But Form Films is different, and its decision to move to Winchester could be a sign of things to come.

From its offices at the top of an unassuming spiral staircase in Staple Gardens, the firm makes documentaries for major TV networks.

So happy are the company’s founders with their move to Winchester, they reckon other media firms might follow them down the M3.

They left Covent Garden in early 2009 and far from losing trade, the firm’s books are better than ever.

Despite the economic slowdown, Form Films is expanding its office and has just added two new faces to its close-knit team.

One is Steven James from Bournemouth, who studied at the New York Film School and is joining Form Films as a creative assistant.

The other is Julia Mitchell from Compton near Winchester, who worked at regional broadcaster Meridian, and is now Form Films’ head of production.

Both will work alongside company MD Jonah Weston, creative director Larry Walford and their assistant Laura Anscombe.

Mr Weston said: “A creative business is only as good as its staff. Steven’s a wonderfully talented young filmmaker and Julia’s track record speaks for itself. Together they’re a huge asset.”

Mr Weston and Mr Walford launched Form Films around four years ago by merging two companies that they started separately.

Between them they have television newcomer and directing awards to their names, along with Bafta nominations.

Mr Weston said: “We really like Winchester, and with the fast internet connections and other improvements you don’t really need to be in London anymore.

“I’d much rather be working somewhere that’s also a nice place to live.”

Mr Walford said other firms might follow suit, which could lead to Winchester becoming a regional media centre.

Mr Weston added that one benefit was that it was easier to recruit staff, especially trainees, who find it hard to afford London rents.

“We’ve got the best of both worlds here, because you’re under that ‘magic hour’ away from London if you need it,” said Mr Weston.

Then again, Form Films made full use of its Hampshire base for its latest BBC documentary.

Its most recent commission, Twitchers, which focused on birdwatchers, included scenes filmed in the New Forest.

Before that, the company worked on a six-part documentary for the BBC called The Boats that Built Britain.

Its next project also has a nautical theme, which is a behind-the-scenes look at a major British port, whose identity is currently secret.

However, the broadcast side of the operation is only half the story, as it also creates online videos to promote businesses.

Mr Walford said: “There are some fantastic companies in Hampshire, offering world class products and services.

“Customers now expect video online and, with our expertise, we’re keen to show local businesses how they can harness the power of film without breaking the bank to really get their message across.”

Corporate videos typically cost between £2,000 and £5,000 and Form Films has taken steps to keep prices to a minimum.

It includes having its own in-house editing suite to handle post-production.

Its clients include Coutts Bank and thanks to the expanding corporate video market, Form Films does not rely solely on television work.

But it aims to keep both sides of the business flourishing as it provides staff with a variety of work and not the same thing all the time.

Visit www.formfilms.co.uk or call 01962 870173 for more details about the company.