16 January 2012
Posted in
Film
The Filmmakers' Alliance has issued the following press release in response to the publication today of the independent Film Policy Review, commissioned by the government.
'PACT, Directors UK and WGGB (The Filmmakers’ Alliance, noted in the Film Policy Review report as the Creative Alliance) welcome the Film Policy Review report’s emphasis on growth and its recognition of the crucial importance of producers, writers and directors to sustain a plural and commercially viable film economy.
'We welcome the review’s clear intention to move film funding towards the creative entrepreneur, incentivising success across a range of British films, and serving a wide variety of audiences and tastes.
'Much work is now needed – this is a transformational point and will require all stakeholders to be prepared to think creatively and radically about how to shape the future. To that end, producers, directors and writers have joined together in the Filmmakers’ Alliance to jointly move forward on the opportunities presented by the Report, and in particular how funds earmarked for reinvestment in future film development and production should be accessed and deployed.
'Finally we thank Lord Smith and the entire Review panel and support team for their hard work and urge a fast track route to the adoption of the key proposals. To that end we look forward to working with the BFI to put these dynamic proposals into practice.'
The Film Policy Review report (A Future for British Film – it begins with the audience), published by an independent review panel chaired by Lord Chris Smith, was commissioned last year by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey and has looked at how to ensure film is a sector which plays a full role in driving growth.
'British film is going through a golden period,' Lord Smith said. 'A run of British-made and British-based movies has been taking audiences around the world by storm. But we cannot be complacent – this review highlights the things that the BFI, Government and industry can do to ensure that we continue to build on recent successes. British film is in prime position to make a major contribution to the growth of the UK’s economy, to the development of attractive and fulfilling careers for young people, and to the creation of job opportunities across the country.'
The report contains 56 recommendations to Government, industry and the British Film Institute (BFI) including:
- A new programme to bring film education into every school, giving every pupil the chance to see, understand and learn about British film
- A call for the major broadcasters to invest more in the screening, acquisition and production of independent British film
- Incentives ensuring a more collaborative approach between producers, directors and distributors which in turn will facilitate financing of projects
- A strong commitment to combat piracy and illegal exploitation of intellectual property;a scheme to bring digital screens and projectors to village and community halls across the country.
Mr Vaizey said: 'I am committed to creating a more stable and financially sustainable industry and I thank Chris Smith and the panel for the huge amount of work that has gone into preparing this report. I know the panel has worked very closely with representatives from the entire film community and I look forward to examining what the report recommends.'
