17th November 2009

UK FILM COUNCIL - PUBLIC CONSULTATION 2009

From 17 November 2009 to 9 February 2010, the UK Film Council is consulting publicly on its policy and funding priorities from April 2010 to March 2013. The proposals in ‘UK Film: Digital innovation and creative excellence’ include:

  • a new £15m Film Production Fund which has four distinct creative gatekeepers, is focused on the pursuit of creative excellence and puts more emphasis on first- and second-time filmmakers;
  • a new space and funding stream to support experimental filmmaking;
  • a producer equity position in all UK Film Council-funded feature films;
  • a minimum 25% target for non-London originated film production;
  • a new £5m Innovation Fund, to promote new business models and ensure UK film's successful transition into a fully digital age;
  • sustained investment in the BFI, to support the conservation of UK film heritage and improve access to film culture;
  • a renewed emphasis on attracting inward investment to the UK film sector and underlining the continued importance of the Film Tax Relief;
  • prioritising skills training for new technologies and post-production;
  • additional funding to support the industry in combating film theft;
  • continued support for film distribution and audience-focused initiatives; and
  • an ongoing commitment to achieving a more diverse and inclusive workforce and film culture.

The major economic downturn is adversely affecting film financing and in addition, the UK Film Council needs to find savings of £25m over the next three years to help pay for the 2012 Olympic Games. ‘UK Film: Digital innovation and creative excellence’ therefore sets out the most significant revision of the UK Film Council's activities since it was set up in 2000.

The priorities are to protect production funding, to support filmmakers, to safeguard film culture and to promote digital innovation.

The UK Film Council welcome views on what they propose in ‘UK Film: Digital innovation and creative excellence’ at www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/survey. The deadline for responses is Tuesday 9 February 2010.