UK film policy review results published

A new approach to film education in British schools and financial incentives to encourage early collaboration between producers and distributors are among the recommendations of a report published today.

A Future for British Film – it begins with the audience, published by an independent review panel chaired by Lord Chris Smith, was commissioned in 2011 by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey and has looked at how to ensure film is a sector which plays a full role in driving growth.

The report contains 56 recommendations for the Government, industry and British Film Institute (BFI) which are intended to increase audience choice and grow the demand for British films in the UK and overseas. These recommendations complement policy measures to support the production of British films, helping ensure that those films reach appreciative audiences, stimulating cultural awareness and creativity.

The recommendations include:

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
An annual celebration, focused on a British Film Week, to re-establish the brand of British film
Stronger investment in training and skills development, especially to seize new technology opportunities.

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said: “I am committed to creating a more stable and successful film 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 to government, industry and the BFI.”

The report can be downloaded and read in full on the DCMS website.

Publication date: 29 Jan 2012