The UK Film Council, host organisation of MEDIA Desk UK, has launched a three-month public consultation into the most significant revision of its activities since it was created in 2000. As well as facing the challenges posed by the major economic downturn, the UK Film Council needs to find savings of £25 million over the next three years to help pay for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The consultation, UK Film: Digital innovation and creative excellence, sets out the policy and funding priorities for the next three years (April 2010 to March 2013), and specifically proposes:

• 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 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 the UK film industry'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 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
• an ongoing commitment to achieving a more diverse and inclusive workforce and film culture.

For more details of the consultation process, a full copy of UK Film: Digital innovation and creative excellence, and to respond to the consultation, please visit the UK Film Council website.

The consultation closes on 9 February 2010.