UK film Future In Government Talks

The Future of public funding for the UK film industry will be discussed by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey and key figures in the film business later this week. Mr Vaizey said he wants a “robust” strategy to keep UK filmmaking thriving. “There is no question that public support for film is continuing.” He suggested that lottery funding will increase from next year and the film tax credit will remain in place.

“I want a robust and coordinated strategy to promote the UK as the best place to invest in film making and to provide real support and advice to film makers and investors alike,” he stated

 The executives attending the meeting are made up of representatives of the BBC, Pinewood and Shepperton Studios, the British Film Institute and the Arts Council,

The Government is expected to pump more National Lottery cash into film, despite announcing the abolition of the Council by 2012. In July, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the organisation would be axed to save money.

Since the statement was made to abolish the UK Film Council dozens of leading industry insiders including, Clint Eastwood, Mike Leigh, and Bill Nighy have written to the government protesting the decision. On Tuesday, we reported, the head of the organisation – John Woodward – announced he was resigning.

 

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