£6m investment announced for creative industries

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced a new £6 million investment for the UK’s creative industries through Creative Skillset. The money will be used to provide entry-level and professional training for up to 3,300 people in the film, television and videogame industries. Announced by the Chancellor, George Osborne, in his Autumn Statement, the investment – which will be matched by the industry – will help ensure the entertainment industries have the skilled workforce they need to compete in the world market.

In the film industry an investment of £600,000 would support 250 new entrants and existing practitioners in craft and technical areas; £400,000 could support 150 professionals in production management, raising industry standards and decreasing the need to recruit from overseas.

In response to this news, BFI CEO Amanda Nevill said:

Filmmaking skills in the UK are the envy of the world and are the bedrock of our vibrant film industry. This funding is great news for the whole creative economy and for the talent of the future, including the film industry and others such as those for video games, animation and high end TV. Skills development sits at the very heart of the BFI’s five year plan for film and we look forward to continuing to work with Creative Skillset as a key strategic partner to ensure we stimulate and grow the UK’s film industry and film culture, meet the demands of the future and remain world-class.