BFI boost UK film research with new £4m fund

The BFI Film Research & Statistics Fund marks over £2.5m additional funding for collection and analysis of film research and statistics, to benefit industry, policy-makers and the public.

The BFI today announces its new Film Research & Statistics Fund, supported by £4 million of Lottery funding until 2017. Up to date research and knowledge is crucial to future-proofing UK film and informing the development of new business models and well informed cultural practice that will help support the continued success of the sector. The new fund is an uplift in excess of £2.5m on previous funding available, and will see an increase in the quality and impact of film research, knowledge and analysis, which will be published in new and innovative ways for the benefit of the film industry, policy-makers, academia and the general public. 

The BFI has begun the search for a partner to deliver a comprehensive research and statistics programme, providing quantitative and qualitative analysis of film and supporting an ambitious programme which will:

• Address a series of key research priorities for film, from analysing the impact of digital technologies throughout the film value chain, examining and testing new business models for the production and distribution of film, through to increasing understanding of the wider cultural and educational impacts of film;
• Develop the current activities and resources of the BFI’s Research and Statistics Unit (RSU);
• Increase and improve the quality and impact of film research, knowledge and statistical analysis;
• Provide opportunities for further collaboration and partnership between public policy, industry, academia and the wider film sector; and
• Make statistics and research findings widely available in user-friendly and innovative ways.

Tim Cagney, Deputy CEO of the BFI, comments:

This is an exciting step forward which will herald a step change in the level of research and statistics available for the entire film sector. We’re looking for innovation, partnership and expertise. Our substantial investment in this vital area, alongside additional funding from the successful partner organisation, will increase the level of robust information and data available and provide a crucial evidence base for film policy-makers and industry. Today’s announcement further demonstrates the BFI’s steadfast commitment to delivering on Film Forever and addressing the recommendations of the Government’s Film Policy Review.