BFI welcomes new government support for the screen sector
The package includes funding for the UK Global Screen Fund, the BFI London Film Festival, the BFI’s Certification Unit, and the British Film Commission.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy announced good news for the screen industry sector last week at the economic growth summit in Gateshead, with £60 million of new government support. The package includes funding for the UK Global Screen Fund (£7 million); the BFI London Film Festival (£1.9 million); the BFI’s Certification Unit (£1.5 million); and the British Film Commission (£1 million).
“This support from government means the UK can continue making globally successful film, television and screen content, contributing to our wider creative industries, the growth of the UK economy and creating jobs across the country,” said Ben Roberts, BFI chief executive. “Supporting the UK Global Screen Fund has led to more than 50 UK international co-productions and backed UK screen companies to thrive internationally. The BFI London Film Festival shines a spotlight on film and London for audiences and our industry, bringing international filmmakers and talent to the UK, as well as celebrating British talent and creativity.”
The UK Global Screen Fund, administered by the BFI and backed by the DCMS, boosts international development and distribution opportunities for the UK’s independent screen sector, across film, TV, documentary, animation and interactive narrative games content. Recent films it has supported include the BAFTA-nominated (and BFI funded) Kneecap, upcoming release The Salt Path and On Falling (also BFI funded). The British Film Commission (BFC) plays an vital role internationally promoting the UK for inward investment production.
The government is also bringing forward changes to enable shorter apprenticeships, as one of the first steps towards a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy – a move that will also benefit the UK screen industries.