11/01/2012

The British Prime Minister David Cameron (pictured) has called for the film industry to focus on box office results. He was speaking during a visit to the iconic Pinewood Studios to meet small and medium sized entities that work in film.

Cameron said, “The UK film industry, the skills and crafts that support it, and our creative industries more widely, make a £4 billion contribution to our economy and an incalculable contribution to our culture. But in this year when we set out bold ambitions for the future, when the eyes of the world will be on us, I think we should aim even higher, building on the incredible success of recent years.”

“Our role, and that of the BFI (British Film Institute), should be to support the sector in becoming even more dynamic and entrepreneurial, helping UK producers to make commercially successful pictures that rival the quality and impact of the best international productions. Just as the British Film Commission (BFC) has played a crucial role in attracting the biggest and best international studios to produce their films here, so we must incentivise UK producers to chase new markets both here and overseas,” Cameron added.

Cameron was speaking ahead of the release of a major new review of the film sector due to be published next week.

BFC Chair Iain Smith said in response, “Following another busy and potentially record breaking year for inward investment, it is reassuring to hear the government understands the role big budget, international movies shooting in the UK plays in building a world-class skilled workforce, while boosting the UK economy.”