17/01/2012

A report on the future of the British film industry chaired by former culture secretary Lord Smith and commissioned by current culture minister Ed Vaizey (pictured) was released on Monday. It contains 56 recommendations to Government, industry and the British Film Institute (BFI).

Chief amongst the recommendations of “A Future For British Film – It Begins With The Audience” is that film profits be given back to production entities for reinvestment in film rather than be repaid to government funding bodies.

The report also recommends that British broadcasters do more to promote British film by investing more and increasing broadcasts of British films. If the broadcasters fail to comply with this, the government should legislate to make them, the report suggests.

The report also calls for the formation of a digital innovation fund with the participation of the BFI and industry that independent cinema producers can avail of to meet the cost of rising digital print fees.

Audience engagement is at the heart of the report with the recommendation panel stating, “People want to see British movies but the percentage actually seen by the overall audience in UK cinemas remains far too low. If we’re ever going to crack this conundrum we have to ensure that filmmakers understand and think about their audience at the same time as they strive to express their creativity.”

The BFI said in response, “Against the backdrop of a record year for British film and film talent, we welcome this report which rightly places audiences at the heart of future UK film policy. We share the exciting ambition to drive a vibrant and prosperous future for British film and offer audiences excellence and choice.”