12/02/2007

During yesterday’s official launch in Berlin of the new programme MEDIA 2007, it was revealed that the UK film and television industry was granted approximately €70m euros over the past six years (2001-2006) through Europe’s MEDIA Programme funding.

UK companies received a total of €39.5m: €22.3m for producers, €7.6m for distributors, 812,546 for festivals and promotions, €5.5 for training institutions, and €4m for exhibitors.

Films supported include Code 46 [+see also:
trailer
film profile], On a Clear Day [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Love + Hate, Snowcake [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Bend it Like Beckham [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Red Road [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Shooting Dogs [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Stormbreaker [+see also:
trailer
film profile] and The Wind That Shakes the Barley [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Ken Loach
interview: Rebecca O’Brien
film profile].

In addition to funding received directly by British companies, €29.6m was received by distributors throughout Europe to acquire and release UK films such as Vera Drake [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Creep, Touching the Void [+see also:
trailer
film profile], The Girl with a Pearl Earring [+see also:
trailer
film profile] and Pride and Prejudice [+see also:
trailer
film profile].

Agnieszka Moody, head of the UK Media Desk, said: "We are delighted to have helped so many UK filmmakers successfully apply for funding through Europe’s MEDIA programme. In total, the UK has benefited by almost €70m, a great achievement and one that I hope can be topped during MEDIA 2007, which runs until 2013".

MEDIA 2007 has a budget of €755m for the next seven years, to support training, project development, distribution and promotion throughout Europe as well as a new focus to assist filmmakers with digitalisation and access to finance.