United Kingdom

[GB] Report on the British Film Industry Published

IRIS 2003-10:1/20

David Goldberg

deeJgee Research/Consultancy

On 18 September 2003, the UK Parliament published its Committee on Culture Media and Sport's Report on the British Film Industry.

The Committee reports that "[t]here is a British film industry" but that "there are longstanding chronic difficulties." However, the Committee is also of the view that "[p]ublic policy has a role to play in strengthening the industry in order to generate substantial economic rewards and important cultural benefits."

A central conclusion is that it is essential to maintain an "attractive tax regime", but that in reviewing it, "the Government should assess whether there is a case for the introduction of new terminology to assist the classification of films according to country of origin distinguishing cultural content and financial provenance."

The role of the public service broadcasters in relation to developing the film industry is also considered, for example through "increased levels of support for production and exhibition of British films". In particular, the BBC should "review its approach and level of commitment to feature film production, in consultation with the UK Film Council, given the significant comity of interests in this area." Finally, the Committee highlights the future role of the new single regulator, Ofcom, for improving the relationship between the British film industry and the public service broadcasters. The Report suggests that a mechanism would be "through the Statements of Programme Policy required from the broadcasters."

Finally, the Committee considers the issue of archiving. It recommends that the British Film Institute should support the film and television archive community, "particularly the regional archives". It also urges the development of an "overall national strategy...promoting both good curatorship and increasing accessibility".