United Kingdom

European Commission: United Kingdom Lottery-Funded Film Support Schemes Approved

IRIS 2008-2:1/7

Stefan Kulk

Institute for Information Law (IViR), University of Amsterdam

The European Commission approved 12 UK film support schemes funded under the EC State aid rules until 31 December 2012, the Commission concluded that the schemes are in line with the EC State aid rules on film support. The schemes’ purpose is to support culturally British films. They are administered by the UK Film Council, Scottish Screen, Northern Ireland Screen and the Film Agency for Wales and provide over EUR 30.6 million for films each year.

Films that receive support are required to satisfy the definition of a culturally British film. Not only do the schemes support the production of films, they also support the development, distribution and promotion of culturally British films. For instance, the UK Film Council, which administers the three largest schemes, provides a development fund that aims to broaden the quality, range and ambition of film projects being developed in the United Kingdom and to build a talent-driven home for writers, directors and producers.

The schemes have been approved until 31 December 2012 on the basis of a commitment by the United Kingdom authorities to implement any changes required, if the relevant State aid rules are amended during this period. The present support schemes are governed by the Commission’s Cinema Communication, which contains State aid rules for support for film and audiovisual production. In July 2007 this Communication was extended until 31 December 2009 (see IRIS 2007-7: 4).