19th May 2012
UK Film Minister Apologises
20th October 2010
Ed Vaizey, UK minister for culture, communications and creative industries, has apologised to the British film industry for the abolition of the UK Film Council announced in August.
Speaking at the Screen International Film Summit earlier this month, Vaizey said the closure of the council, a significant film-funding source, was necessary.
It was part of the government's cut backs to revive the UK economy and save the movie business' long-term future, he added.
"I am very sorry we ruined your August," he told the audience of film industry professionals and related attendees. "We're under enormous pressure to save money."
Despite making no definite decisions about alternative sources of financing, Vaizey explained, the current Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government is committed to saving "British Film".
One solution is to increase the industry's share of the country's Lottery Fund to £40 million in about two years' time.
It has also launched a biannual ministerial film forum to ensure the relevant government departments hold constructive dialogue with the business.
Vaizey agreed it was essential to retain the film tax credit, which encourages private investment from the UK and overseas, especially Hollywood.
In addition, he said he was happy to see UK broadcasters continue to fund British films. He cited Channel 4's recent decision to boost the annual budget for Film4, its film-production division, to £15 million for the next five years starting in 2011.
Vaizey gave his speech on 13 October at London's Hallam Conference Centre.
Photography by John Wright - The In Crowd