BFI to distribute funding to UK filmmakers

Back in July the government announced that as part of its cost-cutting measures it would be closing the UK Film Council, the body set up by Labour in 2000 to help develop and promote British film. The news naturally sent shockwaves through the industry, leading Hollywood bigwigs including Clint Eastwood and Steven Spielberg to voice their concerns over the abolition of the Council, which has recently helped to finance projects such as Adulthood (2008), Bright Star (2009), In The Loop (2009), Man on Wire (2008) and Nowhere Boy (2009), not to mention a reported £1m investment in the upcoming Thatcher biopic The Iron Lady.

In response to concerns, culture minister Ed Vaizey announced yesterday that the British Film Institute would be taking on the majority of the UK Film Council's responsibilities including the distribution of funding, with £18m available for new projects in 2011 and a promise from the government of an increase in lottery funding to £40m by year by 2014. Meanwhile Film London will be tasked with attracting outside investment, which may have been made easier by reassurances from the government that there are no plans to scrap the tax credit scheme.

Speaking on the BFI's increased responsibilities, Vaizey said that the organisation would need to "change fundamentally... to realise an exciting vision of a coherent, joined-up film industry". Furthermore he announced the creation of Creative England, which would incorporate the eight regional screen agencies, along with a dedicated ministerial film forum.

So does this show the government's commitment to the UK film industry? Perhaps things will become a little clearer when more detailed plans are unveiled in the new year.