WIREDGOV

The Film Policy Review panel recently began seeking industry views on how to better support the UK film sector.

Creative Industries Minister Ed Vaizey has appointed former Culture Secretary Lord Chris Smith to chair an eight-member panel to conduct an independent review of Government film policy.

The panel last week published a detailed survey to collect views on where film policy needs to be changed.

Lord Smith said:

“The UK has produced incredible films and incredibly talented people who have gone on to work at the very top of the industry.

“We must ensure the British film industry is able to reap the full benefits of its considerable successes.

“We want to hear from everyone involved in UK films.  Film-makers, distributors, audiences and experts can all offer a useful perspective on how Government policy can help our film industry grow.”

Each panel member is leading on a specific aspect of film policy and will meet with industry figures and groups.

The principal objectives of the Review are:

• Identify obstacles to the British film industry being more successful

• Determine how best to set policy directions for the increased Lottery funding

• Identify ways to develop and retain UK talent

• Increasing audience demand for film, including independent British film.

The survey closes on 9 September 2011.  The Review is expected to report to Mr Vaizey by the end of the year.


Notes to Editors

1. The DCMS Film Policy Review Consultation survey.
   
   
2. The review panel comprises:
   • Chair:  Lord Chris Smith, former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
   • Will Clarke – Independent Cinema Distributor, founder and former CEO of Optimum Releasing
   • Lord Julian Fellowes, Oscar® winning writer and actor
   • Matthew Justice, UK Film Producer and MD of Big Talk Productions
   • Michael Lynton, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment
   • Tim Richards, Chief Executive of Vue entertainment
   • Tessa Ross, Channel 4 Controller of Film and Drama
   • Libby Savill, Head of Film and Television at Olswang
   • Iain Smith, film producer and Chair of the British Film Commission Advisory Board
     
     
3. The terms of reference for the review. 
   
   
4. The Government announced in June 2010 that it would return the proceeds of the lottery to the original good causes. This means that, following the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games funding for film will increase by approximately 60 per cent to around £43m annually.
   
   
5. The Government’s Ministerial Film Forum will hold its next meeting in July.