British Film Commission receives £1m boost from UK Government to drive growth and opportunities across the UK
Today’s announcement (London, 17 January) from the UK Government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) revealed the British Film Commission (BFC) is to receive £1m funding support to continue its work maximising and supporting the production of major international feature film and high-end television throughout the UK’s regions and nations.
In response to today’s announcement, Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission, said:
“UK film and TV is globally adored, as well as being a key sector driving UK economic growth. We’re delighted by the Government’s recognition of the economic value of film and TV to the UK economy. We particularly welcome confirmation of £1m funding support for the British Film Commission. This is fantastic news for the BFC, for the industry and for UK PLC as a whole, and is a wonderful endorsement of all of the efforts to sustain our sector as a dynamic engine for growth. Working with partner screen agencies in the UK’s nations and regions, we will continue to create growth opportunities through investment and jobs across the UK, playing our part in supporting the UK’s rich creative and cultural heritage and future.”
Sue Lyster, Executive in Charge, ILM, said: “2024 marked a decade since ILM first expanded to the UK and opened its London studio. In that time, the support of the British Film Commission for our industry has continued to play a critical role in bringing work to the UK ensuring that our world class talent can showcase their innovation and artistry on a global stage.”
Anne Mensah, Vice President of Content, UK, Netflix, said: “World leading creativity has long been at the heart of the UK. Today’s Summit, and the announcement of a £60 million boost for the creative industries, is a clear indication that the Government recognises the enormous contribution our sector makes to the UK economy and its potential to drive even greater growth.
“Netflix welcomes this commitment to an industry that creates jobs and investment right across the country. It will help ensure we remain one of the best places in the world to develop fabulous TV, Games and Film which connect with global audiences long into the future.”
Throughout 2024, the BFC’s bespoke support facilitated major film and HETV projects by assisting international companies in all areas of production. This included guidance on UK-wide stage space and crew availability, sourcing locations via a network of partners throughout the nations and regions, visa troubleshooting and UK tax relief. The BFC additionally continued to support and promote infrastructure in all four nations of the UK, as well as working closely with Government to ensure the continuation or enhancement of ‘film-friendly’ policies.
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For further press information about the British Film Commission, please contact:
Haylie Read, Head of PR & Marketing, British Film Commission
E: haylie.read@britishfilmcommission.org.uk
M: +44 (0)7787 254 250
Notes to Editors:
About the British Film Commission:
The British Film Commission (BFC) is the UK Government’s national organisation responsible for international film and television production in the UK. Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Department for Business and Trade and the BFI, the BFC leads on:
• Maximising and supporting the production of major international feature film and high-end television in the UK;
• Strengthening and promoting the UK’s film and television infrastructure;
• Liaising between the Government and the film and television industry on policy issues that impact on production.
With offices in the UK and the US, the BFC provides free tailored production support at the highest level, from the earliest stages of development through to post-production, including guidance on the UK’s lucrative film and television tax reliefs and assistance with sourcing key crew, talent, facilities and locations.
The BFC has industry sponsors who form the membership of the agency’s innovative public/private partnership: Angels Costumes, The Walt Disney Studios, Harbottle & Lewis, HBO, Movie Makers, Netflix, Pinewood Studios, Warner Bros., 3 Mills Studios, BBC Studio Works, DNEG, Elstree Studios, First Stage Studios, Framestore, MPC and Working Title.
The BFC is the national division of Film London.