Leading European film commissioners and producers discussed the combined creative offer of the UK and mainland Europe for attracting international productions, in a British Film Commission (Bfc) and Screen International roundtable in Cannes (May 17).
The participants were Christiane Krone-Raab, head of Berlin Brandenburg Film Commission; Daphné Lora, head of film France — Cnc; Ildiko Kemeny, CEO of Hungary’s Pioneer Stillking; Libbie McQuillan, deputy CEO of Screen Ireland; Meghan Beaton, chief executive of the Norwegian Film Commission; Juan Manuel Guimerans Rubio, secretary general of Spain Film Commission; and Samantha Perahia, head of production UK at the Bfc.
Adrian Wootton, CEO of Bfc,...
The participants were Christiane Krone-Raab, head of Berlin Brandenburg Film Commission; Daphné Lora, head of film France — Cnc; Ildiko Kemeny, CEO of Hungary’s Pioneer Stillking; Libbie McQuillan, deputy CEO of Screen Ireland; Meghan Beaton, chief executive of the Norwegian Film Commission; Juan Manuel Guimerans Rubio, secretary general of Spain Film Commission; and Samantha Perahia, head of production UK at the Bfc.
Adrian Wootton, CEO of Bfc,...
- 5/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
UK director Mike Leigh will receive a lifetime achievement award at Malta’s second annual Mediterrane Film Festival (June 22-30).
The seven-time Oscar nominee will also host a masterclass and participate in an in conversation with Adrian Wootton, CEO at the British Film Commission, with whom the festival has a partnership.
Leigh began his career in theatre and TV with work including Abigail’s Party in 1977. He focused on features throughout the 1990s, winning acclaim for films such as High Hopes, Life Is Sweet, Naked and Secrets And Lies. The latter won the Palme d’Or in 1996.
His following films included Topsy-Turvy,...
The seven-time Oscar nominee will also host a masterclass and participate in an in conversation with Adrian Wootton, CEO at the British Film Commission, with whom the festival has a partnership.
Leigh began his career in theatre and TV with work including Abigail’s Party in 1977. He focused on features throughout the 1990s, winning acclaim for films such as High Hopes, Life Is Sweet, Naked and Secrets And Lies. The latter won the Palme d’Or in 1996.
His following films included Topsy-Turvy,...
- 4/29/2024
- ScreenDaily
Mike Leigh, the veteran director of “Vera Drake,” “Another Year” and “Happy-Go-Lucky,” will be honored at Malta’s Mediterrane Film Festival with its Career Achievement Golden Bee Award.
Leigh will also host a masterclass at the festival, the second edition of which is taking place June 22 to 30 in Malta’s capital city of Valletta. The director, who has earned seven Oscar nominations and won the Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or for 1993’s “Naked,” will be in conversation with Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film London and the British Film Commission.
The Mediterrane Film Festival has also revealed its first jury members, who will judge the festival’s competition section, consisting of 12 films from the region. At the festival’s Golden Bee Awards closing ceremony on June 30, prizes will be handed out for best feature film, acting performance, screenwriting, production design, creative technical performance and the special jury award.
Jury...
Leigh will also host a masterclass at the festival, the second edition of which is taking place June 22 to 30 in Malta’s capital city of Valletta. The director, who has earned seven Oscar nominations and won the Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or for 1993’s “Naked,” will be in conversation with Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film London and the British Film Commission.
The Mediterrane Film Festival has also revealed its first jury members, who will judge the festival’s competition section, consisting of 12 films from the region. At the festival’s Golden Bee Awards closing ceremony on June 30, prizes will be handed out for best feature film, acting performance, screenwriting, production design, creative technical performance and the special jury award.
Jury...
- 4/29/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Malta’s Mediterrane Film Festival will honor BAFTA-winning writer-director Mike Leigh (Vera Drake, Another Year, Happy-Go-Lucky) with its inaugural career achievement Golden Bee Award this year.
The honor is awarded “in recognition of a lifetime achievement in film,” organizers said Monday. “Leigh, who has received seven Academy Award nominations across his career, will also host a master class in the upcoming second edition of the festival,” which will take place June 22-30 in Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta.
Palme d’Or-winning director Leigh will be in conversation with Adrian Wootton, who previously served as acting director of the British Film Institute and is currently CEO of Film London and the British Film Commission.
Last year, StudioCanal acquired U.K. rights to Leigh‘s secretive project Hard Truths, starring Secrets & Lies star Marianne Jean-Baptiste, marking the first time the distributor has worked with the iconic director. Bleecker...
The honor is awarded “in recognition of a lifetime achievement in film,” organizers said Monday. “Leigh, who has received seven Academy Award nominations across his career, will also host a master class in the upcoming second edition of the festival,” which will take place June 22-30 in Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta.
Palme d’Or-winning director Leigh will be in conversation with Adrian Wootton, who previously served as acting director of the British Film Institute and is currently CEO of Film London and the British Film Commission.
Last year, StudioCanal acquired U.K. rights to Leigh‘s secretive project Hard Truths, starring Secrets & Lies star Marianne Jean-Baptiste, marking the first time the distributor has worked with the iconic director. Bleecker...
- 4/29/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Key members of the UK Screen Alliance fielded questions at yesterday’s UK Parliament’s cross-party inquiry into British film and high-end TV.
The last year or so has seen the UK film industry come under a fair amount of scrutiny from the UK government. After all, it’s an incredibly successful sector and a guaranteed money-spinner so the incumbent administration has been looking at the industry in the wake of a pandemic, Hollywood strikes and a reshaped industry landscape to see what the future holds.
There have been industry-wide surveys, new levels of tax relief announced in the chancellor’s annual budget and now, leading figures from the UK screen sector have been invited to Parliament to discuss the future of the British film and high-end TV industry.
Perhaps the key takeaway from the discussions is that these leading figures feel the UK is well placed to handle the...
The last year or so has seen the UK film industry come under a fair amount of scrutiny from the UK government. After all, it’s an incredibly successful sector and a guaranteed money-spinner so the incumbent administration has been looking at the industry in the wake of a pandemic, Hollywood strikes and a reshaped industry landscape to see what the future holds.
There have been industry-wide surveys, new levels of tax relief announced in the chancellor’s annual budget and now, leading figures from the UK screen sector have been invited to Parliament to discuss the future of the British film and high-end TV industry.
Perhaps the key takeaway from the discussions is that these leading figures feel the UK is well placed to handle the...
- 3/20/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
The UK’s close ties with Hollywood and the impact of the package of measures for the UK film industry unveiled in chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s spring budget were under discussion as Adrian Wootton, chief executive of the British Film Commission (Bfc), Andrew Smith, corporate affairs director at Pinewood and Neil Hatton, chief executive of the UK Screen Alliance faced the UK parliament’s cross-party inquiry into British film and high-end TV today (March 19).
When asked by the committee about the slowdown of inward investment in 2023, in which there was a 39% decline compared to 2022 in the wake of the Hollywood strikes,...
When asked by the committee about the slowdown of inward investment in 2023, in which there was a 39% decline compared to 2022 in the wake of the Hollywood strikes,...
- 3/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
The UK’s film and high-end TV production (Hetv) spend reached over £4.23bn in 2023, 32% down on 2022 in a year in which UK production was heavily impacted by the Hollywood strikes, but almost level with 2019 pre-covid production spend, according to statistics published (February 1) by the British Film Institute (BFI) .
Total film production reached £1.36bn, 31% down on 2022, while high-end TV stood at almost £2.9bn, 33% down on the record-breaking 2022 but still third highest annual spend since tax relief was introduced in 2013.
The £2.9bn spend on high-end TV includes £379m from 18 film productions made for streaming platforms.
US features in production in the UK...
Total film production reached £1.36bn, 31% down on 2022, while high-end TV stood at almost £2.9bn, 33% down on the record-breaking 2022 but still third highest annual spend since tax relief was introduced in 2013.
The £2.9bn spend on high-end TV includes £379m from 18 film productions made for streaming platforms.
US features in production in the UK...
- 2/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
The UK’s film and high-end TV production (Hetv) spend reached over £4.23bn in 2023, 35% down on 2022 in a year in which UK production was heavily impacted by the Hollywood strikes, but almost level with 2019 pre-covid production spend, according to statistics published (February 1) by the British Film Institute (BFI) .
Film production reached £1.36bn, 31% down on 2022, while high-end TV stood at almost £2.9bn, 33% down on the record-breaking 2022 but still third highest annual spend since tax relief was introduced in 2013.
The £2.9bn spend on high-end TV includes £379m from 18 film productions made for streaming platforms.
US features in production in the UK in...
Film production reached £1.36bn, 31% down on 2022, while high-end TV stood at almost £2.9bn, 33% down on the record-breaking 2022 but still third highest annual spend since tax relief was introduced in 2013.
The £2.9bn spend on high-end TV includes £379m from 18 film productions made for streaming platforms.
US features in production in the UK in...
- 2/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
Representatives of the UK and international film industry were in attendance at the the annual Brunch With The Brits event in Park City supported by British Film Commission, British Film Institute, BBC Films, Film4, Screen Scotland, and Screen International.
The event was held at the High Park Distillery at Park City on January 21.
Guests included Adrian Wootton, CEO of the British Film Commission; BFI Filmmaking Fund director Mia Bays; Film4 director Ollie Madden; and Eva Yates, director of BBC Film.
See pictures from the event above.
The event was held at the High Park Distillery at Park City on January 21.
Guests included Adrian Wootton, CEO of the British Film Commission; BFI Filmmaking Fund director Mia Bays; Film4 director Ollie Madden; and Eva Yates, director of BBC Film.
See pictures from the event above.
- 1/23/2024
- ScreenDaily
Chancellor to launch “call for evidence” for how to increase the tax credit.
The UK government has launched a “call for evidence” on how to boost the film and high-end TV tax credits, in an effort to retain VFX business in the country.
UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the plans as part of his autumn statement today (November 22), his address to the House of Commons on the state of the economy.
“I know that even more can be invested in visual effects if we increase the generosity of the film and high end TV tax credit, so I’ll today...
The UK government has launched a “call for evidence” on how to boost the film and high-end TV tax credits, in an effort to retain VFX business in the country.
UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the plans as part of his autumn statement today (November 22), his address to the House of Commons on the state of the economy.
“I know that even more can be invested in visual effects if we increase the generosity of the film and high end TV tax credit, so I’ll today...
- 11/22/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
With the U.K.’s film and TV industries — so dominated by studios and streamers — having been paralyzed by the SAG-AFTRA strike, it was perhaps understandable that the biggest cheers outside of the U.S. over the tentative deal and end of the 118-day strike were heard across the Atlantic.
“We congratulate our SAG-AFTRA colleagues on their determination in holding out for a deal that meets their objectives. We wholeheartedly welcome this news after what has been an incredibly difficult period for our members, and the whole U.K. film and TV industry,” said Philippa Childs, head of film and TV union Bectu, representing below-the-line workers.
“I want to pay tribute to Bectu members for weathering this unprecedented time and showing solidarity to their fellow trade unionists in the U.S,” Childs continued. “It cannot be understated how much U.K. film and TV workers have suffered at the...
“We congratulate our SAG-AFTRA colleagues on their determination in holding out for a deal that meets their objectives. We wholeheartedly welcome this news after what has been an incredibly difficult period for our members, and the whole U.K. film and TV industry,” said Philippa Childs, head of film and TV union Bectu, representing below-the-line workers.
“I want to pay tribute to Bectu members for weathering this unprecedented time and showing solidarity to their fellow trade unionists in the U.S,” Childs continued. “It cannot be understated how much U.K. film and TV workers have suffered at the...
- 11/9/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pact, Bectu, Equity, the Bfc and the Pggb have all celebrated the tentative agreement between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP.
UK unions and industry bodies are celebrating the tentative deal that has been reached between SAG-AFTRA and the studios and streamers, as word came in overnight that the 118-day US actors’ strike had reached its end.
While the strike concerned members of the US actors’ union negotiating on issues such as sufficient payment and safeguarding against artificial intelligence (AI), it had a colossal impact on the UK industry, with major US studio and streamer productions grinding to a halt leaving thousands...
UK unions and industry bodies are celebrating the tentative deal that has been reached between SAG-AFTRA and the studios and streamers, as word came in overnight that the 118-day US actors’ strike had reached its end.
While the strike concerned members of the US actors’ union negotiating on issues such as sufficient payment and safeguarding against artificial intelligence (AI), it had a colossal impact on the UK industry, with major US studio and streamer productions grinding to a halt leaving thousands...
- 11/9/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Anna Higgs is chair of the Bafta film committee and managing director of talent agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associate
Anna Higgs, chair of the Bafta film committee and managing director of talent agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associate, will be the keynote speaker at Film London’s Production Finance Market (Pfm), which runs October 10-11 as part of the BFI London Film Festival’s Industry strand.
The two-day film financing event will take place at London’s The Thistle hotel with 60 projects and 50 financiers expected to attend.
Higgs, who was recently re-elected Bafta chair, will sit down for an interview with Film London...
Anna Higgs, chair of the Bafta film committee and managing director of talent agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associate, will be the keynote speaker at Film London’s Production Finance Market (Pfm), which runs October 10-11 as part of the BFI London Film Festival’s Industry strand.
The two-day film financing event will take place at London’s The Thistle hotel with 60 projects and 50 financiers expected to attend.
Higgs, who was recently re-elected Bafta chair, will sit down for an interview with Film London...
- 10/2/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
The two-day event will take place September 21-22 at The Ritzy in London’s Brixton
Paramount, Disney and Studiocanal are among the companies attending the UK’s Distributor Slate Days, a networking event for film distributors and exhibitors.
The two-day event will take place September 20-21 at The Ritzy in London’s Brixton. It is delivered by Film London in partnership with the Film Distributors’ Association (Fda) and support from Filmbankmedia, Comscore and Usheru.
The first day will see distributors present marketing and audience development plans for their upcoming titles while the second will be dedicated to one-to-one meetings between distributors,...
Paramount, Disney and Studiocanal are among the companies attending the UK’s Distributor Slate Days, a networking event for film distributors and exhibitors.
The two-day event will take place September 20-21 at The Ritzy in London’s Brixton. It is delivered by Film London in partnership with the Film Distributors’ Association (Fda) and support from Filmbankmedia, Comscore and Usheru.
The first day will see distributors present marketing and audience development plans for their upcoming titles while the second will be dedicated to one-to-one meetings between distributors,...
- 8/25/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
The studio facilities are facing an anxious few months as crews and indie productions ponder US slowdown.
UK studios are facing a challenging few months as uncertainty about a potential rise in the rate of property taxes for facilities in England and Wales rages on, and the ongoing US writers’ and expected actors’ strikes force a slowdown in the once torrential flow of film and high-budget TV from Hollywood.
Significant business rates hikes of up to 200%-300% are being mooted as a result of increases in the rateable value of these facilities made by the UK’s Valuation Office Agency (Voa). For existing studios,...
UK studios are facing a challenging few months as uncertainty about a potential rise in the rate of property taxes for facilities in England and Wales rages on, and the ongoing US writers’ and expected actors’ strikes force a slowdown in the once torrential flow of film and high-budget TV from Hollywood.
Significant business rates hikes of up to 200%-300% are being mooted as a result of increases in the rateable value of these facilities made by the UK’s Valuation Office Agency (Voa). For existing studios,...
- 7/13/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Jerusalem Film Fest Unveils 2023 Industry Program
Nir Bergman and Yona Rozenkier will be among the Israeli filmmakers presenting new projects at the Jerusalem Film Fest’s Pitch Point event this year. The annual meeting connecting Israeli directors with international partners is one pole of the festival’s Jerusalem Industry Days, running July 13 to 15. Jurors will be Olivier Père (Arte Cinema France), Thorsten Ritter (Beta Cinema), Kevin Chan (Mubi) and Claudia Solano (The Match Factory), alongside Helge Albers and producer Yael Fogiel (Les Films du Poisson). The Industry Days will also host the final pitching session for the Sam Spiegel International Film Lab. Other highlights include a focus on Austria, accompanied by Austrian Films’ Anne Laurent-Delage and Emilie Dauptain and producers Antonin Svoboda (coop99), Oliver Neumann (FreibeuterFilm), Sabine Gruber (Golden Girls) and Barbara Pichler (Kgp Filmproduktion). Filmmakers Sebastian Meise,...
Nir Bergman and Yona Rozenkier will be among the Israeli filmmakers presenting new projects at the Jerusalem Film Fest’s Pitch Point event this year. The annual meeting connecting Israeli directors with international partners is one pole of the festival’s Jerusalem Industry Days, running July 13 to 15. Jurors will be Olivier Père (Arte Cinema France), Thorsten Ritter (Beta Cinema), Kevin Chan (Mubi) and Claudia Solano (The Match Factory), alongside Helge Albers and producer Yael Fogiel (Les Films du Poisson). The Industry Days will also host the final pitching session for the Sam Spiegel International Film Lab. Other highlights include a focus on Austria, accompanied by Austrian Films’ Anne Laurent-Delage and Emilie Dauptain and producers Antonin Svoboda (coop99), Oliver Neumann (FreibeuterFilm), Sabine Gruber (Golden Girls) and Barbara Pichler (Kgp Filmproduktion). Filmmakers Sebastian Meise,...
- 7/3/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Napoleon’, ’Jurassic World: Dominion’ and ’Game Of Thrones” all shot in both the UK and Malta.
Adrian Wootton, CEO of the British Film Commission and Film London, and Johann Grech, the Malta Film Commissioner, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the bond between film industries and facilitate co-productions and inward investment to both countries.
Recent productions to film in the UK and Malta include Ridley Scott’s Napoleon for Apple TV, Warner Bros’ Jurassic World: Dominion and HBO’s Game Of Thrones.
Wootton said the MoU with Malta provides the UK with “another service” to offer US producers.
Adrian Wootton, CEO of the British Film Commission and Film London, and Johann Grech, the Malta Film Commissioner, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the bond between film industries and facilitate co-productions and inward investment to both countries.
Recent productions to film in the UK and Malta include Ridley Scott’s Napoleon for Apple TV, Warner Bros’ Jurassic World: Dominion and HBO’s Game Of Thrones.
Wootton said the MoU with Malta provides the UK with “another service” to offer US producers.
- 6/28/2023
- by Gabriella Geisinger
- ScreenDaily
The British Film Commission (Bfc) and Malta Film Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU is aimed at enhancing the collaboration between the U.K. and Malta screen industries, as well as facilitating film and high-end TV production (Hetv) between the two territories.
In 2022, inward investment production spend soared to $7.72 billion in the U.K., while Malta hosted 24 film and TV projects in 2022 alone.
Major film and Hetv productions filmed across both countries include: Apple TV+’s “Napoleon,” Universal’s “Jurassic World: Dominion,” eOne/Participant Media/Focus Features’ “7 Days in Entebbe,” 20th Century Fox’s “Murder on the Orient Express” and HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”
The Bfc previously worked with the Malta Film Commission in the area of film and Hetv industry skills, connecting them with the UK skills infrastructure to share insights and expertise.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, during the inaugural Mediterrane Film Festival,...
The MoU is aimed at enhancing the collaboration between the U.K. and Malta screen industries, as well as facilitating film and high-end TV production (Hetv) between the two territories.
In 2022, inward investment production spend soared to $7.72 billion in the U.K., while Malta hosted 24 film and TV projects in 2022 alone.
Major film and Hetv productions filmed across both countries include: Apple TV+’s “Napoleon,” Universal’s “Jurassic World: Dominion,” eOne/Participant Media/Focus Features’ “7 Days in Entebbe,” 20th Century Fox’s “Murder on the Orient Express” and HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”
The Bfc previously worked with the Malta Film Commission in the area of film and Hetv industry skills, connecting them with the UK skills infrastructure to share insights and expertise.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, during the inaugural Mediterrane Film Festival,...
- 6/28/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
A film czar could represent all various indie interests to government, said Newell.
Mike Newell, the Bafta-winning director of films including Four Weddings And A Funeral and Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, has called for the appointment of a “UK film czar” to represent the independent film sector’s interests with government.
“You need people to make [the industry] cohere,” said Newell. “The whole trade at the moment has exploded into little inter-competing and not particularly friendly to one another [groups]. That person needs to be a czar, who needs to be able to massage all of these disparate interests.”
He...
Mike Newell, the Bafta-winning director of films including Four Weddings And A Funeral and Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, has called for the appointment of a “UK film czar” to represent the independent film sector’s interests with government.
“You need people to make [the industry] cohere,” said Newell. “The whole trade at the moment has exploded into little inter-competing and not particularly friendly to one another [groups]. That person needs to be a czar, who needs to be able to massage all of these disparate interests.”
He...
- 6/26/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
The Gird Project will reduce CO2 and air pollution by 100% as well as significantly reduce noise pollution.
Film London has launched the UK’s first renewable energy supplier The Grid Project for film and TV productions to use when shooting in London.
Currently a pilot scheme, The Grid Project will allow productions to access green energy via an electrical feeder pillar located at a key unit base in London’s Victoria Park. Use of the pillars will reduce CO2 and air pollution (from particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide) by 100% as well as significantly reducing noise pollution.
The project has already soft-launched,...
Film London has launched the UK’s first renewable energy supplier The Grid Project for film and TV productions to use when shooting in London.
Currently a pilot scheme, The Grid Project will allow productions to access green energy via an electrical feeder pillar located at a key unit base in London’s Victoria Park. Use of the pillars will reduce CO2 and air pollution (from particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide) by 100% as well as significantly reducing noise pollution.
The project has already soft-launched,...
- 6/13/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
The downturn is mainly in high-end TV, with UK studios expecting US studio tentpoles to keep on rolling.
Alarm is mounting about the impact on production in the UK and Northern Ireland of the ongoing Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) strike and the threat of industrial action by US actors’ union SAG-AFTRA.
The sector has been rocked by the halt in production at Amazon Studios’ Blade Runner 2099 series which was prepping at Belfast Harbour Studios. It is unlikely to resume production until 2024.
UK suppliers and service companies have told Screen that they are already being affected by the strikes and facing a quiet summer.
Alarm is mounting about the impact on production in the UK and Northern Ireland of the ongoing Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) strike and the threat of industrial action by US actors’ union SAG-AFTRA.
The sector has been rocked by the halt in production at Amazon Studios’ Blade Runner 2099 series which was prepping at Belfast Harbour Studios. It is unlikely to resume production until 2024.
UK suppliers and service companies have told Screen that they are already being affected by the strikes and facing a quiet summer.
- 5/26/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Adrian Wootton, CEO of Film London and the British Film Commission, will preside over the jury of the Malta Film Commission’s inaugural Mediterrane Film Festival celebrating movies from the Mediterranean Basin.
The fest, which will take place in Valletta, Malta’s capital, and other locations on the island between June 25-30, will showcase films from each of the MED9 nations, an alliance of nine Mediterranean and Southern European Union member states. It comprises: Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.
Besides Wotton the other jury members are “Triangle Of Sadness” actor Zlatko Burić; Cypriot filmmaker Tonia Mishiali; French actor and director Vahina Giocante; Greek producer Amanda Livanou; Italian journalist Boris Sollazzo; Maltese critic Mario Azzopardi; Portuguese journalist and programmer José Vieira Mendes; Slovenian journalist Tina Poglajen; and Spanish programmer Carlos Reviriego.
Alice Diop’s prize-winning Venice 2022 title “Saint Omer” (pictured); Carla Simon’s Berlin Golden Bear...
The fest, which will take place in Valletta, Malta’s capital, and other locations on the island between June 25-30, will showcase films from each of the MED9 nations, an alliance of nine Mediterranean and Southern European Union member states. It comprises: Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.
Besides Wotton the other jury members are “Triangle Of Sadness” actor Zlatko Burić; Cypriot filmmaker Tonia Mishiali; French actor and director Vahina Giocante; Greek producer Amanda Livanou; Italian journalist Boris Sollazzo; Maltese critic Mario Azzopardi; Portuguese journalist and programmer José Vieira Mendes; Slovenian journalist Tina Poglajen; and Spanish programmer Carlos Reviriego.
Alice Diop’s prize-winning Venice 2022 title “Saint Omer” (pictured); Carla Simon’s Berlin Golden Bear...
- 5/21/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Bays was speaking alongside BFI exec Ama Ampadu, following allegations that the organisation has failed to address systemic racism.
Mia Bays, director of the BFI (British Film Institute) Filmmaking Fund, used a panel at The New Black Film Collective Xpo event in London this week to underline the BFI’s commitment to diversity, following allegations from filmmakers of colour that the organisation has failed to address systemic racism.
“The team I’m part of and the executive I’m part of are committed to being an anti-racist organisation. There’s been a lot of change that hasn’t been reported,...
Mia Bays, director of the BFI (British Film Institute) Filmmaking Fund, used a panel at The New Black Film Collective Xpo event in London this week to underline the BFI’s commitment to diversity, following allegations from filmmakers of colour that the organisation has failed to address systemic racism.
“The team I’m part of and the executive I’m part of are committed to being an anti-racist organisation. There’s been a lot of change that hasn’t been reported,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The change will come into effect from January 1 2024.
The UK is to reform its film and TV tax reliefs, introducing new expenditure credits with a headline rate of 34% for films and high-end TV programmes and 39% for animations and children’s TV programmes, the government has clarified.
The reform will change the way relief is calculated.
The expenditure credits will be calculated directly from qualifying expenditure instead of being an adjustment to the company’s taxable profit as under the existing regime.
Known as the Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (Avec), the new system will be modelled on government’s existing Research and Development Expenditure Credits.
The UK is to reform its film and TV tax reliefs, introducing new expenditure credits with a headline rate of 34% for films and high-end TV programmes and 39% for animations and children’s TV programmes, the government has clarified.
The reform will change the way relief is calculated.
The expenditure credits will be calculated directly from qualifying expenditure instead of being an adjustment to the company’s taxable profit as under the existing regime.
Known as the Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (Avec), the new system will be modelled on government’s existing Research and Development Expenditure Credits.
- 3/15/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
The U.K.’s British Film Commission and Film in Austria, the national film commission for Austria, have struck a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) paving the way for more film and high-end TV production between the two territories.
New film and TV production incentives were introduced in Austria last month, including Europe’s first “green” filming bonus. Meanwhile, in the U.K., statistics released in February revealed that investment into film and high-end television during 2022 reached a record height of £6.27 billion (7.72 billion).
Through the MoU, which will be signed in Berlin on Sunday, the Bfc and Film in Austria say they seeks to “encourage greater cultural, commercial and creative exchange between the U.K. and Austria whilst actively working together to foster opportunities to support inward investment film and high-end TV production in both countries.”
Productions previously filmed across both jurisdictions include “The Witcher” (Netflix), “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation” (Paramount...
New film and TV production incentives were introduced in Austria last month, including Europe’s first “green” filming bonus. Meanwhile, in the U.K., statistics released in February revealed that investment into film and high-end television during 2022 reached a record height of £6.27 billion (7.72 billion).
Through the MoU, which will be signed in Berlin on Sunday, the Bfc and Film in Austria say they seeks to “encourage greater cultural, commercial and creative exchange between the U.K. and Austria whilst actively working together to foster opportunities to support inward investment film and high-end TV production in both countries.”
Productions previously filmed across both jurisdictions include “The Witcher” (Netflix), “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation” (Paramount...
- 2/18/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Inward investment on film and Hetv production up 5.7 to £5.4bn.
A record £6.3bn was spent on film and high-end television (Hetv) production in the UK in 2022, up 11.1 on 2021; but spend on independent UK filmmaking dropped by 31 year on year.
According to figures published today (February 2) by the BFI’s Research and Statistics Unit, film and high-end production was up £1.8bn on 2019, the last full pre-pandemic year.
However, spend on independent UK filmmaking dropped to £173.6m, representing only 9 of the total spend.
Inward investment films and Hetv delivered a record £5.4bn, representing 86 of the combined production spend. In 2021 the spend was £5.1bn.
A record £6.3bn was spent on film and high-end television (Hetv) production in the UK in 2022, up 11.1 on 2021; but spend on independent UK filmmaking dropped by 31 year on year.
According to figures published today (February 2) by the BFI’s Research and Statistics Unit, film and high-end production was up £1.8bn on 2019, the last full pre-pandemic year.
However, spend on independent UK filmmaking dropped to £173.6m, representing only 9 of the total spend.
Inward investment films and Hetv delivered a record £5.4bn, representing 86 of the combined production spend. In 2021 the spend was £5.1bn.
- 2/2/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Inward investment into film and high-end television (Hetv) in the U.K. during 2022 reached a record height of £6.27 billion (7.72 billion), statistics from the BFI reveal.
This is the highest ever reported figure and is £1.83 billion higher than for the pre-pandemic year 2019.
Some 69 of the £6.27 billion spend was contributed by Hetv production with £4.30 billion, with feature film production contributing £1.97 billion.
However, spend on independent U.K. filmmaking showed a downturn with £174 million, a 31 decrease on 2021. On the other hand, coproductions with independent producers saw a 3 increase in spend with £59 million.
Of the total £4.29 billion Hetv production spend: inward investment shows contributed £3.62 billion (84 of total Hetv spend and a 3 decrease on 2022); domestic U.K. shows accounted for £632.7 million (15 of total Hetv spend and a 4 decrease on 2021) ; and coproduction spend was £36.5 million (less than 1 of total spend but a near three-fold increase on 2022).
Of the total £1.97 billion spend on film production: inward investment...
This is the highest ever reported figure and is £1.83 billion higher than for the pre-pandemic year 2019.
Some 69 of the £6.27 billion spend was contributed by Hetv production with £4.30 billion, with feature film production contributing £1.97 billion.
However, spend on independent U.K. filmmaking showed a downturn with £174 million, a 31 decrease on 2021. On the other hand, coproductions with independent producers saw a 3 increase in spend with £59 million.
Of the total £4.29 billion Hetv production spend: inward investment shows contributed £3.62 billion (84 of total Hetv spend and a 3 decrease on 2022); domestic U.K. shows accounted for £632.7 million (15 of total Hetv spend and a 4 decrease on 2021) ; and coproduction spend was £36.5 million (less than 1 of total spend but a near three-fold increase on 2022).
Of the total £1.97 billion spend on film production: inward investment...
- 2/2/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Facilities such as Leavesden, Pinewood and Shepperton face an initial 30 hike in property taxes from April onward.
Adrian Wootton, chief executive of the British Film Commission, has expressed concerns about planned rises in business rates at English and Welsh film studios that may impact the amount of international production and inward investment flowing into the UK.
According to the Financial Times, the big studio facilities including Leavesden, Pinewood and Shepperton, are facing an initial 30 hike in property taxes from April onward and further increases in coming years. This follows the UK government’s Valuation Office Agency’s [Voa] most recent...
Adrian Wootton, chief executive of the British Film Commission, has expressed concerns about planned rises in business rates at English and Welsh film studios that may impact the amount of international production and inward investment flowing into the UK.
According to the Financial Times, the big studio facilities including Leavesden, Pinewood and Shepperton, are facing an initial 30 hike in property taxes from April onward and further increases in coming years. This follows the UK government’s Valuation Office Agency’s [Voa] most recent...
- 1/13/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
The BFI has announced full details of its major celebration of one of the most influential filmmakers of all time, Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998), taking place across the UK during January and February 2023. Kurosawa, a two-month complete retrospective of 30 feature films at BFI Southbank, in partnership with the Japan Foundation, co-curated by film director Asif Kapadia and film author Ian Haydn Smith, launches on 1 January continuing until 28 February. On 6 January, BFI Distribution re-releases Kurosawa’s ground-breaking Rashomon (1950) in cinemas UK-wide; the film will also be available to watch on BFI Player. There will be a rare and one-off opportunity on 28 January to see masterpiece Seven Samurai (1954) on the biggest screen in the UK (65 feet high) at the newly refurbished BFI IMAX. A collection of 15 of the director’s films will be available on BFI Player subscription to enable UK-wide audiences to fully immerse themselves in Kurosawa’s world.
Kagemusha
Kurosawa curators...
Kagemusha
Kurosawa curators...
- 11/29/2022
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
British and Norwegian film commissions sign filming MoU.
The British Film Commission (Bfc) and the Norwegian Film Commission (NFC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration between the UK and Norwegian screen industries and to make filming easier between the two countries.
Recent film and high-end TV productions filmed across both countries include Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, No Time To Die, Black Widow, Tenet, The Postcard Killings and The Innocents.
The Mou aims to encourage greater cultural, commercial and creative exchange between the UK and Norway and to foster opportunities to support inward investment film and...
The British Film Commission (Bfc) and the Norwegian Film Commission (NFC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration between the UK and Norwegian screen industries and to make filming easier between the two countries.
Recent film and high-end TV productions filmed across both countries include Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, No Time To Die, Black Widow, Tenet, The Postcard Killings and The Innocents.
The Mou aims to encourage greater cultural, commercial and creative exchange between the UK and Norway and to foster opportunities to support inward investment film and...
- 11/2/2022
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Film industries from the U.K. and Norway are forging closer ties in an effort to jointly lure a greater number of high-end film productions to shoot in tandem in both countries.
The British Film Commission (Bfc) and the Norwegian Film Commission (NFC) on Wed. announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding “to seek to encourage greater cultural, commercial and creative exchange” while also “actively working together to foster opportunities to support inward investment film and high-end TV production in both countries,” they said in a statement.
The pact, signed in Oslo by trade reps from both countries, underlines their commitment to “facilitating a frictionless and film-friendly service which supports productions” working in both territories, it added.
The U.K. and Norway are both prominent production hubs for high-end film and TV productions thanks to a combination of tax incentives, skilled local crews, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a wide range of unique and iconic locations.
The British Film Commission (Bfc) and the Norwegian Film Commission (NFC) on Wed. announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding “to seek to encourage greater cultural, commercial and creative exchange” while also “actively working together to foster opportunities to support inward investment film and high-end TV production in both countries,” they said in a statement.
The pact, signed in Oslo by trade reps from both countries, underlines their commitment to “facilitating a frictionless and film-friendly service which supports productions” working in both territories, it added.
The U.K. and Norway are both prominent production hubs for high-end film and TV productions thanks to a combination of tax incentives, skilled local crews, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a wide range of unique and iconic locations.
- 11/2/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
BFI CEO Ben Roberts will discuss the BFI Screen Culture 2033
BFI’s chief executive Ben Roberts will be the keynote speaker at Film London’s Production FinanceMarket (Pfm) which runs as part of the BFI London Film Festival.
The two-day financing event takes places October 11 – 12 and will be hosted in person for the first time in two years.
Roberts will be joined by Film London’s Adrian Wootton to discuss BFI’s recently launched 10-year funding plan, Screen Culture 2033.
This will be followed by a UK Global Screen Fund panel. Denitsa Yordanova, head of UK Global Screen Fund, and producer...
BFI’s chief executive Ben Roberts will be the keynote speaker at Film London’s Production FinanceMarket (Pfm) which runs as part of the BFI London Film Festival.
The two-day financing event takes places October 11 – 12 and will be hosted in person for the first time in two years.
Roberts will be joined by Film London’s Adrian Wootton to discuss BFI’s recently launched 10-year funding plan, Screen Culture 2033.
This will be followed by a UK Global Screen Fund panel. Denitsa Yordanova, head of UK Global Screen Fund, and producer...
- 10/4/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Outperforming global figures, but challenges remain after slow summer.
UK-Ireland box office takings will top £1bn by the end of 2022, according to Lucy Jones, executive director at research and analytics firm Comscore Movies.
Quoting figures provided by Gower Street Analytics, Jones said the UK-Ireland total is predicted to end the year about 25 down on pre-pandemic figures, when it topped £1.3bn for three consecutive years from 2017-2019.
This marks an improvement from the start of the year, when box office was tracking 40 down on pre-pandemic levels. Eighteen films have topped £10m this year to date, with 11 passing £20m.
The 25 figure does...
UK-Ireland box office takings will top £1bn by the end of 2022, according to Lucy Jones, executive director at research and analytics firm Comscore Movies.
Quoting figures provided by Gower Street Analytics, Jones said the UK-Ireland total is predicted to end the year about 25 down on pre-pandemic figures, when it topped £1.3bn for three consecutive years from 2017-2019.
This marks an improvement from the start of the year, when box office was tracking 40 down on pre-pandemic levels. Eighteen films have topped £10m this year to date, with 11 passing £20m.
The 25 figure does...
- 9/22/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
25 distributors are expected to attend the two-day event at London’s Picturehouse Central.
British Film Institute (BFI) Distribution, Studiocanal and Disney are among the comapnies attending the UK’s Distributor Slate Days, a networking event for film distributors and exhibitors.
Taking place at London’s Picturehouse Central on September 21-22, the event is organsied by the BFI Film Audience Network (Fan) and delivered by Film Hub London and Film Hub Scotland.
There will be 25 distributors attending, including 606 Distribution, Bulldog Film Distribution, Dartmouth Films, Guerilla Films, Independent Cinema Office, Modern Films Entertainment, Munro Films, Parkland Entertainment, Republic Film Distribution, Signature Entertainment,...
British Film Institute (BFI) Distribution, Studiocanal and Disney are among the comapnies attending the UK’s Distributor Slate Days, a networking event for film distributors and exhibitors.
Taking place at London’s Picturehouse Central on September 21-22, the event is organsied by the BFI Film Audience Network (Fan) and delivered by Film Hub London and Film Hub Scotland.
There will be 25 distributors attending, including 606 Distribution, Bulldog Film Distribution, Dartmouth Films, Guerilla Films, Independent Cinema Office, Modern Films Entertainment, Munro Films, Parkland Entertainment, Republic Film Distribution, Signature Entertainment,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Critical crew shortages caused by the ongoing U.K. production boom can be alleviated by an industry-led investment approach, a study published by the British Film Institute (BFI) recommends.
Film and high-end television production spend in the U.K. reached over 7.65 billion in 2021 and is forecast to hit 9.3 billion by 2025. A skills review commissioned by the U.K. Department of Digital, Media, Culture and Sport and executed by the BFI found that the boom is leading to increasing crew shortages at all levels, which are beginning to negatively impact the industry and contribute to highly stressed workplaces. The consequent production budget rises are affecting the independent sector most acutely, the review found.
U.K. production will require up to 20,770 additional full-time employees by 2025, needing an overall training investment of over £104 million (128 million) a year, a figure which is approximately 1.4 of the projected level of production spend that year.
To meet the eye-watering demand,...
Film and high-end television production spend in the U.K. reached over 7.65 billion in 2021 and is forecast to hit 9.3 billion by 2025. A skills review commissioned by the U.K. Department of Digital, Media, Culture and Sport and executed by the BFI found that the boom is leading to increasing crew shortages at all levels, which are beginning to negatively impact the industry and contribute to highly stressed workplaces. The consequent production budget rises are affecting the independent sector most acutely, the review found.
U.K. production will require up to 20,770 additional full-time employees by 2025, needing an overall training investment of over £104 million (128 million) a year, a figure which is approximately 1.4 of the projected level of production spend that year.
To meet the eye-watering demand,...
- 6/28/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Speeches from Screen’s Matt Mueller, Bfc’s Adrian Wootton, Sargent Disc’s Laurence Sargent.
Screen International, the British Film Commission held a UK Cannes reception on May 23, on the beach at the Gray d’Albion.
The event was sponsored by the British Film Commission and Sargent Disc.
Take a look at a selection of photos from the evening above.
Screen International, the British Film Commission held a UK Cannes reception on May 23, on the beach at the Gray d’Albion.
The event was sponsored by the British Film Commission and Sargent Disc.
Take a look at a selection of photos from the evening above.
- 5/26/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Speeches from Screen’s Matt Mueller, Bfc/Film London’s Adrian Wootton, Sargent Disc’s Laurence Sargent.
Screen International, the British Film Commission and Film London held a UK Cannes reception on May 23, on the beach at the Gray d’Albion.
The event was sponsored by the British Film Commission and Sargent Disc.
Take a look at a selection of photos from the evening above.
Screen International, the British Film Commission and Film London held a UK Cannes reception on May 23, on the beach at the Gray d’Albion.
The event was sponsored by the British Film Commission and Sargent Disc.
Take a look at a selection of photos from the evening above.
- 5/26/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Denitsa Yordanova and Adrian Wootton will be chairing panels.
Cannes’ UK Pavilion draws to a close with panels focused on the Global Screen Fund on Monday, and collaborating across borders on Tuesday.
‘Co-producing with the UK – meet the UK Global Screen Fund’ (11:00-12:00) will be moderated by Denitsa Yordanova, head of the UK Global Screen Fund, BFI, and will feature Sigrid Dyekjaer, Red Lava; Lizzie Gillett, Passion Pictures; Sonja Henrici, Sonja Henrici Creates; Shantelle Rochester, Ida Rose; Eva Weber, Mountainfilm; and Jackie Motsepe, CEO KwaZulu-Natal Film.
Yordanova said: “The UK Global Screen Fund, launched last year, provides targeted...
Cannes’ UK Pavilion draws to a close with panels focused on the Global Screen Fund on Monday, and collaborating across borders on Tuesday.
‘Co-producing with the UK – meet the UK Global Screen Fund’ (11:00-12:00) will be moderated by Denitsa Yordanova, head of the UK Global Screen Fund, BFI, and will feature Sigrid Dyekjaer, Red Lava; Lizzie Gillett, Passion Pictures; Sonja Henrici, Sonja Henrici Creates; Shantelle Rochester, Ida Rose; Eva Weber, Mountainfilm; and Jackie Motsepe, CEO KwaZulu-Natal Film.
Yordanova said: “The UK Global Screen Fund, launched last year, provides targeted...
- 5/22/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Denitsa Yordanova and Adrian Wootton will be chairing panels.
Cannes’ UK Pavilion draws to a close with panels focused on the Global Screen Fund on Monday, and collaborating across borders on Tuesday.
‘Co-producing with the UK – meet the UK Global Screen Fund’ (11:00-12:00) will be moderated by Denitsa Yordanova, head of the UK Global Screen Fund, BFI, and will feature Sigrid Dyekjaer, Red Lava; Lizzie Gillett, Passion Pictures; Sonja Henrici, Sonja Henrici Creates; Shantelle Rochester, Ida Rose; Eva Weber, Mountainfilm; and Jackie Motsepe, CEO KwaZulu-Natal Film.
Yordanova said: “The UK Global Screen Fund, launched last year, provides targeted...
Cannes’ UK Pavilion draws to a close with panels focused on the Global Screen Fund on Monday, and collaborating across borders on Tuesday.
‘Co-producing with the UK – meet the UK Global Screen Fund’ (11:00-12:00) will be moderated by Denitsa Yordanova, head of the UK Global Screen Fund, BFI, and will feature Sigrid Dyekjaer, Red Lava; Lizzie Gillett, Passion Pictures; Sonja Henrici, Sonja Henrici Creates; Shantelle Rochester, Ida Rose; Eva Weber, Mountainfilm; and Jackie Motsepe, CEO KwaZulu-Natal Film.
Yordanova said: “The UK Global Screen Fund, launched last year, provides targeted...
- 5/22/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The British Film Commission (Bfc) and the Italian Film Commissions (IFC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that seeks to facilitate high-end film and TV production collaboration between the two countries.
The idea is to boost opportunities and incentives for big productions shot in both territories, such as Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” which was filmed in the U.K. and Sardinia, Universal’s “No Time To Die” and the upcoming live-action “Pinocchio” directed by Robert Zemeckis for Disney+.
The agreement, which was signed in Cannes, will also strengthen the rapport between the network of regional organizations and partners in both territories, with which both commissions already work so closely.
“We are thrilled to build upon our excellent relationship with the Italian Film Commissions through this friendship agreement,” said Bfc chief Adrian Wootton in statement. He noted that “globally, we’ve seen a huge increase in the amount of film...
The idea is to boost opportunities and incentives for big productions shot in both territories, such as Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” which was filmed in the U.K. and Sardinia, Universal’s “No Time To Die” and the upcoming live-action “Pinocchio” directed by Robert Zemeckis for Disney+.
The agreement, which was signed in Cannes, will also strengthen the rapport between the network of regional organizations and partners in both territories, with which both commissions already work so closely.
“We are thrilled to build upon our excellent relationship with the Italian Film Commissions through this friendship agreement,” said Bfc chief Adrian Wootton in statement. He noted that “globally, we’ve seen a huge increase in the amount of film...
- 5/20/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal’s Below-the-Line Traineeship.
Young Londoners from underrepresented communities will work behind the camera on high-end productions like Universal’s Wicked and Fast X under the auspices of NBCUniversal’s Below-the-Line Traineeship.
The initiative announced on Thursday (May 12) is part of The Mayor of London, Film London and NBCUniversal’s joint commitment to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion within film production and supporting careers within the creative industries.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan joined Universal Filmed Entertainment Group chairman Donna Langley and Film London chief executive Adrian Wootton at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles on his four-day US trip...
Young Londoners from underrepresented communities will work behind the camera on high-end productions like Universal’s Wicked and Fast X under the auspices of NBCUniversal’s Below-the-Line Traineeship.
The initiative announced on Thursday (May 12) is part of The Mayor of London, Film London and NBCUniversal’s joint commitment to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion within film production and supporting careers within the creative industries.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan joined Universal Filmed Entertainment Group chairman Donna Langley and Film London chief executive Adrian Wootton at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles on his four-day US trip...
- 5/13/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Rules around testing, catering, social distancing and Covid-19 supervisors are changed.
The British Film Commission has revised its Covid-19 production protocols for film and high-end TV drama, removing the need for many of the stringent measures that were required on set during the pandemic.
The new guidelines, drafted in consultation with the industry, reflect the UK government’s Living With Covid-19 plan, which has scrapped any remaining legal restrictions around the pandemic.
However, the Bfc recommends that productions should still adopt a number of Covid-19 safe shooting protocols, and that they should use its revised guidance to “consider specific risks...
The British Film Commission has revised its Covid-19 production protocols for film and high-end TV drama, removing the need for many of the stringent measures that were required on set during the pandemic.
The new guidelines, drafted in consultation with the industry, reflect the UK government’s Living With Covid-19 plan, which has scrapped any remaining legal restrictions around the pandemic.
However, the Bfc recommends that productions should still adopt a number of Covid-19 safe shooting protocols, and that they should use its revised guidance to “consider specific risks...
- 5/6/2022
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Rules around testing, catering, social distancing and Covid-19 supervisors are changed.
The British Film Commission has revised its Covid-19 production protocols for film and high-end TV drama, removing the need for many of the stringent measures that were required on set during the pandemic.
The new guidelines, drafted in consultation with the industry, reflect the UK government’s Living With Covid-19 plan, which has scrapped any remaining legal restrictions around the pandemic.
However, the Bfc recommends that productions should still adopt a number of Covid-19 safe shooting protocols, and that they should use its revised guidance to “consider specific risks...
The British Film Commission has revised its Covid-19 production protocols for film and high-end TV drama, removing the need for many of the stringent measures that were required on set during the pandemic.
The new guidelines, drafted in consultation with the industry, reflect the UK government’s Living With Covid-19 plan, which has scrapped any remaining legal restrictions around the pandemic.
However, the Bfc recommends that productions should still adopt a number of Covid-19 safe shooting protocols, and that they should use its revised guidance to “consider specific risks...
- 5/6/2022
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
The British Film Commission (Bfc) has issued new guidance on Covid production protocols and no doubt the U.K. screen industry will breathe a sigh of relief.
The overhauled guidance, which was drafted in consultation with the industry and is based on the U.K. government’s “Living with Covid-19” published strategy, has done away with the stipulations for Covid supervisors, social distancing, perspex screens and intensive cleaning as well as lifting the ban on craft service buffets.
However, the updated guidance still recommends a number of Covid-safe practices, including the voluntary implementation of a Covid testing program, provision of hygiene facilities such as hand-washing stations and sanitizer, a daily symptom check for the entire production and a symptom response plan. “Be aware that the whole production may be halted for group testing if a person who has wide contact with cast and crew tests positive for Covid-19,” the guidance still warns.
The overhauled guidance, which was drafted in consultation with the industry and is based on the U.K. government’s “Living with Covid-19” published strategy, has done away with the stipulations for Covid supervisors, social distancing, perspex screens and intensive cleaning as well as lifting the ban on craft service buffets.
However, the updated guidance still recommends a number of Covid-safe practices, including the voluntary implementation of a Covid testing program, provision of hygiene facilities such as hand-washing stations and sanitizer, a daily symptom check for the entire production and a symptom response plan. “Be aware that the whole production may be halted for group testing if a person who has wide contact with cast and crew tests positive for Covid-19,” the guidance still warns.
- 5/6/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Pinewood Studios has amended its planning application for Screen Hub U.K., a 77-acre site on Pinewood’s Buckinghamshire lot that will include film production facilities, a training and skills hub, business growth hub, green campus and film-inspired international visitor attraction.
According to Pinewood, they are preparing to amend the planning application to provide more studio space and make the building of the visitor attraction optional rather than guaranteed. Plans for the training and business hub, which is called Centre Stage, will remain the same.
Pinewood also intend to include a related application for a backlot open-air filming space which will include workshop buildings, landscaping and parking as well as a publicly-accessible nature reserve on an area of Alderbourne Farm, which is owned by the group.
“We have listened to the feedback regarding development at Pinewood Studios and the need for further studio space,” said Pinewood Studios chairman Paul Golding.
According to Pinewood, they are preparing to amend the planning application to provide more studio space and make the building of the visitor attraction optional rather than guaranteed. Plans for the training and business hub, which is called Centre Stage, will remain the same.
Pinewood also intend to include a related application for a backlot open-air filming space which will include workshop buildings, landscaping and parking as well as a publicly-accessible nature reserve on an area of Alderbourne Farm, which is owned by the group.
“We have listened to the feedback regarding development at Pinewood Studios and the need for further studio space,” said Pinewood Studios chairman Paul Golding.
- 4/22/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
“The real concern is around insurance,” said one producer.
UK independent film and TV producers are facing uncertainty ahead of the publication of updated Covid safety guidelines by the British Film Commission (Bfc) following the end of all legal Covid regulations in England as of today (February 24).
At the same time, an insurance broker is calling for a three-month extension to the government-backed Production Restart Scheme (Prs) until the end of July.
Screen understands the Bfc, which has worked throughout the pandemic to provide up-to-date guidelines on best on-set practice in line with government adjustments, is reconvening its industry-wide working...
UK independent film and TV producers are facing uncertainty ahead of the publication of updated Covid safety guidelines by the British Film Commission (Bfc) following the end of all legal Covid regulations in England as of today (February 24).
At the same time, an insurance broker is calling for a three-month extension to the government-backed Production Restart Scheme (Prs) until the end of July.
Screen understands the Bfc, which has worked throughout the pandemic to provide up-to-date guidelines on best on-set practice in line with government adjustments, is reconvening its industry-wide working...
- 2/24/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
While the U.K. is set to shed the last of its pandemic restrictions — including the requirement to self-isolate if testing positive for Covid-19 — the film and TV industry will continue to abide by Covid protocols for now, Variety has confirmed.
Part of the reason for this is because the end to pandemic restrictions will not be universally implemented across all four nations of the U.K. While the rules on self-isolation lift in England and Northern Ireland from Thursday (Feb. 24), in Scotland and Wales it remains enshrined in law that anyone testing positive for Covid-19 must self-isolate.
The British Film Commission (Bfc) says that while it plans to update its “Working Safely During Covid-19 in Film and High-end TV Drama Production” from Thursday to incorporate the changes to self-isolation rules, it will include the government’s guidance that anyone testing positive in England and Northern Ireland is still “advised” to self-isolate,...
Part of the reason for this is because the end to pandemic restrictions will not be universally implemented across all four nations of the U.K. While the rules on self-isolation lift in England and Northern Ireland from Thursday (Feb. 24), in Scotland and Wales it remains enshrined in law that anyone testing positive for Covid-19 must self-isolate.
The British Film Commission (Bfc) says that while it plans to update its “Working Safely During Covid-19 in Film and High-end TV Drama Production” from Thursday to incorporate the changes to self-isolation rules, it will include the government’s guidance that anyone testing positive in England and Northern Ireland is still “advised” to self-isolate,...
- 2/23/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The UK film and TV industry’s stringent Covid-19 protocols are to be relaxed in line with Boris Johnson’s Living With Covid plan, which will see an end to virtually all mandated restrictions.
Adrian Wootton, CEO of The British Film Commission (Bfc), which governs the protocols for film and high-end TV, told Deadline a consultation will take place in due course in relation to his organization’s Working Safely During Covid-19 in Film and High-end TV Drama Production guidance.
This guidance, which isn’t legally binding but acts as a framework, sets out best practice in areas such as travel, mask-wearing, equipment and first aid.
Meanwhile, Deadline understands consultation is underway on an eighth version of the wider TV sector’s pan-industry guidelines, which governs other genres such as entertainment, comedy and reality.
Both sets of guidelines will likely be updated to take into account broader societal changes...
Adrian Wootton, CEO of The British Film Commission (Bfc), which governs the protocols for film and high-end TV, told Deadline a consultation will take place in due course in relation to his organization’s Working Safely During Covid-19 in Film and High-end TV Drama Production guidance.
This guidance, which isn’t legally binding but acts as a framework, sets out best practice in areas such as travel, mask-wearing, equipment and first aid.
Meanwhile, Deadline understands consultation is underway on an eighth version of the wider TV sector’s pan-industry guidelines, which governs other genres such as entertainment, comedy and reality.
Both sets of guidelines will likely be updated to take into account broader societal changes...
- 2/23/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Left Bank Pictures’ CEO Andy Harries will take over as the new chair of the Film London Executive Task Force this month.
Harries, whose company produces “The Crown” among other high-end dramas, succeeds the inaugural chair, Lord David Puttnam, who has been in the role since 2004.
Harries established Left Bank Pictures in 2007; Sony Pictures Television acquired the company in 2012.
The Film London Executive Task Force is comprised of stakeholders from both the screen industry, including Netflix, Channel 4 and The Production Guild, and the public sector, such as the Metropoliton Police. Its aim is to ensure London remains a desirable place to shoot – with all the economic benefits that offers – while delivering minimum disruption for residents and local businesses.
Some of the issues the task force deals with include traffic management, code of practice, permissions and fees, data collection and communication.
During Lord Puttnam’s tenure, the task force introduced...
Harries, whose company produces “The Crown” among other high-end dramas, succeeds the inaugural chair, Lord David Puttnam, who has been in the role since 2004.
Harries established Left Bank Pictures in 2007; Sony Pictures Television acquired the company in 2012.
The Film London Executive Task Force is comprised of stakeholders from both the screen industry, including Netflix, Channel 4 and The Production Guild, and the public sector, such as the Metropoliton Police. Its aim is to ensure London remains a desirable place to shoot – with all the economic benefits that offers – while delivering minimum disruption for residents and local businesses.
Some of the issues the task force deals with include traffic management, code of practice, permissions and fees, data collection and communication.
During Lord Puttnam’s tenure, the task force introduced...
- 2/14/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
In cheering news for the British entertainment business, film and high-end television production spend in the U.K. reached over £5.64 billion ($7.65 billion) in 2021, £1.27 billion higher than in the pre-pandemic year 2019.
Official figures published on Friday by the BFI’s Research and Statistics Unit reveal that film production reached £1.55 billion, 3% up on 2020, while high-end TV production soared to £4.09 billion, nearly double pre-pandemic 2019 levels. The latter figure includes includes £737 million from films made for streaming platforms, spread over 36 single domestic U.K. and inward investment productions.
Inward investment and co-production films and high-end TV shows accounted for £4.77 billion, or 84% of the production spend. Of this, high-end TV accounted for £3.44 billion, or 72% of the combined total spend and feature films contributed £1.33 billion, or 28% of the spend. Inward investment film spend of £1.27 billion is 4% down on 2020, but the report notes that several films started production in 2020 continued in 2021 and their spend is accounted for in the 2020 statistics.
Official figures published on Friday by the BFI’s Research and Statistics Unit reveal that film production reached £1.55 billion, 3% up on 2020, while high-end TV production soared to £4.09 billion, nearly double pre-pandemic 2019 levels. The latter figure includes includes £737 million from films made for streaming platforms, spread over 36 single domestic U.K. and inward investment productions.
Inward investment and co-production films and high-end TV shows accounted for £4.77 billion, or 84% of the production spend. Of this, high-end TV accounted for £3.44 billion, or 72% of the combined total spend and feature films contributed £1.33 billion, or 28% of the spend. Inward investment film spend of £1.27 billion is 4% down on 2020, but the report notes that several films started production in 2020 continued in 2021 and their spend is accounted for in the 2020 statistics.
- 2/4/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
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