What’s the news?
The UK Film Council is proposing to merge its Premiere, New Cinema and Development funds to create a £15m Film Production Fund, as part of major revision of the organisation, following a £25m funding reduction.
This consultation is the most significant revision of its activities since it was created in 2000. UK Film: Digital innovation and creative excellence sets out the policy and funding priorities for the next three years (April 2010 to March 2013).
What does this mean to film makers and the film industry in the North West?
There is a clear commitment for non-London originated production, and organisations will be able to make the most of the streamlined Production Fund, wherever they are in the UK.
What does this consultation mean for Vision+Media?
In order to cope with the change in funding, there will be a 20% reduction in funding to all the Regional Screen Agencies (including Vision+Media). It will of course mean cuts in provision currently funded by the UKFC. This is significant, and whilst a reduction in any of our funding sources is regrettable, we are funded from a variety of sources and will continue to support Film in the North West of England as much as we can, and at all possible levels.
How will Vision+Media be involved in the consultation?
We are gathering our own response and as part of that, held consultation meetings in Manchester and Liverpool in January. We have collated your feedback and will now communicate these points to the UK Film Council on behalf of the region’s film industry. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the meetings.
Points raised in:
Liverpool: 27 January 2010
- With regards to the six core activities outlined in the UKFC presentation, there is a concern as to where the crossover/experiential support is going to come from?
- In the UK Film: Digital Innovation and Creative Excellence document the UKFC promised to have a 25% minimum target for non London originated, it was questioned what is the definition of ‘originated’ and is that figure enough?
- On a positive note it was agreed that the three funds outlined in the presentation is a good idea and the non London quota is a good start.
- There was a shared concern about the Access to Film Strand, will there still be opportunities for newcomers to the industry?
- There needs to be an explanation/guidance for organisations such as FACT who will now need to apply for multiple pots of money and funds.
- General concern that as money reduces, the desire and ability to deliver film in the North West will reduce too? Can UKFC confirm its commitment to supporting film in the region?
Salford: 28 January 2010
- Again, with regards to ‘25% minimum target of non London originated production’ can UKFC define ‘originated’, and explain how the figure was reached? Why only 25%?
- Further explanation is required by UKFC and NWV+M with regards to new business models, distribution and funding - how will these be supported?
- There was a general concern at the lack of detail around the support UKFC can provide for distribution and exhibition.
- One of UKFC’s proposed priorities is ‘continued support for film distribution and audience-focused initiatives’. What will these ‘audience focused initiatives’ be?
- Clarification is needed on what is meant by the term ‘innovation’. People are concerned that this is in danger of being a blanket word without real meaning.
- What is UKFC’s commitment to Film Archive?
The Maud Mansfield report was referenced in the meetings - for more information on this, visit http://www.mansfieldwb.com/
