Monday 16 January 2012

BSkyB and ITV respond to UK film investment criticism


Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter in The King’s Speech
Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter in The King’s Speech, produced by See-Saw Films
Both BSkyB and ITV have moved to flag up the amount of money they put into the UK's creative industries after a government-backed report said they should do more to invest in British film.
Lord Smith, chairman of the Film Policy Review Panel, singled out the two broadcasters for failing to do enough to support British films, and suggested the government could legislate to guarantee they spend more money on big-screen output.
A spokesman for ITV said: "ITV invests almost £1bn annually in programming on its channels, with the majority focussed on original UK-produced content from a broad range of suppliers.
"This significant investment in the British production sector helps support the UK's broader creative economy, with last night's Golden Globes win for Downton Abbey just one example of the vital role ITV1 plays in creating new drama successes and giving exposure to new writing, acting and production talent.
"ITV's channels also provide a valuable platform for a range of acquired film content from both UK and international producers."
Sky said it was already a significant investor in UK production, with a planned 50% increase in homegrown content to £600m by 2014.
"A healthy UK film sector is good for our customers and good for Sky. That's why we support efforts to increase investment in all UK content," said a spokesman for the satellite broadcaster.
"Our contribution to UK film reflects the distinctive position we hold in UK broadcasting. Unlike those public service broadcasters who receive public money for the purposes of investing in UK content, Sky needs a clear and sustainable commercial rationale to do so.
"With that in mind, the fact that home-grown content is so appealing to our customers explains why we are investing more money in the UK's creative economy than at any point in our history. It also explains why through our output deals we invest in the movies that matter most to our customers, which include many of those form the UK.
"We look forward to continuing our constructive discussions with government and UK content producers on how we can continue to make a valuable contribution."
Iain Canning, joint owner of The King's Speech producer See-Saw Films, said: "The recommendations put forward today look to build on the diversity and success of British film and continue to grow the UK's reputation as a leading creative and cultural centre.
"Success is hard to predict, and certainly The King's Speech was far from a 'sure thing' at the time of financing, but encouraging relationships between production houses and distributors, and focusing on talent – whether first time filmmakers or experienced ones – is the foundation of any successful creative industry."
Lord Puttnam, the outgoing deputy chairman of Channel 4 and president of the Film Distributors' Association, described the report as "smart, joined-up thinking which should stand audiences in good stead".
The Labour peer said: "Chris Smith and his Film Policy Review team have produced an important and well-rounded report at what is a critical time for the film industry, and we at the FDA very much welcome their recommendations for the future growth and development of UK film.
"While this success should be celebrated and built upon, the film business is risky, and there are no guarantees for distributors or the producers they are representing – hence the importance of a public film policy that emphasises and examines the conditions needed to nurture and stimulate growth for film.
"The audience is clearly at the heart of the review and we welcome the key strategic recommendation that the BFI should balance the needs of distribution with those of production when prioritising the investment of Lottery funding for initiatives such as the proposed Joint Venture Fund, and the R&D Fund for digital innovation."
Channel 4 said it welcomed the report, as did producers' trade body Pact, which said its proposals on film financing would "lead to a more economically sustainable independent sector which will be not only be able to attract some of the world's best talent but also new sources of investment".
Pact chief executive John McVay said: "Creating British businesses that can invest in British films benefits everyone – producers, writers, directors, actors and crews, and, ultimately, provides a richer, more diverse range of films for British audiences."
Source:http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/jan/16/bskyb-itv-uk-film-investment?newsfeed=true

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