British Prime Minister David Cameron has told British filmmakers that they need to “aim higher”. While this story may be more important and relevant on the other side of the pond, it’s a worrying development. It’s only natural for film and politics to mix sometimes, especially with the world of politics providing the source material for some of cinemas greatest films. However, when politicians start commenting on the films their country is producing, it’s unwelcome and possibly harmful. The British Prime Minster was speaking ahead of a planned trip to Pinewood Studios, the legendary London based home of some of cinemas greatest characters from James Bond to Harry Potter.
"Our role, and that of the BFI, should be to support the sector in becoming even more dynamic and entrepreneurial, helping UK producers to make commercially successful pictures that rival the quality and impact of the best international productions.”
"Just as the British Film Commission has played a crucial role in attracting the biggest and best international studios to produce their films here, so we must incentivise UK producers to chase new markets both here and overseas."
Famed British director Ken Loach, responsible for some of Britain’s best movies for the last few decades spoke to BBC Breakfast on Cameron’s comments:
"This is a travesty. If everybody knew what would be successful before it was made, there would be no problem,"
"What you have to do is fund a lot of different, varied projects and then some will be successful, some will be original, some will be creative, and you will get a very vibrant industry."
"that this review signally will fail to challenge" was "the ongoing monopoly of multiplexes where you get a very narrow range of films".
In these times it’s understandable for all organisations to look at tightening their belts, the BFI included, but I think cinema would rather suffer a few duds than a constant conveyor belt of sequels and unimaginative big budget rubbish.
