With last week’s comments from David Cameron still ringing in the British Film industry’s ears, another peer of the realm has weighed in with his two pence worth. Lord Smith’s review has been published and we can expect Lord Smith to champion “as wide a range of films as possible, from the overtly commercial to the overtly arty and much in between."
The 56 page report recommends such measures as increased education in schools and providing projection equipment in depressed areas with no cinemas in the locality. Measure to tackle piracy as well as a proposed “British Film Week” to take place annually have also been suggested. Smith goes on to say that The Prime Minister "understands, just as we do, that there is a whole range of movies and types of movie that we are supporting. He is very clear on that” He added “We are not trying to dictate an artistic vision. We are trying to set in place a range of financial and legislative arrangements which will enable a broad range of movies to be made. We are not making a distinction in the review between something called mainstream and something called... something else." There are concerns of course about the distribution systems which can make viewing independent films very hard to see across many cinemas outside the capital. In Ireland we have a similar problem here regarding Art house and other independent films, so it will be interesting to see how it works in Britain. The independent review panel also took a swipe at Sky and ITV for not doing their bit to support British films.
"They are doing very little, and we believe they should be doing more," said Smith. "We have suggested the government sits down with each of the broadcasters to see if an agreement can be reached to ensure greater investment in and acquisition of British films. We have also suggested that if agreement turns out to be impossible it is something the government might turn its attention to in the Communications Act which is proposed for some time in the next year or two. We hope that won't be necessary and broadcasters would want to step up to the plate voluntarily."
Sky and ITV both disagree with the review and released their own statements regarding their participation and support of the industry, with Sky claiming it plans to increase investment to £600 million by 2014. ITV for their part have pointed out the success of Downton Abbey as proof of their support.
Shadow Culture Minister Dan Jarvis said, "The Government now needs to listen to Lord Smith’s review and create a climate in which our film industry can continue to flourish." Ed Vaizy, the Conservative Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, who commissioned the report, says the government will make a formal response in a few months time. Interesting times ahead that’s for sure, if a successful model for these proposals can be implemented, then the film Industry in Ireland will definitely monitor the situation with interest. To see further details of the full report click here.
