18/10/2013 - Plan designed to help UK film achieve maximum economic growth and cultural reach in the global marketplace by 2017

The British Film Institute (BFI) has announced an international strategy to help UK film achieve maximum economic growth and cultural reach in the global marketplace by 2017. The BFI has pledged £1.5m funding for international strategy, to help drive UK economic growth and enhance the global reputation of UK film. This will begin with the BFI piloting a marketing and promotional support for US releases of selected UK films in 2014. China, Brazil and the US have been identified as priority territories for export, co-production and cultural exchange. The BFI is also increasing funding to support inward investment, film export and co-production and the BFI Film Fund has committed up to £1 million per annum for minority co-productions.

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BFI Head of International, Isabel Davis, said: “Film is a truly global business, and UK film is riding high on the world stage following a hugely successful outing for British films and filmmakers in the autumn festivals and with the UK’s world-class crews, talent, facilities, studios and infrastructure, coupled with our attractive film tax relief, continuing to entice film production from around the world. The aim of this strategy is to capitalise on that success and stimulate growth in the years ahead.”

Film Export UK Chair Peter Rogers said, “We are delighted that the BFI is listening to the sales sector. Many other countries are offering this kind of support for their productions in all foreign territories but making a start in the US makes perfect sense because it remains the catalyst for subsequent sales worldwide.”