19/03/2012 - Current Protagonist Pictures CEO to assume key new position

Ben Roberts (pictured) will be the new Director of the British Film Institute (BFI) Film Fund. Roberts is currently the CEO of Protagonist Pictures and in his 15 year career he has overseen several releases including Submarine [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Kill List [+see also:
trailer
interview: Ben Wheatley
film profile], Nativity, The Deep Blue Sea [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Terence Davies
film profile], Tyrannosaur [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Streetdance 3D and In The Loop [+see also:
trailer
film profile].

Roberts was previously VP Worldwide Acquisitions at Universal International Pictures and he ran the UK theatrical distribution and acquisition operations for UK distributor Metrodome. In his new role Roberts will oversee the UK’s biggest public film fund with a total annual budget of over £21M from the National Lottery.

BFI CEO Amanda Nevill said, “Ben Roberts’ commitment and enthusiasm for UK film is infectious and his track record in finding audiences for new British film voices is impressive. We look forward to working with him to help build further on the current success of British film at home and abroad.”

Roberts said, “This is a rare opportunity to make a difference in a really dynamic part of the film sector and I relish the chance to work across the industry, building on the successes of the last few years. This new role offers me the special opportunity to support talented British filmmakers in achieving their potential to make great and memorable films.”