29/11/2002

Just five ago, London was a buzzing hub for deal-makers of high-profile commercial films and smaller art-house specialists, and well able to rival Los Angeles as a vital centre for the international sales of independent films. But with the turmoil in the world economy following 11/9, the collapse of the German Neuer Markt and uncertainties over pay-TV in Europe, the UK sales force – just like independent sales companies the world over - has lost a good deal of its self-confidence.
2002 was particularly tough on the health and morale of the whole British film industry with the closure of Film Four, Granada Films and Signpost Films. Cineuropa looks at the UK sales scene, and how numerous companies have had to adapt to a constantly changing marketplace for independent filmmaking.