28/06/2007

Thirty-one British film companies have come together to launch a potentially powerful lobbying body in the UK. The new trade association Film Export UK has been formed to look after the interests of firms that have international sales businesses in the UK. Announcing this at a House of Lords reception, Ralph Kamp of Odyssey Entertainment, the Chair of the association said, “We believe that we are at a crucial moment in our industry’s history and the UK sales companies have joined together at this time to ensure the future success and well-being of the UK film business. I would like to thank the international distributors present for their support over the years.”

The Film Export UK roster includes companies like Capitol Films , Content Film International , Channel 4 International, Ealing Studios, Focus Features International, Fortissimo Films, Dreamachine,Pathé Pictures International and The Works International amongst others. Charlie Bloye who was the key person in the membership drive initiative is the Chief Executive of the association while the board is made up of Kamp, Hilary Davis (Bankside Films), Samantha Horley (Lumina Films), Nicole Mackey (Fortissimo Films UK) and Mark Vennis (Moviehouse Entertainment).

The association aims to be a unified industry voice for sales companies in order to take up germane issues with government and public bodies in the UK and Europe. It will also represent the sector’s views on key issues such as new media in the digital world to the rest of the industry and also promote new talent by developing focused training schemes.

John Woodward, CEO UK Film Council whose International department provided seed money for the venture said, “Sales companies play a critical role in the film industry and ensure that British films are seen across the world. There’s definitely strength in numbers and I wish the association every success in communicating, representing and developing the interests of the sales sector.”