18/02/2008

Greg Dyke has been appointed as the new chairman of the British Film Institute (BFI). He takes over for a four-year term from Anthony Minghella, who was the chair since 2003.

Dyke’s last high profile media job was the plum position of Director General, BBC.

UK Film Council Chairman Stewart Till said, “I am absolutely delighted that Greg has agreed to lead the BFI, not least because of his track record of leading large organisations and his exceptional ability to inspire and motivate the people around him.

“The BFI is now in a strong position to elevate its work to the next level and raise the ambition of the entire organisation. There are huge opportunities offered by digital and the BFI is in a unique place to take advantage of them by getting its world-class film collection out to the public wherever they live.”

Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said, “Greg Dyke is an excellent choice to lead the BFI. He brings a wealth of experience in the fields of television, education and the arts, and a well-deserved reputation for getting things done and inspiring the people around him. He takes up his post at a time of strength and international acclaim for the UK film industry, and I look forward to seeing the BFI go from strength to strength under his leadership.”

Dyke said, “The BFI has probably got the best film archive in the world. What I believe is essential is that not only are its films preserved but also made available to as wide an audience as possible.

“At a time when the whole world is being changed by the digital revolution we have a unique opportunity to make content available online to the whole of the education sector and, if we have the rights, to the public at large. I started something similar in my time at the BBC and I hope we can expand in this area at the BFI.”