BFI, BBC join hands to increase archive access
The BFI and the BBC have signed a non-exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to increase public access to their film, TV and audio archives, under the Digital Britain scheme.
The agreement outlines key areas for joint strategic thinking, including public access, rights management and digitisation. The companies will look at new ways to make archive content and material available to the UK public, across all available distribution platforms, while at the same time creating an industry standard for management, storage and distribution of archive content and related assets.
BBC Director of Archive Content Roly Keating said, “The archives of the BBC and the BFI are a great national resource, with huge potential public value. Our two organisations have a shared belief in the value of making the UK’s audio-visual heritage accessible to the widest possible audience. This agreement to work together more closely is a first and vital step in realising that vision.”
BFI Director Amanda Nevill said, “Film and the moving image has never been so important – it permeates everything we do today. Joining forces with the BBC makes perfect sense. We both have a shared ambition that even more people can explore the full breadth of the collections we each hold on behalf of the nation.
“Tantalisingly, Digital Britain has the power to make this happen, something that would have been unimaginable even five years ago. And what’s more, we know there is huge demand. This is very exciting.”
The companies hope that this agreement will act as a catalyst for making archive content accessible to all UK audiences. Eventually, the organisations will also look to work with other public archives to further develop the project.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.
