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Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Answer

Dr. Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent action she has taken to support and develop the UK film industry. [19068] Mr. Caborn: The Government set up the Film Council in October 1999 to develop a sustainable UK film industry. It has since launched the following initiatives: £60 million of lottery funding for investment over a three year period in film development and production. A new £1 million a year training fund making awards for schemes targeting writers and development executives, and producers and business executives. 9 regional screen agencies to develop film regionally. A £1 million scheme to teach young people to make short films using digital technology. The Cinema Marketing Agency, a co-funded venture between the Film Council and the All Industry Marketing Committee, to market and promote cinema to all audiences in order to increase the frequency of cinema-going. The new MEDIA Desk backed by the Film Council, providing information about the MEDIA Plus programme to the UK film, television and new media industry. A research and Statistics Unit for the first time able to provide comprehensive and authoritative data and information on the film industry for the benefit of the industry itself, Government and the media. In addition the Film Council, through the British Film Commission, continues to promote inward investment from the international film industry into the UK. The British Film Institute is driving forward the strategy for film culture and education in the UK. The Film Council also co-funds film activities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his March Budget, extended to 2005 the tax relief for film. This will help encourage investment in British film production.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

19068; 375 c1149-50W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Cinemas Finance Investment Film Industry Production Tax allowances Video recordings UK Film Council

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk