More than 800 film productions have contributed since the fund was set up in 1999.

Creative Skillset’s Skills Investment Fund has now hit the £9m mark, after more than 800 contributions from film productions since it was set up in 1999.

The film tipping the milestone was Mike Leigh’s new JMW Turner biopic, but other contributors range from the Harry Potter and James Bond films to Sightseers and ill Manors.

The industry’s investment into the SIF has enabled Creative Skillset to access over £46 million Lottery funding through the BFI.  Since 1999, this has supported:

  • 1,589 new entrants
  • 22,355 professionals
  • 1,897 students

The Skills Investment Fund scheme is now being extended to high-end TV drama, animation, games and VFX, with government matching industry investment pound for pound.

Mike Leigh said: “We are delighted to have played a part in the SIF reaching this significant milestone. Investment in schemes which plug key skills gaps is vital for industry growth and development, and this is why we pay into the SIF and encourage other productions to do the same. Creative Skillset works very closely with industry to determine the priority areas which need support. This ensures filmmakers have access to high quality training where they need it and new entrants are ready and able to hit the ground running.”

Dinah Caine, CEO of Creative Skillset, said: “Since 1999 the SIF has gone from strength to strength thanks to the continued support of UK film productions. To have reached the £9m milestone is a significant achievement for the industry. New Government investment will enable us to continue our work supporting existing professionals and a new generation of diverse talent across film and the new SIF sectors, ensuring that they have the skills and capacity to compete on a global level.”

Tim Cagney, Deputy CEO of the BFI, added: “The SIF works because it is embraced by the film industry, with contributions from UK productions complementing Lottery investment from the BFI and, as part of the Film Skills Strategy, bringing added value and benefit to all. Congratulations to both Creative Skillset and the UK film industry on reaching this important milestone, and helping to support our highly skilled technical and creative workforce towards future global success.

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