Vaizey holds first Film Forum with industry

UK Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has held the first of his new “Film Forum meetings” today to connect government and the film industry.

Press was not allowed at the meeting, but the DCMS said that attendees included representatives from the BFI, Film 4, Warner Bros, BBC Films, Directors UK, Lionsgate, Big Talk Productions and Skillset.

Topics discussed were said to include the forthcoming transfer of key functions from the UK Film Council to the BFI and Film London.

Vaizey reiterated his plan to involve the industry in a wide-ranging consultation on public policy for film, including Lottery Funding. No further details about the consultation have been announced.

Vaizey said of the meeting: “Beyond the decision to make the BFI the home of British film there has been another major, but less well recognised, shift in the film world. The relationship that Government has with the film industry has changed; it is more open, more consultative and more accountable than ever before.

“This first Film Forum meeting is the best evidence of the new approach. Today key film people and organisations came together to talk with me about progress and the challenges that remain including the core issue of how public intervention can support a more sustainable industry.  Having an ongoing dialogue with the film industry is the best way to tackle these challenges and help create the sustainability that UK film has needed for so long.”

Vaizey first announced the Forum, to be held every six months, on Nov 29 at the BFI announcement. At that time, Vaizey said the group would be “relatively flexible” and would start with a “run around the houses to address key issues.”