Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 45
45
Accepted
Significantly increase BFI funded short film schemes in the nations and regions.
Recommendation
We recommend that the BFI significantly increase the number of funded short film schemes in the nations and regions. This could be rapidly delivered though BFI Skills Clusters by targeting funding to schemes giving the next generation of filmmakers the chance to develop their skills and professional reputations. (Recommendation, Paragraph 154) Cinema exhibition
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the recommendation and highlights the BFI's existing NETWORK programme, which supports early career filmmakers across the UK. It states the BFI regularly reviews its offer and will continue to champion new filmmakers, but does not commit to a significant increase in schemes.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We welcome the Committee’s recognition of the importance of short filmmaking, which is often the vital early step in the progression pipeline, and we strongly agree that public funding should support the next generation of filmmakers to emerge from every corner of the UK. The BFI uses National Lottery funding to support, develop and fund early career filmmakers across the UK via the BFI NETWORK programme. Since launching in 2013, BFI NETWORK has supported hundreds of emerging filmmakers, many of which have secured award nominations (including BAFTA and Oscar® wins), achieved festival success and continued onto making longform work. The BFI regularly reviews its offer to ensure a strong and effective talent progression pipeline. In consultation with awardees, the wider industry and stakeholders, it actively identifies and addresses gaps in support to maximise impact. Building on the success of its programmes to date, the BFI will continue to champion the next generation of diverse filmmaking voices, equipping them to shape the future of UK film. The government will maintain its close collaboration with the BFI to help realise this shared ambition.