Hunt Confirms Closure of UK Film Council | The Irish Film & Television Network

The minister went on to give reasons for this decision made by the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport, saying that the movement of responsibility would support front-line services while ensuring greater value for money. He was quick to add that the British government and Lottery support for film will continue: “The Government is committed to increasing the transparency and accountability of its public bodies, while at the same time reducing their number and cost.”he explained.

The UK Film Council was established as a Government backed agency for film in the UK that aimed to ensure that the economic, cultural and educational aspects of film were effectively represented in Britain and abroad. The group has aided with the production of films such as ‘Nowhere Boy’; ‘Bright Star’; ‘Fish Tank’; ‘Man on Wire’; ‘St. Trinian’s’ and the Irish co-productions ‘Becoming Jane’ and ‘The Wind that Shakes the Barley’ amongst many others.

Secretary Hunt explained the government’s decision by saying: “Many of these bodies were set up a considerable length of time ago, and times and demands have changed. In the light of the current financial situation, and as part of our drive to increase openness and efficiency across Whitehall, it is the right time to look again at the role, size and scope of these organisations.”

He finished, saying: “The changes I have proposed today would help us deliver fantastic culture, media and sport, while ensuring value for money for the public and transparency about where taxpayers’ money is spent.”

Responding to the announcement, Managing Director of the UK Film Council, Tim Cagney said: "Abolishing the most successful film support organisation the UK has ever had is a bad decision, imposed without any consultation or evaluation. People will rightly look back on today's announcement and say it was a big mistake, driven by short-term thinking and political expediency. British film, which is one of the UK's more successful growth industries, deserves better.”

Mr. Cagney also outlined his company’s plans, saying: "Our immediate priority now is to press the Government to confirm that the funding levels and core functions that are needed to underpin British film are locked-in, especially at a time when filmmakers and film companies need more support than ever as they make the challenging transition into the digital age. To that end, we will work with the DCMS over the summer to identify how they can guarantee both continuity and safe harbour for British film."

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