BBC 'should do more' for UK films

K

Krystalblue

New member
The BBC says it should look at whether it is doing enough to support the UK film industry.

Mr Thompson said: "British film and the development and support of the British film industry by broadcasters is very important.

"A key part of this is trying to work with the film industry and the Film Council to make sure that the supply of films is going to work with the audiences. "

"Over time, I would welcome a chance to show more high quality British feature films and less poor quality American ones."

He said that in the past there had been "little access to the airwaves" for UK films, adding that they planned to increase the number of UK films shown on peak time on BBC One to 70.

In the first half of 2004, BBC One showed just 11 recent UK films - made in the last eight years - just 5% of its total output for that period.

Mr Thomson added: "One of the questions we need to look at inside the BBC is whether
 
Wouldn't argue with any of that. As he says elsewhere in the report though, people will only accept films that have been a success at the cinema. If they're serious about this they will have to break the US distribution stranglehold on the multiplexs first. If the films can't even get into the theatres in the first place we might as well forget this straight away.
 
PJ, too true.

One of the problems is the types of films being made in the UK and across Europe. For a number of reasons, there are an awful lot of arthouse movies made every year. I don' think we have to worry too much about that. But there definitely is a lack of good mainstream (ie, multilpex-friendly) movies in Europe in general.

The Italians, Scandinavians, French and German have local films in their respective top 10s. So there's no inherent reason why the UK shouldn't. I'd be interested to hear anyone's opinions.


M
http://the-script.blogspot.com
 
Back
Top