Alan Parker has been re-appointed as chairman of UK support body the Film Council for a further two years, film minister Kim Howells announced on Wednesday.

Parker is understood to feel he needs another two years to see through changes begun by the council, which launched two years ago. He said that the council is developing proposals aimed at encouraging structural change in the UK film industry.

"I am delighted to have been re-appointed as chairman of the Film Council and look forward to the opportunity to oversee with the board this next, very important, phase of our work," Parker said. "The Film Council was handed an ambitious agenda by the Government and during our start up and first two years of operation, we've been fortunate enough to have had some real successes. There is now a clear and strategic way in which we use public money to support film training, script development and production."

Until now, the council has had success with the likes of Gosford Park and Bend It Like Beckham by funding one-off films and company slate deals. But the support body is stepping up phase two plans such as a backing a circuit of art-house screens.

"I am delighted that Sir Alan Parker has agreed to serve as the Film Council's chairman for a further two years," Howells said. "His experience and energy have been the driving force behind the Film Council's early successes in supporting and promoting the British film industry."