BAFTA to host industry debate on film policy review

BAFTA is to host a discussion on the DCMS’ Film Policy Review with the aim of “offering a neutral forum for the industry to interrogate and better understand the proposals” on March 1.

Screen’s editor Mike Goodridge will be chairing the session, with a panel which includes Big Talk Productions MD Matthew Justice (who also sat on Lord Smith’s panel review), CEO of Creative England Caroline Norbury, MD of Warp Films Robin Gutch, head of sales and marketing at Bankside Films Stephen Kelliher and director Iain Softley.

The discussion will take place ahead of the government publishing its response to the film policy review document and the BFI starting to consult on its five year strategy.

Points for discussion are likely to include whether broadcasters should be required to acquire more British film and contribute to indigenous film production, how robust provisions should be to protect talent development and production outside of London, whether there significant emphasis on the importance of international sales for British films, how feasible and desirable are the suggestions for increasing parity and revenue sharing between writers, directors, producers and how might the industry better develop a diverse workforce and talent pool?

The event will take place at BAFTA’s London Picadilly headquarters.

BAFTA chairman Tim Corrie said: “This debate is not designed to tear down the enthusiasm that exists to collaborate, but rather BAFTA wants to offer a supportive public space for open debate and discussion. A good, old-fashioned, town hall meeting.”