Speaking on BBC 4’s The Media Show today, Vaizey said: “My message to the film industry is, while I understand you have concerns, the government is committed to supporting film and my commitment is to sit down and work with you.”
UK culture minister Ed Vaizey has defended the government’s decision, announced Monday, to abolish the UK Film Council, calling it a “difficult decision” in a “tough economic climate”.
Speaking on BBC 4’s The Media Show today, Vaizey said: “My message to the film industry is, while I understand you have concerns, the government is committed to supporting film and my commitment is to sit down and work with you.”
He criticised the fact that “people in the film industry are spreading scare stories that the demise of the UKFC is the demise of the UK film industry.”
Stressing that the abolition of the UKFC would not impact lottery funding or the tax credit, he said that the government would be having “discussions with the BBC, Film 4 and other organisations about their thoughts on how best to take forward lottery funding.”
In response to criticism over the lack of consultation, Vaizey said “I think we are allowed to make decisions. We are having a consultation on the future of film policy, and that is what we will do.”
He also referred to Britain’s “fantastically successful video and fashion industry” which “don’t rely on a quango.”
“While I understand you have concerns, do you understand my concerns? We’ve had to make a tough decision,” said Vaizey.
More on the UKFC news:
Industry bans together on Facebook, Twitter
UK government to shut UK Film Council
Opinion: Black day for British film
Hunt says he wants to hear opinions on UKFC plans
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