Film companies' vision recognised by BT

Two British film companies have been recognised by the BT Vision 100 research and awards programme for 2002.
The scheme identifies 100 innovative UK organisations that have achieved strategic goals through visionary activities over the last 12 months – regardless of size, age or sector.
Among the winners this year were Elemental Films and Pinewood Shepperton Studios, who featured in an index that also includes the Eden Project, the John Lewis Partnership and easyJet. The index was published in the Guardian on March 18.
Founded in 1995, Elemental Films is run by Owen Thomas and May Miles Thomas whose work is intended to demonstrate how digital technology can produce films both cheaply and easily.
The firm, based in Glasgow, gained significant exposure in 2000 when the couple shot a film on digital camcorders called 'One Life Stand'. The feature won four BAFTAs and other accolades, including the Scottish Screen Outstanding Achievement award.
Owen Thomas said: "We're transforming the economics of this business. Traditionally, no one will touch a film which hasn't had millions spent on it. We are now preparing financing to produce six films using the latest digital technology each costing less than £1 million."
Pinewood Studios, famous for making films such as the Carry On movies and James Bond series, were transformed by Michael Grade in the late 1990s when it devoted a portion of its output to television production. Mr Grade and Ivan Dunleavy led a consortium of investors to buy Pinewood Studios and they later added Shepperton Studios in Middlesex.
Mr Grade said: "There was a real opportunity to make television at those studios. We have already converted two stages into state-of-the-art digital television studios."
Contenders for the awards were short-listed by a team of business journalists and researchers led by Cranfield School of Management. An advisory panel of opinion leaders and analysts then selected the final 100.
Hugh Merrill, director of Strategic Partnerships at BT Retail and an advisory panel member, said: "These visionary organisations have shown clarity of purpose, imagination and the capacity to break boundaries. They have taken original concepts, converted their ideas into reality and now connect with employees, suppliers, partners and customers in creative new ways."
BT Vision 100, www.business.bt.com/business/vision/
(GMcG)