RECORD YEAR FOR UK FILM PRODUCTION

THE FILM Council have announced that the level of film production in the UK during 2000 broke all previous records.
The British Film Commission (BFC), a division of the Film Council and the body responsible for encouraging international film-makers to locate their productions in the UK, have released figures showing an overall increase of 33 per cent on inward investment into the UK in 2000.
In response to the announcement, Film Minister, Janet Anderson (pictured), said: “The Government wants Britain to become a hive of film-making activity and a centre for expertise and excellence.
“Introducing tax incentives in 1997 have provided over £100 million of direct benefit to the film production industry in the UK during the last few years. These figures show that foreign film-makers value the skills and facilities Britain have to offer.”
During 2000, more than £539.5 million was invested in the British production sector by films such as ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’, ‘The Mummy Returns’, ‘Proof of Life’, ‘Tomb Raider’, ‘51st State’, ‘Chocolat’, ‘Possession’, ‘Pearl Harbour’ and the high-budget filmed television productions such as ‘Band of Brothers’ all shooting in the UK.
British Film Commissioner, Steve Norris, said: “We are delighted to see such a vast increase in revenue for the British film community in the UK and proud to see such a strong indication of the growing international awareness of British film-making talent found here.”
The BFC also said that production revenues have risen for UK-produced films to top £211.7 million on 52 features including ‘Bridget Jones Diary’, ‘Enigma’, ‘Born Romantic’ and ‘Shiner’. (CD)