Make more popular films, says Cameron

PM tells British film industry it must appeal more to the mainstream.

by Jennie Kermode

Prime Minister David Cameron will be visiting Pinewood Studios today to meet assorted film companies and discuss the future of the industry. He is expected to comment on the findings of the Film Policy Review recently conducted by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in consultation with film industry professionals throughout the UK. The review team will suggest changes aimed at strengthening cooperation within the industry and making sure National Lottery funding and grants go where they are most effective.

Cameron is expected to comment on the importance of good financial judgement, having previously expressed his concern that the industry isn't making as much money as it could. He will emphasise the importance of investment in films like The King's Speech and the Harry Potter franchise, though there appears to be little certainty among the studios about how to predict a hit before it happens. This could potentially result in a reduction in the funds available for riskier films whose value is largely artistic.

The Prime Minister will also stress the importance of growth for individual film companies, arguing that larger companies can command better deals in an increasingly competitive market.

Share this with others on...
News

A dark time Kim Sung Soo on capturing history and getting a shot at an Oscar with 12.12: The Day

Reflections of a cat Gints Zilbalodis on Hayao Miyazaki, fairy tales and Latvia’s Oscar submission, Flow

Man about town Gay Talese on Watching Frank, Frank Sinatra, and his latest book, A Town Without Time

Magnificent creatures Jayro Bustamante on giving the girls of Hogar Seguro a voice in Rita

A unified vision DOC NYC highlights and cinematographer Michael Crommett on Dan Winters: Life Is Once. Forever.

Poetry and loss Géza Röhrig on Terrence Malick, Josh Safdie, and Richard Kroehling’s After: Poetry Destroys Silence

More news and features

Interact

More competitions coming soon.