U.K. Launches Global Screen Fund

The U.K. government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has unveiled a new one-year pilot fund to boost international development and distribution opportunities for local companies across the film, TV, animation, documentary and interactive narrative games sectors.

The £7 million UK Global Screen Fund will be administered by the BFI and will focus on increasing revenues for U.K. content companies via export growth.

Funding will be apportioned to three areas: providing support for the international distribution of U.K. feature films (drama, documentary and animation) in international territories; delivering financial support to drive international growth and IP development for film, TV and interactive narrative gaming companies; and assisting U.K. companies in becoming partners in international co-pros.

Later this year, the fund will roll out a new international promotion campaign. It will also support research into a new data hub.

“The United Kingdom has an independent screen industry to be proud of,” said Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden. “World-renowned, our film, TV, video game and animation industries create jobs and growth the length and breadth of the U.K. The UK Global Screen Fund will export the extraordinary talent and creativity of the U.K. to audiences across the globe, supporting our talented filmmakers and screen businesses to compete and grow.

Minister for Exports Graham Stuart MP added, “The U.K.’s creative industry is second to none, so it’s great to see that overseas markets will be able to experience British expertise, talent and innovation by way of our award-winning independent screen sector. This fund will help to boost our economy and create jobs on both sides of the camera, not just for the acting stars of the future but for the tireless production staff who bring our world-class films to life. Film and television have kept the nation entertained throughout lockdown and we will continue to do everything we can to allow the sector, including animation and gaming, to thrive as we build back better from the pandemic.”

Ben Roberts, CEO of the BFI, commented, “Today’s announcement of the £7 million pilot UK Global Screen Fund will deliver a vital boost to the U.K.’s exceptional independent screen sector by stimulating international partnerships and generating new export opportunities. As we look to this weekend’s Oscars, and the incredible lineup of U.K. nominees, it’s clear our screen industries continue to punch above their weight internationally and contribute significantly to the U.K. economy. It’s vital we continue to build on the global impact of our diverse and brilliant independent screen content, enabling the creativity and success for which the U.K. is so renowned.”