Barnaby Thompson - Head of Ealing Studios has this comment about the abolition of the UK Film Council. It was published in Tuesday's Evening Standard.
It is no coincidence that British Film Industry has enjoyed its greatest period of sustained growth since the inception of the UK Film Council. It is an organisation filled with passionate, hard working individuals who have achieved amazing things on a very limited budget. They have campaigned for all that is good in British Film, and have always been innovative in their support of an ever changing industry.
Do such organisations grow fat over the years? Of course, but the UKFC had recently addressed that by cutting its overheads by some 25% (a saving that, I am sure, the current minister will claim as his own).
And, most importantly, who will replace them? It seems a tragic waste of resources to close down an organisation that has built up over the years an acute understanding of what is a very singular and complex business which combines both art and commerce, and has such a huge impact on our cultural life.
Ealing Studios supports the UK Film Council 100% and encourages you to sign the petition below.