The head of the British Film Institute today said the industry is engulfed in a “cloud of uncertainty” and warned independent film-makers are most at risk from the loss of EU funding.
Amanda Nevill told the Standard her organisation is conducting urgent talks with major US studios and European counterparts to go over the likely impact of Brexit in “forensic detail”.
The BFI chief executive said film-makers are “anxious” as a new “cultural relationship” with the continent is formulated, but sounded a note for cautious optimism as she told how film is a “global business” and the UK, particularly London, continued to have a “strong relationship” with Hollywood.
“There will be a period of uncertainty before we fully understand the impact. The BFI is gathering a cross-group of industry folk to go over every single area that could or might be affected.
“We will hold a roundtable of major players in British film because we need to get informed so we can help the government and the industry with the negotiations,” said Ms Nevill.
The Standard reported last month how blockbuster Hollywood films such as Wonder Woman helped the capital’s TV and film-making industries generate a record £649 million last year.
The BFI launched a public consultation on Monday to help shape its next five-year strategy and is currently staging a roadshow event to meet figures from every sector of the industry. It comes to the BFI Southbank next Tuesday.
Ms Nevill said she has received assurances from colleagues at the European Film Agency Directors group that there would be no immediate impact on Britain’s role as a result of Brexit.
She said: “Inevitably our role will be diminished, but for the time being during the next year to 18 months we will still have a seat at the table. Going forward there will be challenges for companies that do huge amounts of work in Europe.”
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