Why do you think the UK is such an attractive place for international studios to shoot films, and what more can be done?
The UK has a highly skilled and versatile workforce which is an attractive prospect for any production. Investment in new skills and training and internationally respected film and TV schools, and courses, ensure the pipeline of UK talent into the industry is well supplied and diverse.
It also often leads the way in innovation in areas such as visual effects and virtual production while unique locations, state of the art facilities and the expansion of studio space will only further enhance the UK’s reputation. As does the high quality and stable infrastructure and the tax relief.
As to what more can be done, the UK Industry needs to unite and upscale existing training and infrastructure to continue to provide our highly skilled and versatile workforce with a key emphasis on diversity and broadening the outreach of who can work in film and TV. We need to work together to identify and fill skill gaps across the industry and continue to reach under-represented potential crew members across the country. Mentorship and apprentice programmes remain crucial in encouraging and supporting new film-makers in the industry.
How will the new members of the FSC, drawn from broadcasters, production companies and producers from across the UK – help support the Fund?
As with previous members, the new members will be crucial in identifying any skill gaps and supporting initiatives industry-wide to encourage training and mentorship. Their ongoing enthusiasm and inside knowledge will identify where things can be improved and streamlined and will help ensure the reputation of a world class workforce in the UK going forward.
This month welcomes a new Film Forward cohort and sees applications open for a new round of Film Trainee Finder. How do these programmes help the industry and why do you think they’re so important for the Fund to be supporting?
Both Film Forward and Film Trainee Finder are crucial in providing the future workforce of the Film and TV industry. Many of the current workforce began their careers in these programmes and they continue to be hugely important to providing opportunities to enter and progress within the industry. It’s essential that these Funds continue to be supported if the UK is to retain its reputation as an attractive place to shoot Film and TV.
What are the most interesting current trends or developments in the film industry and what do you think it will mean in terms of skills and training?
I have a few thoughts on this. Opinion seems to be that the global box office will continue its recovery but consolidation in the industry will mean quality over quantity so creating original, accomplished and entertaining content will be more important than ever.
The technological revolution in immersive storytelling: Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality as well as constantly emerging new platforms. Keeping ahead of tech innovation will be crucial in all training and skills enhancement programmes.
Streaming will continue to find audiences for films with wider global reach and diversity. No longer dependent on box office audience there is potential for film to move beyond genre into a more expansive playing field including formally niche films targeted for arthouse theatres. This requires a strong emphasis on craft, creativity and all-round brilliant storytelling.
And environmental sustainability will remain firmly on agenda requiring training in new tech and systems to minimize filmmaking footprint.
What forthcoming films are you most looking forward to seeing?
The main lines on my list are he Cannes-winning Anatomy of a Fall, Jonathan Glazer's Zone of Interest, Poor Things and Hoard which both contributed to the Film Skills Fund.
Discover more
Read more about the work of the Film Skills Fund