British film business to get £500 million boost

The British film industry is to get a boost of £500 million in a new five-year plan from the British Film Institute.

BFI chairman, and former BBC director general, Greg Dyke, said that the money will be focussed on investing outside London, as well as on education.

A special partnership will also be created with Bristol's Aardman Animation, the makers of Wallace and Gromit, to 'build the animation of the future'.

The scheme is called 'Film Forever', and as part of spending money outside of the capital, it hopes to install cinema equipment in local communities around the UK.

It will also go towards a youth film academy, supported by Bafta and Pinewood Studios.

The BFI took over the funding after the UK Film Council was closed last year.

BFI chief executive Amanda Nevill said: “We are investing where we think we can most make a difference, where we see potential for creative excellence and where we can be the supportive catalyst for change, innovation, business growth and jobs.”

The scheme was developed after an 18-month consultation with 1000 industry experts, education providers and members of the public.

The £500 million investment will be begin being spent this year and up to 2017.