200 producers call on BBC Film, Film4 to reaffirm commitment to UK independent film sector

Over 200 independent UK producers have signed open letters to BBC Film and Film4, urging the UK’s leading public services broadcasting stations (PSBs) to “reaffirm their core responsibility to support UK producers and protect the future of the UK’s independent film industry.”

This letter has been edited over the past 48 hours by the producer’s organizational producer anonymous. The group says it was written after a “growth alarm” on the support of BBC Film and Film4 for separate Cannes competition titles without a UK director or production company. Sentimental value and The history of sound.

Read the letters to BBC Film and Film4 in full. Latest list of signers

The letter requests three points from the PSB.

• A new commitment to projects produced or led by UK producers. This includes the support of UK-based producers, even if the film is led by international producers.
• Transparency as to how development and production decisions are made.
• Public consultations with the UK’s independent production community.

This is primarily addressed to BBC Film and Film4, with 17 additional recipients being copied, including BFI, ITV, British Council Film, Culture, Media and Sports Division (DCMS). Here, the letter remains open for signature.

Signers of the letter include Kevin Lauder from Free Range Film. Kate Byers from the early films. Rebecca O’Brien from 16 films. David Parfit from his trademark film. Farah Abushwesha of Rocliff. Approximately 25% of signers sign anonymously.

“Public service broadcasters exist to serve and strengthen the UK creative sector, and their obligations must start with British producers, whether the story is ingrained at home or international.

“In most countries around the world, if they need support from the PSB, they pass national producers. This is a basic policy. We ask the UK PSB to apply the same principles.”

Film4 Director Ollie Madden responded to the letter. “We are very sympathetic to the pressures facing independent British producers, which is a very challenging climate for independent British films,” Madden said. The development of British film-based talents is our key priorities and is deeply embedded in the tolerance of public service. Our commitment to supporting the most distinctive filmmaking voices working in the UK (new and established) works in partnership with maintaining a sustainable, independent production economy.

Over the past five years, Film4 has supported 47 British films. Of these, 22 were debut features. It won seven more British films by British filmmakers assigned to production this year. Film 4 spends most of its annual budget on talent development. The 2025 festival so far.

“Supporting our decision The history of sound After being nominated for BAFTA and Oscars, it was highly considered based on his relationship with (director) Oliver Hermanus. living (produced in the UK), and support him in his next project. The history of sound There is Thérèsa Ryan-Van Graan, a UK-based producer. He is a British citizen and lives in the UK. We couldn’t be proud The history of soundand with Mbi and Focus partners, I am very much looking forward to the Cannes premiere. ”

BBC Film Director Eva Yates also commented. “Creating unique opportunities for British filmmakers to launch their careers and grow the scale and ambitions of their work is at the heart of BBC film’s priorities as a public service broadcaster,” Yates said. “In the last five years, BBC films have supported 65 productions, of which 63 have been made by UK producers or co-producers, representing 96.7% of our overall functional production activities over that period. We have supported 37 short films from British filmmakers since 2020 to support our early careers.

Additionally, over the past two years, he has supported 24 UK production companies through the BBC’s small indie funds. So far, it has funded the production company’s placement of 19 associate producers, helping to build career pathways for UK producers from underrated groups.

“3 of the four films in the official selection at Cannes 2025 – Pillion, Father’s shadow, Sea sea urchin – UK-based writer/director and UK producer, all with long-term development support from BBC films. Fourth, Joachim Triers Sentimental valuean exceptional film that covers themes that resonate with the BBC audience.

“We are proud of our support for British filmmaking, which has helped launch some of the most exciting filmmaking voices of recent years, and can also promote international relations that support culturally urgent work with the appeal of the BBC’s strong audience. We welcome open dialogue to recognize the challenges faced by independent UK producers and work together to build a more sustainable and prosperous independent sector in the UK.

screen We will first report on the topic this Tuesday (April 29th) and ask BBC Film and Film4 to clarify their involvement. Sentimental value And Hermanus The history of sound, It will be unveiled for the first time at the Cannes competition.

The letter is fully published below, with an updated list of signers named below.

Letter to BBC Film, Film4

Complete list of signers