One of our readers, Pierre, brought this to my attention a while back. Last summer it was announced that the UK Film Council was being abolished due to budget cuts, “Funded by the National Lottery, it chanelled about ¬£160m into more than 900 films over the last 10 years.”
This has become a cause supported by many in Hollywood as the petition circulates:
The closure sparked fierce opposition from the film industry, with a petition in support of the organisation attracting thousands of names, including Hollywood stars such as Clint Eastwood.
The organisation had funded films such as Bend it Like Beckham, In the Loop and The King’s Speech and also acted as a conduit for Hollywood, facilitating the production of films in need of British locations and talent.
And:
With almost ¬£20m in 17 days, The King’s Speech is now the UK Film Council’s highest-grossing film at the UK box office,” she said, “another clear example of lottery money supporting a great British film that … has further strengthened the global reputation of our homegrown film talent.”