Jay Hunt Warns British Film and TV Industry Against Complacency amid Hollywood Protectionism
The British film and TV industry is at a crossroads, and Jay hunt, chair of the BFI, is sounding the alarm.In a recent address to a UK parliamentary inquiry, Hunt urged the sector to avoid complacency, citing concerns over “very protectionist language around Hollywood” from the new Donald Trump governance.“There is a danger that we assume this is where the industry will settle,” Hunt warned. “I look across the landscape at a challenging regulatory surroundings in Europe and immediatly from the new U.S.administration some very protectionist language around Hollywood, and I think one of the reasons the BFI has an notable role to play is drawing attention to challenges and making it clear that the growth trajectory will not continue unless we invest in and support the sector.”
Her remarks come as British broadcasters report a near-total disappearance of American co-production funding, a trend that has been brewing for some time but has intensified under the Trump administration. Trump has been vocal about his intent to impose tariffs on countries exporting products to the U.S., though this topic reportedly did not arise during his recent meeting with British Prime Minister Keir starmer.
Hunt, who joined the BFI as chair last year, is no stranger to the industry’s challenges. As the only UK executive to have run three different networks and currently serving as Apple TV+’s chief in Europe, she has championed critically acclaimed shows like Slow Horses and Bad Sisters.
Yet, the industry faces significant headwinds. With up to 15 scripted productions reportedly stuck in funding limbo, Hunt is pushing back against the narrative that only British networks produce “TV that speaks to British audiences.”
“Unusual programming is coming from the PSBs the whole time, but it is also coming out of the self-reliant sector,” she emphasized.
Key Challenges and Opportunities
Table of Contents
| Issue | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Protectionist Policies | Trump administration’s focus on tariffs and Hollywood protectionism.|
| Funding Shortfalls | American co-pro funding has nearly vanished, leaving projects in limbo. |
| Regulatory Environment | Complex European regulations add to the industry’s challenges. |
| Industry Growth | continued investment is crucial to sustain the £4.2B ($5.2B) sector. |
Hunt’s call to action is clear: the British film and TV industry must remain vigilant and proactive.“My biggest concern is that the £4.2B ($5.2B) local industry begins to feel that it has hit a ‘high watermark’ from which it will never fall down,” she said.
As the industry navigates these turbulent waters, Hunt’s leadership at the BFI will be pivotal in ensuring that British creativity continues to thrive on the global stage.
UK Cinema Crisis Deepens as BFI Calls for Government Intervention
The UK cinema industry is facing a critical moment, with nearly half of British cinemas projected to be loss-leading by the end of this year. BFI CEO Ben Roberts and other industry leaders are sounding the alarm, urging the government to step in with capital investment and grant funding to address what they describe as a “parlous” situation.
The Cinema Crisis: A Stark Reality
According to BFI CEO Ben Roberts, the UK is “staring down the barrel of a crisis hitting cinemas.” The situation has become so dire that iconic venues like Soho’s Prince Charles Cinema have launched petitions to save their operations. The prince Charles Cinema’s recent social media campaign, following a dispute with its landlord over a new lease, has already garnered nearly 15,000 signatures, highlighting the public’s concern for the industry’s survival.
Roberts emphasized that while the 40% indie film relief introduced last year has been a “gamechanging” and “brilliantly timed” initiative, it won’t necessarily solve the cinema crisis. The tax credit has already spurred increased interest in BFI funding and led to a rise in indie films booking studio stages. As a notable example, the Pierce Brosnan boxing movie Giant recently relocated from Malta to Leeds to take advantage of the new credit.
Despite these efforts, British films are struggling to capture local audiences. Roberts pointed out that the market share for British movies currently stands at just 9%, a stark contrast to France’s 40% and Italy’s 25%. “We have to get some way back up to the right level of market share from The Inbetweeners movie and King’s Speech days, which was closer to 20%,” he added.
To address this, the BFI is planning a major festivity of British cinema as it approaches its 100th birthday. “We wont to remind the public in the UK and internationally just how amazing our film heritage is and just how wide-ranging and diverse our cinema heritage is,” Roberts said.
A Call for Government Action
The BFI is actively engaging with the UK government to secure capital investment for cinemas, many of which are deteriorating. BFI leaders are also advocating for grant funding to support sustainability and business development within the sector.
“This is an art form that over-indexes for lower socioeconomic groups,” said Roberts. “In certain parts of the country, this is the cultural provision, so protecting it is importent.”
The Bigger Picture: Building a Enduring Ecosystem
The BFI’s vision extends beyond immediate crisis management. Roberts highlighted the importance of building a sustainable ecosystem for British cinema, pointing to successful projects like Slow Horses, Rivals, and baby Reindeer, and also Amazon’s non-scripted hit Clarkson’s Farm. “Success from a BFI point of view is an entire ecosystem being built,” he said.
Key statistics at a Glance
| Metric | UK | France | Italy |
|———————————|——–|————|———–|
| Local Market Share for Films | 9% | 40% | 25% |
| Cinemas Projected to Be Loss-Leading | 45% | N/A | N/A |
What’s next?
As the BFI prepares to mark its centenary, the focus remains on revitalizing British cinema and ensuring its survival for future generations. With government intervention and public support, there’s hope that the industry can overcome its current challenges and reclaim its place on the global stage.
For more updates on the UK cinema crisis and the BFI’s initiatives, stay tuned to our coverage.
What are your thoughts on the future of British cinema? Share your views in the comments below.Roberts Slams “Narratives in the Press” Amid British Box Office Recovery
The British film industry has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows since the pandemic, but one thing is clear: the narratives surrounding its recovery are far from consistent. Phil Roberts, a prominent figure in the industry, recently voiced his frustration with the media’s portrayal of the British Box Office,calling out the contradictory reports that have dominated headlines.
“I get very frustrated with narratives in the press,” Roberts said. “One week I’ll open the Financial Times and cinemas are collapsing, and the next week they have come back with a vengeance. This is an exhausting narrative that rattles everyone’s confidence.”
Roberts’ comments come at a pivotal moment for the industry. Last year, the British Box Office hit £1 billion for the first time since the pandemic began, a milestone that signals a robust recovery. Yet, the media’s fluctuating portrayal of the sector has left many questioning its true state.
While exhibitors are undeniably in need of support, Roberts emphasized that the industry’s resilience should not be overshadowed by sensationalist reporting. His remarks were made during a high-profile inquiry into high-end TV and film, which has seen contributions from industry heavyweights like Gurinder Chadha, Jane tranter, and Slow Horses director James Hawes.The inquiry, initially shelved during the general election period, was recently revived by the newly-assembled Culture, Media & Sport Committee. This renewed focus on the sector highlights its importance to the UK’s cultural and economic landscape.
Key Insights at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Box Office Recovery | £1 billion in revenue in 2023,the first post-pandemic milestone. |
| Media Narratives | Contradictory reports on the state of cinemas, criticized by Phil Roberts.|
| Industry Inquiry | Revived by the Culture, Media & Sport Committee, featuring top contributors.|
roberts’ critique underscores the need for a balanced perspective on the British cinema industry. While challenges remain, the sector’s ability to bounce back is a testament to its enduring appeal.
As the inquiry progresses, stakeholders hope for a clearer, more unified narrative—one that reflects both the struggles and successes of an industry that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
What’s your take on the media’s portrayal of the British film industry? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
Interview: phil Roberts on the Future of British Cinema
Editor: Phil, there’s been a lot of buzz lately about the state of the British film industry. Could you share your thoughts on the challenges it’s currently facing?
Phil Roberts: absolutely. One of the biggest challenges we’re seeing is the significant decline in UK cinema attendance.The local market share for British films is currently at just 9%, which is alarmingly low compared to countries like France and Italy. We’re also grappling with the fact that nearly half of UK cinemas are projected to be loss-leading in the next 12 months. It’s a critical situation that requires urgent action.
Editor: What steps is the BFI taking to address these issues?
Phil Roberts: We’re actively engaging with the government to secure capital investment for cinemas, many of which are in dire need of repair. additionally,we’re advocating for grant funding to support sustainability and business advancement within the sector. Our goal is to build a sustainable ecosystem that can weather these challenges and thrive in the long term.
Editor: You’ve mentioned the importance of celebrating British cinema as it approaches it’s 100th anniversary. Could you elaborate on that?
Phil Roberts: Certainly.As we approach this milestone,we want to remind the public,both in the UK and internationally,of the amazing breadth and diversity of our film heritage. We’re planning a major festivity to showcase the richness of British cinema,from classic films to contemporary works. It’s an opportunity to reignite public interest and pride in our cinematic achievements.
Editor: There’s been a lot of media attention on the recovery of the British box office, but also contradictory reports. How do you view these narratives?
Phil Roberts: I find it incredibly frustrating. One week, the headlines scream about cinemas collapsing, and the next, they’re celebrating a resurgence. This back-and-forth narrative undermines confidence in the industry. The reality is that while we’ve made significant progress—like hitting £1 billion at the box office last year—there’s still a lot of work to be done. We need balanced reporting that acknowledges both the challenges and the successes.
Editor: What’s your vision for the future of British cinema?
Phil Roberts: My vision is one of resilience and innovation. We’ve seen some incredible projects come to fruition, like Slow Horses, Rivals, and Baby Reindeer, as well as unscripted hits like Clarkson’s Farm. These successes demonstrate the potential of the British film and TV industry. We need to continue nurturing talent, investing in infrastructure, and fostering a diverse and inclusive surroundings. Only then can we ensure that British cinema remains a global powerhouse for generations to come.
Editor: Thank you, Phil, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the British film industry faces significant challenges, but there’s also a lot of hope and potential for recovery.
Conclusion: Phil Roberts provides a comprehensive look at the state of the British film industry, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities ahead. From advocacy for government support to a renewed focus on celebrating cinematic heritage, the BFI’s efforts aim to secure a prosperous future for UK cinema. As the industry approaches its 100th anniversary, there’s a renewed sense of purpose and determination to ensure its legacy endures.
