12/02/2007

Over half a billion pounds is being made available to filmmakers from the UK and the rest of Europe, as part of a funding programme that has already backed the likes of Glasgow-set movie, Red Road.

In Berlin, on Saturday, MEDIA 2007 unveiled a budget of €755 million for the next six years.

Over the past six years, the British film and TV industry has benefited to the tune of almost 70 million euros. As well as Red Road, recipients include On a Clear Day, Code 46, Love + Hate, Snowcake, Bend it Like Beckham, Shooting Dogs,
Stormbreaker, and The Wind That Shakes the Barley.

A total of €39.5 million was received directly by UK companies these last six years, as follows:

Production companies       €22,390,000
Distributors                       €7,642,515
Festivals and promotion         €812,546
Training institutions            €5,568,604
Exhibitors                          €3,000,000

In addition, €29.6 million was received by distributors throughout Europe to acquire and release British films such as Vera Drake, Creep, Touching the Void, Girl with a Pearl Earring and Bride and Prejudice.