BFI Boss: UK Struggles with Comedy Films
British Film Institute CEO Ben Roberts says the organization has £150 million to disburse over three years, but admits it's not great at comedy, citing a need for improvement in this area
The British Film Institute (BFI) has £150 million to disburse over three years, with CEO Ben Roberts highlighting the challenges of getting smaller projects off the ground and the importance of supporting the entire film-making process. Roberts and Picturehouse's Clare Binns discussed the future of British independent film at the Edinburgh Film Festival, noting that the BFI's funding comes from government grants and National Lottery revenue.
The BFI has a track record of supporting successful films, with Tom Holland's second film, How I Live Now, and Olivia Colman's first standout work, Tyrannosaur, both funded with public money. However, Roberts believes that the organization is not great at comedy, an area where it needs to improve. He noted that audiences love horror and comedy, but the UK independent sector often struggles to deliver in these genres.
The BFI supports the entire film-making process, from script to screen, and has an open process for allocating funding, with applicants required to fill out a form. Roberts has been the CEO of the BFI since 2012 and has overseen the organization's efforts to support British independent film. He emphasized the importance of considering the whole process, from script to screen, and supporting exhibition, distribution, archival work, festivals, and education.
## Why it matters The BFI's funding and support are crucial for the development of British independent film, and the organization's efforts to improve its support for comedy and other genres are important for the future of the industry. With £150 million to disburse over three years, the BFI has a significant role to play in shaping the future of British film. The organization's open process for allocating funding and its support for the entire film-making process make it a vital resource for filmmakers in the UK.
The BFI's challenges in supporting smaller projects and its need to improve in areas like comedy highlight the complexities of working with public funding and the importance of finding ways to support a diverse range of films. As the UK film industry continues to evolve, the BFI's role in supporting British independent film will remain crucial, and its efforts to address its weaknesses and build on its strengths will be closely watched by filmmakers and audiences alike.
